Tag: Comedy

OMNI LOOP (2025)

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Written & Directed By: Bernardo Britto 

Cinematography: Ava Benjamin Shorr

Editor: Martin Anderson and Bernardo Britto 

Cast: Mary Louise Parker, Ayo Edebiri, Carlos Jacott, Hannah Pearl Utt, Harris Yulin, Chris Witaske, Steven Maier, Eddie Cahill,

A woman from Miami, Florida decides to solve time travel in order to go back and be the person she always intended to.

This is a movie I should have enjoyed as the science fiction in minor elements were interesting and even the time travel components were fun and different. Though it never quite comes together in a strong way.

As at first the film seems to stay on target Exploring time travel and the many ways in which our main character keeps going back but has to movie forward to make any progress.

Then the second half of the film changes tone. Whereas before it was a light wacky comedy. I. The second half for becomes more dramatic. As the main character has to face some harsh truths. that no matter what her fate, will end up being the same and that maybe instead of spending her time trying to change things. She should accept what she does have and appreciate the time she has left with them.

This is after she has explored different fates and  looked up people from her past. So that the film becomes overly sentimental with some hard truths passed along. 

Which could work as the film gets you to watch with comedy and sci-fi then tells the story it wants you to truly stay for and pay attention to while remembering to reference some sci-fi again to keep it in the realm. 

It’s a sweet movie, but never quite reaches its potential and makes you wonder what exactly was the aim. As it does tell a story but makes it so maudlin and complicated getting there. That it feels a little too much and never quite raises above a certain tempo. 

Even the cast who are good seem more in the middle. Never quite too strong or excited or energetic. The film feels way too laid back and passive. 

though Ayo Edebiri get’s co-Stsr credit she is more a supporting actress and it’s featured more heavily in the first half of the film than the second half and while she does what she needs to do doesn’t make any strong impression in the role, but then again the role doesn’t really give her too much to do either

It’ not a bad movie just not for me. Maybe I am missing something. 

Grade: C

THE BIRTHDAY (2004)

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Directed By: Eugenio Mira

Written By: Eugenio Mira and Mikel Alvarino

Cinematography: Unax Mendia

Editor: Alejo Lewis 

Cast: Corey Feldman, Erica Prior, Jack Taylor, Dale Douma, Liz Lobato, Jim Arnold, Sue Flack, Colin Morgan

Norman, a young man very much in love with his girlfriend, attends her father’s birthday party, held in a hotel where a sect happens to be preparing for the birth of the god it worships.

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Jordan Peele recently resurrected this film from its straight to video origins, and it’s almost nearly forgotten existence after being lucky enough, and should be made aware of this film and view it by star Corey Feldman

Mr. Peele was blown away by the film so much and that he included it in a program series of films, he showed a film festival audience for draft House films to find it and restore it print and now released bigger and further than it ever did before, allowing for an audience, it never had and it should’ve had before especially as it was never theatrically released officially

So even behind-the-scenes, it has a miraculous story of building up an audience over the years and getting noticed as the film does certainly feel worth it even if by the end and it’s obscurity that doesn’t force the audience and audience actually think while watching it

Didn’t realize it was from the writer, Director of GRAND PIANO, Eugenio Mira. the movie at the time that totally didn’t live up to the hype, but there was something one could admire in it

That is the same thing I feel about the birthday or as I appreciate how it builds where at any point you could go anyway at first it’s more just an uncomfortable awkward comedy with Corey Feldman doing a voice, but his performance grows on you as does the movie with its oddball of characters that you can tell something is going on behind the scenes that you can’t , necessarily tell what’s going on, but you can feel. As the film has an undeniable style to it. 

Where this is the film goes along you are just happy for the main character played by Corey Feldman as he seems to go through different side adventures and trials, even if he comes across as more and more weak compared to what he is trying to achieve. 

Just like many of the supporting characters at first, he seems handled with a broad stroke before you finally start to get to learn things about him 

As the film goes along, and it seems to get crazier and crazier, more ridiculous, and a conspiracy plot thrown in the film as well where at first you are wondering if this is true and real, or just a misguided attempt by outsiders against the rich in a class struggle as the new challenge the for the main character it unfortunately looks like, What at first he dismissed as ideas of a mad person might actually be true.

