Tag: Science Fiction

28 YEARS LATER (2025)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Danny Boyle

Written By: Alex Garland 

Cinematography: Anthony Dod Mantle 

Editor: Jon Harris 

Cast: Aaron Taylor Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, Alfie Williams, Edvin Ryding, Jack O’Connell, Chi Lewis Parry, Amy Cameron, Christopher Fulford

It’s been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, and now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected. One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When one of the group leaves the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well.

This is a  Long waited, sequel from the filmmakers who made the first and original 28 days later. Come back to offer another original slice for the franchise even after sitting out the previous sequel 28 WEEKS LATER.

Well, with this film, they up the ante, actually filming it with an iPhone, but not in the way you think not an actual cell phone but the same technology and rigged up. 

while it does tell its own tale that is connected to the franchise, that might be part of the problem with the film as the film works like a Marvel movie where it should be a standalone that offers the promise of sequels or expanding the world of the 28 later franchise by the end of the film after it tells its tail it just feels like a part one of a way bigger saga so that it comes across is more episodic than a standalone which can work, but it drags the quality of the film down as everything that you’ve seen before you know is going to lead to something else but it’s not quite its own tale or its own film.

It also doesn’t help that the film isn’t really a horror film in the traditional sense. It’s more a post apocalyptic tale and family drama more than anything else. 

As it seems like the two sequels after this will be handled by different directors so it’s almost like a tag team effort like this is director Danny Boyle coming back to start it off, and then he passes the baton to the next person who then continues the story from what we’ve previously seen and tells it in their own way, and then finally the next film is held by somebody different. Who then will tell the 28 later tales in their own way, but give it an ending for now as far as we know

Though let’s focus on what this film does again it sets up the rules of this world and it’s been 28 years since it has been out there. How people have survived what the culture has been and certain territories and what it seems like the rest of the world is doing or handling the situation.

From the opening scene, this film shows that it has no sacred cows and it’s slaughter and violence so that not even children or holy people are safe. Everyone is treated the same.

The film focuses on a young boy and his family him, and his father are hunters who go to the mainland to hunt and look for any kind of supplies to hopefully bring back . Though when the young boy whose mother is suffering from a disease as there are no doctors here that there might be a doctor out there in the wild is willing to take the risk to escape with his mother to the infected lands to try and find this doctor, so hopefully diagnose and care of her so that the rest of the film is pretty much an Odyssey.

It’s also a family tale so that at times it’s its own demented fairytale that has a very demented backstory, but could be folklore also

You’re enjoyment of this film will really retested by how much you can stand this child whether you think he is making the worse and stupidest decisions or you will be able to have empathy and understand why he would risk all of this for his mother 

The film is not going, please everyone and seems to have divided audiences who either seem to have wanted more of the same of the previous films or wanted something a little better structured story wise as the visuals and direction are definitely tight but the story for some might be a little too light or feels like it’s filling the blanks

though in these days and times it’s harder and harder to make an original zombie tale when there’s already so many zombie films out there plus you have The Walking Dead television show telling tales of zombies, even if this is the franchise that helped start the trend of fast or normal speed, running zombies.

The film also has things or seems that you never would have expected on screen such as a pregnant zombie giving birth, which one hadn’t really seen since the remake of day of the dead. The film does depict the zombies with full frontal, nudity, male and female.

The actors are all good in their roles, even if not given too much to do or more playing a bit more cliche roles. As Jody Comer is the costar of the film, and even though she’s in more than half of the movie, I still wish they had given her more to do or she had more to play refines as always steals his scene in his supporting role, as well as Aaron Taylor, Johnson showing his compassion as a father, but also showing that he can do action fiercely.

The film works, as it is a tail that is set in a larger universe that has been built slowly, but surely the story might not be as strong as some people would’ve liked nor as action oriented or violent as maybe some had hoped, but I will give the film credit for trying something unexpected whether it succeeded or not is up to the individual audience member, but I enjoyed myself watching the film

The soundtrack is very good by the group young fathers who I am also a fan of him was surprised to find out they did the soundtrack for which is excellent.

it’s an adequate attempt and a good return to the franchise for Danny Boyle and Ryder Alex Garland one just wishes the film felt a little bit stronger and into more of the hints that it feels like will be revealed in further films but are introduced here that keep your imagination open but doesn’t do this to any favors of adding anything to itself.

