Cast: Melissa McCarthy, Paapa Essiedu, Denee Benton, Jordyn McIntosh, LaChanze, Tate Ellington, Alan Cumming, Marc Maron, Luis Guzman, Ellen Cleghorne
The film is a fairy-tale comedy about a workaholic man who enlists the help of a magical genie to help win his family back before Christmas.
This is your typical holiday fare, where yes it’s predictable and silly, but it’s also heartwarming and tries to remind you what is important about the holiday and life In general.
What makes this one a bit more intriguing is its cuteness and Melissa McCarthy. Who may as she didn’t originate this project. Isn’t all over the production, but also plays a charismatic and fun character. Rather than trying to create an iconic comedic character who is either sloppy, stupid or over the top. Here she is playing a comedic character, but one with heart and who resembles a character and not a bunch of jokes that are needed.
Ultimately the movie seems to be about wish fulfillment, but at the end of the day, it tries to show that friendship and family are what is the most important gifts you can have in life.
Alan Cumming seems wasted in his very few scenes. It seemed like he was a big name to be put into the cast.
The film is written by noted screenwriter Richard Curtis the man who wrote films such as LOVE ACTUALLY, FOUR WEDDINGS AND A FUNERAL, and ABOUT TIME. This might be why the film is charming more the storytelling and not so much the visuals.
Is it the best Christmas movie you will see? No, but it does make a nice addition during the holidays to watch regularly. It will help put a smile on your face. if not put you in a total holiday mood.
When a shady corporation’s illegal mining operation disturbs the ocean’s mysterious seabed, veteran deep-sea rescue diver Jonas Taylor and a research team unearth terror beyond imagination. Five years after the horrific first encounter with the unstoppable Megalodon in The Meg, Jonas must now face a ferocious old enemy for the second time. But the sea’s perplexing depths harbor prehistoric, blood-chilling secrets aching to resurface. Can Jonas confront what emerges from the trench?
The title sounds like a crossover with AQUA-MAN that some might have hoped for or the French spin-off movie only connected to the Meg universe. No such luck
This movie is truly a sequel with not only a bigger shark but three of them. While there is some humor in the film it’s not as strong or as fun as the first film.
It might be that in the first film, there were more recognizable actors in the first film. Where as here half the actors are new. The survivors from the first film are back for this film.
One of the problems might be that a sequel wasn’t really needed. Even with this film half of the script seems made up and offers nothing new except for the same old basic plot points of betrayal and underground criminals.
Another problem is that other than a hand-to-hand action sequence on a ship for Jason Statham to show off his fighting skills. There is no other action for the first hour practically. the second half makes up for it but mostly being action, but by then you have already lost certain members if the audience. Seemingly so you can set up plot points and try to make up science for what is happening.
Then even though faxing the sharks is bad enough yet too much like the first film. You set up a mercenary force for them to fight and outwit. Which again allows Jason Statham some more hand-to-hand action.
Then you have the sharks and big lizards start attacking innocent citizens at a resort. So that it becomes a rescue disaster movie. As well as a JURASSIC PARK knockoff and allows the film to up the limited body count it has provided so far.
Another problem is that the special effects are so obvious. That it is hard to get scared of something you know is pretty much animated.‘you take the fear out despite the bloody violence. It still feels more like a family film, more than anything.
The saving grace of the Movie actually is actor Page Kennedy. He seems to understand the ridiculous mood of the film and manages to make his l character stand out among the
Many a few of them also understand the nature of the film but do not manage to come away as memorable only serviceable.
The first hour might be the way it Is because of director Ben Wheatley who usually directs his own independent projects making his first studio film. As a challenge or for whatever reason. He wants to get the dramatics and set up first and let it build to the action massacre. It could also be a more for-hire job and not an original project that he started. The passion might be missing
It might be that the film is based on a novel. So the need to explain the science and technical aspects must come first. Before we can truly enjoy the senseless action that feels repetitive and never as exciting as the filmmakers are trying for. Which also amounts to a lot of exposition.
The film was also made to appeal to a more global market. As it has quite an international cast. Which unfortunately makes it seem more like a byproduct than even an actual product.
Cast: Woody Norman, Cleopatra Coleman, Anthony Starr, Lizzy Caplan
An eight-year-old boy tries to investigate the mysterious knocking sounds that are coming from inside the walls of his house, unveiling a dark secret that his sinister parents have kept hidden from him.