As in the film he has to make certain decisions and sacrifices. Which we have seen him fumble earlier in the film, earlier but now must take action or make decisions for the fate of the future.

The film and the actors keep you invested as well as even though you can tell the film is low budgeted. It’s a tight production that makes it feel like it’s a film double or even triple budget has originality and imagination that it keeps you interested throughout I wish I could say it’s a slam dunk and one enjoys it as much as for the hype of its recovery.

I can’t say that I quite swallowed the Kool-Aid, but it wasn’t a bad drink. It didn’t necessarily grow on me. It’s a film that deserves to be seen and it certainly has found its audience. It’s not quite a classic, but it’s entertaining if you give it a chance. 

This will not be a film for everyone is a cult film, where I believe there is an audience that will appreciate it as strangely matching the suit that Corey Feldman wears. It feels more like a lounge act more than an up-and-coming stand from many will think about it, but it doesn’t quite rise to necessarily be a classic 

I’m not trying to badmouth the film nor am I saying it’s then but feel more like it’s in the middle of the road. There are plenty of things to admire about it, but there are certain things not quite as enjoyable or that hold it back from its own greatness

One can appreciate the time it takes to constantly keep building for the audience, though on the other hand, there’s also a sense that it doesn’t need to be as long as it is 

It’s a dark comedy at heart that grows on you as it has its own personality and a certainly an oddity that doesn’t try to reach too far. So definitely a film you can appreciate by it’s merits 

Grade: B-

ROOFMAN (2025)

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Directed By: Derek Cianfrance

Written By: Derek Cianfrance and Kirt Gunn

Cinematography: Andrij Parekh

Editor: Jim Helton & Ron Patane 

Cast: Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, Lakeith Stanfield, Peter Dinklage, Ben Mendelsohn, Uzo Aduba, Juno Temple, Melonie Diaz, Tony Revolori, Emory Cohen

A charismatic criminal, while on the run from the police, hides in a hidden space of a toy store. There, he adopts a new identity and becomes involved with an employee, beginning a relationship as unlikely as it is risky.

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This shows that Channing Tatum is a very adaptable actor, as he has previously been part of Steven Soderbergh‘s films in various capacities. Who has so far gotten the best work out of them next to the 21 JUMP STREET movies & franchise, which always offer a bit of a comeback for him. As it introduces him in appeal that is unexpected.

This film is another one that proves again Tatum’s charm in a role he fits into perfectly. That while being tough, there’s a sensitive soul, a romantic who has depth and is not all surface.

This is actually Director Derek Cianfrance most mainstream film, (THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES, BLUE VALENTINE) but it still maintains his Indie artistic flourishes that grabbed the audience and keep the film from seeming like Hollywood fluff. Even as it adds to his repertoire of another failed romance story for him at the helm.

Another big surprise in the cast is Kirsten Dunst, who is thoroughly believable in her role, as the religious single mother whom Tatum‘s character falls for, especially after watching her under surveillance for so long.

This film is based on a true story that fits into the mold of movies like BERNIE and HIT-MAN (both directed by Richard Linkletter) that humanize is supposed to harden criminals, making their tales a bit more comedic & light than they normally would be told. Having the audience root for the criminal even if we know in the end, there will not be a happy ending at least not a traditional one. These films are usually more about the character or characters as well as the ensemble and ambience that is around them.

Was surprised that this film bombed at the box office. As it seems to have all the right elements for a non-traditional romantic comedy, but enough material that would appeal to more of a broad audience. It seems that maybe as it was a more grown-up, adult, human interest, drama and comedy, As well as being told in a small simple way that doesn’t have as many gimmicks or distractions, full of wackiness or slapstick, nor action that audiences didn’t go out and seek it more. Though could easily see this film being more of an audience pleaser.

Now some audience members might complain about the romance angle. Which might slow it down for some, but is what humanizes the characters and the story. Which makes it so compelling, rather than something thinner that you watch for action or antics. it doesn’t have to rely on filler it fills out the film.

