Tag: Comedy

THE RUNNING MAN (2025)

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Directed By: Edgar Wright 

Written by: Michael Bacall and Edgar Wright 

Based on the book by: Stephen King 

Cinematography: Chung-Hoon Chung

Editor: Paul Machliss 

Cast: Glen Powell, Josh Brolin, Michael Cera, Colman Domingo, Alyssa Benn, Sean Hayes, Lee Pace, Katy O’Brian, William H. Macy. Emilia Jones  

A man joins a game show in which contestants, allowed to flee anywhere in the world, are pursued by “hunters” hired to kill them.

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Where to begin with this one? First off, let me say that I am a huge fan of director Edgar Wright. Though I have to say this is his most disappointing film from a personal standpoint.

Though it is not his fault, but throughout the film, the only time the film seems to have his madcap energy and directing prose is really in the scenes with Michael Cera. Which is where the film feels fun and unpredictable. Which is what you are kind of expecting the whole film to be.

This version plays supposedly a little bit more to the original book by Stephen King then the previously filmed the version of it starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

I can’t really say because I’ve never read the book .

Though while this story seems like it would do well on the big screen I prefer the previous version of the film maybe because while not sticking exactly to its material it does play well as a satire Moore in the 1980s of what the future might be 

Whereas watching this version of the film, the satire feel somewhat dated and beat you over the head with a message that I think or would hope most viewers already enough and furthermore, this film just feels like it didn’t need to be made. It just feels like such a big budget Entertainment but yet it lacks the death.

Worst of all, even though Edgar Wright, cockroach and directed the film other than the Michael Cera scenes this film felt like it could’ve been made by anybody any director worth their weight as that is how uninspired the story and visuals come across it just all feels colorful yet basic 

Now don’t get me wrong the film is perfectly entertaining for a popcorn movie but again if you’ve already seen the original from the 1980s, this is just a retread that has been updated and seemingly to have more action instead of inside of a studio more in the world and the villain has changed from the game show host to the CEO behind the scenes 

Most of the major actors seem more like they’re doing cameos that were done all for the paycheck and we’re finished in a day or two, though they are stitched into the film and storyline to be major players

The lead played by Glenn Powell does try but this feels like a film that definitely needs a known star who has a history within the action genre so you already know they can pull it off whereas Glenn Powell is a star who is somewhat known but does not have a big screen personality he is more of an actor so this every man surviving comes across more as a concoction, and then letting the audience believe it also, even though his character is supposed to be this angry man full of rage and that’s why he keeps surviving. The problem is that Glenn Powell comes across as such an affable guy you can understand his anger, but you don’t believe that he has that much built up inside of him that is just keeps pushing him ahead. He just seems like your average decent guy now whereas in the past, that would work for an action hero to be identifiable here it makes it seem all the more implausible.

Now while the film is never truly boring, it doesn’t run a bit long and could’ve easily been shortened by 20 minutes as it feels like the film just wanted to give you more action and that’s really the only reason for the length of time whereas the story could’ve been told a little bit shorter.

Especially when they have scenes devoted to a seemingly satire of the Kardashians throughout, which seems there as alternative programming for viewers in the film to watch, as it is at least more innocent and less violent than most of the game shows that are presented as well as to just make fun of reality shows in general in the end feels unnecessary

Throughout this review, trying not to compare the two but also the introduction of a third act character who truly proves integral to the whole film feels random at best  and at worst like lazy storytelling that had to be put there because it was part of the story of the original and in the book. Has even as it seemed to pre-date AMERICAN GLADIATORS at least the villains. The hunters had personality whereas here, though they could be compared to ice they feel a bit more random and mysterious again, typical villain, who each seem to have a look, but only to come across in costume.

This one tries to be different and while it is much different then the original screen version and manages to set itself apart. It’s not necessarily for the better. When it’s difference really doesn’t help it and makes the co promised version we got, just a bit better. Even if it let the book’s fans down and not one of its stars favorite films. As he feels the movie is filmed too flat.

