4/13/2026
Normal
Starring: Bob Odenkirk, Lena Headley, Henry Winkler
Director: Ben Wheatley
Genre: Crime/Action
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 30min
Again, AMC’s Screen Unseen Monday’s has been a treat. Would I have gone to see this movie had I not been eased into the seat mysteriously by AMC? It’s possible. But, definitely it would be dependent on what else was out.
I’m a Bob Odenkirk fan… Loved Mr Show, Better Call Saul… He’s just a good time regardless. Did I fight to NOT see Nobody and Nobody 2? Sure did. And in the back of my mind, because he’s in them, I know they're probably decent if not good. I just didn’t do it for some reason…
All of that said, I wasn’t mad when this movie began to play as I have been with some in the Unseen Verse. I will say that, as a hard worker regularly but super hard these last few weeks, the first 15-20mins are a bit slow and I almost fought for my life in there.
I don’t mean that they weren’t interesting. They definitely build up to the culmination of things and provide backstory. Even with the backstory they provide, you won’t know wth is really going on until 30ish mins before the end.
This is an outrageous storyline with a few twists and turns that NOBODY (see what I did there?) saw coming. After that slow 20mins, the action begins and it does not let up off the gas until the credits start rolling.
There will literally be times where you think you will be able to breathe because there is seemingly a lull in the gore and blown-up body parts and before you breathe out fully, BOOM another head explodes.
I’ve been trying to think of the movie the sheer amount and type of fight scenes happening here reminds me of, but I’m having a hard time. Ballerina comes to mind but it was much too serious to compare here. This was comedic….well, at least for me. I was the only one in the theater laughing and I bet they thought I was weird. But, the comedy was absolutely there. Some of the ways people died was absurd. And, hear me when I say NOBODY (did it again) was safe in this movie. Everyone could and got that smoke. I loved it.
Rating: B
Final takeaway: There was nothing at all normal about Normal- the town or the movie. And, for me, that was a win.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: FUZE
Again, I am but a lady that has and will continue to go for lookers more than I'd like to admit.
4/10/2026
Newborn
Starring: David Oyelowo, Olivia Washington, Barry Pepper
Director: Nate Parker
Genre: Drama
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 42min
Well. This movie got me. I feel a bit bamboozled…. And not like they actually wanted to do, because I figured the reveal out halfway through. I thought that the beginning of this movie showed excellence. Like David Oyelowo is a force and, like in everything he’s in, he did some award-winning acting off the rip. I was already thinking, 10 mins in, that this could be an award winner. Is it just me, but when an actor has annnnnnything at all to do with production of a film, they put their Oscar pants on and try to go full Shakespeare? Having something to lose pulls out another level of pontification that isn’t there when they didn’t write, produce or direct. Could be me….
But then I got to 11mins in (more like halfway into the run time) and realized it won’t get there.
The writer (who is also the director) had to have just watched The Shining (or it’s his fav movie) and he wanted to do a Black version while touching on issues like the damage extended solitary confinement does, the damage missing Black fathers can potentially do and, in the Black diaspora, the damage of wanting to help family eventhough you are hurting yourself in the process. All of these things are real and important and rarely get a light concentrated on them in a non-judgemental light. It's about the way internal damage can manefest physical damage all around. That's a bit meta- but it's what they were trying to do.
And when you put that all in a Stephen King like world that hit waaaaaay too close to the happenings at The Overlook, you would think it would be good.
Let me tell you what happened….. The writing sucked. At first I thought it wasn’t bad and as the movie went on, I believe it became contrived. The writer wanted to just get to the finishline and it showed. I feel like they even resorted to using phrasing from interactions in The Shining. I feel that dialogue was a hard point for this guy and, possibly, some ad-libbing was going on. I got real tired of hearing “Okay, Okay…” Lots of repeated lines, unnecessary things…. Lots of attempting to personify a state-of-mind weirdly….
Anyhoo, it could’ve been better. It wasn’t bad. It just gets your hopes up and then, once the map is laid out to exactly where things are going, it lets you down a bit. It’s a writing issue. But David would make the writings of a 6 yr old kindergartener seem better than it is if you give him a chance. But after about 40 mins of him screaming One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish into the void, you just want to throw in the towel, give the man a hug and just let that man rest.
Lastly, believabilty is an issue. The overall ideas are reality for some so it’s not that. It is that King created the world of The Shining. It’s not real. So the attempt to manipulate that idea without taking into consideration the end result of such serious points they’re trying to make is, well, sad. And, just like Jack and Wendy, this type of story does not end well.
Rating: C--
Final takeaway: Ol Barry Pepper…. Listen, I like that guy and I wondered the entire movie “is that Barry?” because he looked like Barry’s alter ego or something. But now that I know, That made me happy fr.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: FUZE
Any movie with ATJ, Theo J. and Sam Wo.... I'm going just for the view.
4/6/2026
Faces Of Death
Starring: Barbie Ferreira, Dacre Montgomery
Director: Daniel Goldhabe
Genre: Horror/Mystery
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 38min
This is a movie for those folks who have never watched the original Faces of Death series. I love that they make it seem like it was just 1 movie. There were multiple. As a person who lived with someone as a kid that rented ALLUM and proceeded to play them with children watching (because no one was thinking about damaging the psyche of children in the early 80s), I can personally attest to the awfulness of the content of those films. They say it was made up but there are many, many scenes that this was not the case.
Eitherway, I don’t know who thought of this movie. I don’t know who conceived of the “what if” here that caused the script to be written. All I know is that the moment I saw Jermaine Fowler, I knew what I was dealing with.
It is a decent idea- again as someone that saw the originals irt. But, it was mis-casted for the lead. Not the antagonist….Lawd no. That guy was perfectly casted.
I feel like he is familiar, but I don’t recall a thing he’s been in. Maybe a little hammy…. Like I am sure he thought not how should I play this part to be as realistic as possible. But more like this guy is a sicko and how do sickos speak? How do sickos talk? How does a sicko blink his eyes… See? A completely different take on the same thing that is slightly off but still not horrible.
I love Barbie Ferreira. I think she’s super talented but either the script was awful or she was unable to convey “I’m not an idiot” well in this role. Many, many times I said “Nah, no one would do this”, “No girl!” And “You’ve got to be kidding!” So many times….
Basically, believability across the board from the acting to the placement of the crime scenes were completely off throughout the film. Nothing made real sense.
I haven’t looked but I am assuming hardly that this is the 1st feature-length movie for this director that isn’t “artistic” or “concept”.
This could have been a better film but it’ll make a few coins in it’s first week.
Thanks AMC Scream Unseen for getting my butt in the seat where I probably would’be have 1st chosen to be. Not really worth it, but under the circumstances of these amazing Mondays, I won’t complain.
Rating: D-
How Many Times Did I Want To Walk Out: 0
I looked at my watch several times and estimated the time left. But, never truly eyed that ramp lovingly.
Final takeaway: Jermaine Fowler, for me, is a harbinger of a bad time. I dislike almost everything he's ever been in and am not sure of his lineage or who he knows that keeps him in roles. But, I am never mad at the hustle.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: Backrooms
Whatever is happening here, I am fulling interested.
4/6/2026
The Drama
Starring: Zendaya, Robert Pattinson
Director: Kristoffer Borgli
Genre: Romance
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 46min
This movie is an interesting take on information sharing. Not the typical stuff. But, more like when do we reach TMI and what is valid to be carried to the grave. Aside from that, another great question that is indirectly and directly asked here is who do you trust- and do you reeeeeeeally trust them or nah?
That said, I identified more than I’d like to with Zendaya’s character- towards the beginning more so than towards the end. She was a completest here. Once she made a decision, she stuck with that and did whatever she could to continue on that path. If it means completely starting over everyday like it never ever happened, she’s down to do that. If she makes a potentially devistating plan, she’s bound to that line of thinking 99% of the time. She’s got to see it through.
The story itself is quite interesting. I think it will strike a chord in the current social climate.
But, I think I am seeing it differently.
Everyone watching this movie will see that the 2 character’s love was tested by some history rearing it’s ugly head and friends that didn't like that history. Those same people will see the reaction of everyone around them as not outlandish and wonder why the movie ends in the way it does.
I wonder that if the female lead were Sydney Sweeney, would the reactions of everyone else have been the same. Would the “friends” of the couple have had the same thoughts if Mckenna Grace playing the part? There’s a weird thing that occurs with people when potentially strong/smart/beautiful black women in interracial relationships show a potential clink in their armor. This undertone of questioning trust or acceptance does not rear it’s ugly head fully until that little clink happens and then the force of the “I Knew It!!!” wave is hell-bent on destroying anything that remains within that relationship, be it romantic or professional.
People are intimidated by black women and look for ways to, what they feel, even the playing field…..that was never even in any way, shape, or form in the begining.
All of that said, this whole movie following the revelations scene is a bit riddiculous.
All of it. Either you trust the person you vow to love or you don’t and you don’t let people shape how you trust or how you love. End of story.
But, that’s not the end of this story and this director, who is also the writer and possibly previously intimidated by a black woman in his past, makes sure to put this couple and the surrounding people in the craziest headspaces and situations. But, I guess he had to get this movie a-going.
Rating: C
Final takeaway: Could it be different if the leads were Idris Elba and Margo Robbie? Sure. But, I believe this was always the set path for the writing. And when I see it, I can't unsee it.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: Backrooms
Whatever is happening here, I am fulling interested.
4/1/2026
Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come
Starring: Samara Weaving, Sarah Michelle Geller, Elijah Wood
Directors: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett
Genre: Horror/Comedy
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 48min
Yes, I decided to check this one out. The 1st one was okay. Interesting concept but I wasn’t dancing in the aisles when it was done. This one kind of upped the interesting concept by 1million…. especially in today’s climate.
Semi-well written. I almost feel like they wrote it in reverse. They knew what the end was going to be kinda and wrote based on that.
The characters were fleshed out a little bit more this time- in comparison to the amount of time each character had on screen. But, is it believable?
Of course not! Not saying the whole story isn’t believable because, as we’ve seen these days, no one but those present has any idea of what goes on behind closed doors- most importantly when you have all the money and power in the world. My qualm is with the ability to get out of jams with little to no background in anything but makeup and possibly grit.
But, again, if you are being hunted, my thoughts are you’ll be figuring out a whole lot of loopholes and savagery to survive if you can.
Samara does distress well. At some points I felt she was taking it to Ham-town and I expected jazz-hands and/or tap dancing after some scenes. But, she definitely made her fear palpable. Her character also apparently has at least 2 or 3 more pints of blood in her body than the normal human being because she Energizer Bunny’ed herself through this entire movie. Just grunting, grimacing, crying and huffing the entire way.
The sister angle was cute, too. The choice of actor for the sister role was perfect.
Rating: C+
Final takeaway: That "Horror" tag is so very easy to place on movies these days..... Soooo easy. But, of course, this ain't horror.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: Wild Horse Nine
As I'e said before, any time Sam Rockwell decides to grace us with his talent, I'm there. But, then you and 2 more living greats to the picture- John Malkovich & Steve Buscemi and there is no way that this can't be amazing.
3/30/2026
Hunting of Matthew Nichols
Starring: Miranda MacDougal, Jay Hindle, Christine Wells
Director: Markian Tarasiuk
Genre: Horror/Mystery
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 29min
Oh AMC Scream Unseen…. You got me. They were on a roll for a while and, as is expected, every now and then we hit a bump.
There’s a thing that I’ve mentioned before in regards to that horror tag being placed on any and everything these days. I feel like I’m screaming into the void with all of it. And because the horror lovers probably out weigh most other guaranteed genre-lovers, tagging your movie as horror pretty much guarantees a payday on the first few weeks. So, it will continue.
Is this a horror movie? Up until the last few minutes, one would wonder. It could’ve been marked as a “thriller” or even a full on “mystery” and have been fine.
There was a feel at least 5mins in to the movie that the writer liked The Blair Witch Project…. And then they actually inserted that title into convo and all doubt of this drivel being a semi-copy cat was gently put to bed.
*Raises hand and steps to the front* I am not a fan of the original The Blair Witch Project (the sequel was even worse). So, to see another movie take all of the bad things about BWP and try to revamp it into this was not refreshing at all.
The storyline was bad to mid. The acting was horrendous. You actually feel the dragging and stretching of the barely-there story just to make it to that 1.5hrs. You literally will suffer through a ridiculous movie until the last 10mins, where you still feel the ridiculousness but at least its has something interesting happening.
Soooooooo many things could have been done to improve this movie. Little things and big. But, the director chose to go this route. The editors chose to cut out a storyline (I’m assuming here, but I think I am right). And the casting chose this lead actor. She ain’t it.
Rating: D-
Final takeaway: I was feeling pretty good while watching because I brought the crew this time. So, I didn't want to leave, per se. Their presence helped the rating by far. But, again, AMC Scream Unseen....ya got me..
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: Mother Mary
It's looks gory and weird, just like I like 'em.
3/23/2026
They Will Kill You
Starring: Zazie Beetz, Myha'la, Patricia Arquette
Director: Kirill Sokolov
Genre: Horror/Action
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 35min
Not to toot their horn, but I love love love AMC’s Scream Unseen Mondays! As a horror aficionado, this speaks to my inner child and makes my heart go aflutter every time.
And I was waiting for this particular movie since the 1st trailer.
As a fan of Zazie since ATL and beyond, it’s about time they recognized her strength in a scene and placed her as the lead in a project.
Idk, I believe her in whatever she is doing. She’s good at getting you on her side with very little nudging.
The storyline is interesting, if a little over the top. But then, almost everything they did, said, displayed, did not say, hinted at…. Just about everything was more than needed and somehow not quite enough. Not in a bad way..I mean, always leave them wanting, right?