I won’t lie and say this is the most exciting film, but it’s a nice down home story that entertains and grabs you as it goes along

Grade: B 

EANIE MEENIE (2025)

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Written & Directed By: Shawn Simmons 

Cinematography: Tim Ives 

Editor: Chris Patterson and Dirk Westervelt

Cast: Samara Weaving, Karl Glusman, Andy Garcia, Steve Zahn, Marshawn Lynch, Jermaine Fowler, Mike O’Malley, Randall Park, Chris Bauer

A reformed teenage getaway driver is dragged back into her unsavory past when a former employer offers her a chance to save the life of her chronically unreliable ex-boyfriend.

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This film comes so close, but no cigar as it does play out like an Elmore Leonard story or novel. As it has the gritty details, the quirky characters and the down on their luck protagonist.

It also has a story that is set in the underworld of crime and a high story that doesn’t overreach and make it seem like this is the score of the century or will set everyone up for life but more just a simple heist that will help all involved get out of previous trouble and be financially lucrative .

Even though it is mainly a crime story, it does take its time to be a character piece for the main character played by Samara weaving and explain her character’s choices, upbringing, and mentality, which helps, especially when she is essentially in love with a screwup 

The film has a great cast, but that is the problem while the quirky supporting character shine. We don’t really ever get enough time with them to learn maybe how they tick or just to enjoy them in general. It’s longer than blink and you miss them, but still not quite enough 

Even Marshawn Lynch, who is usually comedic gold in movies here has the chance to create such an iconic character, and while he does, what is necessary, his impact isn’t felt the way that it should nor strong as it should. It feels here more like he scripted rather than where his strength is an improv. 

Samara weaving as the lead is more of the straight woman, whereas she surrounded by all these crazy quirky characters so she lies at the heart of the film, and obviously the protagonist were rooting for .

The film stays surprising throughout as well as engaging with a surprisingly strong and down, tried ending of sorts, though it feels like there’s something missing to push it quite over the top to passable. 

As it is a film, that is entertaining enough, but not quite not worthy to play with the others in its genre. It comes across his lightweight, even though it does have some heavy material. Maybe it’s just because of the story that it tells you want it to be stronger.

Even with it quirky characters it’s surprisingly violent and hard hitting, but it still doesn’t quite make it to Mark

As the film does have the juice and the ingredients and even the recipe, but the taste isn’t quite uproot or tastes fine but not quite special as you had hoped. No matter how it tries. 

Grade: C 

IF I HAD LEGS I’D KICK YOU (2025)

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Written & Directed By: Mary Bronstein 

Cinematography: Christopher Messina 

Editor: Lucian Johnston

Cast: Rose Byrne, A$ap Rocky, Conan O’Brien, Ivy Wolk, Delaney Quinn, Danielle Macdonald, Christian Slater, Josh Pais, Ella Beatty, Mary Bronstein

While trying to manage her own life and career, a woman on the verge of a breakdown must cope with her daughter’s illness, an absent husband, a missing person, and an unusual relationship with her therapist.

This is dramatic, but present presented as a dark comedy

One can remember the first time I saw Rose Byrne in a film. It was in a disastrous epic movie Troy and I remember not being that impressed by her and it seems like since then if she had heard, she took it as a personal upfront because it seems like since then she has done nothing but build her career and impress in numerous performances that she sometimes gets credited with, but not enough in my view and here she gives an Oscar level performance think general Rowlands in a woman under the influence and her intensity

The film also has her character leading with all sorts of catastrophes that are making her breakdown and the camera seems to present most scenes, especially with her an extreme close-up, so you can never escape her intensity just as she seems to never be able to escape her ongoing problems and challenges

IT’S interesting that her character is a therapist as clearly she is breaking down and has her own therapist, and her job is to listen to other people‘s problems and give advice, but she can’t seem to solve her own as well as taking care of a disabled daughter and a husband who is not supportive truly, and never there

Randomly Conan O’Brien is in this movie, which is a welcome surprise, especially if you’re a fan of his though in a role that is quite different 

One of the wisest decisions is that her child is often in the scenes, but remains unseen, so while she has this illness, we never quite see her. She is kind of a phantom where we wonder what she looks like, but it might also be because it would be hard to find a child to give a physical and unbelievable performance for that character. While mostly throughout we are given fl glimpses of her. when eventually the child is revealed it is at a pivotal point. It seems as a must rather than play the character is almost invisible or imaginary.

