A murder mystery set in a competitive hairdressing contest. Extravagance and excess collide, as the death of a contestant sows seeds of division in a community whose passion for hair verges on obsession.
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This mystery film set at a hair styling competition has proven to me that, I have yet to see a satisfying film set at hairstyling competition unless you wanna count the documentary good hair
This film is beautifully filmed all in one take. So you admire the creativity and talent involved in that, but frankly that is all the film has to offer… craft. Yet no real depth or characters.
As like the film THE GENERAL’S DAUGHTER after a while, you just don’t care who the killer is. You just want this film to end. as for the few interesting characters. You never really get a chance to truly get to know them. Before the film leaves them for others.
you’re constantly wondering the specifics of this murder, as you’re getting information secondhand and through different points of view. as the film occasionally keeps handing the narrative over to a different character or a set of characters
So that while the technical parts of the film are quite amazing. You just wish that there was more of a story or at least a better one as for all its technical achievement. It just seems to lack that heart where the audience wants to have interest then by the end, when all of a sudden done it kind of ends with a whimper so even if you had some excitement as to how it all ends once it does it just feels like there should’ve been more as it just feels like OK. How do you even really feel like it’s ending? It’s just that the filmmaker decided this will be a good place to stop
As the filmmakers clearly put so much concentration in passion into making sure they can get this film done all in one shot. You just wish they would’ve put that much energy and work into the story as well as that is where the film truly suffers and unfortunately, so does the audience
Though the film does have its moments, especially when there’s an impromptu choreographed musical sequence near the end that actually breathe some life into the film. Which you wish there was more of throughout even as a surprise to keep you intrigued and more on your toes.
unfortunately, in the end it’s style over substance which one can get works, considering where it is set. Which is a shame as one had such hope for the film.
Cast: Jason Statham, Jason Flemyng, Michael Pena, David Harbour, Arianna Rivas, Merab Ninidze, Maximilian Osinski, Cokey Falcon
Levon Cade left his profession behind to work construction and be a good dad to his daughter. But when a local girl vanishes, he’s asked to return to the skills that made him a mythic figure in the shadowy world of counter-terrorism.
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Jason Statham and his movies are becoming almost an annual offering to audiences and cinemas
They are usually the same type of action thriller with a similar character who has a dark past and is seeking vengeance or justice for someone close to him. He is usually trying to live a normal life, but forced to use his past skills.
One of the reasons why these films are successful as they fulfill a niche sort of like in the past when Liam Neeson would have his older character action thrillers or even when we have had we weaknesses for certain stars like Jackie Chan and his family, action, comedy errors or imports that were usually filmed in Canada and heavily voiceover or when jet Lee had a bit of a resurgence in the United States and he starred in a bunch of disposable action thrillers that made respectable box office
what helps with Jason Statham is there even though he plays the similar roles he also showed in spy in a general that he has a sense of humor about himself and other than these movies he seems to stay away for media. It’s rare that you see him being interviewed on a show you don’t see him out and about at public events offering sound like that could get him judged or he seems to keep to himself so that he remains a mistake that no matter what side of the political spectrum you’re on you don’t mind him.
he’s the action hero that most men wanna be especially older men who just want their action, film, simple and violent and for women he provides to look of an older handsome in shape, gentleman, daddy, so to speak the strong and silent type who has a British accent, so makes him a little bit of an international Playboy also
this is all to say that this film plays pretty basic and like the usual Jason Statham action thrillers only this is more disappointing because there doesn’t seem to be a sense of fun about it. It’s pretty straightforward and for all it’s dark elements. It never seems to show it in execution
most of the characters that he encounters along the way, even the villains are kind of forgettable. He seems to be facing kind of the same villains that Denzel, Washington faced in the equalizer, the Russian mob only again whereas in the equalizer, they were really no threat to Denzel and he disposed of them without breaking a sweat here Jason Statham it’s a little moist, but still breaks. No sweat eliminating not the entire rushing but a fraction of it.