This is like seeing the sketch before you see the finish painting that is how I would compare this film.

Grade: B 

Y2K (2024)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Kyle Mooney 

Written By: Kyle Mooney and Kevin Minter

Cinematography: Bill Pope

Editor: David Marks 

Cast: Jaeden Martell, Rachel Zegler, Julian Dennison, Daniel Zolghardi, Lachlan Watson, Eduardo Franco, Kyle Mooney, Mason Gooding, The Kid Leroi, Alicia Silverstone, Tim Heidecker, Miles Robbins 

Two high school nobodies make the decision to crash the last major celebration before the new millennium on New Year’s Eve 1999. The night becomes even crazier than they could have ever dreamed when the clock strikes midnight.

 this film feels like Something that was written by a teenager in the 1990’s as their opus and then 20 years later dusted off discovered and written through a modern lens to be both nostalgic and have a kind of recent commentary

As it feels poem a guilty pelasure of that decade and can see this film being a guilty pleasure for certain aidnece members. As it seems to be for writer-director and performer Kyle Mooney making his second film here after BRIGSBY BEAR from 2017

The film Plays like a worst case scenario nightmare of the y2k bug from 1999 where it was feared that once it turned to the year 2000 most electronics would either fail or malfunction

At first, the film tries to smother us in the pop culture of 1999 and drown those of us who remember it with the nostalgia and laughs of how ridiculous it was. as well as touching that universal truth of you of high school crushes parties, bands, being the outsiders having an identity that is defined by what your into not really knowing necessarily who you are or only coming into your own, and beginning to form will be of age such as that

No, as it tries to get into that territory, more concerns itself with its plot of a group of teenagers trying to survive as technology rebuild itself to take over the human race and become simulators and the antics that happened while trying to survive

The film has an eclectic cast which it seems meant to as the characters they play are those who have known each other for years, but never really bonded or gotten to know one another and seem to be separated by social class. 

Julian Dennison being the brave comedic relief in the film is truly the heart and fun of this film and when he leaves the film. It truly makes its complete change to another genre. Though it tries to keep the laughs coming. 

I will offer this one spoiler if you are not a fan of the rapper musician known as the kid Laroi you might enjoy his fate in this film.

The film Also features a comeback of a certain entertainer from that period whose 2024 was greet with a role here and in a cricucally

Acclaimed cult film that premiered in 2024 

The film might have a built-in audience, though for some of its originality it does feel like a letdown of sorts as it’s not really too deep and it’s fine for what it is, but there’s nothing that impressive about it again it stays entertaining though you wish either did more or had more to it. As the film falls short from what it seems it has the possibility of doing or where it seems headed. As even with a 15million dollar budget it look so much lower budgeted. So it seems most of the money went on thebsoecialmeffects which are mostly practical butbfirnall the innovations made also loom like 1990’s visual effects one is sure it was planned that way, but still could have been a bit more smooth

Approach this film with caution. As it’

Cute but feels more made for teens though seems marketed to the now middle-aged teen crowd of the 1990’s.

Though it also plays like some long lost unseen self declared classic movie that the stoner video store clerk played by Kyle Mooney would recommend. Like a mash up no one Requested and feels forced.  

Grade: C

CUCKOO (2024)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Tilman Singer 

Cinematography: Paul Feltz 

Editor: Terel Gibson and Philipp Thomas 

Cast: Hunter Schafer, Dan Stevens, Marton Csokas, Jessica Henwick, Greta Fernadez, Jan Bluthardt, Proschart Madani, Astrid Berges-Frisby

Reluctantly, 17-year-old Gretchen leaves her American home to live with her father, who has just moved into a resort in the German Alps with his new family. Arriving at their future residence, they are greeted by Mr. König, her father’s boss, who takes an inexplicable interest in Gretchen’s mute half-sister Alma. Something doesn’t seem right in this tranquil vacation paradise. Gretchen is plagued by strange noises and bloody visions until she discovers a shocking secret that also concerns her own family.

