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Reviews
Fly Me to the Moon (2024)
Small step for man, giant leap for mankind?
Apparently this film is about the faking of the moon landing conspiracy. It very much is a romantic comedy with sci-fi elements as expected. This film felt a little unnecessary to be made and the trailers did t make it out to be anything quite special. And considering the lack of box office revenue, this film certainly didn't live up to the rather pale hype.
The visuals and sets of the sceneries do look well made as everything is over exaggerated for good reason. The chemistry between both leads is solid yet nothing noteworthy.
The film is enjoyable to a degree but really for those interested in the story. Otherwise it simply doesn't feel necessary.
Caddo Lake (2024)
Cleverly written and executed mystery thriller
With its premise, this film sounded rather basic. It stats off like a family drama with the lead teen actress (Ellie) and the younger sister (Anna). We are then introduced to Dylan O'Brien's character and it seemed like the two set of characters aren't connected. It's somewhat confusing at first as to whose related to who and where the connection between these characters lie.
The film definitely turns up a few notches and becomes thoroughly engaging and interesting around the time Ellie stumbles in the woods, and these somewhat time portals occur (it's a brief flash in the woods with a color changing scheme). We then see a similar occurrence with O'Brien (Paris). At first, it is entirely confusing but then we get a better sense as to what is occurring.
The conclusion sets out with several different reveals, twists and key details that are certainly required for attention to detail. The different years and jump scenes back and forth keep us entertained, though were certainly hard to fully grasp at first.
This is a film which is quite tame, with relatively no violence, no strong language. It creates an atmosphere that keeps us on the edge waiting to further see the end results.
It's a film where if you don't fully understand the entire outline, there are certainly explanations and full breakdowns to get a better understanding. Overall, Caddo Lake exceeded expectations and even though it's confusing, it's cleverly written and well executed.
A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)
Lack of a good story and lack of thrills
The original film has become a classic and was highly praised for its creativity upon its release. It was an instant success and received a lot of word of mouth which helped it morphed into somewhat of a cultural phenomenon. The second film had a different approach and was decent but not as good as the original.
Here with this film, it's apparently a prequel and with an entire new cast. Starring Lupita Nyong'o who feels entirely miscast and isn't the type of actress who we would like to see as one of the two protagonists of a disaster silent film.
Her along with the other lead wasn't that engaging. There were some decent scenes but not enough to make us truly care. A lack of suspense and thrills goes a long way. Truly a disappointing film and the story isn't vastly different at we haven't seen before.
Asteroid City (2023)
Colorful but too quirky
This is very on brand typical for Wes Anderson films. Featuring a wide A-list level cast on an ensemble with colorful sceneries and with a plot that has several different subplots with varying title cards. This time around, the title cards for each scene seemed to get in the way and take us out of the film. Declaring each new scene didn't feel necessary and it only slowed down the film.
The plot isn't as engaging or interesting as it could have been given the cast. The main plot centers around a fictional city (Asteroid City) with a widower father and his three children finding a new place. Of course along the way, we meet a various amount of characters that seemingly resemble one another in monotonous delivery and tone.
Overall besides the visuals, and some scenes of intrigue, the film isn't anything special and at times feels like it drags on.
The Wild Robot (2024)
Visually stunning animation
The animation of this film is certainly some of the best work in recent memory. Released earlier in the year to standout praise from critics and fans, we can see why this film is as beloved.
The story is somewhat simple but it still works and in most part due to it being rather touching, and sentimental. It certainly is relatable all be it with animals but there is of course an underlying positive message that it sends. The film doesn't go for cheap juvenile humor that many children animated films seem to do, which is a positive.
The details of each animal and the visuals of the woods, forests and the outdoor sceneries are definitely worthwhile. The voice acting sounds great as each actor fits with their character.
