Cast: Kevin Hart, Nathalie Emmanuel, John Travolta, Josh Hartnett, Jean Reno, Brandon Quinn, Milana Vayntrub, Kenneth Trujilio
Kevin Hart – playing a version of himself – is on a death-defying quest to become an action star. And with a little help- he just might pull it off.
This is a movie that has been edited together from the episodes of the Roku series that Kevin Hart had for 1 season. You can easily tell when each episode begins and ends throughout the film. So it should be no surprise that the film is episodic.
The film is also really bad, as it tries to be meta which is really hard for it to work when you have recognizable actors like Josh Harnett play themselves but you have more recognizable John Travolta play a totally different character.
It also doesn’t help that Kevin Hart plays himself. The themes for his character are pretty much the same as most characters he plays in other films.
This film is bad, John Travolta seems to not only be over-acting but giving a career-worst performance so far, as he oddly seems to curse funny and have a kind of way of speaking that is ridiculous.
The only bright spots in the movie are Nathalie Emmanuel and Josh Hartnett playing himself. The action sequences are passable but never quite exciting or stunning and the film stays pretty much only using a few sets. So there isn’t much to look at.
I would only suggest this movie if you are a Kevin Hart completist. Though at this point he has so many movies coming out one after the other. No one will blame you if you miss this one.
Cast: Kiersey Clemons, Alex Wolff, Jim Gaffigan, David Walton, Rachel Sennott, Ken Marino, Isaac Powell, Geoffrey Owens, Alex Moffat, Dolly Wells, Jared Gilman, Kat Foster
An awkward college student who seizes the opportunity to bolster her popularity and her under-the-radar true-crime podcast by solving the disappearance of a classmate.
This is a perfect starring vehicle for actress Kiersey Clemons who hasn’t gotten a role this rich and expressive since SWEETHEART. She ends up being the major reason to watch the film. She is not only the star of the film but It’s heart.
The film starts off as quirky before taking more of a dark spin that even at its darkest stays a bit light. It seems like a film that will be Smile but by the end, it becomes more of a character study.
It offers some twists though eagle-eyed viewers will be able to predict certain elements and revelations, but you can’t see the emotions attached to them.
What at first seems like a movie that could easily be made into a franchise ala MURDER SHE WROTE only younger and with a goody too shoes who is socially awkward at its center. Maybe even on a smaller scale KNIVES OUT Slowly turns into a thriller that slowly becomes thrilling and strangling. Even if for us in the audience the consequences aren’t as daring.
It does stay tight. The only weakness it has is that it never feels like we are that involved and we are held at a distance. Just as we get to know Susie’s day-to-day before she starts investigating. There could have been more scenes to flesh everyone out. Instead of just moments. Where we are not quite sure what the meaning of them exactly are.
The film stays colorful and a bit odd at times. it never breaks into feeling bigger. Even though it takes place in a small town. The film stays feeling minute throughout.
However, it should be noted that race never plays into the film. Her being one of the few minorities in the film and being one of the smartest characters. Also helps her stand out and be more of interest.
It is a perfectly quirky film to watch and be a kind of time waster. Though by the end for all that it succeeds. You just wish it had a bit more impact. You want to give the film the goodwill it seems to want and deserve. Just as the main character seems to desire and lack.
By the end it is ambiguous though it leaves you quite sad. As a kind of melancholy begins to take over.
Cast: Katie Holmes, Derek Luke, Oliver Platt, Patricia Clarkson, Alison Pill, John Gallagher Jr., Alice Drummond, Sisqo, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Sean Hayes, Lillias White, Adrian Martinez
April Burns invites her family to Thanksgiving dinner at her teeny apartment on New York’s Lower East Side. As they make their way to the city from suburban Pennsylvania, April must endure a comedy of errors – like finding out her oven doesn’t work – to pull off the big event.
The problem with this film is that for all its earnestness feel-good moments. It feels emotionally manipulative and I’m sure there are families and similar situations but the story development and characters feel more or less calculated than Flesh and Blood Real.
The hurdles everyone must get over just feel poured on a bit too much all at once. Especially for a film that takes place in one day. I could understand if this all happened over a weekend but all this emotional and physical baggage in one day is a bit too much.
That having been said, the film is enjoyable, It is more of a warmer, tailed Indie film, especially since by the end not everything is solved, but there is at least peace. not offering total care or answers for everything.
The film is a heartwarming story that tries to add an edge to certain situations and characters but finds itself going back to its emotional roots. It’s a downtown tail told about a bunch of outsiders. That gives it the feel of a lost recent error of the time.
This feels like a good novella stretched to its limits as it tries to make itself different like a teenager going through self-discovery. At first, it wants to be special, so it goes about trying to be different. Then it looks at itself in the mirror and comes to the realization That it must be true to itself. That is what will make you stand out.