As by now there have been so many copycats, we borrowed from this story in plot and managed to do better and impress, and also do mean and go to the worst offenses of exploitation It’s pretty much hard to impress or top at this point.

It’s quality entertainment as long as you don’t have your hopes up .

Grade: C+

FIGHT OR FLIGHT (2025)

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Directed By: James Madigan 

Written By: Brooks McLaren and D.J. Cotrona 

Cinematography: Matt Flannery 

Editor: Ben Mills 

Cast: Josh Hartnett, Katee Sackoff, Charithra Chandran, Julian Kostov, Marko Zaror, Juju Chan Szeto, Danny Ashok, Hughie O’Donnell 

A mercenary takes on the job of tracking down a target on a plane but must protect that target when they’re surrounded by people trying to kill both of them.

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I’ll be honest about this film. This is kind of a B movie version of the Brad Pitt action comedy thriller bullet train only without the All-Star cast is sort of like when straight to home. Video companies would take a title of an upcoming film. Let’s say snakes on a plane and then start making a similar titled film like snakes on a train that was really just a B movie version of that film plot.

Though I have to say even for a movie version of that Brad Pitt film, it sounds very entertaining and quite fun as long as you never quite take it serious. It has the required action that is done well and feels a little bit more realistic by putting the hero in peril a lot more and showing that they are not invincible And can be vulnerable

The assassins here are interesting and quirky, but we don’t spend as much time with them as this is not quite an ensemble film. The first third of the film plays a little mysterious before laying all of it cards on the table. 

This film is filled with double crosses, triple crosses, and goes places where you might not necessarily expected to go, though it does leave itself open to be a franchise 

This is obviously the year for Josh Hartnett between this and the M. Night Shamalayan movie TRAP is here. He is an action hero, but he gets to play into comedy a lot more also and he does it quite well. He is making a comeback and getting to show his range and play to his strengths.

There aren’t really as many or any other big names in this film, except Katee Sackoff as his former partner and superior. 

This is just a fun over the top action film that has the right measure of comedy, action thriller and maybe even a little camp though one can say it’s never boring and you get your moneys worth. It gives you just enough. As it never wears out, it’s welcome. Though it is darker then expected at times.

Like a true b-movie, it always feels not quite as sharp as it should be, and a little off-center, but here it works in its favor, though kind of reminds you of its origins and where in the past, it would have probably ended up now it’s straight to streaming

If looking for something a little more serious that makes sense. This is not your type of film. The film is pretty cut and dry. You’ll quickly be able to tell if this is your type of film or not. 

Grade: C+

FREELANCE (2023)

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Directed By: Pierre Morel

Written By: Jabob Lentz

Cinematograohy: Thierry Arbogast

Editor: Chris Tonick

Cast: John Cena, Alison Brie, Juan Pablo Raba, Christian Slater, Marton Csokas, Alice Eve, Sebastian Eslava 

An ex-special forces operative takes a job to provide security for a journalist as she interviews a dictator, but when a military coup breaks out in the middle of the interview, they are forced to escape into the jungle.

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A one and done entertaining enough to keep your interest, but never a desire to return or see it again 

All the ingredients are there for a typical run of the meal action comedy starring John Cena and the lovely Alison Brie who still looks ravishing with each role. 

One of the many problems here is, though they don’t have any real chemistry with one another, which helps power these films as the mismatched bodyguard and subject who don’t necessarily end up, romantically with one another, but have such polar opposite personalities that they are usually arguing with one another, but have great banter 

The action scenes try to be exciting, but they come across very basic but entertaining the most surprising thing about the film was that Cristian Slater has a supporting role that is smaller than it should be. Coming from action movie director veteran Pierre Morel (TAKEN, PEPPERMINT) One would expect something a bit better. Even if just visually. 

