SEW TORN (2025)

Directed & Edited By: Freddy Macdonald 

Written By: Freddy Macdonald and Fred Macdonald

Cinematography: Sebastian Klinger

Cast: Eve Connolly, Calum Worthy, John Lynch, K Callan, Ron Cook, Thomas Douglas, Caroline Goodall, Werner Beirmeier 

A seamstress gets tangled in her own thread after stealing a briefcase from a drug deal gone bad. In an escalating game of cat and mouse, her different choices lead to drastically different outcomes along the way.


This film was a little bit more unexpected, though it came recommended. I tried my best to go into it blind. All I know is it had to do with knitting and some kind of crime caper. Both of which are true though the way they match together is very intricate.

It starts off slow, but then becomes a kind of choose your own adventure tale where it’s based on the main characters decision and we see her faith based on each of these decisions. So that it might remind some of RUN LOLA RUN. it is noticeably different and the way that it plays

The film does have a quirk factor, that at times threatens to overcome the material, but luckily because of that when violence or the story turns dark though not Unexpected it does provide a little bit of shock for the audience.

This is one of those kind of cute Indie films that shows a lot of spirit and ingenuity, even if it does come off at times a little too clean, cut and polite, considering the material involved.

Though it shouldn’t disappoint any audience members, as it is, a cleverly designed film that by the end does feel inspired. Especially as a captivating thriller.

Though for all its ingenuity, it just feels like it should’ve had a stronger hold on the audience and make you feel something as it comes off as an appetizer or rather light meal that looks bigger than it actually is, but you don’t quite feel full by the end.

Grade: B- 

THE INSTIGATORS (2024)

Directed By: Doug Liman 

Written By: Casey Affleck and Chuck Maclean

Cinematography: Henry Braham 

Editor: William Goldenberg, Saar Klein, Brett M. Reed and Tatiana S. Riegel 

Cast: Matt Damon, Casey Affleck, Hong Chau, Ron Perlman, Michael Stuhlbarg, Alfred Molina, Ving Rhames, Jack Harlow, Paul Walter Hauser, Toby Jones 

Rory and Cobby, who team up to rob a corrupt politician but end up in a chaotic escape after the heist goes wrong. Pursued by police and crime bosses, they enlist Rory’s therapist to help them survive.


Considering the cast involved and the director, this film should’ve been much better.

While he plays like a perfectly good crime caper with a good helping of comedy. It also feels like it’s all over the place, especially totally as when it does try to be more action oriented or gritty crime incomes the more comedic elements out of nowhere and then when it’s resting on its more comedic elements, it’ll have the odd intense action sequence.

Also, with its full cast, it feels like most of them are guest starring in the main plot like this is an ongoing series as very few remain throughout the film and only seemed to be there for a senior or two before disappearing and are quickly forgot not that they’re bad in their roles but again there just doesn’t seem to be that much significance for them even though they are just a piece of the puzzle

So that our main stars Casey act like who also who wrote the film and Matt Damon just seemed to be too strangers thrown into this caver together that ends up being more of a buddy comedy as they are different types of thrown in together just trying to survive all of this. Representing their hometown 

Now this should’ve worked, especially as of course, representing its location of Boston and the characters in the neighborhoods of that town but the film just feels a little too quick paste. It never seems to quite slow down for you to get a grip on what is happening or what has happened. So it’s hard for you to get your bearings, even though it shouldn’t be that confusing.

It just seems to flash here in there in the editing, intense not to focus on anything so it even feels faster than the classic 2000s MTV flash editing which only reminds you that this feels more like content more than an actual film. Which might be the result of having four editors on this film, who each might have been aiming at something different. Asbeverything feels so disposable and familiar even when trying to put a new spin or at least anspin on certain conventions.

Again the leads and cast are likable enough. You just wish that this was a film that wasn’t afraid to take its time had more consequences and was quite a bit tougher as the film is more comedic and not darkly comedic more just comedic.