Damaged (2024)
Run of the mil lesser mystery thriller
With the plot description sounding like any typical murder mystery slow burn type of a tv series episode of a CSI and to a lesser extent True Detective. This mid level budget straight to streaming video isn't anything special and has the same type of recycled plot outline that we have seen before. It takes place in Scotland with a lot of characters sporting heavy accents so extra attention to detail is required (subtitles as well if possible). Samuel L. Jackson plays the typecast American character in a foreign land and it plays out as we would expect. It starts off slow but doesn't really get engaging once the reveal and twist is revealed, and even so. It was rather predictable. Done quite graphic bodily images too, hence the title.
White Men Can't Jump (2023)
Doesn't add much new from the original
The original film released in 1992 has seemingly become a classic and reached iconic status among many people. The original had a certain charm and what it made it great, is it felt authentic and raw. From the two leads to the organic situation, things seemed to gel really nicely in a somewhat surprising way.
Now this remake of course takes the same concept and makes slight changes to adapt to this new social media generation. There are some fun parts to start such as the introduction to both leads but as things get along it becomes repetitive.
We don't like these characters as much as the originals, mainly Kamal (the Wesley Snipes character of the original). A little too many racial undertones and jokes where it became irritating and over kill. In today's day, it certainly felt forced. The ending was also far predictable and not great.
Dead Wrong (2024)
Has the feel of a Lifetime drama
With a very wide and diverse cast, this film with no surprise did not have a wide release and now still seemingly hasn't found much of an audience. Right from the beginning, the open scene has an interesting and engaging premise and delivers an expected process. We are later introduced to characters as they come in one by one.
The feel and camera look of the characters, their acting and the settings certainly have that Lifetime movie feel- where things are slightly over exaggerated to a degree. The lead actor, as perhaps pointed out by another reviewer has a slight reassemblance to Mark Wahlberg, in both acting wise and appearance.
Even though the story is rather far fetched and highly unrealistic (ex: Were there no security cameras in the hospital to catch the "act"?/ How was he able to escape without anyone seeing him heave the hospital?)
In the end it's nothing special but stop watchable for the end result. Which wasn't entirely predictable, though a little silly.
The Kill Room (2023)
Forced comedic satire
From the outlook of this film with its characters and witty dialogue and quick driven violence, it very much gave a feel and tone of Quentin Tarantino films. However the Kill Room simply comes across as something trying a little too hard in being different and creative.
Within a degree, the selling point of this film is, of course Uma Thurman and Samuel L. Jackson, and although their performances are as expected high art, it doesn't manage to make the lacklustre script writing, directing else into a passable movie. In the end, this was rather a disappointment. It's no surprise at the lack of success either.
Hustle (2022)
Uplifting underdog success sports drama
Another Adam Sandler starring Netflix film sees him as a basketball scout in this underdog player rag to riches story. There are several different variations of basketball films and each has a different and unique element.
Hustle certainly has a different feel to make it stand out. The overall story is uplifting and realistic in a sense. We are intended on rooting for the lead basketball prospect of Bo Cruz, and along the way we discover more than just the player. He first comes across as unlikeable and hard headed but as we get further along, we get a better sense to his motives and personal traits.
Hustle is certainly one of the better basketball films not only because it has an intriguing story but includes a lot of actual real people/ player cameos- and a mix of basketball people playing characters.
The basketball scenes on the street and pickup games as well as the climax combine scrimmage look very legitimate and shot well. The very ending (the "five months later" scene) is a rather caught off guard twist.
Some have compared this film to other Sandler highly praised drama in Uncut Gems, and even those they are two different type of films, there are similarities. Overall very strong and engaging film.
The Pale Blue Eye (2022)
Slow paced dull mystery
Despite a solid cast and a proven director in Scott Cooper, this Netflix period piece mystery is rather a slow paced and dull inducing watch. It isn't entirely bad but not overly interesting. The acting is as what we would expect, nothing too special but certainly passable. The overall mystery of the murder wasn't that engaging to start but we continue watching to see things unfold.