I wish I could say that there’s something that sets up this movie to be something different than your basic action film that has a male and female that don’t get along, but learn to respect each other and work together.

The only difference might be that their relationship doesn’t go where you expected to. Other than that, this is pretty much a paint by numbers, action comedy that is possibly enough to be entertaining, but doesn’t offer too much originality, especially with John Cena and the lead who does what the script calls for and while he does have the comedic chops and the action sensibility And the charisma the film, just please you don’t really feel anything.

It’s entertaining enough to pass away the 90 minutes in. Again Alison Brie as always is quite sexy in this movie though doesn’t really get to do much of the action .

In the film is more noteworthy for its comedic scenes rather than its action scenes. As that might be the film, saving Grace as other than that it’s brutally violent with a not necessarily memorable villain, 

I want fries, but can’t tell if it’s the visuals or the budget the direction but things just seem to be a bit off. I won’t let it overcome. It’s weaknesses

it plays simple enough for its audience. As a good time waster. 

Grade: C 

BORDERLINE (2025)

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Written & Directed By: Jimmy Warden 

Cinematography: Michael Alden Lloyd 

Editor: Joe Galdo 

Cast: Samara Weaving, Ray Nicholson, Eric Dane, Alba Baptista, Jimmie Fails, Patrick Cox, Yasmeen Kelders, Catherne Lough Hoggquist, April Cameron 

A world-famous pop star is taken hostage in her Los Angeles home by an obsessed fan who believes they are destined to marry. As he transforms her house into a twisted wedding venue, she must rely on her bodyguard to escape before it’s too late.

This film is frustrating for everything that makes it interesting and entertaining 

This film has it’s moments and you need the connective tissue between them that helps them stand out all the 

More, but getting there is can be a chore at times

As the film does have  the goods but for every strength there is an equal weakness that disturbs the vibe and flow of the film. it seems like it needed to be worked on a bit more.

So that it becomes a film Of scenes that stand out, but you however suffer to get there through the Mundane. Though written and directed by Samara weaving’s husband, Jimmy Warden. It seems like the film is meant to showcase her and his filmmaking skills the only people who this film truly showcases is Alba Baptista and Ray Nicholson as the villains perse.

They unfortunately are the only interesting characters who make the material and characters come alive. As weaving’s character becomes more a background character that this is all Done for and then we find it not necessarily as she becomes a symbol. As she might not exactly be his obsession or focus.

Even throughout the film She Has only been presented as basic and real not so glamourous. You can tell that this is loosely based on Madonna as even having an athlete boyfriend who seems to cross dress and wear makeup is obviously based on Dennis Rodman. So it offers little clues as to the real life story that it’s based on while making the characters their own but familiar.

Though in truth this kind of role seems to be Ray Nicholson’s Bread and butter these days crazy ex’s and boyfriends 

The film has all the right music ques and the soundtrack is very good. Which helps create the vibe for the film and especially certain scenes and performances. 

As it constantly Tries to save itself but it comes across as confused chaos. 

There is So much potential for a dark comedy  that feels familiar and doesn’t  Cover any new bases but offers a different view and outlook. That comes across with a few scenes meant to

Shock. Though tries to be quirky throughout it’ cynical attitude. 

it’s Disjointed when it wants timckem across as

Planned, with style over substance in its own ways of short hand, making something easily to describe in a single sentence or statement, you could easily go into what we mean by that as we sometimes have to explain ourselves, but sometimes the product in which you’re watching isn’t worthy necessarily of explanation or it’s not that it’s not worthy you just don’t wanna go put that much energy into why you say it, though most will understand sometimes that extra energy is put in there to help explain as you want to go into detail of its virtues as they are worth it but also wanna warn about its weaknesses

in the end, the film seems undercooked in certain places, but then in other places, it’s overcooked so that it never matches itself when it comes to coming all together or completion. so that it could never truly be all that satisfying for the audience. As the overcooked parts seem to be trying to make up for the undercooked parts or both need to be brought together in a middle ground that keeps them on each other‘s wavelength at least. It’s a nice attempt.