What I’m saying is that nothing was what you expected in each and every scene. No one said exactly what you thought they should or would say at a given time. No one did the thing you’d expect in any scene. It was like a cacophony of insanity with just enough done well that you can’t hate it.
It’s like they looked at Quentin’s Kill Bill and said, THIS but more crazy stuff and triple the blood.
And honestly, I’m not mad at that. It’s definitely a love letter to The Bride down to the racing striped pants.
Rating: B-
Final takeaway: I can't lie, this movie made me think and think hard. And in today's economy, I can't be mad at that.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About:
Honestly, nothing moved me this time.
3/22/2026
Project Hail Mary
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Eva Stratt
Directors: Phil Lord & Chris Miller
Genre: Sci-fi/Adventure
Rated: PG-13
Run time: 2hrs 36min
After a busy weekend, of course I had to see what Project Hail Mary was all about and what my bookie Ryan Gosling was serving up for the people this time.
As a lover of intelligence and thinkers, this movie was perfect.
You have a pretty great actor leading the whole thing that's anchored by several good actors that make him look even better. You have a faceless antagonist that everyone is wanting to vanquish and a whole lotta death at stake if Ryan fails.
There's lots of science-y talk which I adore. But, I feel like it's broken down in a way that's super understandable.
Annnnnd we have the co-protagonist. We all know how Jar-Jar Binks almost single-handedly destroyed a franchise and most certainly completely destroyed our trust, as a people, in non-human sidekicks… ESPECIALLY in Sci-fi movies. Is that just me?
So, anytime I see a sidekick-like character of this ilk in a movie, I first cringe. Then I sigh very hard to myself. And finally I hope for the best while simultaneously expecting Jar-Jar.
This one did not disappoint.
It was so interesting and well done that my initial question of 2.5hrs in the end was understood as needing every single second if not more.
And I surprised myself with the edge of the seat rooting that happens for the characters. Like you will be very invested in the outcome of this mission- if you so choose to go see it.
Rating: B+
Final takeaway: What can't Ry Ry do? Like seriously....
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: Dune: Part Three
I've been waiting on this! Although, honestly, the trailer made me a smidge less sure that it would be as amazing as the first two, I'm still in.
3/16/2026
I Swear
Starring: Robert Aramayo, Maxine Peake, Peter Mullan
Director: Kirk Jones
Genre: Narrative
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 1min
Once again AMC Screen Unseen placed me in the seat for a movie I wouldn't have gone to ordinarily. Partly because of the Golden Globes fiasco with Michael B. Jordan & Delroy Lindo and partly because I wouldn't automatically see a “story” there. And once I realized what the movie was, I almost walked out. And for the 1st 15mins or so, I internally debated this issue.
I obviously decided to stay and give as much of an honest review as I am capable of, under the circumstances- more due to the fiasco than anything else.
That said, the story is interesting to a point. Whenever you are dealing with subject matter that includes mental health or physical abnormality in the protagonist, it can require a soft touch. Also, if done well, there is usually awards in the future.
The acting is very good. For me, believability is always my first factor for acting. Do you believe the actor and do they believe in what they're doing? Every actor in this film is believable.
My only issue with it, once I decided to stay and “give it a chance” is that the Scottish accent was quite hard to understand in several moments. I almost wish there were captions just so I didn't miss any nuance or context expressed verbally.
The story was a good foray into the onset of Tourette's Syndrome and potentially what one can achieve when they encounter true saints that can look over the ticks and outbursts.
If you don't have a clue as to what Tourette's is, this movie will fill you in expertly.
Rating: B-
Final takeaway: I find it interesting that years of teaching others about the disorder and how to cope as well as actually being a test subject of seemingly successful scientific methods of control of the ticks and outbursts and STILL what stays with me (even more so in knowing all of this info) is that in 1 moment, it wasn't able to be controlled at all. Just 1 moment in hours of presenters. Just one.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: N/A
There was an interesting jumble of trailers of which none looked interesting.
3/15/2026
Undertone
Starring: Nina Kiri, Michelle Duquet, Adam DiMarco
Director: Ian Tuason
Genre: Horror
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 33mins
Oh my goodness. Gather ‘round children and let me tell you of a movie that is a bamboozler of the highest order. Oh children! This movie placed every semi-interesting part of itself into the trailers! Can you believe that, babies?
Seriously, though. I, like most people, do not care to be lied to and this movie lied to everyone from the rooter to the tooter.
It is a slow burn. And when it comes to A24 movies, I generally can handle that because these days something pretty good is built in that 1st 30ish minutes. But, this movie…..
Nothing was built here. It’s awful.
This movie was made on a budget of good feelings, actual peanuts and probably old farts because it stank…. I’ve got to say it like this just so you truly understand what you are getting into if you decide to venture in.
The script was written by a drunken scrooge. Whoever wrote this actually hates horror movies but potentially watched a lot of them and took almost every nuance that could be done almost free and definitely free of CGI or any kind of special effect, and he/she/they made this story.
The acting is mid. I almost thought it could be okay. Then 45mins in, I knew this was poop but I tried to hold out hope. When movies drag out situations to add time and make things superficially complex then it’s really hiding the lack of story- it gets tiresome.
I started counting the sconces in the theater and sighing so loud that I’m sure the few people around probably hated me before those final credits rolled.
But me? I was ecstatic when the credits began and this director is now on my block list.
Rating: F
How Many Times Did I Want To Walk Out: 9
Final takeaway: To quote Denzel Washington in one of his best performances to date: "We've been hoodwinked! Bamboozled! Led astray! Run amok!"
They got us again and frankly I get so tired of Hollywood choosing to go cheap, formulaic and smoke and mirrors when it comes to horror just because they can make some guaranteed money in the first few weeks. This is not creepy. It is not spooky. This is an awful waste of time.
Trailer I'm Most Excited About: The Death of Robin Hood
There were a couple others that I've seen before, like this one. But if you line them up, Hugh will win everytime.
3/9/2026
Slanted
Starring: Mckenna Grace, Shirley Chen
Director: Amy Wang
Genre: Sci-fy/Comedy
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 42mins
I thought they were done, but once again I was able to take advantage of AMC's Screen Unseen and this movie was definitely one that I was interested in so I was definitely excited when it started.
I didn't expect much because most movies disappoint but I was pleasantly surprised.
It is really a social commentary, done extremely well. How timely is a film on how teens from other ethnic backgrounds in majority Caucasian areas may feel about fitting in?
I was enrapt! Truly, from beginning to end the story line was relatable to POCs.
I found some things quite funny, but I may've been the only one as the theater was quiet except for my snickering.
There was almost a whiff if IDKHTEI (I dont know how to end it) towards the end. Just a little aroma of it. But, the story was done so well that you don't hate that they may've taken the easy way out…..because had things worked well for the character, would the ending be the same?
And there's a song in there that when I say I LOL'd the whole way through!! I was literally the only one that “got the joke” in the theater but it was hilarious!
I was thoroughly entertained! This one maaaay get something for screenwriting and possibly special effects but it may not. The rating is based on originality, concept and acting (the parents were phenomenal).
Rating: A
Final takeaway: Based on my in-theater experience, if you are a POC, you'll love this. If not, you'll sit on the fence or hate it outright {teeheehee}
Trailer I'm Most Excited About:
None of them moved me this time.
3/7/2026
Dolly
Starring: Seann William Scott, Fabianne Therese
Director: Rod Blackhearst
Genre: Horror
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 23mins
What is this? Anyone? Can anyone tell me why this movie exists?
Right from the jump I realized the same folks that made In A Violent Nature did this movie so I sighed loudly and decided I may as well stay. (Btw, the In A Violent Nature 2 trailer came up before this movie and I must say I am intrigued just to get some good laughs like in the first one…. AND the sound editor was still squishing leaves like nobody’s business….sigh).
All of that said, this movie is much like that predecessor in that it sucks. But, I got a good whiff of that probability from it’s trailer, so I wasn’t taken by surprise.
This is one of the most ridiculous, not needed, unsure of it’s decade, dirty looking, weird, badly written, badly acted, unnecessary, time-wasting, money not well spent having, Pat being, Huh? Saying, insert bad adjective here having, blankety-blank movie I’ve seen in quite a while.
The only saving grace is that they did not insist on getting to 1.5hrs…..thank God!
Rating: D-
How Many Times Did I Want To Walk Out: 3
Final takeaway: There was a storyline eventhough it was insane. They had one and they adhered to it. I want to say F but I am gonna give it the same break they gave us by not forcing 10 or more additional minutes of drivel to get to that 1.5hr mark.
Trailer I'm Most Excited About: They're Going To Kill You ....again
But, I'll definitely watch In A Violent Nature 2 for the great giggles I'm sure to have and the jello smushed leaf sounds that they're so proud of.
3/7/2026
The Bride
Starring: Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, Annette Benning
Director: Maggie Gyllenhaal
Genre: Horror/Sci-fi
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 7mins
First, I'd like to say that Christian Bale is one of my favorite actors so this was an automatic especially after not appearing in anything for such a long time. Secondly, I'd like to say Yes, I said Jessie Buckley needed someone to match her acting chops because that did not happen in Hamnet and she is absolutely a force to be reckoned with. Putting these two together should be magic, right?
Third, I'd like to say that I should've been more specific. What Buckley needs is an equal to her acting ability AND a good story. The script doesn't have to be great. Two great actors and a mediocre script- but with a decent storyline will win everytime.
This was pretty bad- and trust me, it hurts to say this as I like both actors- all actors involved- and Maggie.
The story is garage- there, I said it. It's not well thought out. It's doing too much and somehow not enough at the same time.
Frankenstein's monster, in essence, isn't complex. Loneliness isn’t complex. But, somehow, the addition of soooooo many factors with Buckley's character possibly hurt this thing more than anything else. An uncomplicated idea became physics with this writer/director and I did not like it. There's re-imagining and then there's this thing that maybe should've stayed as a thought.
I'm not the only one…. Within the first 30mins, a couple walked out of the already sparsely attended showing. I noted that because I totally got it….it was evident that what we ordered was not what they were serving. But, I was still hopeful then. I did begin counting tho (you know what I'm talking about).
I respect Maggie Gyllenhaal's talent- and I do believe she's a good actor and a decent director…..except this time. This time has me questioning everything I thought I knew with her, unfortunately.
Oh, and to call this horror is like calling Phantom of The Opera horror. *This statement hits on many levels.....unfortunately.
Rating: D-
How Many Times Did I Want To Walk Out: 4
Final takeaway: Basically, Gyllanhaal took another historical, star-crossed pair (if you watch, you'll get this) and just about shot for shot recreated their story. But, did we need that? We did not. Was it innovative? It literally wasn't.... It was just disappointing.
Trailer I'm Most Excited About: They're Going To Kill You
I've seen this trailer a few times and I'm definitely there. Honorable mention to Mortal Kombat II.... it finally looks like the MK we deserved all along.
3/3/2026
Psycho Killer
Starring: Georgina Campbell, James Preston Rogers, Malcolm McDowell
Director: Gavin Polone
Genre: Horror/Crime
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 32mins
As always, full-disclosure: if a sistah is leading it, I'll usually check it out. They had some sparse and wild times here for this move so it took a little longer to line up with with my schedule. But, I got it done.
And, for a horror movie lover AND a true crime/serial killer aficionado, this movie scratches all of those itches.
Is it horror foreal? How scary are you?
For me, in my favorite spot (an empty theater by myself watching a horror movie), I never flinched or jumped. So its more horrible things happening as opposed to them trying to scare you.
But, if you like gore…. They Tarantino'ed this right on up. There are no blood “splatters”. Its Blood “buckets”. Every wound gushed. Every swing hit....hard. Whoever did sound on this had a field day. It was their magnum opus.
Overall, its interesting. As a believer (the good kind- if you watch, you'll understand), there's almost too much Old Scratch worshiping going on. Like I almost said The Lord's Prayer in there to counter all of that madness. Frfr.
So if you're worried about or just don't play with stuff like that, this definitely may turn you off with the 1st credit roll coming in not to mention as it goes on.
But Campbell was good in this. She held the lead well and was believable in the role.
Idk who James Preston Rogers is but good grief. I had to look this dude up. Ive seen him many times in shows apparently, but he definitely has a presence and I doubt anyone else would've worked as this particular villain. Maybe The Mountain from GOT would've gave it a run for its money. But, I think they picked the right guy. JPR is on my radar…
Rating: C+
Final takeaway: It wasn't too bad. Lots of interesting things occuring. They took some jumps in getting from point A to point B then to D, but I was entertained and that's totally why I a came.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: Passengers and Undertone
It's a tie. I couldn't decide between the two hypothetically this time.
3/3/2026
K-Pops
Starring: Anderson .Paak, Soul Rasheed, Yvette Nicole Brown
Director: Anderson .Paak
Genre: Comedy/Drama
Rated: PG-13
Run time: 1hr 54mins
There's a soft part of my heart for Anderson .Paak. Idk…. He strikes me as a kind soul. A kind, extremely talented soul that will excell at anything he endeavors in- even if its half-hearted. But, if he applies effort, the sky is the limit. You don't see that? It's just me? Can't be just me.
All of that said, this movie…. I honestly did not expect much. Had no idea he co-wrote it going in. Had no idea he DIRECTED until the credits rolled (which I rarely stay and watch).
This movie is a triump! It seriously is so well done that you'd think this dude had been writing and directing movies all his life.
There's obviously a certain amount of acting that comes with the territory in the world of music…. Videos, live performances…. They have to know how to put it on even if they don't feel up to it.
He was pretty good in Survival Of The Thickest (great show). I was impressed then.
Somebody tell me what he can't do!
And the music…. Dude! It took me back to the days where you ran to buy the soundtrack of a movie and listened to it straight through on repeat. Every song in the movie is a banger.
