Tag: Dayo Okeniyi

RUN SWEETHEART RUN (2022)

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Directed By: Shana Feste
Written By: Shana Feste, Kellee Terrell and Keith Josef Adkins 
Cinematography: Bartosz Nalazeek
Editor: Dominic Laperriere 

Cast: Ella Balinska, Pilou Asbaek, Clark Gregg, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Dayo Okeniyi, Betsy Brandt, Amar Sotomayor, Amanda Jaros, Amy Doyle, Ava Grey 

After what seems to be an innocent date, Cherie now faces a night of terror when her date hunts her down and tries to kill her. She now must run for her life throughout the city and escape his grasp.

This is another blumhouse thriller production and like most production companies the film can go either way.

I really had some hopes for this film as it stars Ella Balinska who I remember from CHARLIES ANGELS and was impressed with her in that film. So I was looking forward to her playing the lead in this film.

Now coming from Blumhouse, I already expected a thriller or slasher or horror of some kind. This film went way over the top and instead of it being all the more impressive for it. It went the other direction and was more ridiculous.

It has a message and plenty of ideas and tries to show a woman overcoming oppression and the male gaze shown in examples but basically personified in one character. Who instead of being just one man who seems impossible to kill. Is not only the personification of misogyny but also supernatural. 

So In other words it’s impossible to kill no matter how hard she tries and he seems to be aided and abetted by various males around him. As he allows them to always stay ahead and keep their power over females. 

Though truthfully once she meets him And her being on her period she is dripping blood and he bends over to put his fingers in the drops on the floor. That should have been all she needed to know to avoid him.

The film is lower budgeted so there are some effects but a lot of telling and reacting but not exactly showing. Like when he takes on a gang of her friends we hear the fight but are only privy to the aftermath.

The film also has scenes where characters who would seem to be important to her and the story are killed pretty quickly and senselessly for shock value. Which seems to want to give the message that no one is sacred and that this film is willing to break rules and expectations. Unfortunately not in a good way.

The film overall just feels like a waste of time. A nice premise but definitely needed to be filled out a bit more or at least added some subtlety or even humor.

Grade: D

QUEENPINS (2021)

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Written & Directed By: Aron Gaudet & Gita Pullapilly
Cinematography: Andrew Wehde
Editor: Kayla Emter 

Cast: Kristen Bell, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Bebe Rexha, Paul Walter Hauser, Vince Vaughn, Joel McHale, Eduardo Franco, Dayo Okeniyi, Annie Mumolo, Stephen Root, Paul Rust, Timm Sharp, Nick Cassavettes, Jack Mcbrayer, Greta Oglesby

Loosely Based on a true story. A pair of housewives create a $40 million coupon scam.

The two female leads are quite enjoyable and if they had more to play with, the film might be a little stronger and more memorable. Though it works with what it has and manages to always stay somewhat safe and clean. 

This is a quite enjoyable mid-budget comedy that studios seem to barely or rarely make anymore. It ends up being more entertaining than expected. Thanks to the familiar yet likable cast of characters. 

It comes across more as a place keeper movie the type that had an interesting premise and would get some notable cast members. That a studio would out to have a product out there and hopefully win the box office that weekend. Though it offers nothing too rock-solid to remember.

It’s a cute movie that could have easily been a television movie or made for cable comedy. As it is so innocent and inoffensive. That has a wide appeal, particularly to housewives. As it is a film that shows how resourceful and smart they can be and still be badass. 

It also showcases more blue-collar types not necessarily violent gun-toting FBI agents, but postal inspectors who investigate fraud and do mroe detective work than busting heads. 

The film is based on a true story and has its quirks, but doesn’t offer anything too memorable but is pleasant while you watch it.

It certainly is smooth and moves at a quick pace with likable characters and actors. Even pop star Bebe Rexha in a supporting role is vivacious and fun. 

Paul Walter Hauser and Vince Vaughn stand out as characters who are dramatic and have an edge but come off as sweet authoritative types. And pop star Bebe Rexha in her screen debut in a supporting role as their fence/hacker. Who also helps bring some youth to the movie. Which might appeal more to younger viewers.

Grade: C+