Tag: John Schwartzman

ANOTHER SIMPLE FAVOR (2025)

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Directed By: Paul Feig

Written By: Jessica Sharzer and Laeta Kalogridis 

Based upon the characters created by: Darcey Bell 

Cinematography: John Schwartzman 

Editor: Brent White 

Cast: Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding, Allison Janney, Elizabeth Perkins, Michele Morrone, Elena Sofia Ricci, Alex Newell, Bashir Salahuddin, Taylor Ortega Aparna Nancharla, Andrew Rannells, 

Stephanie Smothers and Emily Nelson reunite on the island of Capri, Italy for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman, which is interrupted by murder and betrayal.

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This phone is OK considering it didn’t feel like the first film really needed a sequel as this truly could’ve gone either way it stays in the spirit of the first film, though this feels more like a buddy mystery comedy.

Whereas the first film felt generally like a suburban mystery with twists and turns. this film has decided to take the characters and go international. Sonthat it feels like it’s following the trend of the KNIVES OUT murder mystery franchise, finding corpses of the past no matter where these characters go. We get a whole new set of supporting characters played by recognizable faces.

Even though in the first film, they were friends and rivals,  in this film where are forced to believe that they have buried the hatchet so to speak and become friends,  uneasy ones, but eventually, ones who seem to have made peace with one another.

Anna Kendrick’s character seems to only go along with her to help her book sales which are lagging. Henry Golding is in the film and for all the sex appeal he had in this film. He seems like an insufferable jerk and clown.

I won’t say that this film is predictable, but the twist and turns seem more melodramatic or almost out of a TeleNovella rather than a solid story. 

Not to mention for a film that is supposed to take place more internationally. One would think that the location and lush is this film would look more lavish. it has its moments, but from the looks of things of could’ve been everywhere and just added some color.

Whereas the first film felt like it had deeper stakes and was set in a reality you recognize. This film just feels like it’s a slapstick comedy and the deaths aren’t really that deeply felt or even respected. they’re just like part of the plot. It’s a shame as some characters we know some characters are new to us, but they are treated more Flagrantly than deeply

Which only helps make our leads look all the more guilty. Even though we in the audience know they’re not and give them a reason to be on the run.- while sidelining any supporting characters from the first film other than the stars to cameos 

The film is fun and a guilty pleasure way whereas it’s not rushed, it also didn’t need to be made, it still wants to keep its acid tongue, humor, and cynical, as well as try to be a bit campy 

All the actors do what is required of them and they are really what makes this film work and makes it at times fun though corny bits that kind of overcrowd the film too or also cliché moments and characters that don’t need to be there, but are it doesn’t hurt.

Luckily Paul Feig returns as the director as without him this would most certainly fail, but he brings his skills and panache with the actors to craft quite a meal from scraps

If you are a big fan of the first film, you will probably enjoy this one but know that it’s not as sharp as the first film it’s not dull, but it just doesn’t quite as deep as well as the first film and leaves itself open for another sequel for this to be a franchise 

Grade: C+

JACKPOT! (2024)

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Directed By: Paul Feig 

Written By: Rob Yescombe 

Cinematography: John Schwartzman 

Editor: Brent White

Cast: Awkwafina, John Cena, Simu Liu, Sam Asghari, Ayden Mayeri, Becky Ann Baker, Michael Hitchcock, Leslie David Baker, Colson Baker (Machine Gun Kelly), Seann William Scott, Dolly De Leon

In the near future, a ‘Grand Lottery’ has been newly established in California – the catch: kill the winner before sundown to legally claim their multi-billion dollar jackpot.

This film feels like a live-action version of Michael Jackson’s SPEED DEMON, a music video only here with more details. Which should tell you how random and cartoonish this movie is throughout.

If you can get past the ridiculous setup, you find yourself in a film that is never boring and has entertaining popcorn fare. 

That seems to throw some action and comedy into each new scene that comes along.

Truthfully, you will probably forget most of this film after you finish watching it.

a film directed by noted director Paul Feig who keeps things moving, but offers many scenes that would be memorable if they were just a bit stronger at heart.