This film matches its title. As even once you price everything together it still comes off as bizarre, Yet idiosyncratic.

This is a film that you should go into knowing as little as you can. Though even if you know some of it. It will still be bizarre and mysterious. 

All of the actors are on top of their games and give memorable performances. One only wishes there was more to remember story wise. That at times feels confusing for its own sake and to keep us as off center as the lead character played by Hunter Schafer.

The film is very stylish and keeps you on your toes trying to guess what is coming next. 

The film puts you Ina strange environment and commit ity and leaves you there. For you

To figure it out as much as the characters. Though they take to it a little more

Quickly and routinely than the audience most Likely will. 

This movie is a drug, Purely. It’s up to you wether the trip it leaves you with is good or bad. It’s definitely cinematic, experimental and theatrical. 

Honestly… This $h*t is bananas in a good way. Far from predictable, but hard to explain A wild stylish ride. Hunter Schafer is quite good, and a Fox but Dan Steven’s once again runs away with the film. It has a strange taste to it, foreign and not Terrible quite tasty but not exactly a favorite 

Grade: B- 

SUBSERVIENCE (2024)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: S.K. Dale

Written By: Will Honley and April Maguire 

Cinematography: Daniel Lindholm 

Editor: Sean Lahiff 

Cast: Megan Fox, Michele Morrone, Madeline Zima, Matilda Firth, Andrew Whipp, Atlas Srebrev, Manal El-Feitury, Antoni Davidov 

Follows a struggling father who purchases a domestic SIM to help care for his house and family, unaware she will gain awareness and turn deadly.

The film seems like it should be a bit more exploitive and dirty, but the right mix of being trashy and a B-Movie that is pure entertainment and thrills. 

One would have enjoyed this film more if one didn’t dislike the lead actor  Michele Morrone playing the husband, performance. The roles he has been seen in before are in Netflix‘s erotic Fifty Shades of Grey Italian knock-off 365. So while he is definitely Candy for the ladies, his performance is quite unbelievable only because looking at him he never is convincing as the faithful husband mentally Latroy though just as Megan Fox is eye Candy for the audience so is he?.

It’s an interesting sci-fi thriller with an eroticism laced through it. The film stays entertaining throughout. Though you know what will happen most of the film a satisfying time waster 

The best film Megan Fox has been in, in a while. Used her perfectly as her looks seem her to seem unreal or crafted and she is believable throughout. A bit of a comeback for her. 

Will admit watched this film because Madeline Zima was part of the cast and she has more of a supporting role. 

The film does well in building its futuristic science fiction world to be believable and create a tight if comfortably familiar story.  

Grace: C

IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE (2024)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written, Directed & Edited By: Gregory Jardin 

Cinematography: Kevin Fletcher 

Cast: Brittany O’Grady, James Morosini, Gavin Leatherwood, Nina Bloomgarden, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Reina Hardesty, Devon Terrell, David Thompson, Madison Davenport 

A group of friends gather for a pre-wedding party that descends into an existential nightmare when an estranged friend arrives with a mysterious game that awakens long-hidden secrets, desires and grudges.

It feels like the film is too in love with its cleverness just like the characters are. Though most are unlikable and insufferable.

It earns its stripes as it is definitely a dark comedy. That is too cruel at times. That tries to justify itself. Though it truly lives up to its title. 

At times the film feels like the recent release Bodies Bodies Bodies only here you at least get characters rather than types.

The film is inventive and stylistic, but you can’t admire it because it’s too busy moving on to the next dazzling piece. 

In this film so much happens too fast that the film seems afraid to rest as everything must be done and can never be allowed to sit stop and think especially the audience throwing you off balance so that you truly never know what will happen next 

It also doesn’t help that the film and the script seem to want most of the characters to shine. There isn’t truly that much room in there. 

You get the feeling that maybe the filmmakers or film doesn’t trust itself by standing still that there must be a bunch of distractions so the few questions. Which makes the film come across like a game trying to play with the audience.

