Tag: Ava Berkofsky

THE FRONT ROOM (2024)

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Written & Directed By: Max Eggers & Sam Eggers 

Based on a short story by: Susan Hill

Cinematography: Ava Berkofsky 

Editor: Eric Kissack and Benjamin Rodriguez Jr. 

Cast: Brandy Norwood, Kathryn Hunter, Neal Huff, Andrew Burnap, Mary Testa, Kerry Flanagan

It tells the story of a newly pregnant couple who are forced to take in an ailing, estranged stepmother.

I don’t know exactly the plan behind this film as the only thing it truly does successfully is make itself look like it’s going to be something more of a horror film or a supernatural film. However, it ends up becoming more psychological than expected.

The problem is that there seems to be no plan by the villain as to what this is all for or if it is even worth it. Though Kathryn Hunter playing the old woman Solange is the only truly noteworthy part of the film. Not to mention the only truly wonderful performance. One only wishes the movie matched her performance. 

For the most part, the movie is dull where the characters are stuck between a rock and a hard place and wonder why they burden themselves. Even though it’s more Brandy versus the old lady as her husband who knows how much trouble the old lady can be is at work and mainly absent.

So the move is a battle of wills between two women trying to become head of the household even though one is almost off to the pastures already. So while it may remind you of the movie HUSH with Gwyneth Paltrow and Jessica Lange or MOTHER’S BOYS with Jamie Lee Curtis only with an added hacksploitation angle.

At first thought this film would be a good guilty pleasure that you can have fun with like the movie MA with Octavia Spencer, but while there are shades at times of that type of film. This one takes itself more seriously and instead of violence. Seems to disgust the audience with feces and other body fluids. 

You also wonder don’t these people have friends or other family who could help them in any way, shape, or form? 

One understands the subversive turn in the story though it still remains with the audience asking why any of this happens. What is it all about? By the end, you might be wondering why did you just sit through all of this? Was it supposed to be a starring comeback for star Brandy even though it gives her no scenes to shine?

Grade: D+

ONE OF THEM DAYS (2025)

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Directed By: Lawrence Lamont 

Written By: Syreeta Singleton 

Cinematography: Ava Berkofsky 

Editor: Kim Boritz-Brehm And Tia Nolan 

Cast: Keke Palmer, Sza, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Maude Apatow, Katt Williams, Patrick Cage, Lil Rel Howery, Gabrielle Dennis, Janelle James, Amin Joseph 

When best friends and roommates Dreux and Alyssa discover Alyssa’s boyfriend has blown their rent money, the duo finds themselves going to extremes in a race against the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact.

At first, this film Feels like it’s Going to be the female version of FRIDAY. It’s not so much a hang-out movie as the characters keep running around the city. Though like that film there are plenty of colorful characters.

The humor is also a little More Lightweight and goofy. as at times it feels like it could go further but it keeps holding itself back to be less wacky and a bit more Realistic. 

The film is entertaining and likable enough. Though the comedy there is. Nothing exceptional except Again it’s nice to see two female Characters in a comedy. They get into all sorts of adventures and shenanigans and aren’t necessarily Portrayed as angels, but as good at heart.

Especially one staring at two African American females that are as smart as it is silly and doesn’t feel like it’s Talking down nor above the audience. 

The Film Stays fun throughout. Though both the leads are way better than the material they make it work with their chemistry and energy. Keke Palmer deserves better scripts and roles. She clearly is having the time of her life.

One admires her for her natural charisma On Screen and has usually been solid in her roles. As she is a former child Star has kept working over the years and only recently started getting recognized for her talent and getting bigger and better roles. As here she is the more responsible of the duo.

Sza plays the second lead the more free-spirited of the duo. Also the more comedic one and she makes a memorable acting debit 

As always in comedies some Of the best things about the film And script are the supporting characters those who are predictable and unpredictable.

The only part that could have been worked on or tighter could have been the third-act villain out of nowhere. 

It’s a film that moves fast and isn’t too deep keeps Up the momentum, and never slows down 

Grade: B-