If you watch this and don't do a little shimmy in your seat and/or bop your head pretty much through the whole thing, do you have any life in you?
My onnnnnnnly thread to pull and its too short to pull frfr is that at the end, where there was a bit extra happening in one scene where I could clearly envision Suge Knight being at the podium talking 'bout AP and using it as an example to come to Death Row….because he hates these kinds of producers... (know your history lol).
Rating: B+
Final takeaway: A perfect blend of cultures. I am officially looking at AP a lot differently now.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: Project Hail Mary
Ryan wins again because all of the trailers are multiple repeats for me an nothing really stood out.
3/1/2026
Scream 7
Starring: Neve Campbell, Matthew Lillard, Courtney Cox
Director: Kevin Williamson
Genre: Horror/Mystery
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 54mins
Not sure how much more they can squeeze out of this franchise. I mean, they got Neve to come back and typically getting original players back in for a final fight is the end. But, if they take any ques from Halloween, I think they still have Jamie Lee out there being scared, running and shooting.
That said, it wasn’t bad though. As the second movie of the day and in the recliners, I expected to fight for my life in there and it had my full attention the entire time. I almost hate to say it (as this is not my favorite horror franchise by a longshot) this was a good story. It was a good story that was written pretty well and acted well.
I was taken aback, frankly, by that.
Seeing Neve is always cool as I was okay with the original…. Something about the whole dance of the killer is not him, but its him, no it's them but then maybe this guy, but no, it’s 2 guys that put me a bit off on Scream as a whole. Still, seeing her older being the mom you would kinda expect, married to a guy you would kinda expect with a rebellious kid that you’d also expect was cool and still it worked. And, certainly the popping in of familiar faces was fun.
I’d like to say if you've seen one, you’ve seen them all and it isn’t quite wrong. But, this is a different idea. Yeah, we’ve seen similar things in horror franchises. But, it feels a bit different.
Can I say that Courtney Cox’s face…. Courtney, Courtney, Courtney… At what point do you stop? At one point, I thought I was looking at MJ after his final round of plastic surgery. I’d like to ask why keep going when it begins to look like this? Is this Ozempic + Multipule Facelifts Face? Is that what it is? I am now curious because graceful aging may be a thing of the past and I’d like to know how not to make this mistake, with all due respect, of course.
Rating: B-
Final takeaway: Not bad. Not bad at all. Almost too much rock hiding. Allllllmost...
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: Obsession
Literally every trailer was something I want to see pretty bad. So, as always, I think in terms of if they were all playing at the same time, which ticket would I buy...
3/1/2026
Undercard
Starring: Wanda Sykes, Bentley Gree, Rosalind Sanchez, William Stanford
Director: Tamika Miller
Genre: Drama
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 45mins
I knew it! Nice people are the ones you don't want to get on the other side of and funny people are secretly very dramatic. Add in nice AND funny!? I already knew Wanda was going to knock this role out of the park. The trailer said that and I believed it.
I was very pleasantly surprised by how well acted throughout, by everyone, this movie was. Even the brief pop-in characters were fleshed out well.
You believed these people. Allum.
They all put it out there and embodied their characters well.
If you aren't really into boxing, the story, the acting and bare chested menfolk will keep you invested.
But, if you are into boxing, lord help you reel in your pull for the characters in the gyms and the rings. You will be in heaven..
Annnnd, they popped some old heads in with speaking parts….they maybe should've had captions on for those guys because I have no idea exactly what they said. But, I was glad to see them, nonetheless.
Even the side story of addiction rang true and was told well.
My only complaint is that it felt like a tight budget. The surroundings, sparse audience and tight shots at times gave up the budget woes. But literally nothing effected the caliber of the art they put out.
Rating: B+
Final takeaway: Even if she doesn't get it, she deserves to win, and at the very least, be nominated for something for this role.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: Beast
I missed the majority of the trailers this time. For a second, I thought it was Gerard "the beard" Butler and Russell Crowe.... But, alas, it was some other guy and Crowe. But, it looks good tho.
2/22/2026
Crime 101
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Halle Berry, Mark Ruffalo
Director: Bart Layton
Genre: Crime/Thriller
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 20mins
Am I the only one who thinks Mark Ruffalo is an angel? If he’s done more than throw a napkin on a table too hard, I’d be surprised. Just a treasure, really. Hair? Luscious. Smile? Radiant. Acting Chops? Unmatched.
He is believable as a cop/good guy because he is one. His face gives off that. Is he type-casted at this point? Possibly. But if it ain’t broke…
I was quite impressed with the movie as a whole. This is no award winner by a long shot. But, it’s interesting and it has some attractive, good actors in it so it’s really all it needs.
Hemsworth is playing a different kind of role here. He’s a lead, of course. But, his character has never believed he could be Thor or anyone with power and he plays him beautifully.
Halle just Halle’d herself all up and through there like she always does. I don’t care if she was in a Tide commercial. She’s gonna wash those clothes like the cleanliness of them guaranteed an Oscar. See, every role, to Ms Berry, is played with the potential of the big prize and anyone casting her knows it. It’s what you want. The role was probably tailor made for her or adjusted to her sensitivities and she carried it well.
Barry Keoghan is either playing himself or taking this character to new heights. I wonder if he had to even read a script or did they just say “Just do what you would do” in every scene he was in. Don’t get me wrong, he has talent. Will he ever get out of his own way to be cast in and not screw up a lead like the last one he excelled in? Idk….. I hope so because he is good. But, the tale of the tape will always reveal.
It was well written, well acted and you didn’t feel those hours go by- that is always a win. And, in the end, although it teetered on the unbelievable, you like the characters enough to not care about that so much.
Rating: B
Final takeaway: I like this Chris Hemsworth. He should do more movies that don't put a spotlight on his obvious physical attributes. He ain't bad at all.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: Project Hail Mary
I honestly barely got in there before the movie started and I've seen the trailers I did catch many times over. Of the 3 I saw this time, Ryan wins. Ryan always wins.
2/16/2026
How To Make A Killing
Starring: Glen Powell, Margaret Qualley, Ed Harris
Director: John Patton Ford
Genre: Thriller/Comedy
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 42mins
I've said before that Glen “one N” Powell seems like a delight. But, I felt that he would do well as a bad guy. Actual good guys do villiany well because it's so unexpected.
Once again, and possibly for the final time, AMC Screen Unseen hooked me up with a movie I actually wanted to see a little earlier. And, tbh, I love that for me!
Back to the shenanigans…
The premise of the movie is interesting. The line-up of actors is pretty good. I was definitely entertained.
But, is it goooooood? Idk. It's a good curl up at home and chill movie. It could even be an in-theater date night romp. But it lacked a few things for me.
Although interesting, it wasn't written in a way that - for a logical being that isn't really looking for that loose thread but will gladly pull at one if they find it- can believe.
Ol logical me squirmed in my seat and found at least 10 better avenues of writing to hide the rock, per se. It's not very believable. And as a comedy, they were obviously not shooting deeply for that. But, why not make a great movie whenever you have the chance?
I mean, just a few tweaks and it becomes better. Why not do that?
Great premise, but it gets convoluted in the end. And the end is so unbelievable that I rolled my eyes at my beloved Glen. Just rolled them right at his cute little face.
Rating: C
Final takeaway: I bet Glen Powell is tired of people pinching his cheeks because he's just so adorable! But, they needed to go darker with this bad guy story. He needs to be literally DAAAAAAARK... He made this character loveable even though he was kiiiiinda cutthroat. Just a treasure.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: The Death of Robin Hood
Listen, I can tell when awards are in the air and this one looks like an award winner from the trailers. No one can make me hate you Wolveri...I mean Hugh Jackman! Im there on night one!
2/16/2026
Wuthering Heights
Starring: Jacob Elordi, Margo Robbie
Director: Emerald Fennell
Genre: Romance
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 16mins
Starting this off by saying that the romance genre is not my cuppa tea. But, if anyone can get me in there without my arms folded and hrumphing the entire time, it's Jacob Elordi.
I was just saying last week how Hollywood forces actors in roles that they have aged out of…. Im all for getting the bag and for ladies of a certain age to be valid in cinematic ventures.
Catherine was from 12 to 18 during this whole timeline….in the book. She was a teenager the entire movie. Lets just sit with that info. In no world does Robbie pass for 18 or any teen.
As much as I get wanting acting chops and looks in the role, Robbie was not the person for it. It looked weird to me…like the entire time.
And, I read Wuthering Heights ages ago….. did they take a lot of liberties or what?
It didn't move me back then as I'm sure it has others but I don't recall most of the happenings on the screen. I get having creative freedom but hmmmm…
What I know without a shadow of a doubt is that the director wanted to forcefully do what Dune has done twice (and surely will do a 3rd time when that one comes out)... they wanted every scene to be art and/or artistic. And it was beautiful, truly.
I feel like the focus was on “the look” of it all as opposed to the substance and even the acting on display.
Robbie was outshined by Elordi and they both may've been outshined by Nellie brought to fabulous life by Hong Chou. I literally hated her……and that, my friends, is good acting.
I didn't care much about any other actors in the final moments…which is a fail in romance (I'm a hard case, tho). I just quietly and gently wanted it to end and was happy when it did.
Rating: C-
Final takeaway: I mean, ain't nobody mad at watching JE brood around all handsome and piningly. But, eventually, like irl (iykyk) it gets tiresome.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: The Bride
Christian Bale back on the big screen? Preorder me about 55 of 'em.
2/9/2026
Nirvana: The Band- The Show- The Movie
Starring: Matthew Johnson, Jay McCarrol
Director: Matthew Johnson
Genre: Comedy/Adventure
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 39mins
Taking advantage of AMC’s Screen Unseen and, tbh, once this movie started playing, I literally almost walked out. I’d seen trailers of it a few times and I just got no pull of interest.
I’m glad that I didn’t walk out. This is an unexpected very well written movie. Mind you, there’s crazy stuff going on and I am almost sure that because everyone in it appears to be friends irl, that the script was taken through there and discarded- if there ever was one. But, it worked.
All of the happenstance craziness and the absolute insane situations worked for these two guys and these two guys only.
I almost thought I would be annoyed to death by Matthew but it melded together perfectly with Jay’s annoyances. They cancel each other out, is what I’m saying.
There weren’t heavy laughs for me but I did get a few in while the guy behind me made me wish I had a shot of whatever he had before coming in. He was in hog heaven.
The twist at the end is chef’s kiss.
Rating: B
Final takeaway: Thanks to Screen Unseen, I have actually watched several movies that I probably would not have gone to otherwise. And typically, its a pretty good time.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: Undercard
This looks like some much needed recognition for Wanda Sykes' acting skills and I will definitely be there for that.
2/8/2026
Whistle
Starring: Dafne Keen, Sofia Nelisse, Sky Yang
Director: Corin Hardy
Genre: Horror
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 40mins
Well, my wish was granted with this movie having juuuuuuuust one showing each day this past weekend. How surprising!
Can I just say, before I get started, that the days of 30-somethings playing teens is gone. I’m going to need you guys to get it together and stop the madness. In the opening scene, I thought the lead actor was going to a corporate job- and then they said high school! HIGH SCHOOL!!! Lol
Every high schooler looked like they actually had high schooler kids irl.
Aside from that, I thought it was going to be another awful “horror” movie that I’d get to bare witness to the shame of it all….and I was pleasantly surprised.
It ain’t award-winning but it is a good story. It’s not well written but it ain’t bad.
The idea of an ancient whistle being mistaken for it’s purpose is believable. The way the story unfolds is believable. The ending is not believable but by that time, you care about the characters so you don’t mind a little pandering.
I don’t know what the budget of the movie is but the special effects were pretty good!
And once you get an understanding of what is happening…. It’s smart! Very smart.
Not to say they have the characters doing smart things (we know how horror movies go). But, the idea is good and the acting is mid. But a good idea and good special effects will get you far.
Rating: B-
Final takeaway: I liked the idea of this movie. All it needed was a better writer and probably a change to college instead of HS students..... same idea with better dialogue and acting potential.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: Dolly
Surprisingly not much was happening trailer-wise. Dolly didn't look "good" but out of the other movies shown, I'd probably see this one 1st.
2/8/2026
Solo Mio
Starring: Kevin James, Kim Coates, Nicole Grimaudo
Director: Charles Kinnane, Daniel Kinnane
Genre: Romance/Comedy
Rated: PG
Run time: 1hr 37mins
This is not usually my jam. But, living in a town with 1 screening room with recliners will have you doing alot of strange things to put them feet up.
That said, I liked Paul Blart and several other of Kevin James’ movies (never watched his big show tho). So, I know who he is and that he can be humorous.
Can he be romantic? Is he ever? He plays the fumbling, clueless puppy so much that he probably holds a clinic on this character trait for “big guys”. Just a good guy who keeps having crazy things happen to him that he gets to react to. He’s the best at this.
When the female lead comes in, I wonder if this is a parody of italian women or if this is how she played this character. It’s a bit much….kinda pushy…. But I suppose they think this is who James’ character needed at the time.
There’s a lot of burying the lead and doing unnatural things (and I mean, reacting in a way that normal people in that situation would not do) in order to push the story along to get to that 1.5hr time frame.
It’s a cute movie for a person that isn’t into romance. But if you like Lifetime, get ready to cry in your popcorn. This is a Lifetime Movie but on the big screen.
Rating: C
Final takeaway: Definitely a bit hammy for some of the support characters. Not sure if I believe this scenario at all. But, I didn't hate it and romantics will love it.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About:
Literally not interested in any of the movies shown....