Essentially, it feels like a group of actors getting together and scratching the material into a comedy group exercise or comedy group trying to make a film to serve all their sensibilities. 

Luckily, the film does get better as it goes along as you gain some knowledge about the situation, the characters, and some of its rules and plays the questioning of identity that doesn’t get that deep but tries to have fun test itself into deeper waters once we get to know them and their true colors start to show 

It’s a film to enjoy as long as you don’t think too deeply about it.

Grade: B- 

MORGAN (2016)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Luke Scott

Written By: Seth Owen 

Cinematography: Mark Patten 

Editor: Laura Jennings 

Cast: Kate Mara, Anya Taylor-Joy, Rose Leslie, Toby Jones, Michelle Yeoh, Garret Hudlund, Paul Giamatti, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Brian Cox 

A corporate risk-management consultant must decide whether or not to terminate an artificially created humanoid being.

In this grand cinema study, there are some Films you know a bit about. Yet manage to avoid or skip for some reason or another.  then when looking For Something new, you finally decide to give the film a chance. Sometimes it truly does work For the better, but other times you remember why you Wanted To skip it in the first place.

It isn’t necessarily bad, but it just feels like a waste of time or a wasted opportunity, especially considering what it had. This is one of those films unfortunately it’s more of the latter.

One of the more shocking appeals of the movie is in looking back at this film. It has such a stacked cast for a film That doesn’t

Offer much in the form Of material for them to work with. It comes off as a workman and everyone seems more here for a paycheck.

Those looking for a horror film might be disappointed as though its Advertisements make it look That way and there is violence the film is more like a strictly science fiction tale.

Which is what is at least admirable about the film.

This feels like one of the first of more recent trends of films about androids and AI and how much humanity exists in them. Surrounded by humans who go about being absent, if any humanity at all or trying to show none for the supposed greater good.

It doesn’t offer enough material to be truly thought-provoking and lacks action throughout  to truly be a genre picture 

In the final act, the film Finally Releases the violence and gives the audience what it has been waiting for most of the characters you have come to know will most likely become

Victims. They pay the price, In different ideologies, and pick the wrong side which proves fatal because of choosing to show their humanity.

It feels especially cruel to one character who truly fights back and gets the most violent death in a scene that feels cut down because of how gory it could get. While any action resorts to a BOURNE IDENTITY intensity with bad club music to accompany the action for those brief Moments only that feel like it’s coming from another film

Jennifer Jason Leigh is only in a few scenes and seems here to be punished more than anything else. which seems to be a trend in her more recent roles. As of 2025 most of the cast signed up for the same feet, but they have a few more scenes and more to do.

The film offers a perfect example of corporate culture versus a family and a more nurturing culture.

It does offer a sensational ending that wasn’t expected though hinted at throughout 

Grade: D+

THE ELECTRIC STATE (2025)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Directed By: Joe Russo & Anthony Russo

Written by: Christopher Markus And Stephen McFeely

Based on the Graphic Novel By: Simon Stalenhag

Cinematography: Stephen F. Windon 

Editor: Jeffrey Ford 

Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Stanley Tucci, Giancarlo Esposito, Colman Domingo, Jason Alexander, Ke Huy Quan, Holly Hunter, Woody Harrelson, Billy Gardell

the story takes place in a reimagined version of 1997. With humans isolated in their VR helmets and a continuing battle against a strange breed of monstruous drones in the wake of a technological meltdown, a teenage girl named Michelle and a robot travel the West Coast of the U.S in search of the girl’s missing brother.

Why does a film about freedom and living life to the fullest and the power of human connection. Feel so stale, lifeless abd boring. Though has very impressive special effects. We can see where the money went into this $320 million Prodcution, but was it worth it? 

Do the Russo brothers just look at budgets rather then scripts. Then look for the gimmick. As they seek like filmmakers from the 90’s given chances for modern times. Pure Hollywood  filmmakers even with their independent films. 

They seem to be Artists for the businessmen running studios. Only their interests are different than what audiences want except for THE AVENGERS movies. 