Not sure that this film was produced by Josh Safdie, as it does feel like one of his films maybe not visually but with a main character going through increasing pressure and as the film goes on, they’re being an unrelenting tension that doesn’t seem to offer any distractions and the character coming more and more unhinged

Though the film is like the character at first, it seems a little light, a little more comedic and then as it goes along, it gets a little darker and has a little more pressure then by the end it just feels like there’s nowhere to go nowhere a turd and it doesn’t offer any answers or show that any character is a saint nor a villain they are just who they are in life. Is that way too there’s no definitive answer. There’s no let up Sometimes. It can be random.

It is surprising how much it has gripped you by the end and how much you care. Even as itnolays like an emotional horror film as it unfolds especially towards the end.

Grade: B+

FREAKIER FRIDAY (2025)

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Directed By: Nisha Ganatra

Written By: Jordan Weiss 

Story By: Elyse Hollander and Jordan Weiss

Based on characters, Based on the book By: Mary Rodgers 

Cinematography: Matthew Clark

Editor: Eleanor Infante 

Cast: Jamie Lee Curtis, Lindsay Lohan, Julia Butters, Sophia Hammons, Vanessa Bayer, Mark Harmon, Manny Jacinto, Chad Michael Murray, Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Christina Vidal

22 years after Tess and Anna endured an identity crisis, Anna now has a daughter and a soon-to-be stepdaughter. As they navigate the challenges that come when two families merge, Tess and Anna discover that lightning might strike twice.

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This was unexpected a sequel, so many decades after the original hit though will admit kind of had interest to catch this can say that it’s not disappointing. It stays fun and lively throughout. It doesn’t offer necessarily anything original but it’s perfect for its target, offering fans of the original or more first a chance to see the two stars in their element who they grew up with, and it allows their children a chance to see characters their own age they can identify with.

Though I might not be the ideal audience, it reminded me of Disney adult aimed humored films where they still have an innocence, despite being more maturely themed

The film wisely stays with Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis‘s characters whose bodies are supposed to be inhabited by these teenagers and they get to major league showcase and be broad throughout whereas we do see the teenagers supposedly inhabited by older people, but the movie doesn’t rely on them as much.

It’s especially nice and surprising to see Lindsay Lohan back on the big screen and a major release making her comeback of sort. She has been making a comeback and more Hallmark and straight to streaming movies but here is the first time she’s had a chance on a major big screen platform. After so much trouble in her personal life it seemed like she was destined for tragedy or at least never really work again, which was a shame as always thought that she had the talent and goods to be a leading lady and have a long career so this film was a nice surprise.

Even though she doesn’t have as much to do or shine as in the last film, she still impresses, and it still quite the screen presence.

Jamie Lee Curtis is obviously having fun with her role here and gets a lot of time to shine and showcase and feel steadier here than in some of her more recent roles

Chad Michael Murray continues to be type cast as the hunk who gets away and kind of temptation that lays on the side, pure of fantasy, which leaves him with very little to do.

The film breezes along and mannequin to have and beat everything for each part of the audience. It can be romantic, comedic, young, mature, juvenile, and it manages to stay fun throughout, except when it goes from the second act of the third act with a plot device that of course is needed for a 3 act structure, but still has you rolling your eyes Kind of like getting a shot at the doctors office it’s needed and you know it’s coming, but the process is always a pain

Is the film is everything you expected to me, though? It also has charisma and charm. This is not going to went over anyone new to the franchise, but the fans of it will be in heaven as they bring back most of the cast from the first film and it feels like not your standard sequel. There was a lot of effort put it into this film That makes it feel like it goes above and beyond for its audience not a general audience again, but its audience.