2/2/2026
Dracula: A Love Tale
Starring: Caleb Landry Jones, Zoe Bleu, Christopher Waltz
Director: Luc Besson
Genre: Horror/Fantasy
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 9mins
As possibly the subject of more movies than any other character, I wondered about this movie when I first saw a trailer. I was able to take advantage of AMC’s Scream Unseen tonight and lo and behold, here is the movie I was on the fence about.
See, I saw Bram Stoker’s Dracula irt. I know that, Like Heath Ledger’s Joker, no one else can hold a candle to Gary Oldman’s portrayal of Dracula. No other version of the story works (lets not even talk about Nosferatu). But, the lead has an interesting face and sometimes that’s enough to garner the least little bit of hope that it may work.
Oh darling babies…. Oh little ones, it did not. Now, there were times where I felt that maaaaaybe they can pull it out and create a good story. They even had Christopher Waltz in it and he definitely gives credibility (which is why he was there).
The script was lacking, which is weird because they pretty much took Bram Stoker’s script and attempted to add enough changes (so they thought) to maybe pay homage and make it just different enough to not title it the same. But the changes were absurd.
Jones’ acting wasn’t horrible and I believe he may be good eventually- he’s believeable. But, everyone else….EVERYONE… including Christopher Waltz this time, were lacking, hamming, unclear and/ or odd.
I thought it was going to go more into Vlad’s historical roots- there’s so many interesting things the real Vlad did. But, they did not. They tempted us with it and then took it away. And in the end, it was more cartoon than serious movie.
Rating: D+
How Many Times Did I Want To Walk Out: 1
Final takeaway: I'd really like to know how they got from Bram Stoker's Dracula to this (because they absolutely used it as a template). I mean, what were they drinking and/or smoking on the day that they "tweaked" the story line?
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: Whistle
It looks like an actual horror movie, and at this point, I need that.
1/30/2026
Iron Lung
Starring: Markiplier, Caroline Kaplan
Director: Markiplier
Genre: Horror/Sci-fi
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 7mins
Let me start with this: I had no idea about this movie prior to searching for a 2nd movie to watch on this day and this was available at the time I would be ready for it. That said, before going into the theater, I saw an 83% out of 100 rating pop up on social media (a la big brother apparently). I never read or look for reviews before watching a movie so that I am not swayed or predispositioned to feel a certain way. So, eventhough I didn’t read that review, I thought, maybe I made a good decision.
Listen children. Listen closely. These other big reviewers (and some smaller ones) are bought and paid for. This movie is hands down one of the worst things I’ve ever had the displeasure of forcing myself to sit through quietly- because I wanted to shout “PLEASE STOP” and “DIE ALREADY SO WE CAN END THIS TORTURE” and “HELP ME!” But, no, I did not yell anything out at all. I did, however, sigh pretty loudly and eye that ramp to leave like a golden ticket from Wonka. Good lord, it’s bad. And I already know how people are going to play it…
They want to pretend that this was on another level and only serious movie goers will “get” it. I’m literally as serious of a movie goer as you are going to get and thinking on a higher plane is my love language. This blows.
It’s so bad that I previously contemplated a How Many Times I Wanted To Leave scale for bad movies and opted not to. I’m implementing it now and I actually counted.
If you are curious as to what this movie is about, it’s about a dude in a post-apocalyptic world that’s in a sub (alone) way under a “sea”. And he’s pretty much the only person you will see for 2hrs. This horrible actor (and I don’t say that lightly) also happened to direct. It makes sense because if you can’t act well enough to carry a film where you are the sole person on the screen, how are you going to direct well. It seemed easy enough. Nope. He made it super jumpy, bad-angled and confusing….. Possibly because he didn’t know how to relay a story without it being acted between a couple or a group of people or the budget made him need to keep it dark and shaky.
And HE WROTE IT TOOOOOOOO! It’s awful from the rooter to the tooter. It’s giving no one wanted the script or to direct, so he took it on himself and he propbably got people he’s good friends with to produce (I’d bet it only costed $2 and a Snapple to make) and those "producers" possibly “put in a good word” with the big reviewers to make that Snapple money back.
Rating: FF-
How Many Times Did I Want To Walk Out: 6
Final takeaway: I was open-minded and hoping for the best for the 1st 30mins. Then I watched it sink deeper and deeper (pun intended) into sheer stupidity. There, I said it. Horrible Actor. Horrible Writer. Horrible Director. And it ain't even horror.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: Passenger
It's my second time seeing this trailer and I am just so interested to see how this story plays out.
1/30/2026
Send Help
Starring: Rachel McAdams, Dylan O'Brien
Director: Sam Raimi
Genre: Horror/Comedy
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 54mins
There’s a thing that happens with horror movies and the like where people who love horror, like myself, are definitely going to get that ticket if it looks halfway decent just because it says horror. And with a director like Raimi, one would believe that it was definitely horror. This is not horror.
It’s maaaaybe a thriller but calling it horror is a stretch.
All of that said, it’s a very entertaining movie. I enjoyed the transformation of Rachel McAdams’ character from the beginning to the end. We all know she’s an amazing actor and she got the chance to explore her range with this one.
I almost wondered what else could be done, about 1hr in, when it comes to being stranded on the island and the writers were able to continue to surprise the viewers consistently throughout.
It’s not getting Oscar gold, by any means. But, it is well written, well acted and for a 2hr movie- keeps you on your toes with suspense and a few laughs.
Rating: B
Final takeaway: As one who isn't into men crying without feasible probable cause, I almost took off points for the amount in this movie. But, it was so well balanced with craziness that I just couldn't hate it.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: Gale
After the torturous 2 years of Wicked, this different view on the tale, with a horror backdrop, seems perfect.
1/27/2026
Return to Silent Hill
Starring: Jeremy Irvine, Hannah Emily Anderson
Director: Christophe Gans
Genre: Horror/Mystery
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 46mins
What on God’s green earth is this movie?
I recall seeing the original Silent HIll and it was just okay. I’d played the original game a time or two…not a lot. But, I have the gist of the idea of what it is, even after all of these years.
This is a fever dream. It’s a love story that is supposedly wrapped in horror- the most unhorror- horror ever. If getting in and out of tight spots were this easy in horror movies, everyone would be doing them.
I could drag it out but it’s drivel. There, I said it. It’s Bad to the Bone- and by bone I mean from the beginning credits to the end credits. Not one good thing I can say about it.
Rating: F-
Final takeaway: Have you ever prayed for a movie to end and then exercised your will-power to stay eventhough every fiber of your being wanted out? I have. I have, my friends.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About:
Some glitch at the theater had me with a blank screen for 15mins and then it went right into the movie. No trailers at all.
1/27/2026
Mercy (in 3D)
Starring: Chris Pratt, Rebecca Ferguson
Director: Timur Bekmambetov
Genre: Sci-fi/Thriller
Rated: PG-13
Run time: 1hr 41mins
As always, I start things out by saying if I have a personal issue with an actor. That said, not a Chris Pratt fan. But, I am able to look at a film and recognize if it’s good, mid or bad and not take into consideration my personal feelings.
This is a completely different kind of film. It makes one consider the movie Searching- where alot of the film utilizes an online forum and integrates that into real life.
This movie is somewhat like that but from the lens of a futuristic court and how that could look if AI was judge, jury and executioner...Annnnnd has access to everything (and I do mean everything) in your life.
Pratt is a good actor. He’s solid. So, him spending 90% of his screen time in a chair relying on facial rendering and vocal tone and making it believable is saying alot.
Rebecca Ferguson is going to add points to any casting and she was excellent in this role- as she is in every role.
The story was a little bit contrived but they had to make it interesting and cat and moused a little too close to the sun. But I wasn’t mad at it too much.
Where it went a smidge left, in my opinion, is using an AI system primarily due to it not having feelings that can be compromised, and then causing you to wonder about that towards the end. And, it skewed political somewhat, which, again, I ain't mad at.
Rating: C+
Final takeaway: This was an interesting concept that I didn’t hate. I didn’t need to see it in 3D as there was not enough action for that to even be a thing (and the film itself was too dark at moments to register well in 3D) but I didn’t hate it at all.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: Wuthering Heights (again)
There were no interesting (or new) trailers with this movie.
1/26/2026
Good Luck. Have Fun. Don't Die.
Starring: Sam Rockwell, Zazie Beats, Haley Lu Richardson
Director: Gore Verbinski
Genre: Sci-fi/Adventure
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 14mins
I’m really enjoying AMC’s Screen Unseen movie nights. Walking into the theater knowing that the movie was over 2hrs long and I had no idea of what it would be was crazy. But, I enjoy an adventure and that’s probably why I’m somewhat endeared to this movie. After all, it’s a group of people going on a crazy adventure that they have no idea why, what’s coming up and what to do when it does.
I had not heard anything at all about this movie at all. No trailer. No nothing, But, Sam Rockwell is in it and, honestly, if you have a questionable script but want to make it believable or at the very least, well acted on one side, this is the guy you get. The weirder the better seriously.
And boy oh boy was this one weird.
30 mins in, I questioned my life but hung all hopes on the fact that Sam is gonna always give it 1000% of his acting chops. After the questionable start, it sucks you in. You literally want to see how it ends and for an odd, all-over-the-place movie, that’s saying alot.
And, I’ve spoken about that pre-movie msg before….it’s usually the preamble to a lackluster film This one started with a pre-game thanks from the director and it definitely does not fall into the “pre-apology” category. I believe it was an ode to movie lovers and that sat just fine with me.
Rating: C+
Final takeaway: I could not imagine any other lead besides Sam Rockwell in this and it working as well as it did. He is the glue. He is always the glue.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: Wuthering Heights (again)
There were not really any new trailers shown with this movie so this one wins again. I'm not chomping at the bit for it, but even a blind woman(or man) can see that Jacob Elordi is the bee's knees.
1/20/2026
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Jack O'Connell
Director: Nia DaCosta
Genre: Horror
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 50mins
What is this? I mean, what in the world was the thought process?
Good lord. I knew after 28 Years Later, there would be another leg of this thing. I didn’t have it coming out this quickly on the bingo card. But, I knew it would be exactly what it was.
This romp has no rhyme or reason for existing.
The main supposed point is so weirdly enacted that it’s as unbelievable as them talking Ralph Fiennes in to being in this for 2 go-rounds.
I was somewhat excited to see Jack O’Connell in another movie following Sinners. But not like this, Jack. Not like this. The character had no depth. The script was awful.
In the midst of the most weenises I’ve ever seen in a movie theater, zombie attacks and an Oscar winner on the screen and I still fought for my life towards the end..trying my best to keep my eyes open. It’s not that its was boring. It’s that it was ridiculous and I was exhausted.
Rating: D-
Final takeaway: I feel like the horror label is like putting on socks these days. Everybody does it. But, this ain't horror. It was a thriller at best. This wasn't even about zombies as much as it was about the concept of "can the zombie return to how they were before" and the people around them.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: Obsession
It's horror so I'm almost always in 100%. But, the concept (what little they hint at) seems interesting.
1/20/2026
Hamnet
Starring: Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal
Director: Chloe Zhao
Genre: Drama
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 5mins
Another war of the time slots that fit my schedule and the winner was Paul Mescal. I’ll be honest, I’m still feeling a way about him from Gladiator II. And this movie cements my thoughts on him not being a lead. He’s okay as a character actor. But, even in this movie- playing the role of William Shakespeare and it’s about William Shakespeare, he is lost in each scene…like a lamb, really. Jessie Buckley was excellent in her role. She almost went to the ramp, got on the Seadoo and took on Jaws. Almost. But any scene she was in, was her scene. Mescal was even eclipsed by the child actors.
But, perhaps his place is on the actual stage- where he excelled in this film. It’s the only place I have believed him thus far as an actor.
But on to the movie…. It’s all over the place, in my opinion. There are several times I was unsure of what was going on exactly, and why. But there’s no time to think it over, because something else is happening, and then something else…
Having not known this story of Shakespeare’s home life, the correlations to his work were interesting. The story just seemed disconnected somewhat.
Rating: C-
Final takeaway: I feel like I know more about The Bard. And, I suppose, that's something.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: Wuthering Heights
Jacob Elordi seems to be the epitome of Heathcliff. Not huge into romance but I'm definitely intrigued
1/11/2026
Is This Thing On?
Starring: Will Arnett, Laura Dern, Andra Day, Bradley Cooper
Director: Bradley Cooper
Genre: Drama/Comedy
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 4mins
Scrolling, as I do, to see what I can see that looks halfway interesting, and I happened upon this one. I don’t believe it was marketed well as I heard nothing about it and in my little town, it was hidden down in the list of movies out there.
This movie had lots of unexpected actors in it. I didn’t (and usually don’t) go deeper on the list of actors in a movie that I'm going to see past the movie poster so I was surprised to see quite a few folks. And I certainly didn’t know Mr. Cooper directed also.
I almost made this a 1 movie trip day, but I am a sucker for a good laugh and AMC catagorized this as a comedy and mentioned stand-up in the excerpt and.....I felt a little bamboozled. There’s more drama than expected in here. I mean if Bradley is gonna touch it, he’s gonna go for awards and a comedy doesn’t do that often. But if you add in turmoil......a tortured artist is perfect. A tortured artist with a seemingly straight-laced wife, intelligent kiddos and interesting friends… this is the makings of a good script. Insert drama and a spattering or well-known actors/ sport folks and you may have yourself enough to get mentioned in the big award circles.
To be honest, as I always am, this is good. It’s a decent script that feels natural. It’s a thinker’s script and, as a thinker, I enjoyed answers to my mind’s questions that made sense as the movie went along. Not all questions were answered but when written well, that is natural and works.
For those that understand the kaleidoscope of feelings that come with divorce and/or the self-questioning that comes with starting something new in life while watching others do it well- knowing some of those good peeps are watching you as you learn, this will make all of the sense in the world. If you don't have those experiences, it will probably seem a little extra.