It has spectacle when the film should’ve been more detailed, smaller and tighter. Noah tries to be gritty. It comes across more as a Hollywood production. Then it should which throws all credibility out the window and turns it more into a romp.

there is a certain irony that lays throughout the film whereas Casey Affleck is a best actor Oscar winner here playing more the co-lead and being more comedic or as Matt Damon, who is more thought of as a serious actor is playing the more serious role here and while he has more prestige, he does not have an Oscar for best actor, even though he does have an Oscar for writing. Yet Casey Affleck who has the acting prestige is the Co-Writer here. 

This obviously isn’t there first pairing on screen they have paired up in various projects, but this is the first time where they’ve been costars as a lead in a more comedic, an original production of their own as they were in the film GERRY as costars, and also really, the only leads in that film, as well as one of the only actors in that film

The film has come across as the type of body crime caper comedy that felt more at home in the 70s and 80s try some modernize it, but it has way too much going on for it to truly ever be centered or quite understandable

Grade: C

ARGYLLE (2024)

Directed By: Matthew Vaughn 

Written By: Jason Fuchs 

Cinematography: George Richmond 

Editor: Lee Smith, Tom Harrison-Read and Col Goudie 

Cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, John Cena, Henry Cavill, Catherine O’Hara, Bryan Cranston, Samuel L. Jackson, Sophia Boutella, Rob Delaney, Ariana Debose, Richard E. Grant, Dua Lipa 

A reclusive author who writes espionage novels about a secret agent and a global spy syndicate realizes that the plot of the new book she’s writing starts to mirror real-world events in real time.


Watching this movie, one constantly is wondering is this supposed to be a parody, spoof or do they honestly expect us to think of it as an action-comedy. Unfortunately, by the end that question is never answered. It is obviously supposed to be based on spy novels and espionage stories. More the fanciful ones that take place in movies and fantasy. Rather than the Tom Clancy para-military and political type stories.

As The scary part is that if this film came out in the early 2000’s. it might have to be considered  of as stylish and be thought of as smart. This plays like more like THE AVENGERS (the classic British show) as there is a lot of spectacle. But not much sense to follow. Which is why one wonders what exactly is it trying to be or aiming for. Maybe as it comes across more comic book like and goofy than anything else. 

I would say this is a perfect Netflix movie, but it looks way better and doesn’t rely on so much green screen or a muted look. It’s actually colorful and you can see the budget onscreen. 

With all the dancing involved I believe this role was specifically written for Sam Rockwell. As that is something that he is known to with his characters on screen. Though the role he plays here feels familiar. As he played a similar role in the movie MR. RIGHT. As he can do action and seem like a more deranged comedic character.

The joke here is that he doesn’t seem like an action hero type. Just as lead Bryce Dallas Howard doesn’t usually come across that way. Not quite as the sexy seductress. Though by the end you beleive or at least are forced to. Though the film doesn’t embarrass them. 

as that seems to be one of the films aim, whereas in the fantasy, we see more of the type of actors we would expect to play these types of roles effortlessly, but in the reality we get more stunt, casting or miss casted actors who are the real life counterparts and the leads of this film so it seems a little bit more often comedic watching them do action sequences, and thriller situations

The film unfortunately gets more ridiculous as it goes along and more confusing. As it keeps building where the film doesn’t even necessarily know if it all makes sense. As the film is trying to keep topping itself with surprise, after surprise after surprise and then many twits, double and triple crosses. Although it seems to want to have a. ROMANCING THE STONE vibe. Done better in films such as THE LOST CITY 

it seems practically to be a reunion for director Matthew Vaughn and some cast members, like Samuel L. Jackson and Sophia Boutiella, but it still didn’t need to be this long. 

It’s also hard to take the film too seriously. When there are comedic actresses like Catherine O’Hara playing someone dangerous.

By the end Dua Lipa’s cameo is the only thing interesting, entertaining or dazzling in this film overall. Other than some nicely choreographed and lit action sequences. That deserve to be in a better movie. 

Even The ending makes no sense. As it is shocking this was not only supposed to be the first in a trilogy, but also supposed to be interconnected with the Kingsman franchise also directed by Matthew Vaughn. 

So while throughout the film looks gorgeous. It just feels kind of misdirected like someone who doesn’t know how to do comedy trying to make one but knows how to do. The action sequence is really well and it’s a shame I was really rooting for this film.