This film feels like Stephen King because it takes place in what looks like a small town suburb and its primary location for most of the movie is the boy’s house now of course adventures outside of it but yeah, that’s a little rare in the film
That is also the reason why I might be a little bit M night Shymalan as again set in a small town but there by choice. Not to mention the secrets you can hide in plain sight.
The film has a bit of the vibe of the movie PARENTS, a movie that I don’t think gets enough love. It’s a movie that scared me a lot as a child with the possibility of an overactive imagination and horrors not even contemplated. While through the eyes of a child.
There is a reason it is being called the 2023 version of BARBARIAN, as it reminds you of that film and the others I have previously named this far.
I’m not going to lie here and say that it’s one of the greatest films, but it’s one of those that for me well remembered because it gave you a child’s point of you. It scared the heck out of me as a kid it builds tension slowly, and while it was more of a dark comedy, it did add that element of you’re supposed to trust your parents, but can you in certain times or what is with these mysterious things that they do that might to the world be perfectly innocent but you seem like there’s a deep, dark secret or something wrong is happening. A lot of those same aspects are on display here only stronger and a lot more obvious.
Dealing with parents who are supposed to guide you, but at turns seem evil or even way too mean. Though they say it’s for your own good. Yet keep obvious secrets from you. Then tell you it’s all in your head whatever conspiracy. While your friends not ally is a nice teacher. Who can only help you so much, without l getting in trouble themselves. Though like your parents they are supposed to be your guiding light. Thought at times can be one of the major problems.
As it goes along, you think oh, this is the worst that could happen, then raise the stakes as that it’s like oh another scenario where you think oh now this is the worst that can happen. Then it gets worse again, and so on, and so on.
It manages a lot in under 90 minutes and that is including the fact that it starts off slow.
This is one of those films you think about more after you watch the film as it stays on your mind. As while you are watching you are busy reacting.
The film works best the less you know and is scarier when they hint at things instead of completely revealing them.
Directed By: Zachary Wigon Written By: Micah Bloomberg Cinematography: Ludovica Isidori Editor: Kate Brokaw and Lance Edmonds
Cast: Christopher Abbott, Margaret Qualley
Follows a dominatrix and Hal, her wealthy client, and the disaster that ensues when Hal tries to end their relationship.
The film seems simple at first and will be pretty cut and dry storywise and sticks to it but you get involved and ultimately lost in the film, game, and characters
The film reminds one of Christopher Abbott’s previous film and performance in the movie PIERCING only less life and death or violence, just darkly comedic with hints of violence.
The films have the similarity of involving a sec worker and power plays as well seeming to be mostly bound to a hotel room only the previous film left the room
The director Zachary Wigon adds style so as to not make this seem boring and to liven up the experience.
Truly a psychosexual domination film of games
The film truly kicks off once Margaret Qualley’s character takes off her wig. Though the film plays more theatrical for the stage rather than a film. It keeps the Audience interested more in Qualley’s character and performance as she truly is the wildcard to Abbott’s more straight man’s performance.
His threats always keep turning hollow and truly show the weakness of his character, Especially compared to her.
This is Margaret Qualley’s best performance so far though probably not her most memorable which for most might still be ONCE UPON A TIME… IN HOLLYWOOD.
She is smarter than him because she has had to work her way up. whereas Abbott’s character has done what he has been told but resented that work while coasting along it and its features.
Also can be seen as a comparison and power play from a director/writer and actress who might have decided to go off script and prove their defiant character and talent
You can see the characters’ codependency with one another, one reluctantly. the other more willingly and knowingly. You can see it from the many times either could truly walk away but seems willing or fighting to prolong it against their so-called requests. As it easily could end plenty of times.
A kind of love story when it comes to power, communication, and trust with another person who knows you the most or at least your secrets
The ending feels like a throwback to a classic comedy and more of a fantasy or dream than reality
The film gets more intense as it goes along. Like the characters no matter how hard I resisted, continuously felt myself falling for the film even though or against my will
Cast: Awkwafina, Sandra Oh, Holland Taylor, Will Ferrell, Tony Hale, Jason Schwartzman, Tawny Newsome, Angela Trimbur, Charlie Talbert, Jon Park,
A game-show-obsessed woman and her estranged sister work together to help cover their mother’s gambling debts.
At first, I thought this was based on a true story. Though watching it is as outrageous as it gets. It still manages to be identifiable.