The cast is strong as both Awkwafina and John Cena seem to be Hulu channel original stars as each seems to have a movie or two come out on the channel each year and are usually a buddy comedy. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Chris Evans, and Ryan Reynolds seem to be Netflix original stars to mix and match throughout their productions. It seems the scripts and stories come later than the big names they can get to be attached.

This is the same kind of high-concept 1980s script that comes across as basic and could have made it to theaters but might leave many disappointed if they had to pay to see it. Even though what you see is what you get from the trailers alone.

Aquafina while funny gives a good performance. It feels like the role could’ve been played in any way it doesn’t give her room to do anything special or new.

John Cena always seems enthusiastic in his performances and his hair usually tells you all you need to know about the characters he plays and where it might be going.

Ayden Mayri is a stand-out amongst the supporting cast. As she is hilarious, deadly, and believable.

The comedic cameos throughout don’t hurt the film, but they don’t help much except for the audience to take them in and be done with them, just as fast as they appear. 

What helps the film coast along is in a pleasurable way is that the action sequences are so good while also managing to be organically funny.

Grade: C+

AIRHEADS (1996)

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Directed By: Michael Lehman 
Written By: Rich Wilkes 
Cinematography: John Schwartzman 
Editor: Stephen Semel 

Cast: Brendan Fraser, Adam Sandler, Steve Buscemi, Joe Mantegna, Ernie Hudson, Chris Farley, Amy Locane, Michael McKean, Michael Richards, David Arquette, Judd Nelson, Nina Siemaszko, Marshall Bell, Reginald E. Cathey, China Kantner, Michelle Hurst, Allen Covert, Harold Ramis, Lemmy Von Motörhead, John Melendez 

Three band members, hoping for a big break head to a radio station to play their demo tape and wind up holding everyone hostage with plastic guns when the head D.J. refuses to play them.

This movie came out at a critical time for me. When I was 15 and for some odd reason I remember every ad about it, the music video for the single BORN TO RAISE HELL by Motörhead with ugly kid Joe and Ice-T and even the premiere on MTV where it was obvious Chris Farley was drunk/high and the first time I realized he might have a problem.

I was the demographic for this movie that was for some odd reason Pg-13 I mean it was presented in the same way, but most of the material and spirit of the movie felt like this should have been an R-Rated movie. As it testily lacks the spirit and vision of over-the-top exuberance that rock was supposed to be but by the 1990s had mellowed to be more emo. Though these Characters obviously are more 1980’s types when it was hard rock, glam rock, and heavy metal. 

The film is the right film but at the wrong time. As it feels like a holdover trying to fit into the wrong time period. What I can appreciate about the film is that it works as nostalgia when radio stations still had power and were seen as important ambassadors between the bands and fans.

This film also unfortunately feels miscast. As much as I enjoy Brendan Fraser as an actor and he has proven to be versatile. He is just hard to believe as the lead singer of the band. Adam Sandler plays the drummer and is more the simple-minded of the group. He wanted to play the lead but the studio didn’t think he had any pulling power of an audience at the time.

Steve Buscemi is perfectly cast in the film, one of his first major studio films and one in which he is looked upon more as comic relief. 

The film is silly all around as you can’t take anything seriously. So that it comes off more juvenile than anything else

 The film has quite a respectable cast. Quite a few unfortunately in more small or bit roles. Even though Joe Mantegna is good, his look is less Rick and more disco holdover. 

The female roles don’t offer much other than angry girlfriend and object of lust. Which fits into the milieu and mindset of the time. As well as being treated more as eye candy. 

This film has surprisingly found an audience over the years, After the bombing in Its initial release. Due to not only bad marketing but it feels like it was over-marketed and misrepresented. Don’t get me wrong I don’t think It’s a good movie but I think everyone did try to make a decent film that came up short but deserves its Fans and its audience. 

It just wasn’t the great rock film people were expecting or at least hoping for. Somewhere there is a hybrid of this movie and PICK OF DESTINY where they swipe out each other’s weaknesses and build on each other’s strengths then maybe you would have the movie that the audience was looking for or expecting. If that film can still be made now.

As this film does have its moments, but ultimately fails to live up to the hype or potential. 