The electric state feels like their attempt at a big budget amblin film that even spielberg would say is too artificial and JJ Abrams would reject. As there is not enough mysterious elements 

Chris Pratt is pretty much lead by the paychecks he gives his performances but in films, No one really wants to see or more of the same. The spark is there but the material isn’t and he’s not convincing enough for people to watch just for him

Just as Chris Evans seems to be a prostitute for Netflix ok an escort. As he seems to Find his fit in the film world . Though seems to be a down to earth human being.

Millie Bobby Brown seems desperate to find a better role and Wanda will not have her type cast and allow her to break out of her biggest role so far which is playing 11 on Stranger Things. Unfortunately this was not the right one. As it gives her little to truly sink her teeth into even as the lead 

This film tries to come up with emotions with a tale that feels familiar and tired. Though it comes across hollow. Only here to sbowniff the effects. As this film seems to beleivenrhe old mantra “IF YOU BUILD IT THEY WILL COME” unfortunately not enough came.

This is perfectly set I a lenas a family film, but for something that is such a big production. It shouldn’t feel this disposable and shallow. Nor as always does it really need to be as long as it is. 

One can be all for exploring a world but it diesn’t have to go this deep where we are jistbtrying to show off instead of moving the story forward. 

The film has no sense of pacing and in general just feels bloated and lazy as it doesn’t really make itself quite clear and wants to be 1 million different things but never decides on any as well as there being no dramatic pacing 

it seems to just copy the graphic novel, and whatever it lacks, the filmmakers can blame it on the source material.

The Film seems to only offer an alternative history because in that way he can bring back 90s nostalgia for a certain audience that seems to be in currently

In other words this feels like the typical Netflix original movie with star power and figuring that will be enough and come  together with a simple high concept idea. It’s like the blockbuster filmmaking of the 1990’s. Taking a big and expensive gamble. Right out of the gate rather then building up to it or up on it.

Grade: D

MICKEY 17 (2025)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment


Written & Directed By: Bong Joon Ho

Based on the novel “MICKEY 7” By: Edward Ashton

Cinematography: Darius Khondji

Editor: Jimmo Yang 

Cast: Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Mark Ruffalo, Toni Collette, Steven Yeun, Anamaria Vartolomei, Holliday Grainger, Patsy Ferran, Thomas Turgoose, Steve Park 

Adapted from the novel Mickey7 by Edward Ashton, this stars Robert Pattinson as an “expendable” – a disposable crew member on a space mission, selected for dangerous tasks because his body can be reprinted if he dies, with his memories largely intact. With one regeneration, though, things go very wrong.

At heart I try to be a film enthusiast but sometimes I have to not only say but share what’s On my mind. So if you choose to go on that path with me this time. I will share my feelings and observations when it comes to this cinematic release. 

What gave me serenity watching the film might’ve been went with friends, who enjoyed it first time at a new theater that is more for film fans and also one of the few films unfortunately that I have seen in theaters in the last few months.

I want to, of course promote and encourage many to seek out auteurs. As many times as they can and any chance they get to make new works it feels like a Time to rejoice.  Though some time to time get so full Of themselves or come across pretentious it’s hard for them to stick to the landing. Other times they crash or it makes it safe which is good but seems to lack a memorable experience we are used to from them. Which seems to be the case when it comes to this latest film. 

The problem Is not with the film it’s with me I seem to ah e this old man disease of feeling like most movies are too long or bloated these days where it’s over two Hours at times feels too much to time. 

Though With the current price of movies for your money you should get a show. Which even the younger me wanted. As I used to refuse to watch movies under 90 minutes in theaters feeling i wasn’t getting my money’s worth, with movie theater attendance down now. It’s like when you find a bar you like. Not too popular you can be there and not get bothered but what good is that if it doesn’t do business and has to close. Which is the current state of movie theaters and films.

As I prefer my entertainment on the movie screen. Especially if done by a skilled and talented artist. For the more popcorn entitled blockbuster even if it has the right amount of ridiculous to stay entertaining, but lazy brain dead movies. I can wait for on streaming but then you are not seeing the picture for how it was made. On smaller and smaller screens of course ItMs going to be mroe disappointing but then again indinMt think there is a right screen for a film such as RED ONE. At least for me present company excluded 

This film gets that, a science fiction epic that has a wild imagination and visuals that for some reason. Feel mroe cinematic the. Epic but still feel ls Independent even with a billion in price tag of $118 million it still manages to feel a bit small Scale.

