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joelmcfilm's rating
BLOCKBUSTING was an episode that truly delivered on all fronts. Expertly directed by Nefertite Nguvu, it had all you want from a sitcom. Funny? Check. Fast paced? Check. Touching? Check. In particular, the casting of this episode was top notch. From Donald Faison as realtor "Terrence" (who, by the way, apparently hasn't aged since CLUELESS), to the return of Lindsay Sloane playing Mrs. Hitman (she was in the original series with quite an original voice...but she'll always "Big Red" from BRING IT ON to me!). All the way down to the supporting characters like goofy neighbor "Jim Fleming", played by Josh Rhett Noble, who seems to REALLY like crown molding and Gregory Zarian as Mr. Hitman (the kind Dad we all wish we had). Kudos to a fantastic episode. It reminds us all what a true gem this series is.
Knowing Bruce Willis' diagnosis of cognitive Aphasia, it is hard to imagine his struggles in filming these last several films. I am happy to say, WRONG PLACE seems to be one of the rare occasions where the production ultimately does NOT seem hindered by his disease progression. In fact, the film itself is enjoyable, even if at times predictable.
The standouts this go round come from the supporting leads and, surprisingly, from ensemble members.
Director Mike Burns (Out of Death) does a good job of keeping the pace going throughout, something that seemed to be hit or miss in other recent Willis movies. The story of a meth cook hunting down a former cop (Willis) is what's just on the service. Below is a tale of heartbreak, loss and love. Stacey Danger (The Neon Demon) as "Tammy" and Ashley Greene (Twilight) as "Chloe" do an excellent job tittering between classic thriller vibes and relationship goals. Greene lights up the screen as a true badass, with her moments kicking tail being some of the true highlights.
Massi Furlan (Jumanji: The Next Level) is compelling as "Virgil" (even when his accent seems to wane). His shifty eyes and swagger are engaging.
Texas Battle (The Bold and the Beautiful) as "Captain East" gives one of the most solid performances in the film (sprinkled with some much needed humor). He is flanked by award-winning theater veteran Josh Rhett Noble (Law & Order: SVU) as "Officer Richter" who does a stellar job grounding each scene he has with his limited time on screen.
Michael Sirow (Fortress: Sniper's Eye) gives us a classic bad guy (including bumbling mistakes) and displays quite a bit of layers to "Jake".
Finally, Willis pulls through as "Frank". It's hard not to think of his real life struggles when you see him in despair over possibly losing more of those he cares about. Much like the fear of losing his abilities in real life. There's a slight twist that makes you think the film will land differently at the end, but the relationship he has with his on screen daughter feels heartfelt and pure. (Much like real life.)
All in all, it is a surprisingly inclusive ride you'll look forward to taking.
The standouts this go round come from the supporting leads and, surprisingly, from ensemble members.
Director Mike Burns (Out of Death) does a good job of keeping the pace going throughout, something that seemed to be hit or miss in other recent Willis movies. The story of a meth cook hunting down a former cop (Willis) is what's just on the service. Below is a tale of heartbreak, loss and love. Stacey Danger (The Neon Demon) as "Tammy" and Ashley Greene (Twilight) as "Chloe" do an excellent job tittering between classic thriller vibes and relationship goals. Greene lights up the screen as a true badass, with her moments kicking tail being some of the true highlights.
Massi Furlan (Jumanji: The Next Level) is compelling as "Virgil" (even when his accent seems to wane). His shifty eyes and swagger are engaging.
Texas Battle (The Bold and the Beautiful) as "Captain East" gives one of the most solid performances in the film (sprinkled with some much needed humor). He is flanked by award-winning theater veteran Josh Rhett Noble (Law & Order: SVU) as "Officer Richter" who does a stellar job grounding each scene he has with his limited time on screen.
Michael Sirow (Fortress: Sniper's Eye) gives us a classic bad guy (including bumbling mistakes) and displays quite a bit of layers to "Jake".
Finally, Willis pulls through as "Frank". It's hard not to think of his real life struggles when you see him in despair over possibly losing more of those he cares about. Much like the fear of losing his abilities in real life. There's a slight twist that makes you think the film will land differently at the end, but the relationship he has with his on screen daughter feels heartfelt and pure. (Much like real life.)
All in all, it is a surprisingly inclusive ride you'll look forward to taking.
A true nod to the bodacious 80's movies we all learned to love, THIS IS THE YEAR brings an often told story to life on screen with humor, expertly directed shots by director David Henrie (Wizards of Waverly Place) and a cast of standout talent. (Not to mention somewhat of a WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE reunion with Selena Gomez producing, Gregg Sulkin as Kale and Jeff Garlin as Mr. Elmer.)
Lorenzo James Henrie (Fear the Walking Dead) plays Josh with earnest puppy-dog eyed optimism. Molly (Vanessa Marano - Gilmore Girls) is the true wing man...erm...wing woman to Josh's antics.
Marano is quite possibly the most captivating in the film, drawing you into every scene she graces. Her comedic timing allows her to volley back and forth with the entire cast, including the hilarious BroadwayWorld Award Winner Josh Rhett Noble (Law & Order: SVU, TIME: The Kalief Browder Story) seen in a comedic cameo as grumpy "patron" Jared. (Whom we assume must just live at the theater.)
The rest of the cast does a stellar job teetering between the over-the-top tubular antics you'd expect in 80's classics but grounding the scenes with truth. Alyssa Jirrels (The Good Doctor, Girl Meets World) is especially good at this as Zoey, bringing an affable and endearing portrayal to what would usually be the one dimensional "hot girl". Same goes for Jake Short (A. N. T. Farm) who brings his character of Mikey to life with ease.
It may be a love tale as old as time, but if you find yourself "jonesing" for a great classic escape, THIS IS THE YEAR has got it. TOTALLY!
Lorenzo James Henrie (Fear the Walking Dead) plays Josh with earnest puppy-dog eyed optimism. Molly (Vanessa Marano - Gilmore Girls) is the true wing man...erm...wing woman to Josh's antics.
Marano is quite possibly the most captivating in the film, drawing you into every scene she graces. Her comedic timing allows her to volley back and forth with the entire cast, including the hilarious BroadwayWorld Award Winner Josh Rhett Noble (Law & Order: SVU, TIME: The Kalief Browder Story) seen in a comedic cameo as grumpy "patron" Jared. (Whom we assume must just live at the theater.)
The rest of the cast does a stellar job teetering between the over-the-top tubular antics you'd expect in 80's classics but grounding the scenes with truth. Alyssa Jirrels (The Good Doctor, Girl Meets World) is especially good at this as Zoey, bringing an affable and endearing portrayal to what would usually be the one dimensional "hot girl". Same goes for Jake Short (A. N. T. Farm) who brings his character of Mikey to life with ease.
It may be a love tale as old as time, but if you find yourself "jonesing" for a great classic escape, THIS IS THE YEAR has got it. TOTALLY!