The visuals and settings are the highlight of the film as everything looks very well done with its color schemes of black and dark blue. In the end, the story simply feels rather bland and when the reveal is shown. It wasn't anything out of the ordinary.
Spaceman (2024)
Bizarre spiritual Space odyssey
Adam Sandler's recent Netflix film sees him as a solo space soldier hopelessly alone on a rescue mission. Now this is certainly a different type of role in which we are not accustomed to seeing Adam Sandler in. It doesn't feel like his typical production films and it's directed with a different director he hasn't worked with before. It almost feels like another actor was intended to have Sandler's role. However he does a solid job.
As a film it is a different type of space movie. Truthfully it's slow moving, has a slow buildup and is generally quite confusing. A lot of trippy type visuals, with flashbacks and scene jumps.
A majority of the film sees Sandler alone only with a large spider mutant creature that could speak. At first he's ensure if the creature then then inevitable bond comes in. The flashbacks are with Sandler and Carey Mulligan's character (as his love interest) trying to reconnect.
Spaceman tries being rather artsy and has the art house feel. In the end, interest wasn't as high as expected. Perhaps this is a film better suited on multiple viewings.
Leo (2023)
Good mix of lighthearted story with a positive message
Several recent animated films within the past few years haven't been the greatest. This film has a similar heartfelt lighthearted feel to Disney or Pixar animated movies. With relatively a simple story, it's genuinely intriguing to see where things go. Even though it's of course not realistic with a talking lizard, given it's aimed for children as it sends a positive message. It delivers in laughs, sentimental moments and engaging content.
The story isn't too predictable but remains a constant usage of entertainment as there is character development to be had. The voice acting from the cast is also nicely done.
Murder Mystery 2 (2023)
Lighthearted rather tame follow up
After the Netflix success of the original film seeing the pairing of Adam Sandler and Jennifer Aniston, it wasn't too surprising this would garner a sequel. Having barely remembered the original as it's been over five years since its release but remember enjoying it.
This follow up feels quite similar in tone and overall had the same premise setup, only in a different setting with different characters. Perhaps a slightly downgrade here as it doesn't feel as action filled and suspenseful. The comedy and jokes are what we come to expect from Sandler, nothing clever just basic by the numbers. Nothing too harmless.
This film is still quite entertaining and the set designs of the locations look very nice. Filming in Paris seems to always showcase the lavish and expensive lifestyle they intend.
Some parts in the end feel a little confusing yet it's still engaging to see how things ultimately unfold with each twist and turn.
Die Hart: Die Harter (2024)
More comedy and less action in this tired sequel
The original was released a year prior, and this film feels quite different compared to the original. The first film was more reminiscent of the tv series being an action parody while this film, feels a lot more comedic forced with less action sequences.
Though there is a brief random John Cena cameo where he plays a villain sporting a long white wig. John Travolta also does not return here making this film and really feel like a sequel. There are some continuity aspects though as we see at the beginning Kevin discussing a film project with an agent or representative about another action film- meaning he be she a successful action star.
The plot here starts okay but ventures into being rather irritating, over the top cliched, and too comedy forced where the jokes are juvenile silly toilet gags. The entire stuntman portrayal (also played by Kevin Hart) is a tired and cliched subplot seen before.
Die Hart (2023)
Satire action parody
Based on the tv series of the same name which was released three years prior (this may be confusing to those who are unfamiliar with the series). This film plays out as one would expect. Kevin Hart in his own Dir Hard-esque type film with him playing a fictional character of himself trying to become an "action hero/ leading man".. it features all the parody and satirical action movie stunts to be had.
Nothing is exactly cleverly funny and it's predictable. Certainly a film would be more well liked by Kevin Hart fans. Unlike the series, there is a lot of cursing (F-bombs) which get quite over the top by both Hart and John Travolta. In the end, this film is mildly amusing, and it's a satire. People seem to be taking it far too serious.