Grade: C+

PICTURE THIS (2008)

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Directed By: Stephen Herek

Written By: Temple Mathews 

Cinematography: Bernard Couture 

Editor: Robin Russell 

Cast: Ashely Tisdale, Robbie Amell, Lauren Collins, Kevin Pollack, Shenae Grimes, Cindy Busby, Marie-Marguerite Sabonqui, Angela Galuppo

Rich, handsome team captain Drew Patterson, the high school’s dream prince, like his elder brothers before, tires of the haughty head cheerleader and shows some interest in nerdy nobody Mandy Gilbert. For her, his invitation to the party of the year of his parental estate bodes instant social promotion, but her overprotective father Tom grounds her for dishonesty. She’s as determined to get in anyway with friends’ help as her rival’s pack to prevent that and dad to guard her. Furthermore, there’s a dooming rumor about the Patterson boys.

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Now let me start this review off by saying that,  I am obviously not the normal audience for this film as I am an adult male, so I am aged out when it comes to this film and this is definitely aimed at a more teenage audience, teenage female in particular, even though as the film plays, it even seems a little too soft and innocent for them. This is something I could more imagine, preteens or children, even watching as it would make more sense to them as it just has a innocence about it even the race scenes or subjects aren’t something you would worry about too much.

The film is a starring vehicle for Ashley Tisdale who is one of the stars of Disney’s high school the musical smash hit TV movie and it’s sequel now I’m not sure if they started as a Disney original or not though would place for that kind of audience. 

The film is rather basic paint by numbers you’ve seen this all before just with different Hijinx and little adventures that all seem to take place really within a few days, which is where some of the logical problems of the film come in whereas this the school hunk who dates it seems like the queen be most popular girl is telling this girl who has lead low on the social scale and never seem to really talk. all of a sudden he’s professing that he really likes her and that how special she is and really if this was true why did he wait for the last year of high school towards the end of the year before they graduate and B? Why doesn’t he just break up with his girlfriend first, so that there would be no hijinks but then again then there would be no movie.

To tell you the truth, the only reason I watch this is because two cast members from the grassy the teenage melodramatic soap opera that I am a big fan of were in it. Shanae Grimes and Lauren collins. Who played Tisdale‘s best friends and offer quirky, comedic, and loving support.

Ashley Tisdale does have star quality though this script and doesn’t really help her shine though she is watchable the film is acceptable even though the script or film might be too juvenile for even her core audience at the time. 

what are the major problems of this film? Is that her arrival? The queen bee who was the most popular girl in school? I don’t feel like would put so much attention to taking her down if she was really secure, but of course, since there’s a team movie at heart it shows that she’s insecure and not to mention the rival isn’t even a challenge when it comes to looks, she seems rather bleach, blonde and generic and way too old to be playing high school school student. Then again, so does the male elite who’s the dream guy Robbie Amell. But I digress.

luckily, the film never comes off as offensive, so it can easily play with most audiences and some might find its silliness cute and it is directed by journeyman director Stephen Herek. (BILL AND TED’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE) So you have to give the film credit as at least it’s competently directed even if the material isn’t the greatest. i’m not really going to write this film only because it would be unfair as normally I might give it a low grade but again to a certain audience this might be the greatest thing ever made and if you’re watching it either you have kids or you’re watching it by accident or you’re really into these sort of films so it doesn’t really matter what I have to say.

Hopefully Ashley Tisdale returns to start them again, cause she definitely has the talent and the energy to truly be an effective actress full of personality

102 DALMATIONS (2000)

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Directed By: Kevin Lima 

Written By: Kristen Buckley, Brian Regan, Bob Tzudiker and Noni White 

Story By: Kristen Buckley and Brian Regan

Based on the Novel “THE ONE HUNDRED AND ONE DALMATIONS” By: Dodie Smith 

Cinematography: Adrian Biddle and Roger Pratt

Editor: Gregory Perler 

Cast: Glenn Close, Gerard Depardieu, Ioan Gruffund, Alice Evans, Eric Idle, Tim McInnerny, Ian Richardson, Jim Carter, Ron Cook

After a spot of therapy, Cruella De Vil is released from prison a changed woman. Devoted to dogs and good causes, she is delighted that Chloe, her parole officer, has a dalmatian family and connections with a dog charity. But the sound of Big Ben can reverse the treatment so it is only a matter of time before Ms DeVille is back to her incredibly ghastly ways, using her new-found connections with Chloe and friends.