The writing is chef’s kiss in the conversations and the non-verbal acumen.
Not bad at all…
And, can I just say that the timbre of Will Arnett’s voice is literal music. Geesh! Can he sing? I need to know STAT!
Rating: B
Final takeaway: Ol' Brad may get a nod for this one. Probably not the golden dude but definitely something for sure.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: The Odyssey
The pretty much had the same trailers for this movie as for the 1st movie of the day with 1 or 2 additions. So, it's still me and Matt, down to the wire :-)
1/11/2026
Greenland 2: Migration
Starring: Gerard Butler, Morena Baccarin
Director: Ric Roman Waugh
Genre: Action/Thriller
Rated: PG-13
Run time: 1hr 39mins
Gather round! Gather ‘round children and let me tell you a wondrous tale of a magical beard that, when worn by a specific Scotsman, imbues the power to fix anything, know everything and in a stealthy Cassanova-like smoothness, can magically charm any and everyone it and the wearer comes across with 1 and a half sentences! Oh what a beard! What a beard indeed!
Can Gerard do any wrong? When it comes to movies, idk… He’s always believable and I believe if he were clean faced, like in some of his earlier works, he would have to work harder on the acting part or the body…. One or the other. But now, the beard is bearding and he could probably play Yoda if he wanted. And as a HUGE Star Wars fan, this is big talk.
All of that said, the movie was decent. I mean, after the 1st one, which I had to re-watch to familiarize myself with it because I literally forgot that I watched it (which says enough) I was surprised initially to see that they made another one. I mean it was pretty clear that Comet= 1, Earth= 0. But, they figured that, while that magical beard could still kick his leg up and run a little, they maaaaaay be able to squeeze another one in…..perhaps going into what happened after they got to the doom-shelter.
If you are into not thinking about the hows and the whys, this will be entertaining somewhat.
But, if you wonder how they got to a certain point, how they got to the next point and how they get to the end….and what exactly the beard had going on….? If you think like that, you may find that loose thread that, if pulled, would unravel the entire storyline. It’s held together with silly-putty and toddler spit so it isn’t hard at all to tear apart.
But, I mean, Gerard sells it. He’s why we came. He’s why, if they do another one, we maaaaay see what they got going on again.
Rating: C-
Final takeaway: Gerard got us again. Not horribly, but this ain't Sparta by any means, and it shows
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: The Odyssey
Matt Damon on the big screen? Give me 14 of 'em.....eventhough I'm not sure if he's the right guy for this particular role. Still, thought, it looks pretty good.
1/5/2026
Primate
Starring: Johnny Sequoyah, Jessica Alexander, Victoria Wyant
Director: Johannes Roberts
Genre: Horror
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 29mins
For the first time I was able to catch an AMC Scream Unseen movie and boy am I happy that I did!
Basically, you purchase a discounted ticket for a horror movie that has not been released yet but is new and coming soon. You go in not knowing anything but that little bit of info- so it’s exciting and right up any horror fan’s alley. I honestly thought it would be something I wasn’t interested in like Scream 7 or The Bone Temple, but I got lucky.
I’d seen the trailers for this movie, complete with the video of people watching and their reactions and I was ready to see if it was what they made it out to be.
It was not. Mind you, this is a fully entertaining romp. No thinking necessary because no one in the movie did 1 ounce of noodle-knocking. Not an inch of it.
But, that’s not how they set this thing up. They tell you upfront what the problem is- so we know while watching before the characters know. And then they (the writers) say, “what can we do to make these guys seem like the silly, dumb-dumb teens that all horror movies seem to spawn”? And they did those things. All of them really. And, on top of that, they set it to an ‘80’s horror movie soundtrack.
I feel like I wouldn’t believe any of this if someone told me about it if I didn’t see it for myself. They were determined to make it to 1hr30mins. That determination pushed some mere silliness into the stratosphere.
Still, just full of laughs (for me) and entertainment.
Rating: C
Final takeaway: Where's the bat?
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: Passenger
OMG! I just about choked during the trailer on this one! Please, please, please don't disappoint.
1/4/2026
Housemaid
Starring: Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar
Director: Paul Feig
Genre: Thriller/Mystery
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 11mins
I went into this movie with my arms folded, trying to not see Avatar and hoping it was a better time than the 1st movie of the day.
At first, I was kinda wondering about the whole thing… As a thinker, what is it trying to tell us? Who hires a Sydney Sweeney to live in their house to do anything at all when you’re married to a Brandon Sklenar?
An hour in, I realized that this was like a game chess. The acting was pretty good on all sides, if I’m being honest. All of the gas-lighting and manipulation almost had me going, which allowed them to sink deeper into the game and before you know it, your queen is wide open with no protection for miles. They take joy in reeling you into this film, deliberately and super slowly.
The twist ending was done well. Truly, the whole thing was done well, to the point that the whole movie jumped 2 letter grades with 30mins left.
Its a delightful romp into crazy town where the “you never know what goes on behind closed doors” is taken very very literally.
Rating: B
Final takeaway: Sometimes bad publicity doesn't translate into a bad film.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: Send Help- it's great to see Rachel McAdams back on the big screen and it looks like an interesting rabbit's-got-the-gun situation.
1/4/2026
We Bury The Dead
Starring: Daisy Ridley, Brenton Thwaites
Director: Zak Hilditch
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 34mins
I got a little froggy on movies today and got tix online earlier but then realized way too late to cancel that I was running behind.
In order to preserve Alist status, I had to book it to the theater and ended up missing the previews and maaaaybe 10mins of the beginning. As a completest, this bothers me….alot. But, as a pretty-sure-most-horror-movies-aint-scary-or-good-these-days-est, I didn’t think I’d be lost once I got into the screening room.
I wasn’t wrong. Although I didn’t get the full backstory they were sure to serve up during the opening credits, the main character constantly spoke of the end goal and the director chose to bop back and forward to pre-pulse in the main character’s life and the present.
This is not a thinker’s film, as I’m sure most thinkers would immediately nope out of this whole timeline so nothing and nobody will “make sense” to ‘em.
This is purely entertainment only.
Yet, it doesn’t make that clear. It’s all over the place. It’s ridiculous and all over the place.
A few jump scares here and there….because that’s what they think horror is. The unsuriety of what the “zombies” would be (World War Z zombies, The Walking Dead zombies, Dawn of The Dead zombies)... Like get an idea and stick to it. The build up was tiresome…. Oh, they just stand around. Oh, now they walk. Whoops, now they chase you. Wow, now they dig holes… Just tiresome…
Rating: D
Final takeaway: I'd like to think it could've been better but we all know that this was as good as it would get.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: I missed the previews this time.
12/31/2025
The Spongebob Movie: The Search for Squarepants (in 3D)
Starring: Tom Kenny, Mark Hamill, Ice Spice
Director: Derek Drymon
Genre: Family/Adventure
Rated: PG
Run time: 1hr 34mins
What do the kiddos want to see in the theater this week? You guessed it. And who am I to stand in the way of a good laugh or two and some great quality time?
I questioned irt how this little yellow guy can literally be on TV 24/7 for many, many years and still produce a movie that will garner full to semi-full screening rooms every time.
I believe the creators/writers expertly walk the line between child and adult humor in a way that the childish humor is loved and understood by parent’s and kiddos and the adult humor is clear to the adult, funny to the child but, yet, the kiddo remains in the dark on some meanings. They should maybe teach a class on this. It’s effortless.
There were actually more parents laughing than kids while watching. It truly makes the point.
The recipe is simple: Spongebob and Patrick find themselves in a pickle- which they absolutely never meant to get into, let alone even realize they’re in. And their help comes from the most surprising place. The storyline is a smidge contrived, but a definite variation from the norm by an inch or so.
Honestly, although the formula is clear and in use for decades now, it still works. Spongebob’s innocence and Patrick’s obliviousness is always going to endear us to them....and that's on any and all formats.
Rating: C+
Final takeaway: It was classic Spongebob but the time definitely appeared to drag by at moments.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: I was not interested in any of them this time.
12/28/2025
Marty Supreme
Starring: Timothee Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Tyler Okonma
Director: Josh Safdie
Genre: Sport/Drama
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 29mins
If Timothee Chalamet starred in a Charmin commercial, I’d be in there trying to see how he takes on that bear character. I’m a fan. So, although Im not a ping-pong enthusiast, I was still gonna check this one out.
It’s a first for me, but I believe Tim may’ve either fully embodied the character (whom I know is based on an actual person but I know nothing about him) or he has a case of the KeKe’s. Either the real Marty is a self-absorbed, annoying, tiresome, narcissistic, did I mention annoying, fast-talking, used car salesman personality or Tim just played Tim but a little louder and more desperate. I’m not saying Timothee is all of those things but I bet Im not wrong.
I’m trying to remember the last time I rooted for failure for a main character. Today was the last time. He was so good at being kinda awful that the redemption moment they set up to reel you back onto the lead’s side failed.
I now get the huge push for marketing.
It’s super fast-paced and super ridiculous at times. I”m trying to understand if this was supposed to be a nod to or a roast of the real Marty. Like what was the end result of this movie supposed to be?
Ah, but to be a logical person expecting a movie to be well acted, written and to make sense all at the same time.
Rating: D+
Final takeaway: I could've (and should've) had a V8.....with a ping pong ball chaser.... *sigh*
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: I missed the previews this time.
12/28/2025
Anaconda
Starring: Jack Black, Paul Rudd, Thandie Newton
Director: Tom Gormican
Genre: Comedy/Action
Rated: PG-13
Run time: 1hr 40mins
I wasn’t running to the theater for this one but the time slot worked so here we are.
Having seen the 1st Anaconda movie irt, this was a very odd call-back/remake type of situation.
They definitely refer to the original one enough to where you know it wasn’t a mistake to take this movie on. What I’d like to know is why?
The writer of this script had no idea. Not sure the director was aware of the reason for it all in this film. But, they forged ahead and created a movie.
Me thinks they figured they could get an always funny guy, a cute humorous dude that can also play the straightman and an actual actor that would not be expected to take on this job by anyone in and out of Hollywood. Sprinkle in the hapless goofball and a mysterious stranger and they believe they have a movie.
Well, they did and do have a movie, but it doesn’t make much sense to anyone who enjoys understanding plots and connecting dots.
The very least I expected was laughter. There were a couple times I got a cheerful “hmph” but never a laugh…. And I search for those at any and all opportunities. I mean, Jack Black is that guy!
I’m a broken record with the need for a good script. If the script was halfway decent, this could have been a better movie. And at least funny.
Rating: D
Final Takeaway: How does one put Jack Black in the lead of a Comedy and not make it funny? Ask Tom Gormican.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: They Will Kill You
12/16/2025
The Shining- 45th Anniversary in IMAX
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Shelley Duvall
Director: Stanley Kubrick
Genre: Horror
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 24mins
As a lover of horror, so naturally a lover of Stephen King, I happened to be perusing the list of movies to plan my weekly trip and noticed this gem being shown in IMAX theaters. And at the time that I noted it was happening currently- as in at that very moment, there was just one day left to see it with the closest IMAX theater being 1.5hrs away.
I considered the work I had to do that evening and then I considered how many times I’d ever get the chance to experience this film in this way again. Hence, I giggled with delight, said Carpe Diem aloud and purchased a ticket straightaway.
The scene was set immediately, as the theater was a bit sad, being settled inside of a dead mall with unmanned desks and counters….veeeeerrrry shining-ish indeed. That didn’t stop me from getting my snacks and drink and easing on down the road into that smallish, but big screening room.
This movie is a classic. It’s well acted by both leads- and if I am being honest, the child actor that plays Danny probably out acted everyone anytime he was on the screen. The believability of Jack’s eventual mania, of Wendy’s need to please and protect and Danny’s almost constant fear is always palpable. Even Halloran’s need to help the family…. It’s all excellent casting, excellent emoting, excellent excellence…
Now, imagine all of that greatness on a giant IMAX screen…. It was so good that I left the theater full. Just finger-licking yum yum.
My only take away is that the AMC IMAX theater was not as big as the typical IMAX screens are (but I definitely took what I could get). And that it wasn’t the director’s cut. I mean, if you’re gonna do it, do it right.
Rating: A
Final takeaway: I mean, all work and no play makes anyone dull, right? Right?
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: I missed the previews this time.
12/06/2025
Five Nights At Freddy's 2
Starring: Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, Skeet Ulrich
Director: Emma Tammi
Genre: Horror
Rated: PG-13
Run time: 1hr 44mins
Man oh man, what was I thinking? Partly, I thought, people may wonder what this movie was like and want a review on it. Then I thought, I haven’t seen the 1st one because it looked, dare I say, stupid. Why on earth would I see the second one first? Being a completist, as I am, this is a very valid self-question.
But, then I figured that there had to be other horror purists who may not have seen the first one also, that may want to know if the actual movie was any good- as the trailers looked decent this time.
Well, boys and girls, I’m here to tell you to save your money.
They do their best to jump scare you to smithereens but it’s too little too late.
Now, for all intents and purposes, I’m sure there are some nuances missed from not seeing the 1st one, but I’ll pass on that.
It was, shall I say, written for kids by kids… Well, it felt like it. There was no inkling of sense to this movie. None. And every now and then, I see a movie and dislike the protagonist. Like, they just find my biggest nerve and ride it into the sunset for approximately an hour and a half. This one had one of those and unfortunately they survived.
It looks like there will be a 3rd one if they make enough money. But, I for one am not interested.
Rating: D
Final takeaway: How can a loud, baby-stepping, metal-creaking machine sneak up on anyone? Answer that and you've solved this franchise's puzzle.