Lift (2024)
Entertaining plane heist film
This film may take bits and pieces of other past heist film such as the Italian Job, and for good reason. With no expectations, Lift is relatively a simple straightforward heist film but has the lavish and high budget feel, somewhat like the Mission Impossible films. Certainly more of an action film with lighthearted PG-13 violence still with some of Kevin Hart's comedic moments, but a lot less forced here which is a good thing. The supporting crew does a solid job even though we don't know too much of them. It was rather basic but should be expected.
The film's heists may be unrealistic to a degree but we shouldn't expect something Mission Impossible or Fast & Furious like. The climax plane scene was entertaining, and the ending twist was predictable but still good to see how things unfolded. The critics seem a little harsh here.
Dream Scenario (2023)
Extreme well crafted dream and reality based
With overwhelmingly positive and strong reviews since its release, Dream Scenerio was deemed as one of Nicolas Cage's best films and one of his best performances of his career. This film certainly exceeded expectations. It is quite a strange and unique film where it ultimately blends different genres. Can be described as a black comedy, a subtle horror, a biopic, a thriller or a build up drama. The entire aspect of the plot is entirely intriguing and creative. It isn't predictable to what occurs but what is predictable is we know first everything about people's dream perspective of Cage is good then eventually there will be a dark turn and his life spirals out of control (for the worse).
What makes it stand out is Nicolas Cage's performance. It certainly seemed like he put in a lot of effort and time to get in character. We sympathize for him because he isn't doing anything wrong and acts how real people would (if they were put in his situation). Where it seems like everyone is wrong and ultimately turning against him (even his nagging unpleasant wife).
A lot of those different dream sequences looked visually stunning, with ranging to funny to interesting to horrific. All in good entertainment.
People seem to complain about the final fifteen minutes or so, around when the new dream bracelet is brought into place. It was something different and gave a different dimension to the overall outlook. Still was something clever and thought provoking. The very ending was certainly a multiple interpretation type ending with several possibilities.
Butcher's Crossing (2022)
Well shot slow burn western
This is relatively a very slow moving and build up suspense type of slow burn. Apparently based on a popular novel interrogated by real events. It's a western set as a period piece so language is very minimal and there isn't any real over the top acting or showy type performance we would come from Nicolas Cage. His performance is subtle here, similar to that in Pig. Although he looks a lot more menacing sporting a heavy beard and full shaven head.
The story of this film's plot is very basic with a majority of it with our characters hunting down buffaloes, killing them, burning them for food as survival. It's well shot, well acted but many may find it slow and boring. It feels like no real climax. We only really know about the other lead character from his point of view.
Bodies Bodies Bodies (2022)
Clever and intriguing character study whodunit thriller
Certainly this is a film made with the intentions of being apart of this generation and it very much has that feel. Those who primarily expected a horror slasher type with lots of gore and jump scares might be disappointed. Otherwise this film is more of a character study type part comedic game thriller. It is clever written with each character being delved into them as the film passes.
The characters may appear to be the typical spoiled rich types but they aren't entirely unlikeable. There is definitely a realistic factor along. The climax interrogation scene with a remaining four of them was very well done and thoroughly engaging. The twists weren't bad either and it kept us watching to see who really was the guilty one. The very ending with them outside the plot revealing the final reveal was clever- if not something different and much needed (if not a little implausible how they were able to "get" into the phone.)
This film has clever laughs along the way with being entertaining.
Day Shift (2022)
Different take on the vampire genre
Released on Netflix with reportedly a $100 million budget, and the film certainly looked great visually. This isn't a typical vampire film we are accustomed to, and should garner points for creativity. Typical vampire horror comedies take place at night and are dark in setting and tone. This is titled "Day Shift" as it takes place during the day. It still deals with vampire tropes with vampire action by slicing heads, shooting them with shotguns, and allergies to garlic.