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One can remember  this trailer making the rounds in the year of its release and the trailer actually looked funny and captivating. It took me all this time to finally watch this film and say the trailer held more promise and humor. 

take this review with a pinch of salt as obviously if you like this film already, I’m not gonna change your mind and you’re just going to think that I am a hater and I will freely admit. This is not usually my type of film, but I was hoping it would be something fun and charming and it’s neither

it took me a while to watch this film. I remember when it came out and all the brew ha ha over 101 Dalmatians and then then making a sequel live action sequel with 102 Dalmatians and I decided to give the film a chance. 

Watching it clearly is not for me. This is a film, purely for children because it’s silly joyful with a little hint of darkness, but I’d rather feels like a straight to Dvd home video TV type of production as it just seems kind of cheap and unmemorable and there are a bunch of gags, but they don’t really seem to work. 

The only good thing or promising aspect of this film is Glenn Close reprising her role as Cruella Deville and she’s fun and campy is all hell but also the weakness of the film is that it More keeps her as a supporting character.

whereas we focus on the characters played by Ioan Gruffund and Alice Evans. Who don’t even feel like real characters they feel like plat points and they’re truly is no fun when most of the movie is centered around them and the dogs as they have no chemistry and they’re not even that interesting as characters so while the film does have the basic requirements and trying to pretty much do the same thing as a 101 Dalmatians only now with Cruella supposedly being rehab and liking dogs and then halfway through the film, the rehab doesn’t work or backfires and having her go back, this is just the first film all over again with less star filled Cast.

One might be a particularly disappointed because this film is directed by Kevin Lima, who also directed A GOOFY MOVIE which was animated in which I love so I thought that he would be able to handle a live action film with the same care and touch and while it’s a film, that children will obviously adore it lacks any real nuance or any real fun so personally for me, and that just adds to the disappointment of the whole endeavor. As he has shown, he can offer up emotional yet funny material for an audience of all ages and here, even though it might be a little more skewed it’s very hard to believe that even the audience it’s aimed that will find this enjoyable or unforgettable. Then again he can only work with what he has in the script, even if Glenn Clouse shines above it all.

Though you usually know you are in trouble when a film introduces a talking animal for its comedic relief, but also shows who this film was more made for. 

So that the rest of the film feels silly familiar and just tired. It just feels like no one really had any new ideas or really any passion for this film and and it ended up just being more of the same only with lower production values and again Glenn Close is clearly having fun and truly earning her paycheck as the over the top supporting villain, but she is the only thing of note in this otherwise forgettable film.

At least the fashions through out are ridiculously over the top and leaves some room For campy humor. 

Grade: D

CHRISTMAS EVE IN MILLER’S POINT (2024)

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Directed by: Tyler Taormina

Written By: Tyler Taormina and Eric Berger

Story Editor/Editor: Kevin Anton

Cinematography: Carson Lund

Cast: Matilda Fleming, Maria Dizzia, Ben Shenkman, Francesca Scorsese, Elsie Fisher, Michael Cera, Gregg Turkington, Tony Savino, Steven Alleva, Grege Morris, Sawyer Spielberg

On Christmas Eve, a family gathers for what could be the last holiday in their ancestral home. As the night wears on and generational tensions arise, one of the teenagers sneaks out with her friends to claim the wintry suburb for her own.

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this film is the epitome of an ensemble film as there are no real stars. Every character plays their role essentially in each other stories, and there is no real complete story as everything is told more and snippets and scenes, but never quite from beginning to end in a complete way. 