Coming Soon Trailer I'm Most Excited About: Send Help
12/06/2025
Fackham Hall
Starring: Ben Radcliffe, Thomasin McKenzie, Damian Lewis
Director: Jim O'Hanlon
Genre: Comedy
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 37mins
This is one of those movies that in my small town, I didn’t see any trailers but it happened to fall within the time slot I was available for a movie. So it won.
Did I win? Hmmmm…. It’s hard to say..
This is a satire of shows/movies like Downton Abby done in the guise of Airplane and Hot Shots Part Deux. The corny puns, pearl-clutching rhetoric and sly tongue-in-cheek background signage was ever spewing like Old Faithful. Every few mins or less, they gotcha! Then again! Then again! It’s interesting, though, that it didn’t feel the same as, lets say, Robin Hood: Men In Tights. It felt weird…maybe even forced.
I got a heh-heh in a few times but I believe they wanted gufaws and there was none of that in the theater.
The story was semi-interesting, though. I mean, as far as this type of movie can be. You see the storyline movements well before they hit the screen, but you are rooting for the characters to be good.
I was surprised to see Damien Lewis in here and he was pretty good, as always. Secure the bag, my guy.
It’s a romp if you have nothing else going on and you want to see a movie reminiscent of the old spoof/quirky Mel Brooks spots- but it is by no means like a Mel Brooks film forreal. It wants to be, though.
Rating: C-
Final Takeaway: I'm not saying it's terrible. It's just not good in the way it wants to be. But at least it tried.
12/01/2025
Zootopia 2
Starring: Jason Bateman, Ginnifer Goodwin, Idris Elba
Director: Jared Bush & Byron Howard
Genre: Family/Comedy
Rated: PG
Run time: 1hr 48mins
What to do when a kid-friendly movie finally comes into the theaters? Ya take the kiddos and so off to see Zootopia 2 we went.
Was I excited to see this movie? Nope. Do I love animated films? Yep. But, were the kiddos excited? A resounding Yes! Yes they were. The first Zootopia was super cute and I liked it. This one was more of the same.
Much like the first movie, the hint of current political affairs was definitely in the air. The beauty of the movie is that these things are ever-so-lovingly and lightly addressed while hidden in colorful smiles, feathers and fur. Honestly, this movie and it's ilk entertain the child and the adult that is chaperoning. There's a skill in teaching without screaming at the clueless student. They have it down in this franchise.
The storyline can be applauded. They even throw in a super fun salute to a classic horror film that most adults will get and be happy it exists.
There are so many stars voicing large and small parts in here that one must wonder about the budget. Ah, but, it all flows together seamlessly.
Rating: C+
Final takeaway: A very good animated film that gives a great gloss over into the today's society, told with animals. That tracks.
11/30 /2025
SISU 2: Road to Revenge
Starring: Jorma Tommila, Stephen Lang
Director: Jalmari Helander
Genre: Action/Adventure
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 28mins
I had a feeling that this movie was going to be something. I feel like I happened upon the first one outside of the actual theaters and was pleasantly surprised. The first movie was about revenge of a sort and this one hinges right on that idea and ramps it up a few notches- which is saying a lot for this franchise.
Aatami (which is a great name btw) is still trying to be a good guy and and is also still getting screwed with. He's also still looking like he needs about 3 or 4 baths with steel wool and dish soap. But, then again, every character in here (minus a few upper- crust characters) need a dip in a vat of vinegar and baking soda......or they appear to need that. But, that's how they indicate rugged and harsh conditions and it works very well.
Before the end of the movie, you are wanting to yell, "leave the man alone!" But, you won't. because you know ol boy is about to take every thing that anyone does to him that isn't a handshake and smile very, very personally. And he has a goal here that will not be stopped. They are going to try, though. My god, how they are going to try to stop him. Didn't they learn from the first movie? Didn't they realize that this dude has old man, dad, and dirty strength on his side? Who can win against that, no matter how evil they are?
The movie is full of crazy action that somehow doesn't seem implausible... and that takes skill. The actors are great. The script writer was told the idea and took approximately 30mins to complete the working script (of course I'm guessing lol) and somehow got it right. Again, who can be mad at that?
In my determination to not see Wicked II, this movie jumped on my plate like that last round of Thanksgiving leftovers... not really wanted but something has to be consumed and it's there. And just like that plate, this movie was yummy, right down to it's dirty core.
Rating: B
Final takeaway: Not sure why this director has only done these 2 movies. He is needed any and everywhere expeditiously.
11/23/2025
Keeper
Starring: Tatiana Maslany, Rossif Sutherland
Director: Osgood Perkins
Genre: Horror
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 39mins
I was determined to see this movie because (I can only rightly assume due to Wicked For Good's take over) it only had one showing and it was at 9am on a Sunday. A horror film can definitely get me out of bed early on my off day with the hopes that I will be pleasantly surprised while generally knowing I wont.
But, this movie is a bit different. Generally when we are plopped down in the midst of the character's lives with little to no explanation, it doesn't work. Horror movies can get away with it sometimes. In this case, it kind of adds to the suspense that is already built up from the trailers. And, as an avid movie goer and watcher, the trailers did a little bit of a throw-a-stone-and-hide-the-hands. I'm not sure what I actually expected, but I can assure you that the trailer is not giving any real hints as to what's going on in the actual movie. I kinda appreciate that.
I am in awe of Tatiana Maslany! You almost think it's too much but half way through, you want to advocate that whatever they paid her was not enough. A very self-effacingly natural yet poignant performance! I can't say that if in the same situation, I would react similarly or that I hadn't figured out the plot within 25mins. But, she maaay get nominated and I would not disagree, if so.
It had the obligatory jump scares here and there and it takes you for a loop a time or two. But, I'm not sold on it being horror fully.
And, the writing could've been improved upon , as well as the ending maybe could've had a "crispier" finale. Overall, not a bad movie.
Rating: B-
Final takeaway: It was better than expected by far. It may see a little Oscar gold...
11/23/2025
Now You See Me, Now You Don't
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Isla Fisher, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco
Director: Ruben Fleischer
Genre: Crime/Thriller
Rated: PG-13
Run time: 1hr 53mins
Have you ever wanted to see a movie and decided you would go on a certain day at a certain time and only one movie was playing? You weren't really interested in that movie but you had time so that's what it was... Has that ever happened to you? Well, welcome to my world. And in my world, this movie fell right into those perimeters.
Typically, I enjoy Jesse Eisenberg's acting. He kinda has a case of the KeKe's in that he can not actually be anyone but himself in every role. But, like our beloved KeKe Palmer, Jesse still manages to convey a character with a soul that the watcher can accept is different from his last 10 characters. Like Santa, we just all believe he is that new character so it becomes true. And, to me, he still manages to be good. Add in Woody, who is such a great actor that he doesn't appear to ever truly be trying. It's always believable and always good... Basically the gang's all here from the last 2 movies.
They try to add some new faces and spice up the air a little.... one can't be mad at that. But, do we care anymore? Can they make us care about these characters again?
The storyline is kind of what you would expect in these movies by now. Although the tricks are interesting at times, my shoes stayed firmly on the entire movie. The twist at the end I didn't see coming. But, again, do you care enough to be excited, or moved, or gasp? I don't think you ever do.
Contrary to the tone of this review, it's not a bad movie. It's decently entertaining. Although I fought sleep like how antibiotics would fight a UTI. Not because it was boring, though. Reviews are a pleasure but not a job....yet. So, work has to happen and days get long and run together.
What I will say is that Rosmund Pike is a great "bad guy". She is just so freaking amazing at it that she could get type-casted at this rate. But, I mean, no one would be mad at that. Also Lizzy Caplan is such a force that it's hard to see her in a 10th supporting slot. I mean, get the bag, for sure. But, who has those chops on the roster and gives them a handful of lines and a few real screen moments?
Rating: C--
Final takeaway: Its what you expect, but for the love of all that is holy...stop now.
11/15/2025
The Running Man
Starring: Glen Powell, Lee Pace, Coleman Domingo
Director: Edgar Wright
Genre: Sci-fi/Adventure
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 13mins
I made it through over 2 hours without blinking any of those 10 second blinks I be having when I pull an all-nighter (several nights in a row) and decided that AMC needs to still be made to regret the AList program and I'm the one to do it.
Anyhoo, Glen Powell.... typically any Glen using one "N" is a red flag. But, not this guy. You know how you don't know someone but you kinda "know" they probably literally stop and smell the roses daily, pet dogs and cats along their daily park stroll, converses with the birds and the squirrels and prays for humanity nightly.... Oh, y'all don't get that feeling? Its just me?
Well, he gives off good human being and so I was going. But, then you add in Stephen King wrote it, Lee Pace is gracing us with his presence and Coleman Domingo gets to play Coleman Domingo in it and I go Heck Yeah! Sign me up!
I read the book ages ago and saw the original with Arnold (which was okaaaaay). This movie is better than okay. They took liberties, of course; but its well done. There are a few moments where I question the direction in that second but it doesn't take away from the full experience.
It was full of action (actually well placed and "realistically" apt)- like you ain't going toe to toe in certain spaces so it made sense more times than it didn't. There's a little side-eye towards the end but I wasn't mad at it.
But, I will say that the ending made me wonder if they (in making all of the changes they did to the original story) if they didn't really know how to end it. There was a sliiiiiiight whiff of no direction before the credits roll.
And because I am a noticer-of-everything, there's also a whiff of current political innuendo in this one. When you understand fully that nothing at all in a movie is coincidental, you understand that they are saying something even when the actors aren't speaking or even on screen. (But they almost literally quoted some folks lol)
Rating: B
Final takeaway: I was impressed, fully engaged and fully entertained. Didn't feel scammed at all...unlike the norm.
12/09/2025
Black Phone 2
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames
Director: Scott Derrickson
Genre: Horror
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 54mins
Oh my lord. Gather 'round children. Gather on around and let me tell you of a movie that should've remained a heroin, ayahuasca and/or acid induced thought. There is no way that a sane person put pen to paper and came up with this.
Now, all of that said, I love Ethan Hawke so whatever he's in, I'm watching. And, I can't be mad at nobody for getting a bag because they honestly could've gotten someone else to play his part in this.....so TRUST ME...it was alllllll about the bag.
The story is so disconnected from the original. Yes, they knitted the two movies together in "all the right places" but it ain't connected. It feels off.
And, wait for it, the script sucks....there. I said it.
Did I take my tired behind to this movie just to literally fight the Sandman (the one from the Batman movies... that dude was persistent!) just to be met with the boring, shot by a 17yr old in 1981 on 8MM film feeling, the cast probably got paid in Lunchables feeling, silly, hammy hamming it up casted movie? Apparently so....and frankly the more I think about it, the more angry I get.
If I can quote the battle torn hero, Sophia, "don't trade places with what I've been though."
Stay at home or see something else.
Slooooooooooow, boring and silly.
Rating: D-
Final takeaway: It ain't worth it, Celie. It ain't worth it.
11/09/2025
Predator: Badlands
Starring: Elle Fanning, Dimitrius Schuster
Director: Dan Trachtenberg
Genre: Sci-fi/Adventure
Rated: PG13
Run time: 1hr 47mins
Yeah, yeah, yeah....there's way too many Predator movies out there. Honestly they probably should've stopped with Arnold.
But, none of them really go into who the Predators are in their own environment. If you've ever wondered what Predator family life, training and core values are, you can go ahead and shimmy in your seat and giggle like a school girl because this is your jam.
If you are like me and just want to be entertained while never caring one flip about what Predator dads think, then you may be more straight-faced in this one.
When I say that I fought sleep like it was Foreman and I was Ali in 1974 in Africa...pls believe me. There were some close calls and chanting but I managed to keep my eyes opened for 90-ish% of it lololol
I'd be lying if I said I didn't jump my eyes opened in anger due to my inability to keep them open at all times.
Was it good? It was aight. I'm an Elle Fanning fan and I feel like she had to be in there. Otherwise you wouldn't care about the characters. There was action....yeah, there was that. Seemed a bit over-contrived in parts.....like they were trying to make this foreign planet so crazy that it ended up being a bit silly.
But everything ended up falling riiiiiiight into place (which I also don't like). But, hey, its fantasy so....
Rating: C
Final takeaway: As a whole, there are worse movies out there. But, in this one, there's aliens (wink), flaming swords, AI and lots of fights. I'd call that a good Saturday night.
10/21/2025
Good Fortune
Starring: Keanu Reaves, Aziz Ansari, Seth Rogen
Director: Aziz Ansari
Genre: Comedy
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 39mins
Needless to say, if Keanu is in it, I'm there. If Keke is in it, I usually will watch.
Other than the 1st season of Master of None, I typically am out on Aziz. But then Seth is typically funny so I figured I'll have a Par movie as opposed to sub-par or above-par...
And I ain't eva lied....especially not to myself (teehee)
This movie is decently written with a good ensemble cast. I feel that if someone with skill gave some dialogue pointers, it could've be a well-written movie.
But Keanu is hurt in this. Not "in" the movie, but because I miss nothing, he's limping a little the 2 times they show him moving (considering how much he's actually on-screen, 2 moving scenes is very little). With the longish hair, I'm assuming he was filming Ballerina at the same time as this one. Because that last fight scene was brutal. I sent up a little prayer for him as he is a national treasure.
Aside from that, this may've been more lines than he's ever had in a movie- and I ain't mad at that.
He was pretty good in this. Sandra Oh isnt used enough- but maybe that was by design. I kinda got sick of Aziz's pre-pubescent Jerry Seinfeld talking points. (Lets be honest, he stole Jerry's whole bit and its worked up to a point for him but idk about now...). Seth was more of a straight man in this, while Keanu played his comedic relief which was interesting.
And, oh Keke.... I love her frfr but is she acting or is she just playing Keke (which is a self-proclaimed role to her too)? Me thinks the latter.
But this movie wasn't about Oscar noms...