This is a film only  can see be discussed at length. Especially as it finds more of an audience. Some will love it, some will hate it. It reminds one of a kind of passion project that could have been made in the 80’s or 90’s more then modern times. Where it feels already a little outdated. 

At least it’ not a film trying to say something about fame. 

Grade: C

TIMESTALKER (2024)

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Written & Directed By: Alice Lowe

Cinematography: Ryan Eddleston

Editor: Chris Dickens and Matyas Fekete

Cast: Alice Lowe, Jacob Anderson, Nick Frost, Tanya Reynolds, Anuerin Barnard, Eleanor Barrett, Boyd Clark, Katie Dickie 

Agnes, a hapless heroine, falls for a mysterious man, promptly meets her bloody demise, and then is reincarnated a century later. When she meets her love again, the cycle begins anew. As Agnes traverses through time, she repeats all the messy thrills and spills that come with daring to follow one’s heart. How can she ever hope to break the cycle when she’s destined to be a fool for love?

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this film feels like a bunch of sketches that are all connected through different time periods and the same cast playing different roles in them. So that it feels almost like a sketch group throughout, but with one obvious star. Who also wrote and directed the film. 

The film does offer a sharp satire of what it might have been like for women in the past 1800s and beyond. Only instead of being eye candy or supporting characters you glimpse. You get more of an accou t if their day to day existence. Activities and dilemmas.

This films Is definitely not for everyone. So can see some really enjoying it, some not getting it and some hating it. Either way an intriguing idea.

The film is dedicated to itself and its ideas and presentation of comedy, but not quite as funny as it should be. It’s outrageous but also seems to hold itself back to a certain degree. To seem a bit more refined. For every joke you don’t laugh at, but can see how clever it might be. 

This is the type of comedy where what is funny has to be explained a bit. As at times it feels like something might be lost in translation. That is just not connecting. Which then allows the absurd to come in. Which gives the film a feel of a 1980’s British type sitcom comedy. With plenty of costumes at their disposal. Though sometimes it feels like an over-the-top melodramatic soap opera spoof. Filled with the most ridiculous plot twists. 

The film is strange enough and true to itself. No matter how odd the results. Though it works leaving it to be funny in an off center way and determined.

Jacob Anderson walks away with every scene he is in. 

It feels less risky then Alice Lowe’s previous film PREVENGE which was a horror comedy. Though this film feels less commercial.  

Grade: C

I LOVE YOU, FOREVER (2024)

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Written & Directed By: Cazzie David and Elisa Kalani

Cinematography: Christine Ng

Editor: Autumn Dea, Colin Fair and Natalie Toppino

Cast: Sofia Black D’Elia, Ray Nicholson, Cazzie David, Jon Rudnitsky, Olvier Cooper, Raymond Cham Jr., Michael Manasseri, Owen Thiele 

A subversive romantic comedy gone wrong that follows a young woman into and out of an emotionally abusive relationship.

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This film tries to say something with a more sarcastic voice in this film, though not quite loud enough it’s more like an affection.

Which is a shame, consider considering the films potential but it’s definitely a film worth checking out.

The film horrifies you and opens your eyes to a certain type of behavior and the hearts that lie within. Which can be worse as it is more intimate than spontaneous.

Though the film goes for overkill at times, and clearly shows his ridiculous scarring mental state and no one seems to note or notice it even him, and he never sees his own problems. Though we continuously see the damage it causes to our lead who is young and impressionable, even though she has had dating in relationship experience.

You wonder in the audience if the film would’ve hit harder if maybe she had a bit more experience or was a bit older and didn’t come off as desperate at times to a degree. So eager to PLEASE, but that might be the weakness of that the character played by Ray Nicholson is looking for.