Grade: D+

KILLING MARY SUE (2025)

Written, Directed & Edited By: James Sunshine 

Cinematography: John Sawyer 

Cast: Sierra McCormick, Dermont Mulroney, Jake Busey, Sean Patrick Flannery, French Stewart, Martin Kove, Kym Whitley, Jason Mewes

A corrupt senator arranges for the murder of his biggest liability, his erratic burnout step-daughter, only for her to unwittingly discover her natural talent as an untouchable killer.


Thia film is based on the term Mary Sue, coined by infamous canceled Screenwriter Max Landis the definition of the term is a type of female character who is depicted as Unrealistically  lacking in flaws or weaknesses 

So someone decided to write a whole film around this character that is supposed to be a dark and dirty action comedy that is rather vulgar and really has no characters to like or really root for that takes ridiculous big plot swings, even though using very limited locations 

this film ends up feeling more like a comedic riff on the Becky movies, which is Becky and wrath of Becky, which are about a teenage girl who is pretty much a psychotic sociopath and gets put in situations where she has to be the hero, taking down a gang of villains which she does quite easily as there is no real threat.

It’s the same here as she seeks her stepfather‘s love throughout, even though he’s the one who has set her up to be assassinated so that he can be reelected with the sympathy vote.

The character here obviously has daddy issues and it seems to be an addict of many things drugs, rough, sex, violence, sensationalism, and luckily, only part of this is shown throughout the film 

wow, this film should be fun and it’s ridiculous scenarios. It almost seems like a tax write off for character actors to make guest appearances or cameos and there’s not really that much meat to it and as much fun as the film wants us to have and as much as it wants us to laugh, it just feels grating.

like a comedian telling you a joke that they insist is funny and that they laugh at themselves, but you as an audience member you get the joke, but it’s just not that funny as much as I think it is and that’s what it’s like watching this film, this should be somewhat of a low budget guilty pleasure 

but watching it, you just can’t wait for it to end as it seems pretty predictable even when it thinks it’s offering surprises and even when it tries to be more outlandish, it sounds ridiculous and stupid that you are already not taking this from seriously but it just makes the film seem all the more not worth it

Which is a shame as they do have material here that could’ve been used to make something at least a little more entertaining and creative in the end. This just comes off as a waste of time even as the back movies aren’t that great at least the first one is somewhat entertaining. This feels like an unofficial, comedic, spoof or sequel

feels like one should have known as it’s rare that when French Stewart is NFL that it will actually be good or enjoyable as even in Bob Trevino likes it he comes across as the weak link. Though LOVE STINKS was somewhat enjoyable but for all the wrong reasons.

This is a film that tries to be hip, cool and in on the joke and it just ends up being corny and tired.

It’s also a female oriented movie that you can tell was written by men with no subtlety. 

Grade: F 

CODE 3 (2025)

Directed By: Christopher Leone

Written By: Christopher Leone and Patrick Pianezza

Cinematography: Mark Williams 

Editor: Jay Friedkin

Cast: Rainn Wilson, Lil Rel Howery, Aimee Carrero, Yvette Nicole Brown, Rob Riggle, Page Kennedy, Xolo Mariduena, Andy Milder, Eric Jungmann

Follows a paramedic that is so burnt-out by the job that he is forcing himself to resign, however, he first must embark on one last 24-hour shift to train his replacement.


It’s a premise that sounds simple, but it slowly reveals more weight than you might expect.

This film arrived quietly, with little fanfare, but it ends up being one of those low-key discoveries you’re genuinely glad you stumbled upon.

In some ways, this feels like a gentler, less nightmarish cousin to BRINGING OUT THE DEAD. Our lead has been in this life so long that chaos is second nature, even as it’s clearly hollowing him out. He frequently breaks the fourth wall, letting us in on his internal monologue and dropping bits of EMT trivia that feel funny, sad, and revealing all at once.

Most of the film lives inside that single shift. riding along with his partner and trainee as they move from call to call. We see the patients, the downtime, the doctors, the red tape, the absurdity, and the quiet exhaustion that comes with a job where the world’s worst moments are just another stop on the route.