Due to them, kidnapping his bosses daughter, as part of a sexual trafficking ring, and then killing anybody who comes into his path, a few of whom are Russian mob family members
The action sequences here are more gunplay than hand to hand combat that Statham is more known for. We also get a glimpse of his past and that his character suffers from PTSD so that this adventure actually helps solve it because he can get out his frustrations and feelings through the violence..
David Harbour earns his check and a supporting role that is more as a friend and advisory than him actually seeing any action sequences himself so that he fills out the role of another big name being in the cast that also usually accompany Jason Statham movies. Such as his character having a child. Usually a daughter.
so as you can see this film is not only a by the numbers, action film, but also a buy the numbers for adjacent Statham film. It hits all the familiar beats. You know what’s gonna happen before it does and ends pretty much as expected so it really offers no surprise and as long as you’re fine with that, you shouldn’t be disappointed , but looking for more this is not the film for you
he pretty much takes on all the action other than when he finally does fine the daughter she gets to have a bit of her own revenge, but even the usual flashy henchman in this home who do you think are gonna be bad asses and being a final fight with Statham, they are dispatched so quickly and so easily. It was like they were giving a grand presentation only to be barely a warm-up at it reminds one of the assassins and Keanu and how ridiculous ridiculously over the top they were.
Another factor that leads to further disappointment with this film is there a David Ayer directed it now he didn’t write it. He is more of a noted Screenwriter and director who usually offers more gritty action in crime films. This seemed more by the book and slick then actually having anything noteworthy.
This film actually makes their last collaboration, the beekeeper a damn near masterpiece. as at least I fell offered up what was expected, but had a hint of fun. This is more dour than it needs to be.
But that is also the magic of Jason Statham‘s longevity that usually there will be a couple of really bad films, but then he’ll shock you with one that’s genuinely decent or even good that it renews your faith in him.
What is surprising is that not only was this shot back to back? Was David Ayer and Jason Statham’s film THE BEEKEEPER but at this film was also written by his former costar Sylvester Stallone and David Ayer together. As this was supposed to be the start of a franchise based on the character from writer, Chuck Hogan’s book series based on the character, Levon Helm.
That Sylvester Stallone originally won to produce as a television series before they decided to make this film, even with state of not even being their first choice Liam Neeson was
A world-famous pop star is taken hostage in her Los Angeles home by an obsessed fan who believes they are destined to marry. As he transforms her house into a twisted wedding venue, she must rely on her bodyguard to escape before it’s too late.
This film is frustrating for everything that makes it interesting and entertaining
This film has it’s moments and you need the connective tissue between them that helps them stand out all the
More, but getting there is can be a chore at times
As the film does have the goods but for every strength there is an equal weakness that disturbs the vibe and flow of the film. it seems like it needed to be worked on a bit more.
So that it becomes a film Of scenes that stand out, but you however suffer to get there through the Mundane. Though written and directed by Samara weaving’s husband, Jimmy Warden. It seems like the film is meant to showcase her and his filmmaking skills the only people who this film truly showcases is Alba Baptista and Ray Nicholson as the villains perse.
They unfortunately are the only interesting characters who make the material and characters come alive. As weaving’s character becomes more a background character that this is all Done for and then we find it not necessarily as she becomes a symbol. As she might not exactly be his obsession or focus.
Even throughout the film She Has only been presented as basic and real not so glamourous. You can tell that this is loosely based on Madonna as even having an athlete boyfriend who seems to cross dress and wear makeup is obviously based on Dennis Rodman. So it offers little clues as to the real life story that it’s based on while making the characters their own but familiar.
Though in truth this kind of role seems to be Ray Nicholson’s Bread and butter these days crazy ex’s and boyfriends
The film has all the right music ques and the soundtrack is very good. Which helps create the vibe for the film and especially certain scenes and performances.
As it constantly Tries to save itself but it comes across as confused chaos.