It was just about politics and how money actually can help poorer people.
Yep, they got political a bit- which I'm not mad at. On such stages, it doesnt hurt to try to help. It wasn't an over-powering foray into the Message arena. It was juuuuust right.
Rating: C+
Final takeaway: I laughed more than I expected. And I enjoyed seeing Keanu in something a bit different and seeming to be having a great time. Not bad at all.
10/13 /2025
Roofman
Starring: Channing Tatum, Kirsten Dunst, Peter Dinklage
Director: Derek Clanfrance
Genre: Comedy/Drama
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 6mins
Was this one on my bingo card? Nah
But, it was the one with the time closest to the point that I decided to go today...
Did I win the lottery? Nah
But, its actually an entertaining movie.
I mean, gotta love a based on real events movie that seems so crazy that you doubt it really happened.
And the formula is there. "Hot" dude that can act (a la Channing Tatum) in a crazy situation....add in the everyday girl (Kirsten) that believes in him and there's your movie.
I have a problem tho. Wth was Uzo Aduba and Ben Mendelsohn doing? Lolol. Listen! Not sure why this nugget was needed in the way they did it but it was awful. Comedic? Perhaps. But, nah, I ain't going lolol
I was happy to see LaKeith again. I think Book of Clarence's terrible-ness put him down for a sec. But, he's just so good!
And I am a forever fan of Peter Dinklage...another great in bit parts as well as leads..
They helped season it but wasn't no wine made from water here. And it wasn't built to be that. It was just a movie for a little moment of respite.
Rating: C
Final takeaway: Nothing special, but not horrid. And with the crap that's out there, I won't complain on this one. I rolled my eyes alot because there's lots of stupid actions but I digress lol
10/12/2025
Tron: Ares
Starring: Jared Leto, Evan Peters, Jodie Turner-Smith
Director: Joachim Renning
Genre: Sci-fi/Action
Rated: PG13
Run time: 1hr 59mins
Okay, full transparency- not a Tron fan. The 1st one came out when video tapes were gold and I couldn't make it thru it....but I was literally a kid. The reboot wasn't my jam. But then they put ol Jared McDreamy-pants in there and came up with an interesting storyline and ya girl had to check it out.
They definitely revamped the idea but the callback to the 80's was ever-present. From the music (which was definitely its own character) to the cameo of the one who started it all (Jeffy-poo), it was as close as it gets to an 80's movie but in 2025, if that makes sense.
Was it good, tho?
Well, if you looooooove computers, a good-looking dude in a metalish suit and lots of lit up lines just allllll around, you'll love it.
If you're a normie that enjoys gazing upon Jared Leto, doesn't mind seeing Jeff Bridges in a moo-moo (because you just like seeing Jeff Bridges act...periodt) and you are never mad at seeing a Black woman exercising her full Black Girl Magic (even if the role is a little duplicitous) then you'll be intrigued......for the 1st hour. And then you may just want it to end already. You may pray to the lord for deliverance from any more computer talk and He's kinda gonna let you suffer through it and probably remind you that you are grown and can walk out anytime you want to. But because there's a hold that Mr. Leto has on most females and some males, you'll stay.
Rating: C+
Final takeaway: It's okay. It's interesting. But the 1's & 0's eventually made me want to tap out after a lil bit.
10/05/2025
The Smashing Machine
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Ryan Bader
Director: Benny Safdie
Genre: Sport/Drama
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 4mins
I am not a fan of Dwayne Johnson currently. And sometimes separating the art (looooooosely said) and the artist is difficult for me. But, when it comes to movies, I feel like I can recognize when something is extraordinary and when it and all of it's copies should be burned regardless of my personal feelings. So here goes...
This was groomed to be an Oscar winner. They are looking for Oscar gold primarily with The Rock or Emily but they'll take a screenwriting nod or anything, I'm sure. They even got A24 to produce, I'm assuming, in hopes of similar results to The Iron Claw.
This is an interesting story told in a very detached, discombobulated way. I know I sound like a broken record but its written poorly. They needed someone who knows how to write dialogue and weave a good yarn for this and that is not what we got.
Did ol Dwayne put it all out there? Hmmm.... well, he tried (and he cried- each time with his face covered which indicates the inability to emote...but I digress).
But, if the script sucks, how well can a non-dramatic actor fare in a dramatic role?
And, in my humble opinion, if we still SEE YOU-the actor (as in The Rock) throughout the whole movie, then you failed to fully embody the character and make the watchers forget who's acting and only see the character.
Emily Blunt tried but, again, the script was not great. So she ended up hamming it up to try to make up for the lack of meat on the bone.
What I can say is if you are looking for a heaping helping of huge, supple man-thighs, boy oh boy are they serving them up on a silver platter allllll the way through the movie! Tight, micro-shorts hated to see The Rock coming lol
Rating: D
Final Thought: I thought long and hard about it and it's kinda bad, unfortunately. It's a haphazard, jumpy-angled having, all over the place being, shaky cameraman having, small budget feeling, Tarantino for the dialogue needing, case of the KeKe's for Dwayne having, non-relationship goals showing, extra and famished at the same time being movie.
There. I said it.
09/30/2025
One Battle After Another
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Genre: Comedy/Drama
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 42mins
The cast let me know that unless an imbecile wrote it, it would be well acted. Just so happens that the director wrote it.
My 1st thoughts were that my BFF would've had a field day with this one because we often spoke of the objectification and hyper-sexualization of Black Women......irl (historically & currently) and in film/videos to the point where is it real or hyper-sexualization while dating was a common question.
Well, they don't try to answer this idea in this movie, although they give alot to support a think-tank.
That said, Teyana did well. I'm not sure if it was acting or a case of the KeKe's but she embodied the role well especially alongside the likes of Dicaprio & Penn. Regina Hall was pretty good in the few mins she was there...
Honestly, as I looked at the run time before entering, I though 'Seriously? 2hrs & 42mins? Foreal?'
About 15mins in, I thought 'hmmm, this may be good'. An hour in and I knew it was. And I can truthfully say that nothing could've been cut to shorten it.
You don't feel the time AT ALL. Its super interesting. Waaaaay more interesting than the trailer makes it seem.
1 drawback.... when I say that they say almost every racial slur for non-white people except for the N-word (which was juuuuuust sitting there waiting on 'em) they said it.....alot. For a sec I felt like Tarrantino wrote it, but then we all know that he wouldn't have left out ANY WORDS .
And I'm not even sure if all that was necessary other than to let you know who to the antagonists were. I personally thought it was clear who the bad guys are..... but, in this political climate its clear that some folks have no idea so they may have needed the help (but they'd just be endeared to those guys.....so backfired Im sure).
Honestly.... I could see Oscar Noms for Sean Penn and/or Leo depending on if any more good movies come out this year. Like, they acted their heineys off...
It honestly was full of kinda heavy hitters from pretty good to great actors. They wrote it without spoon feeding the audience (which I love). Just well done. Can't tear it apart if I tried.
Rating: B+
Final Thought: I expected to be underwhelmed but was very pleasantly surprised.
09/22/2025
Him
Starring: Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers
Director: Justin Tipping
Genre: Horror/Drama
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 36mins
As a fan of Marlon Wayans and, of course, of Jordan Peele, I was gonna see it.
Can I say Nope was awful to me? So, in the fear of Jordan becoming another M. Night, I had such high hopes for this.
He produced it but He knows that if he puts his name on it, its gonna have a certain expectation.
And as M.Night produced Trap....I mean, the fear is quite founded.
Marlon is good. I think Jordan tapping him for this part was not a bad idea. I even like the main dude. What is lacking is the writing. The script is bad. It had the dreaded "I dont know how to end it" feel.
Okay, its a football movie. And throughout I actively thought "Whats is this movie trying to say?". Its saying alot. But somehow, also nothing at all. *sigh*
Theres ALOT of symbolism. I mean ALOOOOOOT.
At one point you think its about the pressure a QB has to be great from all sides. On the other side it wants to maybe reveal a darker, maybe behind the curtain look at what creates a great player. And somewhere in the middle, theres some guy (I imagine) with a pencil behind his ear just adding crap in like its his only chance to tell his story so he's saying screw the flow of a movie....screw making sense.... screw the people in the theater... He needs to get it out. I say He but there's 2 writers so They is probably more appropriate.
They forgot to make it cohesive.
What they didnt forget is jaunty camera angles and effects, current Hollywood conspiracy theories and anything they thought people would like.
It's all in there.
And on top of it all, they thought they were so smart in the writing, that they needed to tell the audience at the end what they did- like we didn't watch it all irt. Smh
Rating: D+ (the plus is for Marlon)
Final Thought: It started out interesting and delved deeper and deeper into stupidity. Annnnnnd this is absolutely, positivevly, no doubt about it NOT Horror. Like at all.
09/14/2025
Caught Stealing
Starring: Austin Butler, Zoe Kravitz
Director: Darren Aronofsky
Genre: Crime/Thriller
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 47mins
This is another one I didn't want to see. Not a fan of Zoe (I looooove her daddy tho). Her dad is all the bees knees... Just a blessing.
Austin Butler....he's okay. Not a bad actor but I don't know if he's gooooood or will ever get there. What I do know is he has one of the most horrific runs I've ever seen Like wow! He looks like a newborn baby who just got their balance and decides to run away from a parent at a store....fast, unsteady and sure to get caught.
Anyhoo.... the storyline is so bad. It makes no sense whatsoever. Like its tied together with silly string and wishbone wishes.
But, there's an entertaining factor here. You wonder how he'll get out of this badly written dibocal.
Regina King is in there too. I hope she got a bag for it, cause lawd...
Rating: C-
Final Thought: You'll wonder how he'll fair and the you'll wonder how you made it through it. But, the minutes don't drag by and that's all I can ask for.
09/14/2025
The Long Walk
Starring: David Jonsson, Cooper Hoffman, Mark Hamil
Director: Francis Lawrence
Genre: Horror
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 48mins
I've sat and thought about this since viewing it.
I mean, HUGE Stephen King fan here. I read this book ages ago- in my teens, I believe. It was amazing! It was like nothing I could imagine then. As I've thrown years and life experience into the mix, remembering the details of the story escape me some....
They took some liberties, for sure. They kept it, for some reason, pre-technology. But, kinda wrote dialogue that was a bit more updated. You forget that they dont have phns or headphones or any of that.
Can I just say that I just need David Jonnson to take the marshmallows out of his mouth. I couldn't handle him in Alien Romulus (which was another awfully written movie) and I could barely get over the s'mores filled American accent that wasn't sure if it was southern, Midwestern or So. Cal. (or British) in this one. I'm not a fan, sadly. But, they are gonna push this little dude down our throats, I suppose. Get the bag, my guy. But if I ever see you in a dark alley....
I feel like this movie wants to be good. I mean, it could've been if they stuck closer to the book and casted better. But nah, they did this.
And, mind you, it ain't baaaaad. Its just okay. But, it could've been great.
Rating: C
Final Thought: Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah. Blah....Blah. I'll never watch it again blah.
09/07/2025
The Conjuring: Last Rites
Starring: Patrick Wilson, Vera Farmiga
Director: Michael Chaves
Genre: Horror
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 15mins
The last 2 installments of this franchise were streamed because I figured they would be poopy and I wasn't wrong.....
For scaredy cats and whimpering face-hiders, I'm sure you'll disagree. But for someone who loves horror.....and happens to love movies and happens to be a believer that probably understands more than most about this type of thing... they weren't good.
This movie is a farewell (we hope) to The Conjuring/Warren's world. More fluff and backstory than the ghoulish jump scares you came to see. Idk...... it started out decent but then you begin to see that they are really composing the just-so perfect full family ending to this idea.
The storyline was contrived. The acting is what you'd expect. And you never see what they semi-promise that you will see.
Rating: D
Final Thought: If it ain't The Nun, go ahead and wrap the whole thing up and put it pasture.
09/01/2025
The Toxic Avenger Unrated
Starring: Peter Dinklage, Jacob Trimblay
Director: Macon Blair
Genre: Horror/Comedy
Rated: Unrated
Run time: 1hr 42mins
This is one of those hidden movies that I had no idea was even out or coming out. It was buried so deep down on the list of movies showing that I almost missed it. I was that determined not to see Nobody 2 and The Fantastic Four.... scrolling in the trenches frfr. But who says no to Peter Dinklage? More over, if Kevin Bacon is in it, it's rarely bad. So I had to take a looksee...
When they say unrated, they kinda mean that lol There was a lot of blood, gore and weird things and I mean weird. Someone sat back and said, what will make people potentially turn away in disgust? How can I make people audibly groan in displeasure in the theater? What can I do to be able to have a rated movie and an Unrated movie to double dip in the money tank?
Whatever came into their devious minds, they did. Lolol
I mean, other than Peter Dinklage (because I feel that he doesn't try to act- he IS ALWAYS good) everyone else hammed it up. Like they went to a shark party and jumped them ALL.
It has some humor. I will say that I laughed a few times.
But, as someone who has no reaction to gore fr, it was over the top for normies.
Rating: C-
Final Thought: It honestly reminded me of Deadpool, if Ryan Reynolds was replaced with Peter Dinklage and covered in toxic waste and then given all of the jokes that the Deadpool writers though wasn't funny enough for Ryan to say. Very similar but, well, not.
09/01/2025
The Roses
Starring: Olivia Coleman, Benedict Cumberbatch
Director: Jay Roach
Genre: Comedy/Drama
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 45mins
Well, well well.... today I was off to my now #2 Happy Place to catch a couple movies. Was gonna do 3 but I have literally no desire to see Nobody 2 eventhough I'd get to put my feet up. In the immortal words of Buckweat, "No Tanks!"
That said, side shout out to the new Chicken Nachos @ AMC... they are super tasty.