Just when the film seems like it’s going to stay light, it takes a darker turn, then eases back again. That tonal push and pull feels intentional, mirroring how life works when you think you’ve hit your breaking point, only to realize you still have to keep going. And somehow, the film finds room for hope without forcing it.

It’s not a gory movie, but it can hit hard. Rainn Wilson is excellent in the lead, fully proving his range as a character actor. Lil Rel Howery gets to stretch into more dramatic territory while still landing the humor. You could call this a buddy comedy, but the partnership is already fully formed when the movie begins, and the film is more interested in the cracks and complexities than the setup.

There’s also a strong streak of Kafkaesque frustration running through the story, systems that don’t make sense, problems that pile up, and no easy way out. Yet despite all that, this is a surprisingly emotional and good-hearted film.

As dark as it wants to be, it can’t help but let some light in. It’s a bit of a pick-me-up, even if you have to wade through some mud to earn it. It may not seem special at first glance, but if you stay with it, the charm reveals itself.

Grade: B

OH HI (2025)

Written & Directed By: Sophie Brooks 

Story By: Molly Gordon 

Cinematography: Conor Murphy 

Editor: Kayla M. Emter

Cast: Molly Gordon, Logan Lerman, Geraldine Viswanathan, John Reynolds, David Cross, Polly Draper, Desmin Borges, Jim Gary Jr. 

Iris and Isaac’s first romantic weekend getaway goes awry in a most unexpected way.

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This is a disarming and strange film only because at first you think you know where it’s going, and while it plays that way, for the most part, it offers different directions mindsets and present us with characters rather than relying only on its plotting 

Originally thought this would be more of a two hander. 

the first half of the film Is really enjoyable Which was more conventional, by the second half it starts to fall apart a little. As it becomes Less conventional and while not expected it works on it’s Own Even if not necessarily fulfilling in the way that you had hoped 

Would have liked it, if it was more ambiguous at the end, but it is a romance after all so has to have that kind of ending. No matter where the film goes 

So much so, that you care what actually happens and will this resolve itself. While wondering what will happen? Even the supporting characters only add to the films charm. 

While the two leads played with wit by Molly Gordon and Logan Lerman are such a cute couple, who are hiding issues and deep, dark secrets that they have to take a look at themselves. As well as each other to truly move forward in general. Though who knows if this would’ve even happened if not for the films inciting incident.

This is the type of romantic comedy. They don’t make anymore. It’s a little bit more formula, but you can identify with the characters you’re rooting for the characters. it’s not overly cute nor painstakingly unbelievable that feels more like a dream scenario. It deals with real issues minor and mighty that actually come up in more modern relationships. 

The stakes aren’t that mighty,  but there enough for you to pay attention and care. Where you  want to see what’s going to happen. where this is gonna go and how will this resolve itself and while the film isn’t a star showcase. One has to give props to star Molly Gordon, who also came up with the story for the film. As she continuously keeps making projects that give her a showcase for her range and talents in leading to supporting roles, just as she did with the film THEATER CAMP, which she co-wrote and Co-Directed 

This is-one of those films that is subtle enough that you admire it for what it is and really taking a deep look at these characters plus the relationship. As well as what might be in the future for each of them.

The visuals of the film are broad with a single location. It’s almost a two hander. The only thing that keeps it from being that way, is quite a few supporting characters, though this could’ve easily been a play and that’s not a bad thing.

Then again, maybe one was just blinded by the mood and the actors. With a film that can be cynical, but chooses not to be most of the time 

Grade: B 

TOMCATS (2001)

Written & Directed By: Gregory Poirier

Cinematography: Charles Minsky 

Editor: Harry Keramidas 

Cast: Jerry O’Connell, Shannon Elizabeth, Horatio Sanz, Jamie Pressly, Jake Busey, David Ogden Stiers, Bernie Casey, Travis Fine, Amber Smith, Marisa Parker 

At the wedding of a friend, the remaining bachelors bet on staying single. Seven years later, one of the two remaining loses $51,000 in Vegas. He must get the other guy married to cash in and pay his debt or die. A cute female cop helps him.

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this at the time seemed like one of the lower budgeted Apex movies of the frat bro type of comedies. One feels like they would more fit in with a male teenage audience as this film comes across as more of the sex comedy T & A film that most kids would have wanted to try and catch late night on cable.