The lead played by Sophia Black D’Elia is supposed to be kind of an every woman showing how anyone can fall into a trap or be prayed upon by such a person. though you can see why she would fall for this guy when her one other romantic partner is such a jerk and we never see anyone else show any interest in her

which makes sense for us in the audience to see that her choices in the dating pool are limited and messed up in someway, or are not surely looking for anything more than sex.  

Ray Nicholson seems to be the actor these days to play romantic psychopath as he appears to be quite gifted at it would be nice to see if he is truly a character actor by playing something a little different maybe a little more normal

The ending packs of punch, but also kind of treats it like a dark joke. It needed to show a bit more as you want more answers, but it leaves the audience like the main character wondering what

As the abuse scene hit hard and will have you screaming at the screen, causing an emotional reaction. Is though the film is supposed to be a comedy at times and her friends seem stuck in comedic roles, yet most of the film feels more like a drama for the most part.

So at times the film has two different styles working against each other, though for quite a few scenes they seem to work hand-in-hand.

it does make you wonder if when it comes to his friends who are very minor in this film if he pays for them to be so willing to feed into his paranoia or they doing it out of loyalty.

All the film is a subversive, romantic comedy one wishes it was a bit more subtle and stronger with its punch and it’s punchlines.

There are things to admire, but it feels a bit after school special-ish only without a typical ending.

For a debut feature The film is a great showcase for all involved, especially Cassie David, who costars who wrote and directed the film. It’s quite assured and defitnely  has something to say. Can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.

Grade: B-

HELL OF A SUMMER (2025)

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Written & Directed By: Finn Wolfhard and Billy Bryk

Cinematography: Kristoffer Bonnell

Editor: Christine Armstrong 

Cast: Fred Hechinger, Finn Wolfhard, Billy Bryk, Abby Quinn, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Krista Nazaire, Pardis Saremi, Matthew Finlan, Adam Pally, Rosebud Baker

The counselors of a summer camp are terrorized by a masked killer.

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While the film is certainly funny. As a horror film it should work, but doesn’t. As it is a horror comedy, but at times it feels like it is trying to be a parody or spoof with a little more sketch comedy thrown in. As the film Wants to be sensical somewhat. as commonly the film feels like the work of a sketch, comedy troop that just decided to pay homage to horror films of their youth, and trying to modernize them.

As the film comes off pessimistic to a degree adding character based humor to familiar situations. Making to feel like a post modern slasher film. Which is unfortunate as most of the characters are there a memorable. You only wish it was In a stronger script and story. 

The film has various strange tones and moods that come at random times. 

there are very few on screen kills which lowers the film’s value. As it’s not even made for creativity. It only hurts the film, especially when most of the cast is killed. The only time there is violence is more in the death scenes they choose to show which is more the villains. 

At a certain point there seems to be just a massacre of various characters getting killed one by one to make up for the lack of kills in the first half. 

Despite the many jokes about him, that land. The lead character could have been fleshed out a bit more. To help the audience understand him or at least understand what drives him. Rather then cia tangly have him just be enthusiastic. Where It’ understandable the filmmakers want to add him as a suspect though we know it’s not him. Leaving us hung up and dry in his character feels unnecessary rather than silly. For instance is he on the spectrum or suffering from arrested development 

The film seems to want to also parody or bring back memories of the disappearing camp films. 

Made for a more modern generation. though without the obvious exploitative cliché is that usually these films have as it tries to be more politically correct.

In the end the film is fun in a silly way, that feels more like a fun look rather than an actual full feature. It feels more like an interesting student film or a film that was made more for a sketch comedy group to stretch their wings. Rather than the two filmmakers behind the film. Who are also co-starring in the film. One Finn Wolfhard the biggest name in the film. Along with Billy Bryk they play the two characters who if not for the lead seem like they would be. As they seem to get the most attention 

Grade: C

F@$k, MARRY, KILL (2025)

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Directed By: Laura Murphy

Written By: Ivan Diaz, Dan Scheinkman and Meghan Brown

Cinematography: Jonathan Hall

Editor: John Carson 

Cast: Lucy Hale, Virginia Gardner, Brooke Nevin, Samer Salem, Bethany Brown, Jedidiah Goodacre, Brendan Morgan, Jayr Tinaco 

As a serial killer targets women on dating apps, a true-crime junkie must figure out which of her three dates is a f-boy, marriage material, or is trying to kill her.

