THE PRINCESS (2022)

Directed By: Le-Van Kiet
Written By: Ben Lustig & Jake Thornton 
Cinematography: Lorenzo Senatore
Editor: Alex Fenn

Cast: Joey King, Dominic Cooper, Olga Kurylenko, Veronica Ngo, Alex Reid, Ed Stoppard, Kristofer Kamiyasu

When a strong-willed princess refuses to wed the cruel sociopath, she is kidnapped and locked in a remote tower of her father’s castle. With her vindictive suitor intent on taking her father’s throne, the princess must save the kingdom.


This film was like a female version of THE MUSKETEER. Only that film felt a little cutting edge. There is plenty of action but after a while, it feels very basic and less noteworthy. As the fights are definitely impressive at first but soon become mundane. Not because of the stunt work but because they start to look similar only with a different finish or challenge. As one might wear armor or might have a helmet. 

This film is also like a female teen version of THE RAID only not as violent and not as impressive. Only here the protagonist is working their way to the tower. The most violent act is saved for the villain in the end. It also doesn’t have as much humor but does try to say something about gender roles, even in medieval times.

There is nothing wrong with using previous elements to make a film that reaches a certain audience and while the film at least has its motivations. It still comes off more as an entertainment commercial rather than something with passion or a stronger heart, but if that is what you seek you shouldn’t be too disappointed.

I have to give it to the actress and star of this movie, Joey King. She certainly works a lot and has paid her dues. So it’s nice for her to get a film that she again gets to shine in as a star. 

The film is pretty cut and dry. You get what you expect and it is certainly entertaining with food fight choreography and a Slight sense of humor 

Grade: C-

HELLBOY (2019)

Directed By: Neil Marshall
Written by: Andrew Cosby 
Based on the dark horse comic book “HELLBOY” created by: Mike Mignola
Cinematography: Lorenzo Senatore
Editor: Martin Bernfield

Cast: David Harbour, Sasha Lane, Milla Jovovich, Daniel Dae Kim, Ian McShane, Sophie Okonedo, Kristina Klebe, Thomas Haden Church

Based on the graphic novels by Mike Mignola, Hellboy, caught between the worlds of the supernatural and human, battles an ancient sorceress bent on revenge.


This feels like a dumbed-down version of the story. Though might be more In tune with the original comics.

I am not a fan of the first original HELLBOY movie but can say it was more artistic and beautiful then this film. Even if at the time it played as typical as far as the story went. HELLBOY 2: THE GOLDEN ARMY was better nearly a masterpiece in my eyes.

I at least respected it as it felt lacking a strong villain and instead offered an introduction of characters. 

One of the nice things I can say about this film Is at least it’s Violent and it feels more epic than the original that might end because it actually has more Locations then the original. It also jams in so many creatures that it feels stuffed and cross-referenced many times. Though at least while the Guillermo Del toro version of the first film was more mystical and beautiful even if it lacked a compelling story. This one is more Action oriented and full of story and mythology.

Like many would have preferred a sequel with the original filmmakers but the studio decided to try to modernize it instead and reboot it. Unfortunately with the departure of Ron Perlman in the title role and the director/writer Guillermo Del Toro this comes Off as a desperate copy that is never sharp.

Ron Perlman’s portrayal of the title character felt more lived-in and impressive. David Harbour’s performance seems more laid back.

The reason I eventually watched this was to see Sasha Lane’s interpretation of Alice. She adds to the culture and atmosphere of the film

The film definitely feels otherworldly and is best to watch on a big screen.

This film makes you appreciate the original and it’s more practical special effects. As this is CGI overload that does feel more like a comic book. Though without the texture and depth. So that this comes off more commercial.

Director Neil Marshall supposedly had a hard time making the film and the producers took it over after his initial cut. You can tell as the story gets short-sighted for more Action and effects. Leading to it at times being hard to follow or distracted itself.

The film has a strong mystical fantasy story with a bunch of exposition. That makes it feel overstuffed and too long with stretches of little to no excitement.

The performances throughout are spotty. Considering all the people involved in this movie expected it to be a bit better.

I enjoy Milla jovovich as an actress but with her casting, this feels more like another disposable special effect fantasy horror film

She usually appears in and frankly not as inventive. Though she gives one of the better performances. 

This film already had an audience against it as the original al is so memorable and iconic and this reboot coming so soon that it feels like a dumbe down version and even when it was released

it wasn’t heavily advertised as much as movies like this usually are more In theater advertisements then public ones. I didn’t even know it’s Release date until the week before it actually came out 

Though based on original material this feels like an amalgam Of many fantasy tales and movies out there though al the action, special effects, and horror. It still manages to be boring.

It feels like an animated film come to life or amusement park inspired meant to impress a younger audience. But too harsh for them. 

Grade: C-