The film is low budget with a big name, cast for its budget, who are all good and throw themselves into their roles. I even recognize many of the locations from my days working downtown at Tower video. They even filmed in one of my coworkers’ buildings, which gave me a strange strange connection to the film.
The stand out in the cast is the assured performance of Katie Holmes in the lead role. That easily could have been a stepping-stone film that revolved around her. So even though the title character. The film is more of an ensemble effort
I wish she would have kept doing roles such as this one. She would’ve had a more respectable and maybe bigger career because underneath what appears to be blandish she surprised you with a powerful skill that peeks out at times. You see that glimmer.
The film put a spin on your typical family dinner film for the holidays. It succeeds due to some sly humor and a playful cast.
Watching it recently puts me in mind of a certain time and place in my life. Which surprisingly makes it a nostalgic reminder of a certain time and place in my life.
In 1985, Makoto Tezuka, the son of manga genius Osamu Tezuka, was still a film student with a few experimental shorts to his credit and who was entrusted with the mission to turn an album by Haruo Chikada into a musical film.
Strange, inventive, surreal, and fun. There are no exact words to describe this film and do it justice. If you are a fan of movies like PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE, THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW and SHOCK TREATMENT.
The story behind the film is just as wild and creative as the film. that a musician Haruo Chicada wrote an album full of songs, Essentially meant to be a soundtrack for a film that didn’t exist and that was the extent of the project until writer-director Makoto Tezka discovered it and decided to make a film based around it adapting it with a full storyline.
So much talent In Front of and behind the scenes. As the director sought out musicians and artists of all kinds for the film. After all, this was his first full-length film. After just graduating from film school and making only experimental shorts. He considered himself a visualist more than just a director.
The result is a movie that plays like a series of music videos or montages built around the songs with a story connecting it all. So truly a musical at heart without so much choreography and show-stopping staging. though plenty of musical-themed montages when the main characters aren’t singing.
Almost like a mean-spirited movie version of THE MONKEES TV show. only not surrounding a band but a singing duo and focusing on the branding and corporate ownership of the two and being forced to sing the songs their Svengali manager gives them and him always watching. They also lose fame to rivals that come out of nowhere and then try to murder them. Competition between artists and even each other as a duo and want to be independent and try their own music
The film’s soundtrack and visuals are its strength as the story is Minimal and never makes complete sense. As the film is all over the place. In a good way. Making it definitely crazy and unpredictable.
The film has an Animated and even a horror sequence. This makes sense as it is partly anime-influenced or manga, especially towards the end the action sequences feel like live-action cartoons. The writer/director is also the son of Osamu Tezka an anime/Manga legend
The film is definitely a product of its time and a shine as it is a cult film, that is little known In its homeland and the United States, with a soundtrack that is difficult to find
It’s an epic odyssey that goes far but does so much with so little. Involving A story made up that only adds to the legend and might actually be true with The theme of wanting to make it on your own and realizing that you might need help To do it.
This Is a film whose wavelengths you are either going to get on or not. All of the music and songs are quite catchy. It seems to go through all cultures and fads of the time.
It’s not perfect but such a unique, crazy, stylish, and silly journey that represents some things that it might not have intended to constantly invent and reinvent itself. As it is Reckless, dazzling unhinged, and creative. As it always has its heart on its sleeves and despite its surreal nature bares it’s heart and spirit
Cast: Eddie Murphy, Jillian Bell, Tracee Ellis Ross, Nick Offerman, Genneya Walton, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Ken Marino, Timothy Simons, Riki Lindhome, Trevante Rhodes, David Alan Grier, Robin Thede, Chris Redd, Danielle Pinnock, D.C. Young Fly, Catherine Dent, Stephen Tobolowsky, Penatonix, Anjelah Johnson-Reyes, Lombardo Boyer
A man is determined to win the neighborhood’s annual Christmas decorating contest. He makes a pact with an elf to help him win–and the elf casts a spell that brings the 12 days of Christmas to life, which brings unexpected chaos to town.
The film has a lot of goodwill, but it also has a bunch of familiar tropes. They are dressed up and try to feel fresh and for the most part, fit the season and set-up.
The film tries to stay inventive but then falters under the weight of its own predictability and plays it way too safe and familiar.
The film isn’t necessarily good but it’s entertaining and keeps you invested. Even though star Eddie Murphy goes through the motions. He even has his moments to flex an original comedic lie here and there. Unfortunately for the most part it also feels like he is playing a role any actor or star could have played easily. That is how bland it is written. Though as always it is always in his strengths when his character is under pressure and his reactions can be priceless, Just not here
It does bring the audience back to when he was making more family films for better or worse. Though when they were just passing.
