kjproulx
Joined May 2010
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One of Them Days is a film that wasn't even on my radar until I happened to notice it playing in theatres a few weeks ago. It's a small comedy that hasn't gotten nearly the attention it deserves. What finally convinced me to check it out were the positive reviews, and I'm so glad I did. While the trailer didn't leave much of an impression on me, the humour works far better in the context of the film itself. In an era where great mainstream comedies seem few and far between, this one feels like a breath of fresh air. If you haven't seen it yet, I recommend giving it a chance.
The standout element of this film is the writing. Syreeta Singleton, known for her work on TV comedies like Insecure and Central Park, crafts a sharp and heartfelt story about two female roommates struggling to pay their rent and facing imminent eviction. The entire film unfolds over the course of a single day, as the pair scrambles to come up with the money to save their apartment. Singleton's background in sitcoms translates seamlessly to this feature, with perfectly timed situational comedy and well-placed moments of chaos.
Of course, the film wouldn't be nearly as effective without its two phenomenal leads. Keke Palmer is always a joy to watch, but the real surprise here is SZA, whose acting chops I hadn't seen before. Their chemistry is undeniable; they play off each other with such ease and authenticity that I completely bought into their portrayal of lifelong friends. Their back-and-forth banter is hilarious, but the film also takes the time to explore the emotional depth of their relationship, adding real heart to the story.
While One of Them Days isn't groundbreaking in terms of comedy or storytelling, its humour and emotional core make it something special. The balance between laugh-out-loud moments and genuine sentiment sets it apart from many other similar comedies. By the time the credits rolled, I was genuinely surprised at how much fun I had with this film. One of Them Days is currently playing in theatres and available on demand, and I think it's worth your time.
The standout element of this film is the writing. Syreeta Singleton, known for her work on TV comedies like Insecure and Central Park, crafts a sharp and heartfelt story about two female roommates struggling to pay their rent and facing imminent eviction. The entire film unfolds over the course of a single day, as the pair scrambles to come up with the money to save their apartment. Singleton's background in sitcoms translates seamlessly to this feature, with perfectly timed situational comedy and well-placed moments of chaos.
Of course, the film wouldn't be nearly as effective without its two phenomenal leads. Keke Palmer is always a joy to watch, but the real surprise here is SZA, whose acting chops I hadn't seen before. Their chemistry is undeniable; they play off each other with such ease and authenticity that I completely bought into their portrayal of lifelong friends. Their back-and-forth banter is hilarious, but the film also takes the time to explore the emotional depth of their relationship, adding real heart to the story.
While One of Them Days isn't groundbreaking in terms of comedy or storytelling, its humour and emotional core make it something special. The balance between laugh-out-loud moments and genuine sentiment sets it apart from many other similar comedies. By the time the credits rolled, I was genuinely surprised at how much fun I had with this film. One of Them Days is currently playing in theatres and available on demand, and I think it's worth your time.
The Gorge is a film I knew I had to watch the moment I saw the initial trailer. The premise hooked me right away with its intriguing setup. Apple has been on a roll with their television shows as I have yet to see one I didn't enjoy, but their feature films have been more hit-or-miss. They've produced some fantastic movies and some forgettable ones, and after watching The Gorge, I can confidently say it falls somewhere in the middle. It's a thoroughly enjoyable ride with a lot to offer, even if it's not without its flaws.
The story kicks off with a simple but compelling premise. Levi (Miles Teller) and Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy) are operatives stationed on opposite sides of a mysterious gorge, tasked with keeping watch without ever communicating. Naturally, they find ways to break that rule, and their forbidden connection leads them into a dangerous situation where survival becomes all that matters. Along the way, they start uncovering the gorge's many secrets. Teller and Taylor-Joy shine as the two leads, bringing a lot of charm and chemistry to their roles, which makes their dynamic one of the film's strongest elements.
One of the most surprising aspects of The Gorge is its tonal shift in the third act. What begins as a compelling, intrigue-filled drama takes a sharp turn into something that feels almost like a video game-inspired action movie. While this change isn't necessarily a bad thing, it did require some adjustment. The first half is filled with tension and emotional depth, while the second half leans into over-the-top action and spectacle. Both halves are entertaining in their own way, and while I personally preferred the more grounded start, the high-energy conclusion still offered plenty of thrills.
If there's one major downside to The Gorge, it's that its scale and visual ambition deserved a theatrical release. The sweeping landscapes and action-packed sequences would have been far more impactful on the big screen. Scott Derrickson's direction brings a solid balance of emotion and excitement, drawing strong performances from his leads and keeping the pacing tight. While the film's Apple TV+ exclusivity limits its visual impact, it's still well worth a watch. The Gorge is now streaming, and I recommend checking it out.
The story kicks off with a simple but compelling premise. Levi (Miles Teller) and Drasa (Anya Taylor-Joy) are operatives stationed on opposite sides of a mysterious gorge, tasked with keeping watch without ever communicating. Naturally, they find ways to break that rule, and their forbidden connection leads them into a dangerous situation where survival becomes all that matters. Along the way, they start uncovering the gorge's many secrets. Teller and Taylor-Joy shine as the two leads, bringing a lot of charm and chemistry to their roles, which makes their dynamic one of the film's strongest elements.