While the humor at times is more sitcom level. The film manages to have heart. In the first half of the film, seems to be relying on more comedy to drag it through, but what it effectively does is set up the characters, their issues, and the world they live in.
Then in the second half of the film, the heart comes in and it becomes more about family.
The two stars are Awkafina and Sandra Oh. Give it their all and while sometimes the script fails them In pushing the comedy and absurdity further. They are still memorable overall. Truly the All-Stars of the film. With some nice support.
What works is that this is a film starring two Asian American actresses playing against type and directed by an Asian American woman. Though it isn’t the main point of the film. In certain Jokes, there is racial humor, but for the most part, it offers characters that are universal and could have been played by anyone of any race. The film doesn’t rely on that factor.
Will Ferrell’s small role is essential though a nice performance as he reins it in. To create a beloved patriarch.
By the end, you just wish it was a bit funnier. A lot of the film and your enjoyment of it is based on the goodwill of liking the actors and some of the situations. Not necessarily the script.
As in the wrong hands, this could have been another unmemorable paint-by-numbers bland studio comedy. Harnessed to a comedy star to either let their comic personae take over or be a random buddy comedy with another actor. Looking to make a quick dollar.
It even has a bittersweet cameo of a recently deceased well-known icon.
Directed By: Bill Burr Written By: Bill Burr and Ben Tishler Cinematography: Sean McElwee Editor: Patrick J. Don Vito and Adriaan Van Zulu
Cast: Bill Burr, Bobby Canavale, Bokeem Woodbine, Katie Aselton, Reign Edwards, Jackie Tohn, Rachael Harris, Miles Robbins, Natasha Leggero, Bruce Dern, C. Thomas Howell, Paul Walter Hauser, Katrina Bowden, Josh Brener
Three best friends become fathers later in life and find themselves battling preschool principals, millennial CEOs, and anything created after 1987.
if you are familiar with the stand-up comedian Bill Burr. Who stars, co-writes, and directs. This is just a visual guide to the subjects he usually talks about, dismantles, and pokes holes in. Which is the sensitivity and over-the-top nature of modern-day society.
This film almost comes off as a rant with characters and situations. As it stays pretty much on note. Only here he humanizes the characters trying to relate to a modern world. As his usual targets are here front and center.
The film has a thorough line and points to make. Even in the end, the character learns to lighten up a bit to fit in for the good of his family. Which is the film’s main point is that doing the best for your family is what is the most important thing.
While the film has a likable cast surprising cameos and its stronger moments. It comes across as basic and a little disappointing. Though I am sure Burr’s fan base will love it
Unfortunately, the film offers very few surprises and less finesse. As it feels like it hits you over the head with the points it tries to make.
Though the tough talk and sense of the blue-collar values and humor that is more inclined with time before the 1990s. It also feels like a natural extension of burr’s Animated series F IS FOR FAMILY. It also feels like a natural home for his fans.
The random casting does remind one of the movies from 2004 MY BABY’S DADDY. Bokeem Woodbine steals the show. Though this film is much stronger and put together than that film. So this isn’t a failure but hopefully just the start of a bigger and better
Cast: Bert Kreischer, Mark Hamill, Jimmy Tatro, Iva Babic, Robert Maaser, Stephanie Kurtzuba, Martyn Ford, Jessica Gabor, Rita Bernard Shaw, Oleg Taktarov
Bert’s drunken past catches up with him 20 years down the road when he and his father are kidnapped by those Bert wronged 20 years ago while drunk on a college semester abroad in Russia.
While this is another comedian Bert Kreischer taking from his stand-up and making a movie out of it, or at least part of his stand this one actually kind of works a little deeper as a presents itself as a sophomore, action comedy. At times the humor is juvenile, but in the end, it’s all about taking responsibility and trying to do the best for your kids. Not to mention the complicated relationships families can have. Especially when trying to either honor or prove yourself.
it also focuses on a father and son relationship and bonding that I’ve done well, I am a sucker for. Which, at least, gives this film some kind of depth.
So, while the action scenes are serviceable and not entirely impressive, they do help break up the film and add a little bit more excitement to it.
As Director, Peter Atecino is more of a noted comedy Director. He does OK with the action sequences.