There is So much potential for a dark comedy that feels familiar and doesn’t Cover any new bases but offers a different view and outlook. That comes across with a few scenes meant to
Shock. Though tries to be quirky throughout it’ cynical attitude.
it’s Disjointed when it wants timckem across as
Planned, with style over substance in its own ways of short hand, making something easily to describe in a single sentence or statement, you could easily go into what we mean by that as we sometimes have to explain ourselves, but sometimes the product in which you’re watching isn’t worthy necessarily of explanation or it’s not that it’s not worthy you just don’t wanna go put that much energy into why you say it, though most will understand sometimes that extra energy is put in there to help explain as you want to go into detail of its virtues as they are worth it but also wanna warn about its weaknesses
in the end, the film seems undercooked in certain places, but then in other places, it’s overcooked so that it never matches itself when it comes to coming all together or completion. so that it could never truly be all that satisfying for the audience. As the overcooked parts seem to be trying to make up for the undercooked parts or both need to be brought together in a middle ground that keeps them on each other‘s wavelength at least. It’s a nice attempt.
This is a film only can see be discussed at length. Especially as it finds more of an audience. Some will love it, some will hate it. It reminds one of a kind of passion project that could have been made in the 80’s or 90’s more then modern times. Where it feels already a little outdated.
At least it’ not a film trying to say something about fame.
Cast: Jai Courtney, Hassie Harrison, Josh Heuston, Ella Newton, Liam Greinke, Rob Carlton
When Zephyr, a savvy and free-spirited surfer, is abducted by a shark-obsessed serial killer and held captive on his boat, she must figure out how to escape before he carries out a ritualistic feeding to the sharks below.
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From beginning to end, this is a quite glorious bee movie that has fun with its premise, but grounds itself with enough reality to keep the tension and thrills up
it’s main focus is on beast or the dangerous animals of the title here meant to be sharks, but also can be used for the films Central villain played with ecstatic energy by Jai Courtney, who is really becoming quite a notable character actor usually playing villains as over-the-top as he can yet charming after Hollywood try to make him more of a leading man and films, like TERMINATOR: GENYSIS and LIVE FREE OR DIE HARD (DIE HARD 5 that doesn’t even really feel like a true diehard film as much as a generic action film that includes the character John McLean) as for a while, it seemed like you could go either way when you saw him in a movie, but he has been putting in good work in character rules.
Thought this would be just one of too many shark movies that seem to come out every year then heard some buzz around the film that got my interest and put it on my to watch list figured I’d watch it eventually when came around to it.
Then I found out Sean Byrne was the director. So then dropped everything and had to see it ASAP. he is not necessarily known the world over, but he is a genre director who never disappoints and always thrills with surprises no matter the topic or genre so one looks forward to any new project or presentation he has as after all this is his first film in 10 years. After THE LOVED ONES and THE DEVIL’S CANDY
here he doesn’t disappoint though on that same breath one say it’s not his strongest either then again even for a genre film there aren’t many places you can go with it so that it feels familiar. Even though the filmmaking and the cast truly sell the film and their characters. He manages to do so much with so little and still make it feel grand and full.
unfortunately, there’s but so much all of them can do. though at least it stays entertaining and thrilling throughout so that it’s never boring and keeps you on the edge of your seat while it goes through the motions.
Jai Courtney‘s character though stays fascinating as he’s a villain but not your typical villain as truly he’s more of a serial killer who just has a long and drawn out method. when it comes to the ceremony of his killing and why, though he will drop someone literally at the drop of a hat if they get in his way though, they are seen More as collateral damage, even as victim. throughout the film, we are taking through the entire process.
Being that Mr. Courtney is the biggest name he comes across as the star. As he has the juiciest role and makes the most of it. Though Hassie Harrison gives a strong performance as the resourceful final girl. Who is as tough as she is beautiful? As well as Josh Houston who is supposed to be her knight in shining armor but ends up more being the damsel in distress in the third act. As well as most of the film.
As the title suggests or is a metaphor that some of the most dangerous animals can be human, though some only become predatory when provoked or out of survival.
Cast: N’Kone Mametja, Deoudone Pretorius, Daniel Janks, Darron Meyer, Damien Wantenaar, Robyn Scott, Nikita Faber, Gia Capouya
Three coworkers on the night shift at a remote diner get in over their heads after digging for proof that one of their customers is a serial killer.