Now with that price tag it feels impossible

For it to turn a major profit especially as ItMs not a franchise film. Nor an awards bait film. So that it is going to have to survive on reputation and conversations. As it will always be seen financially as a failure maybe not a big one, but not something that inspired It’s Studio to trust another mroe auteur lead dream project 

As nothing seems to work. At the box office currently continuations of ip are failing and originals are making some Profit but not enough that was initially spent on the project in the first place.

Which is why I am hoping this brings back the days of the mid-budget project. Rather then studios keep having big dick contests and wanting to be seen as dependable high rollers.

Sometimes it’s Just nice to gamble but not go crazy with the money. It’s ok to be a somewhat responsible gambler. 

The film even has all the ingredients of a blockbuster film. You could easily make a toy tie in of all the different Mickey’s and try to encourage owning the whole set of them. Each different in whichever way they died. You could easily make a plush toy out of the alien creatures. Who are both scary and cute. Maybe a limited edition toy versions. Which could also help make some money back.

While one doesn’t mind the satire and the depictions against capitalism even if mroe broad here’s where as if they weren’t they would be too on the nose and made to be taken out. As that is not what the film is supposed to be about 

Though For a simple story it feels very bloated 

As usual Robert Pattinson does an excellent job in the roles. Not to mention his acting choices re inspired. I really wish more audience members would give him a chance to live past his TWILIGHT films and only see him as that restricted an actor. Though that might be the inspiration of why he tries so hard with each new role. You truly believe him in playing two separate characters for the most part throughout the second half of the film. Making them each distinct. 

This seems more obvious a comedy with science fiction elements. So not as hard hitting as Director Bong Joon Ho’s previous films PARASITE or even SNOWPIERCER It’s as dark as those films can be but luckily not as bad or disappointing as OKJA but just as silly and cute at times.  

What some might find as a problem with the film is that It’s just ok. Not great, not bad but jsit fine. Which should be good but now we treat good films as a high water mark as that has been the somewhat increasingly Disappointing quality in some films. Though when a master filmmaker or auteur comes out with something just ok. while It’s Average and better than most. It still feels like a disappointment as you expect mroe from them. It’s like a gifted student not doing their best but good enough to get by. Which hurts especially when noted director of photography Darius Khondji is on the job.

So while some might truly think this is exceptional. it might be more in name only. For director Bong Joon Ho, Rather then earned totally and feel like his is the best we have currently. Rather than holding them to a higher standard or a usual standard for them. 

The Studio cut, tested higher, it was shorter and got ten points higher in test screenings. Though this is the directors cut as he had that in his contract. So the studio had no choice. This version is indulgent and seems wanting to stay and live in this world little longer.

Though released by a big studio this feels like the artistic version of a time Waster perfectly fine to watch and be entertained by. Though not much sticks with you after. Though at least it has imagination and ideas. That might not add up to to too much but at least you see them

Being creatively being used 

A long winded way of saying the film is very wish washy. As it never seems to have . Any edges everything feels More Well Rounded and like it bumps along. So nothing takes a stand or really hits you. 

As even the so called dangerous villains a played by mark Ruffalo and toni Colette in this film come Off more as Cartoons who seem descended from the evil characters in HUDSON HAWK or BRAZIL

Worst of all while every director has their common themes. Here doesn’t really try challenging himself. As he is staying in His comfort zone only truly noticed by those who have followed his work over the years. This is jsit his latest update 

Where as one wants to be like everyone else at the magic show and watch in wonder and amazement, but I have to be one of the people saying I have seen you do these tricks before. You are jsit using a different presentation which is nice but at this point I am starting to see the strings a bit too much. 