That ends up being one of the most misogynistic movies released by a major studio past the 1980s and pretty much sold as such. Though more advertised as an outlandish comedy.

This was one of the few films of Jerry, O’Connell‘s leading man, big screen career, and he tries his best and throws himself into the role and stays believable throughout.

The same with Shannon Elizabeth, and one of her first starring roles after AMERICAN PIE became a surprise hit.

Shannon Elizabeth’s career was riding high from SCARY MOVIE and AMERICAN PIE when she made this film. It’s a shame if this was one of the better scripts offered as she is dazzling in this in looks and talent, but is so much better than the film. And it’s material. It seems she wouldn’t be used to better extra until JAY AND SILENT BOB’s She is actually one of the main reasons for my interest in watching the movie in the first place.

These are the types of films that were playing weekly when I used to work at a movie theater and is probably one of the reasons I have actually watched this film more than once.

This is an ugly movie, sure as usual it has hot women, but only one seems to be a real fleshed out character the rest are either shrews, whorish, dumb fantasies or sexual playthings or all of the above.

Shockingly for such a heavily sexual film there is barely any nudity also

This film is about Jerry O’Connell, who is one of the last bachelors amongst his friends. They all decide to make a bet that the last bachelor would win a pot of money they all contribute to over the years. After a trip to Las Vegas. O’Connell finds himself in debt. So he figured the only way to pay it off is to win the pot, but his competition Jake Busey is nowhere near getting married even though he is more successful with the ladies. He only way Jerry figures to win is to find the girl who broke Jake’s heart and have her seduce him at least into a quickie marriage and they will split the money, but of course Jerry falls for her.

Other then the heavy misogynistic attitude this film has with scenes where women are repeatedly abused and used as trash. Is that Jerry O’Connell our protagonist is so dumb it’s hard to feel anything for him or about him and his plight and Jake Busey is so loathsome not only is it hard to believe that he is so successful with women. It’s hard to believe any woman would want to be with him. There are no redeeming values that he possesses.

The film is also gross out humorous for no reason, Extremely. For instance the ball scene in the hospital. Where Jerry has to chase and retrieve Jake’s just removed ball.

It’s a shame as the film has a good cast. It would have been good to use Janie Presley more as she is actually funny in this film.

What is truly painful is that this is one of the last theatrical films that actor Bernie Casey ever appeared in. He might have played in some bad movies, but he deserved better than this to cap off his career. Who knows working on this film might have inspired his retirement

While the films main cast seems game for the material. The Veteran actors seem here only to cash a paycheck as they realize how poor the material is, yet this might be the best opportunities they are getting and it’s a quick paycheck.

Can’t really tell if this was a lame attempt at a updated sex comedy, or just a typcal straight to video (at the time) material that got a bigger name cast then it dererved, As it plays like the crowd for it would be a frat house or a bro-culture film.

The film works as a romantic comedy, the problem is the story and most of the characters are so repulsive. Half the situations the lead finds themselves in are stupid and worse uninspired where it always seems like a worst case scenario taken to another extreme level that makes no sense and one can understand that this film is not one that was made to have depth or even think while watching, it’s supposed to be entertainment though you should also respect your audience to a certain extent or maybe it does. It just knows its audience who will find it amongst all that is this film was unleashed upon.

The film stays entertaining throughout as long as you’re not too sensitive or seeking political correctness. Though it’s also film you only need to see once.

One of the reasons saw this film is that it played at a movie theater I worked at and it seemed like there were a rash of these types of films came and went and were in fashion. Sophomoric comedies that all feel like sitcom side stories combined to try and make a 90 minute film

Even the Horatio Sanz’s side story as O’Connells sidekick is obvious, though a bit more humorous, but has to be stretched throughout to truly pay off. Which leads to another problem with the film is the fact that you have Jamie Pressly in a supporting role and she could’ve been given more to do as she gives one of them more stronger performances in the film.  as most of the cast is game, but they all could’ve just used a better script as it seems more like they are slumming, even though they are given some of their biggest roles to date at the time and being released by a studio. Though at least the film has some unpredictable cameos.

This is a film. You can definitely skip unless you’re into juvenile humor sex comedies that end up having a roughly romantic comedic angle.