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This little thriller takes the audience by surprise. It’s not the first one of its type that I’ve seen and in all honesty it could’ve been a little shorter considering it takes place, mainly in one location and doesn’t have as many characters as these types of films usually do.
as usually in these little tight, one location, thrillers, they up the body count to keep the audience entertained whereas here the film has its fair share of kills, but at least most of them mean something and other words they get a reaction from the audience as we have grown to know some of them
Even though the film is a who done it and manages to surprise, there are some predictable moments throughout the film. It’s not like a stage play, even though it takes place in one location as the film, moron, action, and thrills more than necessarily dialogue.
The one has to hand it to the cast, as all of their all of the characters are interesting even if it at times is more darkly comedic they are all believable and most of all credit must be given to the cast and crew as this film seems like it takes place in the Midwest or middle America and in actuality it was filmed in South Africa.
The film might not be something totally new. It does manage to work well with what it has. It’s not the sharpest, but it stays entertaining and keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout.
It stays inventive throughout to keep you guessing and provide maximum entertainment. While it works with the limited resources that it has.
Cast: Ester Exposito, Ines Fernandez, Angela Cremonte, Maugi Mira, Aten Soria, Maria Jose Sarrate, Sofia Reyes, Federico Aguada
Horror invades the concrete corridors of a cursed apartment complex on the outskirts of Madrid.
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As usual, this is a film that might be best to go in blind. Does this offer quite a mystery in a surprise?
This film for all of its original elements end up being somewhat predictable. Even as it always keeps you guessing with all the detours it takes on the road forward.
As it does, keep changing genres, yet staying thorough with its story and characters. As it is a Pulpy noir crime story, one minute, a horror film the next, then on the edge of being a thriller, as well as a supernatural tale. Before in the last act being a story of revenge or a director Luc Besson style action film.
The film starts off slow, though quickly gain speed as mentioned in the third act you think that’s the way the rest of the film will go before morphing into something different and more satisfying.
especially with the journey that the film has put the characters and the audience through. Not to mention how the film has built up to these moments and characters and even the tone.
It continuously tries to throw you off center though it seems to be somewhat predictable, especially if you’ve seen this type of film before but at least it’s trying.
The film offers this mix you find that they feed quite well off of each other. As it’s based on a short story by H.P. Lovecraft that tells you the places this story will take you.
The problem is that for all that it inspires and tension it makes the audience feel. It never offers up a good enough release. As it builds up you expect something bigger then what it eventually offers. Which is wild but feels a little bit too tidy and minuscule for what it seems to hint at.
Though being helmed by Jaume Belaguero who works best with the supernatural and thrillers. Sometimes both in small spaces like in his films REC and SLEEP TIGHT. That unfortunately this one doesn’t rise to the occasion as his others have. As this one seems almost like a greatest hits for him or seems to have reached a limit.
As a serial killer targets women on dating apps, a true-crime junkie must figure out which of her three dates is a f-boy, marriage material, or is trying to kill her.
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This is one of the most annoying films. I have seen in quite some time where this might’ve made a good WB show and could’ve been stretched out into a full season instead of a 90 minute movie that is baffling at how vapid, shallow and annoying, not only the main character is but that the material and film is maybe it’s meant to be camping. Maybe it’s meant to be cute, but it just comes off so condescending And glib that it’s annoying one is amazed that they made it to the end ending.
The lead played by Lucy Hale seems to have the looks and is meant to be a rational person, but nothing is quite believable about her when you see who her ex is you would never believe that this person would date that person and she seems to have a job that she never has to be at which is very convenient and though she and the film wants to show the troubles of dating apps and dating as one gets older, she doesn’t seem to really have a problem attracting any males.
It’s a shame as Lucy Hale you can tell is really trying to make this material work, but it doesn’t seem to want to rise the occasion with her and seems to keep holding her back
You wonder who the exact audience this film is for as even her friend group is diverse including a trans character that the film thankfully doesn’t truly shine a light on or really do that much into an African-American female and two other Caucasian women ones blonde ones brunette for a variety though one is married and one is engaged and all are taken.