Grade: B- 

THE ANGRY BLACK GIRL AND HER MONSTER (2023)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Bomani J. Story 

Cinematography: Daphne Qin Wu

Editor: Annie DeBrock

Cast: Laya Deleon Hayes, Denzel Whitaker, Chad L. Coleman, Reilly Brooke Stith, Keith Holliday, Amani Summer, Eden Atsu-Swanzy, Ellis Hobbs IV

Vicaria’s a brilliant teenager. After the brutal murder of her brother, she embarks on a dangerous journey to resurrect him.

This is a film I have mixed feelings about. Though I always do when it comes to African Americans in horror. As I love the representation bit it also feels like reinforcing stories and stereotypes of the type of characters and media. They are always caught up in and now add supernatural elements and undead slashers  

This is a film that fights against itself in certain ways. It feels like more trauma-inducing horror for characters and a community that has seen enough horrors in life and on-screen in media. This only adds to it 

The redeeming qualities it does have a kind of happy Ending and showcasing microaggressions and intelligence as well as a bit of black history is commendable but it does run into certain stereotypes. 

By the end what should be a cautionary tale feels like a twisted one where the main character is justified in her actions. 

As we watch, we pretty much know what’s going to happen as it goes along as we’ve seen this tale before it just offers different elements and motivations throughout. 

It softens the blow, making the main character, a genius teenager, seem not to know any better. so that we can’t get totally mad at her or want her to get somewhat of a come-up as her intentions were pure and not as dastardly. Though for all of her intelligence how she didn’t see this coming, also exposes her naivety.

It offers a story that is definitely coming of age as it shows and revolves around, mostly kids to a certain degree or forced to grow up way too fast as they have to become aware of the danger that is constantly around them and how to maneuver and deal with it in their own ways. 

The film offers to have to go through such hardships and pain to finally find a certain piece or get their own happy ending. A more McCobb ambling tale that takes place in a tougher neighborhood with harder upbringings, but does offer an adventure.

Luckily, the film does not get bogged down, and being some kind of revenge thriller it offers up some ideas but still unfortunately comes across as pretty basic at times.

Grade: C

THE WATCHERS (2024)

~ jbg ~ Leave a comment

Written & Directed By: Ishana Shyamalan 

Based On the Novel By: A.M. Shine 

Cinematography: Eli Arenson 

Editor: Job Ter Burg 

Cast: Dakota Fanning, Georgina Campbell, Olsen Fouere, Oliver Finnegan, Alister Brammer, John Lynch, Siobhan Hewlett 

A young artist gets stranded in an extensive, immaculate forest in western Ireland, where, after finding shelter, she becomes trapped alongside three strangers, stalked by mysterious creatures each night.

This film is disappointing now much will be sad because this film is from the daughter of M. Night Shyamalan, Ishana Shyamalan. There have already been calls of nepotism or Nepo baby feeling that she only got a big studio release because of who her father is and the fact that he also produced the film. 

Now the film is in a similar style of being something supernatural and mysterious, and having a twist. Unfortunately, it doesn’t make good on its prints as the trailer for this film intrigued me as you didn’t exactly know what was happening. She also follows him and his more recent footsteps of adapting, a little-known or well-hidden novel for the big screen that if not for some research you would think would be an original script. That would work for her father, as his name comes with a certain pedigree and is bigger than any source material.

Once you watch the film and the story is fully explained there would be less mystery, but the problem isn’t that there is less mystery. It’s that it just doesn’t seem the greatest thought out as the script is barely subtle, and along the way becomes a bit predictable or if not predictable it’s nothing you haven’t seen before and other films so that here it just feels like a hodgepodge of ideas combine together to try and make the story work.

It feels more like a first draft than a fully thought-through and finished story. There seems so much potential in the setup, never quite comes together in a meaningful or sensible way, Which is especially shocking considering it’s based on a novel.

The direction is quite inspired and the cinematography is tight, but the rest of the film feels so empty. It’s one of these films that by the end. You don’t really care. You’re just happy that it’s coming to an end. 

Rarely offers surprises or suspense you watch as it goes along and hope it will get better along the way with its twist and it rarely does.

There is a glimmer of hope and promise here, though tighter scripting and a better follow-through will be needed. Especially to follow either in her father’s footsteps or even the car out an original artistic voice of her own.

Grade: D