Grade: D+

THE NAKED GUN (2025)

Directed By: Akiva Schaffer 

Written By: Akiva Schaffer, Dan Gregor and Doug Mand 

Cinematography: Brandon Trost 

Editor: Brian Scott Olds 

Cast: Liam Neeson, Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Danny Huston, Kevin Durand, Busta Rhymes, Liza Koshy, Cody Rhodes. Eddie Yu 

Following in his father’s footsteps, a detective works to solve a murder case and save his police department from closure.


This film comes off as no harm, no foul as it’s a remake but more in spirit and paying homage to the original naked gun and thus police squad movies. There’s nothing wrong with the film though of course it’s going to be more modern. It kind of loses itself as it feels like the character is more random.

Whereas in the original film, Frank Draben is the hero and kind of silly and very stupid, but it gets the job done. Seems to know what he’s doing enough in that universe that he’s a police detective in and feels like more of a full character with a steady history.

Here sometimes it just feels like they throw a lot of stuff at the wall to see what sticks, especially in characters where their history or personalities will change on a dime. So that even though this is a comedy, if there isn’t anything you can really hold onto you’re just throwing in the chaos. It’s a bit more scattershot. As one of the producers is Seth Mcfarlane of FAMILY GUY. It has that kind of random humor at times. That has nothing to with the story really. Eden write it, but it has his fingerprints on it.

Which is where some of the films weaknesses lie where it doesn’t feel like joke so much it feels like those spoof movies that used to come out of every year where they would just try to take down recent trends of the year, maybe television and movies reality stars and there’s a bit of that humor here more than was in the original naked gun. You could call it in evolution of humor, but it also kind of cheapens everything.

Now, while this film has inspired, casting, whereas Liam Neeson has always flirted with comedy. This is one of his first where he goes in the full blown leading character comedy and while he’s good at it, it doesn’t feel as strange or like the stunt casting that maybe it should it’s understandable. Maybe he’s trying to follow and Leslie Nielsen‘s shoes, whereas Leslie Nielsen was a dramatic character actor for most of his career until the airplane movies and then he started slowly going into more silly or spoof in comedy and that being pretty much most of the films he played in

Again, as being so used to seeing Liam Neeson, kind of do this before it doesn’t come across as shocking as maybe it was intended to be or as different, as it was intended to be speaking of stunt, casting not that there’s anything wrong with his performance Danny Huston. it would’ve been at least a little more notable if the villain was played by an actor who we had known previously more as a friendly face or someone who usually plays nice or good guys playing that villainous type of role as at least it would’ve brought something new to the table, but again maybe this is just an evolution of this type of film and franchise

It also would’ve been nice if the descendants of Nordberg originally played by O.J. Simpson had more to do than making an obvious joke in one scene. Then we never see that character again, but that’s more of a nitpick.

Pamela Anderson, Paul, Walter Hauser CCH Pounder all do really well with their roles they do what’s required. Even though they’re more secondary players and it’s nice to see Pamela Anderson on the big screen. As it now seems like she’s getting the movie roles she should have back when her career was red hot. Instead of just becoming a celebrity or more sex symbol who sometimes acted rather than being actress who just happened to be very voluptuous and sexy

The film is fine for what it is obviously you’re not supposed to take any of this too seriously so as long as you’re just looking for a laugh, I don’t think you’re gonna find much disappointment with this film, and it stays within the tradition of the franchise and makes an attempt at a nice reboot, but it just doesn’t feel the same even though it does have scenes of hilarity that will make some laugh hard especially the snowman seen personally

Though if this is your type of humor, I don’t think you’re gonna go wrong with this film.

Grade: C+

NOBODY 2 (2025)

Directed By: Timo Tjahjanto 

Written By: Derek Kolstad and Aaron Rabin

Cinematography: Callan Green 

Editor: Elisabet Ronaldsdottir

Cast: Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, Christopher Lloyd, Rza, Colin Hanks, Sharon Stone, John Ortiz, Colin Salmon, Daniel Bernhardt, 

Workaholic assassin Hutch Mansell takes his family on a much-needed vacation to the small tourist town of Plummerville. However, he soon finds himself in the crosshairs of a corrupt theme-park operator, a shady sheriff, and a bloodthirsty crime boss.


this sequel is pretty much more of the same only not as deep or caring. It seems to go through the motions, but instead of a sequel it almost feels like a side pack of action sequences they didn’t use in the first one only set in a new location. 