Wow, one can enjoy the fact that there seems to be colorblind, casting when it comes to her dates, lovers and leading men in which their ethnicity is never discussed or talked about there seems to be a kind of fetishization of them as only one is seen as truly, a partner or lifemate And the other who happens to be African-American only seems to be used for sex and then she doesn’t find him as attractive when she realizes that he can be vulnerable and not just cool. Don’t know if it’s intentional, but it does come off leaving a bad taste in the mouth of the audience.
I’m not trying to downplay this film or slut shame the film I’m all for a female main character, enjoying sex being open not letting it define her relationship and it adds to the sex comedy elements, but it does feel somewhat unnecessary, especially when this film decides to switched to more of a comedic mystery tale.
What is not surprised that of the three Screenwriter two or male as the film I won’t say, comes off as sexist, but it does come across a little bro bro type of humor to a certain extent or more male oriented in certain scenes.
Which even though it goes that route, of course it’s not that hard to figure out the culprit though the reasoning seems rather far-fetched, but if unfortunately, you’ve seen the poster, it feels like it’s given away. Though I don’t think it really matters as this was never meant to be a brain buster.
It’s easy to call this in a humor, more sitcom like than anything close reality you can’t even label it spoof as it somehow takes itself a little more seriously than that and doesn’t lift From better films so that it never quite takes off the way that it should
It’s a strange film as it wants to be silly, but comes across as stupid and seems like it’s meant to appeal more to teenagers rather than an older adult audience that could really watch it because for all the sex involved in the film it’s never exploited if there’s no nudity no sex scenes if anything just maybe a little bit of Frank talk.
The problem with this film is that it could’ve had promised an opportunity with its promise, but it seems to go the easy route where even the direction seems so scattered as much as the script that it just seems to go so many ways, but never quite can focus or stay centered don’t know if that was the design to match the lead character but it doesn’t make the film a bit more agonizing when he thinks it’s being fun.
The nicest thing I can say is that it has a good looking cast it’s colorful and the filmmaking isn’t totally abysmal
Cast: Philippe Leroy, Dagmar Lassander, Lorenza Gueirieri, Valo Soleri, Maria Cumani Quasimodo, Mirella Pamphili
Doctor Sayer, esteemed director of a philanthropic institution, hides a misogynistic and sexophobic personality to which he gives vent to weekends, dedicating himself in his isolated villa to sadistic games in the company of professionals expert in satisfying similar inclinations and staging their death in ways more imaginative. Taking advantage of the visit of one of his employees, Mary, decides to move from fiction to reality, imprisoning the woman and subjecting her to physical and psychological torture.
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Done with great style and craftsmanship, this film is more of a battle of the sexes type movie. As it plays like pop art and is filmed like a Giallo.
Where a young woman falls under the spell of a masochist male and while catering to his every fetishistic whims.
He eventually does fall in love with her. Where we wonder by the end whonrealyl has the power and who was truly in control.
The film Does have some racy sex scenes that are titillating and also torturous. Making thaincoen across as FIFTY SHADES OF GREY way earlier.
As this is like watching a porno with a plot only without any hardcore sex scenes. So that the thrills in this film is how far will it or the actors go.
The soundtrack matches it scene by scene
Though there truly seems to be very little going on and not much story. As the film seems to want tonturn you and and find thrills. As it tries to portray a cynical love story of sorts. That comes across as a thriller at times That sadly truly doesn’t have that much to say or offer.
It’s an erotic drama, or you could even say erotic thriller, though at heart this truly could’ve been more of an adult film with hard-core scenes as that seems to be its appeal because even the storyline is a little thin to make excuses for the places it goes, and there is supposedly an emotional component that it doesn’t feel that deep, But one could see how maybe the writer or director is trying to show a difference or how sex and emotions are linked for certain people.
Don’t exactly know what the film is trying to say. Doesn’t want us to watch all the pain this woman goes through and then pull the rug from Under us so that we watch as she survives but conquers and never was the victim At all? Though i’m sure certainly racy at the time. Now you just marvel at the production design and marvel at what they got away with.
As the film feels like a film not brave enough to be a full porno. So instead it tries to add a thin plot and stylish shots. That pornos of the time had, but maybe they wanted to put this out as a thriller. As it contains plenty of erotic scenes but while short you also hope that it is going to be a bout a little more. So don’t come into this film expecting too much more than titilation. So much so it feels more like a fetish film more than a feature film.
