Tag: Scott Eastwood

I WANT YOU BACK (2022)

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Directed By: Jason Orley
Written By: Issac Aptaker & Elizabeth Berger
Cinematography: Brian Burgoyne
Editor: Jonathan Schwartz 

Cast: Charlie Day, Jenny Slate, Scott Eastwood, Gina Rodriguez, Manny Jacinto, Pete Davidson, Jami Gertz, Clare Backo, Luke David Blum, Giselle Torres, Isabel May, Jordan Carlos 

Noah breaks up with Emma after 18 months together and Anne breaks up with Peter after 6 years. Both Noah and Anne have found new SOs. Emma, a receptionist on 14th floor, and Peter, a VP on 11th floor, find each other sobbing in the stairwell. They support each other and end forming an alliance to destroy each other’s exes’ new relationships. They cyber stalk the exes and Peter gets close to Noah while Emma gets close to Anne’s new boyfriend.

The movie is very likable as you feel sorry for the main characters even in the dastardly things they are doing. Like a romantic comedy version of strangers on a train.

It is actually a lot more enjoyable than expected. It’s not raunchy nor does it cover any new ground but it feels like a breath of fresh air and fun. 

I might be biased but how no one is falling for Jenny Slate in this movie from the beginning and she doesn’t get hit on or any offers is amazing to me.

Watching Charlie day using his manic nervous energy is always a joy.

Most of the characters have their time to shine even if Scott Eastwood’s new girlfriend played by Clark Backo is given nothing to do but be the epitome of his dream girl. While at least others in the cast come across with personalities.

Gina Rodriguez’s character isn’t horrible but has her problems yet luckily she isn’t made out to be a villain. Truly no one is though some might show a lack of character. Though she looks gorgeous throughout.

Her character even shows her territorial nature and jealousy issues. Though reveals quite a surprising physique. 

By the end, the characters are likable enough and the only real loss in the film is that when a general friendship between Charlie Day’s character and Scott Eastwood’s feels genuine, and when all so revealed it is the ending of that relationship. Which came off as the most believable.

Surprisingly one of the strongest laughs and characters comes in the form of Pete Davidson’s small role and the whole scene that his character is involved in.

Think of this as a younger more expansive update of ADDICTED TO LOVE only most of the characters are likable and thankfully the ending feels more believable.  

Grade: C+

PRIDE (2007)

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Directed By: Sunu Gonera 
Written By: Kevin Michael Smith, Michael Gozzard, J Mills Goodloe & Norman Vance Jr. 
Story By: Kevin Michael Smith & Michael Gozzard 
Cinematography By: Matthew F. Leonetti 
Editor: Billy Fox 

Cast: Terrence Howard, Bernie Mac, Tom Arnold, Kimberly Elise, Evan Ross, Nate Parker, Scott Eastwood, Gary Sturgis, Brandon Fobbs, Alphonso McAuley 

The determined Jim Ellis starts a swim team for troubled teens at the Philadelphia Department of Recreation.

There must be a cliche that says if you are making an African American period piece that the Afro wigs that are used must be ridiculously, horribly fake that almost distracted me from this film as a whole. While not as terrible as the wigs in the movie THE WOOD. These were pretty bad. This film suffers from more than that, while I did enjoy this film. Call me biased but intend to like heartwarming films especially African American ones because it is rare that we see them.

I also have a weakness for sports story of triumph. With this film like most sports films is predictable and when it’s not predictable it’s cliche ridden. They Coach goes up against his word, but for a good reason. The saintly character had a dark and sordid past. The racist whites who will come around at the end to give respect to the people they were calling animals only minutes earlier.

This film even has Tom Arnold doing a dramatic performance though it doesn’t offer too much dramatic depth. As he is more a villain as one of the racist white coaches.

Bernie mac does a good job, though anytime it calls for him to be emotional. You feel like cracking up. It’s not because he is bad. He actually is good but that is the reaction it seems to garner.

Terrence Howard while a good actor is not usually one of my favorites. He has this quality sometimes that seems to suggest he feels he is too good to be in whatever role he is playing, plus his eyes while pretty always look like they are on the verge of watering or crying.

The film also takes on a romantic subplot, out of nowhere that not only has no steam behind it but also no chemistry.

The film also adds in the fact that education is key to the future. The looming criminal or gangster of the neighborhoods influence. The sole female member joining the team because it also gives voice to women’s rights to this story of success and struggle. Because we all are equal after all.

We don’t know all of the facts behind this true story. So I can’t say which aspects are true or embellished.

The film tries to be earnest and tell it’s story, that while actions happen the film is teaching the characters and viewers life lessons. not sensationalizing it. So for that I must give it the proper respect and it didn’t waste my time or sicken me. It was the acting, directing, editing, staging, cinematography, writing and production values. The script could use some work to be maybe more subtle rather than cookie cutter.

Still give the film it’s props, but I can’t really say there was anything really that special about the film. More a heroic tale that allows for a chance to show black excellence.

GRADE: C+