It’s nice to see Mark Hamill on the big screen and not only doing a voice acting role or just some extension of either playing himself or a Star Wars movie
I will admit to being a partial Bert Kreischer fan as I have seen many of his online antics. I have listened to his podcast. I’ve read his book and he just seems like the type of guy you might wanna hang out with or if you do, something memorable who just seems to collect those moments
It’s cloudy how his drinking superpowers sort of make him invincible in flashbacks. It just shows I’m taking off her shirt and getting drunk and not performing any particularly that define hacks, though it does seem like if anything it just gives him more drunk courage which, in the end, helps him out as an adult, living up to the legend And being not work.
He and Mark Hamill have great chemistry as Burt plays a version of himself that makes the film a little meta–
Not to mention have to give credit to a found that feels like a 1980s over-the-top action comedy with a scene right out of a Schwarzenegger movie where he literally uses a machine gun just to light his cigar in the middle of a battle. I can imagine Arnold Schwarzenegger watching that and thinking why didn’t I do that makes me a little jealous.
It’s a Film worth taking a chance on, it’s entertaining, and it’s not gonna change your world. If you’re a fan of Hays, you should enjoy it but it’s not something that is going to lay in your memory for a long time, it’s a Film for his audience or a nice introduction to who he is.
In the end, the film is more silly than anything else
Based on the Novel “Hallowe’en Story: By Agatha Christie
Cinematography: Haris Zambarloukos
Editor: Lucy Donaldson
Cast: Kenneth Branagh, Tina Fey, Michelle Yeoh, Kelly Reilly, Jamie Dornan, Camille Cottin, Ali Khan, Jude Hill, Emma Laird, Kyle Allen, Riccardo Scarmarcio
In post-World War II Venice, Poirot, now retired and living in his own exile, reluctantly attends a seance. But when one of the guests is murdered, it is up to the former detective to once again uncover the killer.
Kenneth Branagh finally has gotten the formula right. Maybe it was getting all the studio movie cliches out of his system to go back to more artistic filmmaking choices. This film finally shows the proper depth of the story & character.
There are Not so Many celebrities or stars in the film so the suspicions aren’t so high not your attention centered on them.
This was the attraction for MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS and the next film partially DEATH ON THE NILE which was a little more dialed down but still enough for a little spectacle.
While primarily those films were aided by CGI when it came to locations especially. This film has less basis on CGI and truly explores the exoticness of the classical space and uses the cavernous location to its strength. As everything looks lush & plush.
While the film has its central mysteries every character seems to be hiding their own secrets. While it still Magyars to have the melodrama throughout. This film feels a bit more dry and dramatic. It has a darker outlook. It even Manages some surprises
In the middle, it might be a little confusing. Once the third act comes into play surprisingly and with no lead-up the mystery is solved. There is more to go after that.
What works is that it can be seen as a stand-alone but works in the trilogy. As if you have seen the previous films. You can understand the mindset of the main character at the beginning. As you have seen he has come to it. After suffering losses in the previous films.
At first, it seems like the film is trying to rely on or try to jump onto the horror trend, but it ends up working for the story and distinguishing itself. Not seem like a Cash and is actually being adapted from an existing Agatha Christie story
Even as we realize how lonely the main character is as he has fans and admirers but never truly anyone close to him they all want something from him and the friends and acquaintances from the past have either moved on or that is the basis of their relationship work-related. Knowing and seeing the evils of the world has made him scared to engage or trust in the end. He realizes he can’t let the nature of the world scare him Off and that he needs to try to help as much as he can to try to make it brighter
He believes by separating himself from the world he’s not contributing to evil, and he’ll just keep to himself, and be safe by the end I think he realizes that the world at large needs him and he wants to be there to try and make it a better place combat that evil he’s found his faith so to speak. Kenneth Branagh plays it brilliantly reminding you of not the fine actor he can be and seeming to bypass the more comedic detours and also tightening up his directing skills. To come across as more artistic and personal and less sensationalistic. Still managed to have style in fact even more of it
This film offers a bit more depth for the character and is a lot drier than the previous films it feels more intimate. Thought offers fewer distractions.
This one seems less a seat filler or weekend attraction and more a film made with ideas and interest than a paint-by-numbers affair
Written & Directed By: Lee Cronin Cinematography: Dave Garbett Editor: Bryan Shaw
Cast: Lily Sullivan, Alyssa Sutherland, Mirabai Pease, Richard Crouchley, Anna-Maree Thomas, Noah Paul, Gabrielle Echols, Morgan Davies
A twisted tale of two estranged sisters whose reunion is cut short by the rise of flesh-possessing demons, thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most nightmarish version of family imaginable.