It tries to further the main character a bit but again it just seems like the same thing. Nothing seems to truly get deep end except to explain why he’s still doing the same kind of business from the first film. It doesn’t help build a world just offering us an excuse for more action sequences 

While trying to stay comedic to an extent.

Even the things that should be exciting end up playing rather bland for instance, having Sharon Stone is the big villain what should have been a comeback ends on a whimper sort of like when Jean-Claude Van Damme was the villain in the expendables part 2

The film seems oddly rushed too so if you like the first film, you you’ll probably enjoy this film or at least be entertained by it, but it doesn’t offer much which is disappointing considering it’s directed by Timo Tjahjango 

A noted action director making his English language, American film debut after such classics as THE NIGHT COMES FOR US. 

Though to be fair, he was a replacement director only brought on eight weeks before production started. 

As the film has it’s fair share of action, which is what the film is mostly about as the plot just seems very thin and just there to connect everything for there to be this violence. The problem is going in the first films Violence was noteworthy, here It just feels like it’s more of the same and not as impressive.

It’s pretty cut and dry. You can see why they put this film out in the summer. As it plays like a typical summer action film with less imagination and more the continuing adventures of and it being barely 90 minutes can’t say that there’s much substance but it will please. It’s fans well enough as long as they’re not looking to dig too deep Honestly, it just feels like filler or the film equivalent of filler to a continuing franchise which considering it kind of bombed, I don’t know if there will be another one, though I hope if there is another one, they put more time heart thought into it so that it can truly be What it seems designed to be a B movie version of JOHN WICK

Though I will admit when it’s in its element, it is fun and entertaining. Even if it’s an obvious cash grab.

Grade: C

NOVOCAINE (2025)

Directed By: Dan Berk & Robert Olsen

Written By: Lars Jacobson 

Cinematography: Jacques Jouffret 

Editor: Christian Wagner 

Cast: Jack Quaid, Amber Midthunder, Ray Nicholson, Matt Walsh, Jacob Batalon, Betty Gabriel, Lou Betty Jr., Conrad Kemp 

When the girl of his dreams is kidnapped, a man incapable of feeling physical pain turns his rare condition into an unexpected advantage in the fight to rescue her.

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It Might be my age, but I didn’t expect this film to be so gruesomely violent. Which is just one of the surprises of this film. Though it also made it a bit hard to watch at times.

As it involved, broken protruding bones, and fingernails being taken out. Which are usually two of the things I can’t stand seeing on screen as far as violence luckily teeth being knocked out or removed is not shown on screen.

No, this is a surprisingly enjoyable action film with comedic elements at times obviously dark comedy that reminds me of the mid budget action films that studios used to release and that you would get excited for to watch that weekend as this film does have a high concept, but is worth it as it has layers that to help enforce the concept, but also serve the film and its characters as well as a story

It’s not a genius film, but it certainly is entertaining and gives the audience what it wants and offers maybe a little more than what they expected.

The cast is great throughout Jack Quaid, who is in many films. These days proves he does have that leading man, charming charisma as an every man Amanda Midthunder is perfectly cast as a love interest that he goes through all these hardships for sweet enough yet enticing enough to be believable as a woman that you risk it all for

The rest of the cast fulfill, their roles and characters excellently that they come off as believable, and that you actually care even if some of them are a little bit more disposable than you expected, Within the rhythms of the film. 

You never find yourself bored you might even think that this film was made by the filmmaker of the crank movies with its intensity, though this is definitely a softer core version of those films not to mention the humor isn’t quite as offensive, nor is the plotting as over the top.

The film is a fun ride. It’s memorable but doubt it will be anyone’s favorite though it might be one that you would tell your friends about. Definitely one that is a premier example of its kind that are rarely made by a studio anymore.

As the premise and cast would make you believe that this film would be more suited for streaming, but its quality is definitely made more for movie theaters.

Grade: C+