One of the most surprising aspects of The Gorge is its tonal shift in the third act. What begins as a compelling, intrigue-filled drama takes a sharp turn into something that feels almost like a video game-inspired action movie. While this change isn't necessarily a bad thing, it did require some adjustment. The first half is filled with tension and emotional depth, while the second half leans into over-the-top action and spectacle. Both halves are entertaining in their own way, and while I personally preferred the more grounded start, the high-energy conclusion still offered plenty of thrills.
If there's one major downside to The Gorge, it's that its scale and visual ambition deserved a theatrical release. The sweeping landscapes and action-packed sequences would have been far more impactful on the big screen. Scott Derrickson's direction brings a solid balance of emotion and excitement, drawing strong performances from his leads and keeping the pacing tight. While the film's Apple TV+ exclusivity limits its visual impact, it's still well worth a watch. The Gorge is now streaming, and I recommend checking it out.
Captain America: Brave New World was an intriguing experience for me. The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been going strong for 17 years, which is wild to think about. In that time, we've seen 35 films and 12 television shows, yet since Avengers: Endgame, the franchise has struggled with a clear direction. While I've enjoyed several of the recent projects, I have to admit that the overarching narrative still feels messy. Hopefully, the upcoming slate of films will bring more clarity, but for now, the MCU remains in a state of flux. Brave New World is Marvel's latest theatrical release, and while it has its share of issues, I ultimately found it enjoyable.
I've been a huge fan of Anthony Mackie's Falcon ever since his introduction in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and when he was handed the shield at the end of Endgame, I was all for it. His Disney+ series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, explored his journey toward accepting the mantle of Captain America, making this film feel like the next natural step. Now, we see Sam Wilson fully embracing his role while navigating a complicated political landscape. The return of Thaddeus Ross, now portrayed by Harrison Ford, adds an interesting dynamic, especially with his new position as President. The film also revisits elements from The Incredible Hulk (2008), introducing revelations about Ross's past and a subplot involving his transformation into a Hulk. With the return of familiar villains and significant ties to previous MCU entries, the film attempts to weave together multiple storylines.
One of the most compelling aspects of the movie is the presence of Isaiah Bradley, a character introduced in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. He plays a crucial role in setting the plot in motion, but I do worry that viewers unfamiliar with the show may not fully appreciate his significance. While I loved the deeper connections to past MCU stories, the film sometimes feels overcrowded with side characters and subplots. It's clear that Brave New World underwent multiple rewrites, and at times, it feels like too many creative voices were trying to shape the narrative. The pacing suffers from these competing elements, making the story feel uneven despite its strong core.
That said, there's a lot to like here. Sam Wilson continues to be a compelling lead, and Harrison Ford delivers a solid performance that elevates Ross's role in the MCU. The political thriller elements kept me engaged, and despite some mixed reactions, I personally enjoyed the action sequences. While Brave New World is undeniably messy, it's also an entertaining ride, especially for longtime Marvel fans. If you've been hesitant about the MCU's recent output, this film may not completely restore your faith, but it offers enough intrigue, strong performances, and ties to past stories to make it worth watching. I had a good time, and I'm excited to see where these characters go next.
I've been a huge fan of Anthony Mackie's Falcon ever since his introduction in Captain America: The Winter Soldier, and when he was handed the shield at the end of Endgame, I was all for it. His Disney+ series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, explored his journey toward accepting the mantle of Captain America, making this film feel like the next natural step. Now, we see Sam Wilson fully embracing his role while navigating a complicated political landscape. The return of Thaddeus Ross, now portrayed by Harrison Ford, adds an interesting dynamic, especially with his new position as President. The film also revisits elements from The Incredible Hulk (2008), introducing revelations about Ross's past and a subplot involving his transformation into a Hulk. With the return of familiar villains and significant ties to previous MCU entries, the film attempts to weave together multiple storylines.
One of the most compelling aspects of the movie is the presence of Isaiah Bradley, a character introduced in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. He plays a crucial role in setting the plot in motion, but I do worry that viewers unfamiliar with the show may not fully appreciate his significance. While I loved the deeper connections to past MCU stories, the film sometimes feels overcrowded with side characters and subplots. It's clear that Brave New World underwent multiple rewrites, and at times, it feels like too many creative voices were trying to shape the narrative. The pacing suffers from these competing elements, making the story feel uneven despite its strong core.
That said, there's a lot to like here. Sam Wilson continues to be a compelling lead, and Harrison Ford delivers a solid performance that elevates Ross's role in the MCU. The political thriller elements kept me engaged, and despite some mixed reactions, I personally enjoyed the action sequences. While Brave New World is undeniably messy, it's also an entertaining ride, especially for longtime Marvel fans. If you've been hesitant about the MCU's recent output, this film may not completely restore your faith, but it offers enough intrigue, strong performances, and ties to past stories to make it worth watching. I had a good time, and I'm excited to see where these characters go next.