What works within this film is the spirit and the fact that his family in the film all get a chance to shine and be the hero throughout and come together when needed. Reminding the audience of the importance and need of family and enforcing the holiday spirit.
Though those looking for laughs might be hard-pressed to find any genuine comedy throughout.
Directed by Reginald Hudlin, it leaves you expecting more. Even though it does have a great production design. The less said of Santa Claus. Huggy bear ,velvet suit the better.
In the end, it’s a film that fits the holidays but isn’t the triumph you are hoping for when it comes to an Eddie Murphy film.
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.
Written & Directed By: Clay Tarver Based on characters created by: Clay Tarver, Tom Mullen & Tim Mullen, Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley Cinematography: Tim Suhrstedt Editor: Tim Roche
Cast: Lil’ Rel Howery, Yvonne Orji, John Cena, Meredith Hagner, Steve Buscemi, Carlos Santos, Ronny Chieng, Jamie Hector
A couple who meets up with another couple while on vacation in Mexico sees their friendship take an awkward turn when they get back home.
Let me start off by saying that I surprisingly enjoyed the first film. It was better than I thought it would be. So it’s with a heavy heart that I say. I really didn’t like this one.
As it is a sequel that didn’t need to be made for any reason. The story just feels put together without any real meaning or reason. As it tries to repeat the first film.
Only in the first film, John Cena and Meredith Hagner’s characters were annoying and over the top, but eventually, it was explained why they were. It also showed that underneath they were sweethearts who really cared about their friends.
In this film, they are still annoying and it seems just to be annoying or the script requires them to be without showing any real growth at all. (Especially Hagner) They also seem a bit more cruel at times in their Jokes, particularly in the airport scenes. So that they feel unlikeable because they are truly given so little to do.
Their subplot with Steve Buscemi’s character seems so non-engaging. Even though Buscemi tries, the script lets him down at most turns.
Lil’ Rel Howery and Yvonne Orji also have nothing better to do than tag along for the ride. As they are used to them lil’ Rel seems to be the character who gets into the most trouble trying to juggle rest & relaxation with friends and an important business deal. As well as being the constant naysayer when it comes to any kind of wayward activity. Ending up doing it and being the most punished.
The hijinks this time also feel a little more take and uninventive than the first films. This film isn’t as shocking or as heartfelt.
It’s surprising that this failed so badly. as the film is directed by the original director who showed promise with the first film. though then again even though he helped co-write the original. Here he is on his own and it shows as the magic seems to be missing.
It just seems like everyone here is contractually obligated and had so much fun in the first film. Let’s do it again and do it in a tropical paradise. It feels like THE HANGOVER PART 2 all over again only on a smaller streaming scale and trying not to repress the same jokes
Cast: Nia Vardalos, John Corbett, Michael Constantine, Lainie Kazan, Andrea Martin, Elena Kampouris, Gia Carides, Louis Mandylor, Alex Wolff, Joey Fatone, Bess Meisler, Rita Wilson, John Stamos, Rob Riggle, Mark Margolis, Ian Gomez, Bruce Gray, Jayne Eastwood
Still working in her parents’ Greek restaurant, Toula Portokalos’ daughter, Paris, is growing up. She is getting ready to graduate high school and Toula and Ian are experiencing marital issues. When Toula’s parents find out they were never officially married, another wedding is in the works. Can this big, fat, Greek event help to bring the family together?
It could be the fact that before this film a few year earlier Nia Vardalos tried to turn this into a franchise with a follow up television series
Considering they tried s sitcom after the first film this feels like they just took story threads or ideas from there and tried to make a movie with a framing device and theme
As this film feels all over the place, like it want the audience to be updated on the families notice after all these years with her other film Connie and Carla not doing well wanted a guaranteed hit
It’s a feel good film with no real stakes. so while it’s nice to see the characters again they are left with little to nothing to really do as we just enjoy and laugh at their antics
The fil m can be considered fun for those who l led the original
Though the first film was better content wise as it had a love story and a story of self Confidence. That was familiar and well structured and could be identifiable by mining a culture under represented and giving them representation even with it’s stereotypes that come off as loving
It might have been seen as a clash in as the audience for the first film has come of age and are dealing with their teenage children and the prospect of them leaving the nest. So again a bit updated and identifiable for that generation
The problem is as familiar as the first film was; this one jsit feels generic. A script that tries to have a best of or greatest hits quality to it’s scenes the first film the characters came off as quirky here they come off more as caricatures of their former selves playing it more for laughs.
You could say that this feels like a victory lap. While it keeps it’s innocence and a little charm. That keeps it safe
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
Cut To The Chase 