Tag: Kayla Emter

AM I OK (2022)

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Directed By: Tig Notaro and Stephanie Allynne 

Written By: Lauren Pomerantz 

Cinematography: Cristina Dunlap

Editor: Kayla Emter and Glen Scantlebury 

Cast: Dakota Johnson, Sonoya Mizuno, Kiersey Clemons, Jermaine Fowler, Molly Gordon, Sean Hayes, Whitmer Thomas, Tig Notaro, Odessa A’Zion 

Lucy and Jane have been best friends their entire lives. Only when Lucy embarks on a personal journey, will she face a test of her friendship, and her sense of self, on a path she may not be entirely ready to take.

Strangely, this film was delayed as it was finished in 2022 and Dakota Johnson filmed this movie back to back with THE LOST DAUGHTER & CHA-CHA REAL SMOOTH in which she gave acclaimed performances in the two other films here maybe this is where she started to feel fatigued as her performance here seems to falter in comparison to the other two. as this film only became available in 2024 HBO Max, bought it right out of Sundance and then waited two years to finally release it.

This film is pretty simple as you pretty much know what’s going to happen along the way you’re just wondering what kind of presentation you’re going to get.

One can appreciate that it deals with the situation more realistically, Where it takes big decisions, and instead of presenting them as that. It more tackles them a little more subtle and a little more minute detail.

That is the thing the film has going for it. The two protagonists, unfortunately, are a bit annoying as the one character by Dakota Johnson can’t seem to make any decisions in her life, and once she makes a big dramatic one she is still so wishy-washy her best friend winningly played by Sonoya Mizuno is the hipster who has a successful career who pretty much has taken care of her most of her life and now that a big changes land to separate the other is jealous. It seems that the other one is leaving and the more successful one finally realizes they don’t necessarily need the other person as they have all these other things going for them the date for the move comes more challenges come her way once she realizes who truly has always been there for her who truly is her friend.

Another aspect, I can appreciate about the film is that while it does deal with a character discovering their homosexuality, the film doesn’t become only about that or you know, finding love and romance, it shows the In and out of dating as a queer person. Also, what looks to be a love match could just be a hookup and Sometimes might just be looking for a good time or experimental.

Along the way, the film throws in quirky characters not so much situations, but weird reactions to situations. That makes it more like a movie or even just a story where little light touches are made to enhance the more dramatic or even comedic storylines.

The characters are supposed to be likable, but at least for this critic, I found them more annoying than anything, by the end. It only enhances that there for one another or one seems more like a mother and the other child, and even when one character comes to realize her sexuality, even then she goes into it so wishy-washy that at first, you believe the film is going to be her realizing she’s in love with her best friend and how her best friend deals with it but instead it’s just they are having midlife crisis, reaching different milestones. Though out of the two I could stand Mizuno’s character the most. When her character experiences a downfall, it is more truly felt and surprising.

the successful one feels more like he could’ve been a gay best friend type character as he seems to be there to drop in and tell a few jokes disappear and only adds drama for one scene when he decides conveniently to tell his girlfriend that he’s probably not going to move with her.

this phone just wasn’t for me. You have to be in the right mood and have the right amount of patience to watch this film, but it’s not horrible. It just wasn’t that great. 

The film does offer some prime California background and locations that all look modern and meditatively beautiful.

Grade: C 

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+