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This is one of the most annoying films. I have seen in quite some time where this might’ve made a good WB show and could’ve been stretched out into a full season instead of a 90 minute movie that is baffling at how vapid, shallow and annoying, not only the main character is but that the material and film is maybe it’s meant to be camping. Maybe it’s meant to be cute, but it just comes off so condescending And glib that it’s annoying one is amazed that they made it to the end ending.

The lead played by Lucy Hale seems to have the looks and is meant to be a rational person, but nothing is quite believable about her when you see who her ex is you would never believe that this person would date that person and she seems to have a job that she never has to be at which is very convenient and though she and the film wants to show the troubles of dating apps and dating as one gets older, she doesn’t seem to really have a problem attracting any males.

It’s a shame as Lucy Hale you can tell is really trying to make this material work, but it doesn’t seem to want to rise the occasion with her and seems to keep holding her back

You wonder who the exact audience this film is for as even her friend group is diverse including a trans character that the film thankfully doesn’t truly shine a light on or really do that much into an African-American female and two other Caucasian women ones blonde ones brunette for a variety though one is married and one is engaged and all are taken. 

Wow, one can enjoy the fact that there seems to be colorblind, casting when it comes to her dates, lovers and leading men in which their ethnicity is never discussed or talked about there seems to be a kind of fetishization of them as only one is seen as truly, a partner or lifemate And the other who happens to be African-American only seems to be used for sex and then she doesn’t find him as attractive when she realizes that he can be vulnerable and not just cool. Don’t know if it’s intentional, but it does come off leaving a bad taste in the mouth of the audience.

I’m not trying to downplay this film or slut shame the film I’m all for a female main character, enjoying sex being open not letting it define her relationship and it adds to the sex comedy elements, but it does feel somewhat unnecessary, especially when this film decides to switched to more of a comedic mystery tale.

What is not surprised that of the three Screenwriter two or male as the film I won’t say, comes off as sexist, but it does come across a little bro bro type of humor to a certain extent or more male oriented in certain scenes.

Which even though it goes that route, of course it’s not that hard to figure out the culprit though the reasoning seems rather far-fetched, but if unfortunately, you’ve seen the poster, it feels like it’s given away. Though I don’t think it really matters as this was never meant to be a brain buster.

It’s easy to call this in a humor, more sitcom like than anything close reality you can’t even label it spoof as it somehow takes itself a little more seriously than that and doesn’t lift From better films so that it never quite takes off the way that it should

It’s a strange film as it wants to be silly, but comes across as stupid and seems like it’s meant to appeal more to teenagers rather than an older adult audience that could really watch it because for all the sex involved in the film it’s never exploited if there’s no nudity no sex scenes if anything just maybe a little bit of Frank talk.

The problem with this film is that it could’ve had promised an opportunity with its promise, but it seems to go the easy route where even the direction seems so scattered as much as the script that it just seems to go so many ways, but never quite can focus or stay centered don’t know if that was the design to match the lead character but it doesn’t make the film a bit more agonizing when he thinks it’s being fun.

The nicest thing I can say is that it has a good looking cast it’s colorful and the filmmaking isn’t totally abysmal

Grade: F

MEGAN 2.0 (2025)

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Written & Directed By: Gerard Johnstone 

Story By: Gerard Johnstone And Akela Cooper

Based in characters created by: Akela Copper and James Wan

Cinematography: Toby Oliver 

Editor: Jeff McEvoy 

Cast: Alison Williams, Violet McGraw, Brian Jordan Alvarez, Jen Van Epps, Ivana Sakhno, Aristotle Athari, Jemaine Clement, Timm Sharp 

Two years after M3GAN’s rampage, her creator, Gemma, resorts to resurrecting her infamous creation in order to take down Amelia, the military-grade weapon who was built by a defense contractor who stole M3GAN’s underlying tech.