Even though the film isn’t quite what one expects. Definitely can appreciate it as it introduces us to new characters and surroundings. It as always leaves itself open for a sequel though doubt the survives would be back.
As I get older I don’t know if it’s me getting sensitive or a bit more squeamish. Films like this tend to be brutal to my psyche. As it might be the nihilism of the film. As it is violent and that strangely has no effect on me. This was actually less gory than the last EVIL DEAD movie it was a reboot and a bit of a remake.
Here maybe it was the violence towards children. If they were evil would have been fine with me, but here the film lets you get to know them so you care about them. so that they are interesting and you are hoping they might make it to the end. However, when there are other characters in the film they are slaughtered in the span of five minutes. You know that the film is going to need some more deaths.
Though the film does stay a bit unpredictable which one can appreciate. Though modern day it has a 1980’s/90’s vibe and can spot some of its inspirations.
The film follows the trend of being under-lit so that everything becomes exceptionally dark in certain scenes. You can make out most of what is happening but at times it is tether hard to make out certain moments.
Even though the last scene kind of explains the prologue and opens up the film to new locations. It makes little sense. As you wonder how it was so terrible on that floor. You would think the whole building would be suffering and under attack and then the film makes it seem like nope only that one. It’s a big leap but acceptable.
At least it brings the film full circle with the prologue.
This film is definitely more enjoyable than the last film as it is at least not following a blueprint and is more lively. Even as it stays in a secluded area. It stays entertaining throughout and does have you on the edge of your seat.
The prologue feels like it’s there more to have a high body count for the film overall and give room for a sequel.
This is definitely a film that breathes life into the franchise and gives hope to what might come next. As it goes places other films seem scared of and it feels at times like a relentless onslaught.
One thing about this film and the last film you can appreciate is that it seems to be moving into more the horror genre of the first film and less the slapstick comedy of the other two movies of the trilogy and the television series. (Which I happen to enjoy). Each of these films is canon and takes place in the same universe, but wisely each film has its own reality and levels.
So you can almost choose which road you prefer.
It’s almost like when a silly conversation gets serious with facts.
Directed By: Julius Avery Written By: Michael Petroni and Evan Spiliotopoulos Story By: Jeff Katz, R. Dean McCreary and Chester Hastings Based on the books “AN EXORCIST TELLS HIS STORY” And “AN EXORCIST: MORE STORIES” By: Father Gabriele Amorth Cinematography: Khalid Mohtaseb Editor: Matt Evans
Cast: Russell Crowe, Daniel Zovatto, Franco Nero, Alex Essoe, Pete DeSouza-Feighoney, Laurel Marsden, Cornell John, Bianca Bardowle, Ryan O’Grady
Inspired by the actual files of Father Gabriele Amorth, Chief Exorcist of the Vatican, The Pope’s Exorcist follows Amorth as he investigates a young boy’s terrifying possession and ends up uncovering a centuries-old conspiracy the Vatican has desperately tried to keep hidden.
What helps keep the film entertaining at the very least is Russell Crowe is certainly having fun throughout with his over-the-top performance. It’s like imagine if Anthony Hopkins’s version of Van Helsing in BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA had gotten his own modern-day spin-off movie
The film saves the best for last as it includes action, violence, nudity in other words all the naughty stuff. Even though the film has plenty of racy scenes means more to shock and show the possession.
The last act of this film is so off the wall and overrated yet fun. That you wish the whole movie had been like that.
As it stands out because before that the movie had been so basic and unoriginal. Something you have seen before. though it might make an interesting first horror film for those being introduced to the horror genre.
It’s not that good but what you hope for, leaving room for a franchise.
Considering the director Julien Avery who has directed the crazy and entertaining OVERLORD
who seems to be when he lets loose. After trying so hard to keep it simple and build up the tension. So with this film, he feels like he is holding back on purpose until the end.
The film is a strange mix as it seems to want to contain itself and seem realistic by trying to stick to the facts. Though there are plenty of places throughout especially the end. When it feels purely Hollywood-pumped-up storytelling.
The film feels like a weekend box office movie placeholder more designed to bring in a quick buck and have a top spot for the opening weekend and be a go-to in the following weeks for people. who needs to buy a ticket or see something else other than the # 1 sold-out movie. So this is kind of like a B-movie. As it is more content than memorable cinema
Cut To The Chase 