The chemistry between Jamie Foxx and Dave Franco is the typical mismatched duo but it works here. There are several great action sequences including the very opening before the title card appears, with Foxx breaking in a house then taking out an elderly woman vampire. The plot may be sort of thin but the motives of having to kill vampires to trade in their teeth for cash was something different.
In the end it's a fun film, and doesn't overstay its welcome. There have been rumors of a sequel. We shall wait and see if it's still occurring.
Bad Trip (2021)
Thoughtful and entertaining hidden camera comedy
Compared to the Jackass franchise with its hidden camera pranks on real non-actors/ the unsuspecting public. Bad Trip is part fictional story with lead actors in Eric Andre, Lil Rel Howery, and Tiffany Haddish mixed with half hidden camera prank-like gimmick series of stunts. The film is also reactively and genuinely funny and it's part due to the pranks over the public.
Right from the opening scene with Andre at the car cleaner/ car wash stunt with the vacuum sucking up his outfit. It certainly felt like a genuine reaction by the customer.
Several other highlights were the smoothie store/ barista scene with Maria Li coming in the store. The general reactions were sold. As was the restaurant scene bearing the end. The customers seemed to really fall for it (as evident by the end bloopers). Even though the scene felt far fetched it was believable. The car blowing up scene was well done as well, as with the drunk vomiting at the bar. The zoo gorilla scene was rather graphic and bizarre how the guests couldn't differentiate between the gorilla being a person in an outfit. The conclusion art gallery scene was another solid scene stealer.
Overall this film has laughs due to the awkward situations and believable acting by the main cast to perform in these awkward and outrageous situations. Certainly not a film for everyone but if you are a fan of the Jackass series or an Eric Andre fan, you may enjoy it.
Voyagers (2021)
Sci-fi space soap opera with a message
Several have described this film as Lord of the Flies in space and by reading its brief synopsis can see why. Voyagers has the feel of a teen novel series adapted into a feature film. The main premise with these group of young teenagers/ young adults being sent to a space crew in search for the greater good is interesting enough. Then given how they are functioning with their standards of work and their medications doses they are required in taking.
Roughly the first 35 minutes (before Colin Farrell's abrupt departure) set the premise for the film. Then afterwards the main plot kicks in and we see how drastically and realistically the rest of the crew act without their adult leader. This was of course predictable but logically needed. And it sends the message of how freedom changes people involved.
Some slow parts afterwards but once the crew gets divided with Tye Sheridan and Fionn Whitehead having arguments from being friends, the film turns into a sort of slasher or similar to the last act in Sunshine. The action does pick up and it was engaging.
The film may not be overly original but the conceit kept us watching, and the design of the ship and color schemes is a nice touch.
No Sudden Move (2021)
Clever but at times confusing
This is certainly a more mature adult oriented film. It was released straight to streaming and we suggest for those reasons. It doesn't exactly feel like the type of mainstream films we see today. Steven Soderbergh has a great track record of these type of heist, crime suspenseful thrillers where many of them in recent years have seemed to have been overlooked. No Sudden Move is a darker neo noir thriller with relatively a slower pace and slow tension build up. It stars an ensemble of characters with top notch acting.
Although at times the plot and story get confusing with new characters coming in the picture. The twists in the end were a little confusing.
Reminiscence (2021)
Had potential but executed poorly
This concept of this film felt like it was intriguing or something from a film made during the 2000's. For a sci-fi film with talented actors involved, its budget was certainly a lot and the overall product definitely has the feel. The story starts off decent but as things went along, we started to lose interest and it became convoluted and confusing. Also a lot of dialogue at times were hard to fully hear as it felt like Hugh Jackman was speaking relatively quiet at times.
The twists in the end and leading up to its climax was entirely predictable. It wasn't executed greatly to the point where interest was lost. It seems like a lot was craned into a film- where maybe this would have worked better as a mini-series. Layering things out with more detail. For a film about memory, Reminiscence is forgettable.