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The first film was more of a campy guilty pleasure so I have no idea why they decided to make this film more of a sci-fi action movie. The least they could’ve done was if it was going to be action make the death or kill scenes maybe be a bit more horrific and violent. 

Watching this film, it’s a pale comparison as they do hear what most equals do it’s bigger. You can definitely tell that there was more money spent that has more of an epic vision but even the camping seems preplanned rather than just coming out of nowhere even worse they don’t even have Megan do her dance. It plays during the credits, but you can tell it’s not like she develops a new dance or even come up with a reason for it.

One of the first things you notice watching the film is Is there enough foreshadowing here? (said ironically) then One can’t decide if this movie is too long as it feels like an epic or if it’s Long enough, you just feel the length. Because it doesn’t fill it effecintely enough.

The film plays the middle field where it feels like an R Rated film but seems to stay in the vicinity of PG-13.

The film stays very convaluted where you wonder sometimes where is this going and does it have to be this complicated, but then again when the threat goes from more personal and domestic to almost worldwide. It can’t be too simple. While the film’s tries to offer the audience more comedy and thrills mixed together then the original. That is what the film’s weakness seems to be. In that it tries fan service and abandons its roots. Rather then staying true to itself and building to bigger badder type of thriller with a higher body count of characters you care about.

Just as it seems the returning supporting characters one gets more sceeen time while the other gets around the same as the first one and whose fate ends up questionable by the end of the movie. As it never makes clear or brings back the character. Making them ultimately disposable. It feels like the film isnsay oman you should be thankful to be here. 

One of the reasons why it might not be as strong. Is that the original screenwriter didn’t write this film. Akela cooper helped with the story but left the major scripting to the franchise’s director. Who didn’t write the first film? 

I was going to do a video about why Megan 2.0 bombed but producer Jason, Bloom of Bloom house pretty much hit the nail right on the head when he said no this isn’t a quote but pretty much the information was they put too much faith into the character and the characters following so that they thought they could do anything they wanted to do with the character and the audience would follow up And it ended up being a case of putting too much on the shoulders of the this little film

Which was originally just a surprise and understandable why they would wanna make a sequel but one of the points I was going to make you wanna put it in the summer when it was a hit in January which usually means there was nothing better out and this was the best that was around And did was hit a power hit like it did, but I think that was because it came out of nowhere and it surprisingly campy and fun for what was supposed to be a horror film

Even though it was more lightweight but requirements of fitting even when I watched it and I liked it, I thought it was lightweight. It could’ve been. I don’t know if it took off, particularly with younger audiences to for that PG-13 rating to really make a difference, but the unrated version which is basically added blood in a little bit more violence Seem to be release the audience

Now the film was successful and had a following yet it seems like they made it into more of an action comedy. The film is a little bit more in the still keeping that camp looking like a blatant copy of terminator too and it way. 

The magic of the original was that this campiness came out of nowhere and what was supposed to be atmosphere at that and for people who didn’t regularly go see her it was perfect because it was her almost like a Mocktail has no liquor, but the delicious taste of cocktail. They’re having fun with necessarily being on all the time, especially if it didn’t start so that was another factor of why the film bombed. 

Also it proves that MEGAN, the movie was more of like a phenomenon. It wasn’t necessarily a cult and it wasn’t popular enough or that the following people were demanding I’m wondering how this does for the Megan spin off they had planned or if that’s been canceled. 