Grade: C 

CONSPIRACY THEORY (1997)

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Directed By: Richard Donner 
Written By: Brian Helgeland 
Cinematography By: John Schwartzman 
Editor: Kevin Stitt & Frank J. Urioste 

Cast: Mel Gibson, Julia Roberts, Patrick Stewart, Cylk Cozart, Troy Garity, Sean Patrick Thomas, Peter Jacobson, Thomas McCarthy, Rick Hoffman 

Jerry Fletcher is a man in love with a woman he observes from afar. She works for the government. Fletcher is an outspoken critic of that government. He has conspiracy theories for everything, from aliens to political assassinations. But soon, one of his theories finds itself to be accurate. But which one? Some dangerous people want him dead and the only person he trusts is that woman he loves but does not know.

The film has a notable cast which is how the film will peak your interest and hook you. It also has a kind of underdog story at heart. Of course as expected by the title the film makes various references to popular conspiracies Such as assassinations, Lee Harvey Oswald

It has Mel Gibson Playing against type. He is more invested and Actually seems a bit more challenging for him. Though he still keeps his jokey tough demeanor.

It’s billed as an action thriller but ends up More like a comedy. As even the action sequences seem to end with some kind of joke or more humor than thrills necessarily.

The film’s Seems to fit into the Richard Donner funhouse. Where the film is entertaining above all else and beautiful to look at, Even though the film Tries to be gritty but always seems more like a typical Hollywood production. As Director Donner is one of the last of the studio directors who had to work his way up to directing by first working his way around every other department before getting the lucrative directing jobs. So he knows his way around way department having been vetted.

He is a director who constantly makes likeable movies that do ok but few would probably register as favorites of all time. But is a Consulate Hollywood director who deserves respect for making quite a few memorable films such as THE OMEN, The LETHAL WEAPON series of movies, 16 BLOCKS, MAVERICK.

The film is written by Brain Helgeland who also wrote and directed the Mel Gibson PAYBACK. Where you wonder if their working relationship was formed on this film.

One scene just seems so big even if it is minor. It’s a masterpiece of it’s own even if overblown. It’s After he buys the book. The scenes grand production that seems to set off just to try and capture him. Especially with a familiar sight involved. Just at the time seemed so amazing and was the epitome of Hollywood magic.

Even the thriller elements are entertaining. As they are just creepy enough to add some suspense and tries to throw you off. Even though you know how it will probably turn out.

It’s a film where every one seems to have secrets even the good guys. So that at every turn you don’t know who to really trust or believe.

Patrick Stewart is here truly chewing the scenery in his delicious turn as the main villain.

It’s a movie that keeps building so that even if it were done on a modest budget by the end it has grown so big it would have to need major stars for the size of production and for the audience to keep believing. Don’t know if this film would be made today As it is more driven by star power especially two very big names attached and mid budgeted so unless really a gamble or as someone’s passion project which this wouldn’t Really be or somehow it would have to be Sci-fi or superhero related or be an independent financed film.

The film is Disarming how enjoyable it is though somewhat predictable.

Though she is a major star of the movie they don’t leave Julia Roberts with much to do other then Be the brainy damsel in distress. She is only really here for star power. Which truly seem the only reason this film was made. As they try to market it as more a modern team-up of stars. Even though the characters are close there is no real romance beckoning though the film keeps trying to build up one.

This is pretty much a movie star movie. The story might actually be something ambitious for more than a mid-size budget, but in the end, it’s a movie for the audience to stare and gawk as two superstar movie stars share the screen. It’s actually not a stunt here as the stars do share a number of scenes and the movie doesn’t make you wait around for half the movie for it to happen. Though the film ends up being best for a Saturday afternoon a breezy affair with no real stakes. That you will mostly watch to see who is In it rather than what it is about. Sort of like those black and white movies starring a star of yesteryear that you watch only because you like the star. Not necessarily the story.