Though with only the main two actors in the erotic scenes if it was a porno. It would ag e to have the audience focused on the main actors and being attracted to them. As there are barely any others to distract or pair off with. So it’s more a couples movie, hence romantic.
This is the kind of film you would stay up late to watch as a kid on cable.
Based in characters created by: Akela Copper and James Wan
Cinematography: Toby Oliver
Editor: Jeff McEvoy
Cast: Alison Williams, Violet McGraw, Brian Jordan Alvarez, Jen Van Epps, Ivana Sakhno, Aristotle Athari, Jemaine Clement, Timm Sharp
Two years after M3GAN’s rampage, her creator, Gemma, resorts to resurrecting her infamous creation in order to take down Amelia, the military-grade weapon who was built by a defense contractor who stole M3GAN’s underlying tech.
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The first film was more of a campy guilty pleasure so I have no idea why they decided to make this film more of a sci-fi action movie. The least they could’ve done was if it was going to be action make the death or kill scenes maybe be a bit more horrific and violent.
Watching this film, it’s a pale comparison as they do hear what most equals do it’s bigger. You can definitely tell that there was more money spent that has more of an epic vision but even the camping seems preplanned rather than just coming out of nowhere even worse they don’t even have Megan do her dance. It plays during the credits, but you can tell it’s not like she develops a new dance or even come up with a reason for it.
One of the first things you notice watching the film is Is there enough foreshadowing here? (said ironically) then One can’t decide if this movie is too long as it feels like an epic or if it’s Long enough, you just feel the length. Because it doesn’t fill it effecintely enough.
The film plays the middle field where it feels like an R Rated film but seems to stay in the vicinity of PG-13.
The film stays very convaluted where you wonder sometimes where is this going and does it have to be this complicated, but then again when the threat goes from more personal and domestic to almost worldwide. It can’t be too simple. While the film’s tries to offer the audience more comedy and thrills mixed together then the original. That is what the film’s weakness seems to be. In that it tries fan service and abandons its roots. Rather then staying true to itself and building to bigger badder type of thriller with a higher body count of characters you care about.
Just as it seems the returning supporting characters one gets more sceeen time while the other gets around the same as the first one and whose fate ends up questionable by the end of the movie. As it never makes clear or brings back the character. Making them ultimately disposable. It feels like the film isnsay oman you should be thankful to be here.
One of the reasons why it might not be as strong. Is that the original screenwriter didn’t write this film. Akela cooper helped with the story but left the major scripting to the franchise’s director. Who didn’t write the first film?
I was going to do a video about why Megan 2.0 bombed but producer Jason, Bloom of Bloom house pretty much hit the nail right on the head when he said no this isn’t a quote but pretty much the information was they put too much faith into the character and the characters following so that they thought they could do anything they wanted to do with the character and the audience would follow up And it ended up being a case of putting too much on the shoulders of the this little film
Which was originally just a surprise and understandable why they would wanna make a sequel but one of the points I was going to make you wanna put it in the summer when it was a hit in January which usually means there was nothing better out and this was the best that was around And did was hit a power hit like it did, but I think that was because it came out of nowhere and it surprisingly campy and fun for what was supposed to be a horror film
Even though it was more lightweight but requirements of fitting even when I watched it and I liked it, I thought it was lightweight. It could’ve been. I don’t know if it took off, particularly with younger audiences to for that PG-13 rating to really make a difference, but the unrated version which is basically added blood in a little bit more violence Seem to be release the audience
Now the film was successful and had a following yet it seems like they made it into more of an action comedy. The film is a little bit more in the still keeping that camp looking like a blatant copy of terminator too and it way.
The magic of the original was that this campiness came out of nowhere and what was supposed to be atmosphere at that and for people who didn’t regularly go see her it was perfect because it was her almost like a Mocktail has no liquor, but the delicious taste of cocktail. They’re having fun with necessarily being on all the time, especially if it didn’t start so that was another factor of why the film bombed.