Also didn’t know that This movie was coming out in the summer. where it’s going up against heavy hitters and the trailer didn’t make anybody wanna run to the theater so this is where the day and date or a movie and it being available pretty much like 4 to 6 weeks later actually hurts films like these because even if you are a fan of the first film and maybe had interest in seeing the sequel just wait and watch it on demand streaming as that is the quality and that this film looks like it’s not something you wanna rush out to go see it for movies and theaters like a movie you could wait for. I’m happy I saw on the big screen if I had a theater I definitely could’ve waited for just entertained 

The first one was a fluke that it was a hit in the first place and I can understand it got a small crowd behind it a fascination, so that you knew the sequel would eventually come out, but the man came out and then switching genres even Jason Blum agreed now was a bad idea.

If they were going to do that make sure you had a strong audience that would follow the franchise and characters wherever it went. As obviously the following wasn’t that strong and it even came out at the right time as far as how many years had passed but the wrong season. 

Which pretty much explains it all. 

Grade: C- 

OPUS (2025)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Mark Anthony Green

Cinematography: Tommy Maddox-Upshaw

Editor: Ernie Gilbert

Cast: Ayo Edibiri, John Malkovich, Juliette Lewis, Murray Bartlett, Tony Hale, Stephanie Suganami, Melissa Chambers, Amber Midthunder, Tatanka Means

A writer travels to the compound of a pop icon who disappeared years ago. Surrounded by his cult of sycophants, as well as a group of fellow journalists, she soon discovers his twisted plans for the gathering.

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this is a strange film that seems to fit into the darkly Comedic cult figure film, think a film such as THE MENU. It seems to be a commentary on the cult of celebrity taken to a new level.

Where something mysterious is going along and it’s usually at an exclusive location cut off from the world or a kind of celebrity is at the center and all of his disciples where it’s kind of an eat the rich revenge tale. 

Now this film lives up to its story, even though it’s very predictable, and there are some points of originality when it comes to the story and the filmmaking. 

As the film goes from a dark comedy to a thriller very quickly, the one based on believing John Malkovich playing one of the best selling in popular rock stars of the 1990s it starts off already with this ridiculous notion not that he can’t play the role, but you just have trouble seeing him as that character with that history but once you get past that you should be fine but for a film, that’s already going to give you that kind of ridiculous notion

It becomes shocking that the film doesn’t follow suit in that manner when it comes to tone as everything else has played a little more seriously even the so-called twist at the end isn’t that surprising 

Though I can’t admit there is something captivating about the film. Maybe it just seems like a lost opportunity that it seems to go more for surface level when it could’ve been so much deeper and explored maybe the love and seduction of musicians or rock, stars pop stars and their audience and how just like a song or an instrument they can play their audience, especially when they’re willing and the things that they can make them do we’ve all her tails in gossip columns, or even in some biographies of what Rockstars can make seemingly ordinary people do or what people can do when supposedly influenced by music.

It shows how easily we can be led to believe the beliefs or philosophy of a celebrity with very little evidence or basis more than we will listen to an expert as we are trying to figure out the experts agenda, but we believe the celebrity is speaking from the heart and we trust them more as we’ve spent more time getting to know them

Luckily, the music in the film isn’t that bad that comes from John Malkovich‘s character.  (Having Nile Rogers do the soundtrack is a plus) Believing that getting him in the cast was such an achievement that nobody questioned the validity of him playing the role and he does his best with the role that he can, and he is believable That the film doesn’t quite pack the punch that it seems like it desperately wants to

Not to mention that half the comedy doesn’t quite land the way it expects itself too. It’s sort of like someone who thinks they’re funnier than they are as the film seems to think that it’s smarter than it is and while at times it makes good points and also grossly is overconfident 

Once the film gets to the third act and all his revealed, it also seems to want to go for a grossness factor to a certain extent. As it seems expected and also to show true pain in torture for the victims. 

Ayo Edibiri is very well cast in the lead and while she is compelling, I wish that the film could follow suit with her and for her and give her the necessary material to truly ground her in a film that is more worthy of her character and her natural talents 

Grade: C