The film Won’t stick with you too long after but a crowd pleaser

You feel by the end like you got your money’s worth though keep in mind I saw this at the $2 theater. Back when there was one. This is where movies played second string after their major release, right before reaching hoe. Video at the time. Today think of that more as a digital release before the DVD/Blu-ray

Grade: C+

THE LITTLE THINGS (2021)

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Written & Directed By: John Lee Hancock Cinematography: John Schwartzman  Editor: Robert Frazen 

Cast: Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, Jared Leto, Terry Kinney, Chris Bauer, Natalie Morales, Judith Scott, Michael Hyatt, Isabel Arraiza, Jason James Richter, Frederick Koehler, Maya Kazan

Kern County Deputy Sheriff Joe “Deke” Deacon is sent to Los Angeles for what should have been a quick evidence-gathering assignment. Instead, he becomes embroiled in the search for a killer who is terrorizing the city. Leading the hunt, L.A. Sheriff Department Sergeant Jim Baxter, impressed with Deke’s cop instincts, unofficially engages his help. But as they track the killer, Baxter is unaware that the investigation is dredging up echoes of Deke’s past, uncovering disturbing secrets that could threaten more than his case.

The film’s main selling point seems to be its bleakness throughout. It stays dark NOT visually exciting SEVEN dark but it makes you think and pay attention. Almost like you are a detective with these characters. As the film ends up being more a character study dressed up In neo-noir

The film is set in 1990, that is also when the screenplay was written and it feels like an old screenplay dusted off and by luck given major talent. It also gives an excuse for a film and story devoid of losers technology that would have cut short the film and it’s lingering questions or would have had to be updated and rewritten.

The film has a padded cast for what ends up being dull, subpar material. So that it comes almost like a marvel movie where you feel the cast is better than the material. At least in name.

Denzel Washington is the major attraction for the movie and at times he seems bored but his stardom and personality fill out the role and film.

Jared Leto is actually the most entertaining piece of the whole movie. As he is the only one who brings some joy and playfulness to his role. Even if again in the process of method action or the characterization he is made to look guilty and like one would imagine a serial killer to look like. 

Rami Malek comes off as heroic but ultimately comes across as weak in his performance. As he seems off as the film goes along. Especially when his character shouldn’t be at that point.

As the film seems to be all about the looks also. As the film continues we are made to question things we have seen. Details form scenes that have been played before. 

The only real action or excitement comes In The opening scene where a young girl is attacked by an unseen assailant. Other than that there is a scene late where Denzel must escape from an apartment he’s not to be at. 

Throughout we get to know the past of Denzel’s character little by little until it all makes sense as to why he is the way he is. He also sees a kinship with the other detective played by Rami Malek and sees why a lot of his old colleagues are shocked to see him again and mostly don’t want to see him. 

It takes its time while it fills in the past of characters. Taking it’s time to get to even know the protagonist.

Makes the film feel more old school and dramatic. As again it feels like a Film from the time it takes place In and was written for at the time. 

The film is different whereas it doesn’t try to play like a typical thriller. It tries to focus more on the detectives not the kills and less on the criminals or the actual crimes in action.

It still feels a bit routine and tries to build interest in the tiniest details and ideas. 

The film goes about keeping you guessing. Especially with Its ambiguous ending leaving the audience to come away with their own judgments and interpretations.

Even though a smaller story this feels like a movie that needs a director who will pay particular attention to it and try to decipher and communicate the films vision and themes. That are dark but also make you think. This film need an auteur who can leave a somewhat Personal style on the film. As much as the killer in this film dies with his victims

In the end, while the film seems to want to play games with the audience and relies heavily on Christian themes and symbolism throughout. This almost feels like a waste. As it feels like much ado about nothing. 

Grade: C-

THE AMAZING SPIDER-MAN (2012)

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amazingspiderman

Directed By: Marc Webb
Written By: James Vanderbilt & Alvin Sargent & Steve Kloves
Story By: James Vanderbilt
Based on Characters Created By: Stan Lee & Steve Ditko
Cinematography: John Schwartzman
Editor: Alan Edward Bell, Michael McCusker & Pietro Scalia 


Cast: Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Rhys Ifans, Denis Leary, Martin Sheen, Sally Field, Irrfan Khan, C. Thomas Howell, Campbell Scott, Embeth Daviditz, Chris Zylka, Amber Stevens, Tia Texada, Hannah Marks, Vincent Laresca 


After Peter Parker is bitten by a genetically altered spider, he gains newfound, spider-like powers and ventures out to save the city from the machinations of a mysterious reptilian foe.

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