Also it proves that MEGAN, the movie was more of like a phenomenon. It wasn’t necessarily a cult and it wasn’t popular enough or that the following people were demanding I’m wondering how this does for the Megan spin off they had planned or if that’s been canceled.
Also didn’t know that This movie was coming out in the summer. where it’s going up against heavy hitters and the trailer didn’t make anybody wanna run to the theater so this is where the day and date or a movie and it being available pretty much like 4 to 6 weeks later actually hurts films like these because even if you are a fan of the first film and maybe had interest in seeing the sequel just wait and watch it on demand streaming as that is the quality and that this film looks like it’s not something you wanna rush out to go see it for movies and theaters like a movie you could wait for. I’m happy I saw on the big screen if I had a theater I definitely could’ve waited for just entertained
The first one was a fluke that it was a hit in the first place and I can understand it got a small crowd behind it a fascination, so that you knew the sequel would eventually come out, but the man came out and then switching genres even Jason Blum agreed now was a bad idea.
If they were going to do that make sure you had a strong audience that would follow the franchise and characters wherever it went. As obviously the following wasn’t that strong and it even came out at the right time as far as how many years had passed but the wrong season.
Cast: Ayo Edibiri, John Malkovich, Juliette Lewis, Murray Bartlett, Tony Hale, Stephanie Suganami, Melissa Chambers, Amber Midthunder, Tatanka Means
A writer travels to the compound of a pop icon who disappeared years ago. Surrounded by his cult of sycophants, as well as a group of fellow journalists, she soon discovers his twisted plans for the gathering.
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this is a strange film that seems to fit into the darkly Comedic cult figure film, think a film such as THE MENU. It seems to be a commentary on the cult of celebrity taken to a new level.
Where something mysterious is going along and it’s usually at an exclusive location cut off from the world or a kind of celebrity is at the center and all of his disciples where it’s kind of an eat the rich revenge tale.
Now this film lives up to its story, even though it’s very predictable, and there are some points of originality when it comes to the story and the filmmaking.
As the film goes from a dark comedy to a thriller very quickly, the one based on believing John Malkovich playing one of the best selling in popular rock stars of the 1990s it starts off already with this ridiculous notion not that he can’t play the role, but you just have trouble seeing him as that character with that history but once you get past that you should be fine but for a film, that’s already going to give you that kind of ridiculous notion
It becomes shocking that the film doesn’t follow suit in that manner when it comes to tone as everything else has played a little more seriously even the so-called twist at the end isn’t that surprising
Though I can’t admit there is something captivating about the film. Maybe it just seems like a lost opportunity that it seems to go more for surface level when it could’ve been so much deeper and explored maybe the love and seduction of musicians or rock, stars pop stars and their audience and how just like a song or an instrument they can play their audience, especially when they’re willing and the things that they can make them do we’ve all her tails in gossip columns, or even in some biographies of what Rockstars can make seemingly ordinary people do or what people can do when supposedly influenced by music.
It shows how easily we can be led to believe the beliefs or philosophy of a celebrity with very little evidence or basis more than we will listen to an expert as we are trying to figure out the experts agenda, but we believe the celebrity is speaking from the heart and we trust them more as we’ve spent more time getting to know them
Luckily, the music in the film isn’t that bad that comes from John Malkovich‘s character. (Having Nile Rogers do the soundtrack is a plus) Believing that getting him in the cast was such an achievement that nobody questioned the validity of him playing the role and he does his best with the role that he can, and he is believable That the film doesn’t quite pack the punch that it seems like it desperately wants to
Not to mention that half the comedy doesn’t quite land the way it expects itself too. It’s sort of like someone who thinks they’re funnier than they are as the film seems to think that it’s smarter than it is and while at times it makes good points and also grossly is overconfident
Once the film gets to the third act and all his revealed, it also seems to want to go for a grossness factor to a certain extent. As it seems expected and also to show true pain in torture for the victims.
Ayo Edibiri is very well cast in the lead and while she is compelling, I wish that the film could follow suit with her and for her and give her the necessary material to truly ground her in a film that is more worthy of her character and her natural talents
Cut To The Chase 