As the film is largely plotless, but plays out over a families holiday traditions, and party as they all get together where many individual things happen some smaller some greater but nothing really happens except for this celebration.

it seems like the filmmaker wanted some more evoke, the emotions of the holiday or any holiday gathering with your family where the story is told purely at this celebration where you get updates about their lives away from one another, always wanting to showcase the best and you get a sense of the family history and their relationships with one another, but nothing is ever clearly defined 

The drama that happens as well as the comedy is more lived in and isn’t as random as everyone knows each other and because they know each other and their habits nothing is quite shocking to one another. 

The film works and its own artistry that might be frustrating to some members of the audience as it takes its time telling the story it wants to, but again the story is never told in a complete way it’s more told segments that seem like they go nowhere endless that more evoke moods as there is an inherent sadness throughout as they adults are realizing they’re getting older and how much they have in the past but also the ones who raise them are slowly deteriorating and they want to take care of them. It might be too much for them to take on

And that would also celebrates the happiness of seeing long lost family members who you grew up with who now other than these types of get together rarely ever see as those family members you never really want to see, but are forced to and have to play nice with 

The tons of cuisine and food that you can board yourself on and share with family 

As well as issues that certain family members have with one another that everyone seems to know about, but either or not acknowledged or not talked about, but clearly seen and felt 

there is a section of the film where it more focuses on the younger characters the teenagers and their wild night out though even though there’s more adventure and the film seems to have a little more energy and spirit to match the characters. It also is more told in segments whereas anytime the film comes close to anything happening, especially any kind of action or excitement it seems like it cuts to something else or another character and then we see the aftermath of the action.

As even the biggest names in the cast, who is also a producer, Michael cera barely has any lines and isn’t in much of the movie nor anal part of it, but is appearance does add a certain prestige into the film

this is a film that might be challenging for some and truly you’re either going to get into its wavelength or not.

Though as an audience member one cannot say they were totally down with everything about the film. I applaud it for its artistic choices and the mood and can identify with the material as the film presents highs and Lows joys and defeats, but isn’t meant to leave the audience depressed, but also isn’t the typical holiday movie where it’s all smiles and happiness for the audience, though the film does end with a lot of smiles for the characters.

Grade: B-

OUR LITTLE SECRET (2024)

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Directed By: Stephen Herek

Written By: Hailey DeDominicis

Cinematography: Graham Robbins 

Editor: Heath Ryan 

Cast: Lindsay Lohan, Ian Harding, Joe Rudnitsky, Kristen Chenowith, Tim Meadows, Judy Reyes, Katie Baker, Dan Bucatinsky, Ash Santos, Henry Czerny, Chris Parnell, Kurt Yue 

Avery and Logan haven’t spoken in the 10 years since they broke up. As Christmas approaches, they discover that their new partners are siblings, and both of them have been invited to stay with the family for the holidays. Avery proposes that they keep their past a secret to avoid any awkward confrontations, but hiding the truth turns out to be more difficult than it seems–and spending time together reignites old sparks.

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The film Has the screwball comedy concept down. 

In veteran director Stephen Herek’s hands makes what could have easily been insufferable into something more memorable. Very formulaic 

It get’s a bit racy but never over the edge and stays quite clean. Though goes a few places you wouldn’t expect, but keeps its subjects and targets soft. After all it is a movie aimed at the holidays for families for the most part. 

I will admit I watched this movie mainly to see actress Lindsay Lohan. I was a fan when I was younger and was alway rooting for her through her turmoil with fame, but always thought she was talented and had the skills. Making quite the comeback here. Though not as full fledged as one would hope. Though she is trying and sells the material.

So looked forward to her many comebacks. Luckily they have recently seemed to stick, but mostly here does what is required. She comes across a bit stiff and too poised. Especially when she needs to throw herself into it more. 

The film Is filled  with reliable recognizable and reliable actors who the audience  will instantly recognize. 

It’s a Sweet romantic comedy that is a bornvoer the top yet relatable. As most of the characters throughout are holding secrets. None that small they are all quite devastating in the end. 

Which at least leaves the movie with some gravity. As most of the other gags seem forgettable and never quite Go for  the full damage or gambit of consequences, but still Manages to leave a smile on your face. 

Grade: C+