Any hoo.... I saw the original War of The Roses way too early to understand what was actually happening but I loooooved it! As a now divorced woman, I love it even more lolol
In my opinion it was hilarious, well acted and unlike anything else out there movie-wise at that time.
This re-do is not bad. I mean, how do you follow follow Michael Douglas & Kathleen Turner in their prime? You bring in Benedict and Olivia.
The storyline change was interesting to a point. Then it kinda seems juuuuust a little forced.
The original was super clear on why the love turned to hate. This one was a smidge contrived. But its Olivia and Benedict! The acting is superb. Kate McKinnon and even Andy Samburg were integrated far too much. Funny at times, but not sure if they just wanted to make the money spent for them make sense because the funniest parts didn't include them really.
Oh and if you are allergic to F-bombs, you'll go into anaphylactic shock at least 20 times in here. They adore that word very, very much.
Rating: C++
Final Thought: Not bad, but I won't watch again. And that says alot about a movie to me. And why is Ncuti so beautiful? He needs to put out a skincare line ASAP.
08/25/2025
Relay
Starring: Riz Ahmed, Lily James
Director: David Mackenzie
Genre: Thriller/Suspense
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 52mins
Would've done 2 but the times didnt align, I'm a smidge exhausted and fought for my life in this one and, idk if it was my extreme distaste for the Superman movie or a sixth sense on poopiness, but I'm not feeling like seeing Fantastic Four. This coming from a HUGE fan of Pedro Pascal and superheros as a whole.... anyhoo...1 movie it was..
I think Riz Ahmed is an amazing actor. Ive spoken of this before. So, I was absolutely gonna check him out, especially since hes been MIA for a minute.
I'm torn because I'm not sure if it was the script, the other actors (not Sam Worthington tho...he's serving A+ supporting actor vibes all day) or the director....or even editing but something is off.
The premise is interesting but it was executed a little iffy. And if im being honest, the end is where you're like "okay! Here's the action, intrigue and maybe satisfying ending!"
But the action ends so quickly and the end is so unsatisfying that I kinda walked out and wanted to grab a total stranger's shoulders, give them a shake and ask them why! They wouldn't have been able to answer and thats what it feels like at the end of that movie.
The depressing thing is, it could have been better.
Rating: C
Final Thought: Its okay, it's just the dreams of what could've been that will haunt you when it's over. I honestly feel like everyone involved needs to be put in timeout.
08/10/2025
Weapons
Starring: Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, Amy Madigan
Director: Macon Blair
Genre: Horror/Mystery
Rated: Zach Cregger
Run time: 2hr 8mins
*Big Sigh*
I wanted this to be good. The premise was interesting so I expected an intetesting movie.
I sighed so many times in there from just the slow moving pace that I'm sure I annoyed people because I annoyed myself.
This is one of those movies where you can tell that they didn't know how to end it. Started fine. The most interesting part is glossed over with the a voice-over in the beginning (the same one from the trailers). Then they start to breakdown all the things you aren't interested in to finally get to the point we all want to see.
Sloooooooow and waaaay longer than it needed to be.
What they did well is they got strong lead actors to draw believability and personify the ideas.
But, idk.... there was no There there in the end.
Very sad to say that.
Rating: D+
Final Thought: It could've been great but they decided to release this.
08/10/2025
Together
Starring: Dave Franco, Alison Brie
Director: Michael Shanks
Genre: Horror/Supernatural Horror
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 42mins
1st and foremost, I was too late for the trailers which was a bummer. But, the upside was that I had the whole theater to myself. God be lookin out!
But then the movie started.
Okay, was it horror? Idk.... it was body horror maybe. Much like The Substance but done better (and cheaper).
For a questioner of everything, there were lots of unanswered questions. We're just plopped down into the main character's lives and then, when it gets really interesting, plopped out. Lol
Sooo many questions. But, alas, not terrible. Not goooooood but it definitely could've been with a few adjustments. The script was actually well written. Interesting concept tho.
Rating: C
Final Thought: May a love like that one never find me.
07/23/2025
The Smurfs
Starring: Rihanna, James Corden, Xolo Mariduena
Director: Chris Miller
Genre: Family/Musical
Rated: PG
Run time: 1hr 32mins
What will I do for my babies? Just about anything....even going to see a remake of a remake of a retool of a revision. I'll do it!
With 3 boys (1 more precocious than most) I was happy to get through it with only 2 spills and no tears....from me
But anyhoo.... if Rihanna is in it, there will be singing. For people waiting for a new album that ain't coming any time soon, she dropped her new album in this movie lol
I find that my eyes roll unintentionally when singing starts now but it wasn't horrid.
Its actually a cute movie. I must say that I liked it.
A weird new story arch....new smurfs....snooterpoots...magic.... It was interesting. Gargamel has a brother now that's worse than him. Its all about the brothers in this one. I'm kinda interested to see where they go from here because they have built a big shoe to fill going forward with this storyline.
Rating: B
Final Thought: It's a kids movie that the boys loved and that stoked my nostalgia in a good way. Can't be mad at that.
07/21/2025
Eddington
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Pedro Pascal
Director: Ari Aster
Genre: Western Film/Thriller
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 25mins
One of the Cohen brothers is involved in this one and it shows. Its packed full of talent and they give the opportunity for that talent to shine. BUUUUUUT.... its a slow burn.
It almost lost me because its so freaking slow and it's political in a way that is intetesting but also makes me question the point- it's set in mid-2020.... 'Nuff said frfr, but let me finish this review.
As I'm watching the reenactments of the Black Lives Matter protests and George Floyd outrage play out in an absurd way while simultaneously listening to the people in the theater that don't look like me laugh with their whole chest, I pondered if I should gone 'head and see my way out.
But, I stayed just to have a full review.
I never got "the point" of the way they portrayed things other than pehaps attempting to show how little "allies" knew about what they were doing and why.... (the people in the theater loved this).
I disagree, but alas, I'm just a watcher..
I will say that they also showed how easily people can be lead to believe the other side of things and potentially how these disillusioned folks can end up in power. Being uncomfortable for the first time in recent history can do that to people, I guess...
Joaquin is always going to go for the Oscar. I don't even think he's trying frfr. He's just excellent. And, of course, Mr Pascal amped him up in the supporting roll. Like in Gladiator II, he could've been given more but I didn't feel cheated after this one.
Anyhoo, not a bad movie. Slow start. Ended crazy....like a Cohen film.
But was it Good?
It was aight....
Rating: C++
Final Thought: I can't see giving it a B.... but, it may've deserved that just from Joaquin's performance.
07/21/2025
I Know What You Did Last Summer
Starring: Madelyn Cline, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Tyriq Withers
Director: Jennifer Kaytin Robinson
Genre: Horror/Suspense
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 51mins
Did we need this one? Probably not.
That reboot with Brandy- we certainly didn't need that one. But, they got smart. They did more of a continuation of the 1st one, tying in the original cast members for validity.
It worked. I'm not saying that its amazing. No no no. But, it was better than the reboot and held my attention pretty well. The idea to bring in the original cast and how they did it was well done. The script idea had some weak points, but overall wasn't bad.
As I always say of horror, they like to label things as horror that are not. At best, this is a dark thriller. At worst, an informational on how not to behave as young adults.
Anyhoo, not too shabby.
Rating: C+
Final Thought: I was pleasantly surprised with the twist at the end.
07/13/2025
Superman
Starring: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult
Director: James Gunn
Genre: Action/Sci-fi
Rated: PG-13
Run time: 2hr 9mins
1st off, I went in very reluctantly and very expectant of nothing great.
And like typical of your girl, I got what I thought I would get.
What it looks like they did is they nixed the more idealistic and machismo-filled Henry Cavill's Superman and they went back to the 1950's (I'm not lying.... I'm spot on here) and took that idea of Superman (body type and all) and they re-vamped his whole personality to try to fit in modern times. He's more in touch with his feelings. And, ya girl has a problem with too much crying and male-emoting so I almost walked out a few times- but I think they think this is the guy we need right now.
While he's trying to care about every one, he's also way more yell-y and mad where as Superman like Cavill, Reeves or even Routh didn't need that. I think this is an acting issue. He is unable to convey "tough" without yelling.
Can I be honest? This movie is ridiculous. Its all ridiculous. I hope that they stop here and go back to the drawing board because its drivel.
Good points: this Lois is better. I didn't think I'd care for the pup, but he's naughty and I love that. Lex wasn't horrible but I think they went full Techno and it didn't work....to me.
The political angle didn't work either. I get what they're trying to do but it failed because the movie sucked so bad. *big sigh*
Rating: D-
Final Thought: Brandon Routh's Superman was better. I still don't understand how it didn't do well. Christopher Reeves is not pleased btw, if he were here, he'd never say it because he was such a class act.
07/07/2025
F1
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Genre: Sport/Action
Rated: PG-13
Run time: 2hr 35mins
Okay, its not a surprise that ya girl is a Brad Pitt fan....even as he messes up his face, he still cuts a figure. But, Franklin Saint is just beautiful. So I was coming- even if reluctantly, as racing isn't my thing. Then I remembered....the only thing that EVER got me to even THINK about watching racing is 1 dude and 1 dude only.... You already know.... Lewis Hamilton..
Being that I have ½ a brain, I figured he'd be in this too somewhere as Formula 1 is his domain.
I mean, 3 hotties in 1 movie? Lawdy lawd! I almost ran into the theater. (Okay, not true but it turned my kinda frown upside down, for sure).
All of my fan-girling aside, this movie is good.
When I say that I was engaged the entire time, it keeps your eyes and ears fully in there throughout.
And beautiful black folks with British accents all around? It was chef's kiss.
Was there some cheesy scenes? A few.
Did BP and Damson give the ladies some shirts off action? Yes maams, they certainly did.
Did Lewis Hamilton get enough screen time? NOOOOOOO! Not even a speaking part.
But, he did produce it so I supposed he was in it for F1 credibility and nothing else. Alas..... still good tho.
Rating: B+
Final Thought: Not a horrible script. Good acting. Overall, good vibes on the screen. A few badly lit shots but it didn't taint the feel of it.
07/7/2025
Megan 2.0
Starring: Allison Williams, Jenna Davis
Director: Gerard Johnstone
Genre: Sci-fi/Horror
Rated: PG-13
Run time: 1hr 42mins
Honestly, I had no real hopes for this one. The first one was campy and had its moments but I'd never use the word "good" as a descriptor.
But, this new one was interesting. Although a little out there in the overall ideas floating around, I was intrigued and remained that way almost all the way through. There was a 20min portion towards the end where I fought sleep a little....the villain explanations (and the good guy explanations) got long winded and tiresome.
But, it wasn't bad.
Rating: C+
Final Thought: A better movie than the 1st one. More action. More everything really....including corny singing.
07/03/2025
Jurassic World Rebirth
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, Mahershala Ali
Director: Gareth Edwards
Genre: Action/Sci-fi
Rated: PG-13
Run time: 2hr 14mins
I could give you the long story, the short story or the 3 Word Review on this one...
Long Story-
They couldn't cast enough "Big Dogs" to make it good so they did just enough to make you curious enough to go see it.
Are there dinos? YEP But, they're the reject pack and not the cool ones (well.....1 cool one)
I almost feel like theres too many storylines. There was a big pull to feel for the characters as opposed to writing a good story or a good script..
This was contrived, for sure.
But, you will be entertained even if its slightly and by accident.
Short Story-
Its a money grab on the name of a franchise that's good for a few hundred million dollars. The first red flag is having no peeps from the last 4 or so.
3 Word Review
It Needed Goldblum.
Rating: D+
Final Thought: The plus is for Mahershala. I just like looking at him (he ain't Blade tho. There is only one).
06/24/2025
28 Years Later
Starring: Jodie Corner, Ralph Fiennes, Aaron Taylor Johnson
Director: Danny Boyle
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 55mins
As always, gonna check out anything ol ATJ is in. And, he's always good. But, contrary to the trailers, this ain't about him.
That made me a little sad but I pulled it together, forced myself to stay awake (ya girl is tired) and forged ahead.
The cast has some heavy hitters in it, but to be great or even good, the script/story has to allow them to shine.
I feel like the poem/song used in the trailers- they really squeezed as much out of that as possible in the film and that was weird and unnecessary.
Here's my issue.... what's the point of the film?
The story is poorly written and is tied together with silly string. But, alas, I look at things in a way of "does it make sense" and "would someone realistically do that". That said, not anything that happens in this film is something that anyone in their right mind would do irl.
Is it entertaining? At times. But it doesn't make sense in any storyline....
The ending made me think, for a split second, that they had a Summer Movie Crossover
It was probably the best little surprise the movie had. And, if I'm being honest, that storyline, if it were real, would be interesting..
Rating: D+
Final Thought: With a 95% fresh rating, Rotten Tomatoes seems really bought and paid for... They ought to be ashamed.
06/10/2025
Lilo & Stitch
Starring: Sydney Agudong, Zach Galifianakis
Director: Dean Fleischer Camp
Genre: Comedy/Sci-fi
Rated: PG
Run time: 1hr 48mins
Did I want to see this? Nope.
Will I do almost anything for my babies? Of course! Even if that means watching a movie remake that I wasn't a fan of the original frfr.
Its a cute movie, essentially. I felt like the ending, for little Stitch fans, may have been too much.
As a 4 or 5 year old watching The Thing (John Carpenter's version), I know how a movie can be traumatizing lolol
Anyhoo.... Stitch still gets on your nerves. So does Lilo (is it just me? Huh?)
But it's cute.
Rating: C
Final Thought: I could've had a V8. but, you know, anything for the kiddos.
06/06/2025
Bring Her Back
Starring: Sally Hawkins, Billy Barran
Directors: Michael Philippou, Danny Philippou
Genre: Horror
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 39mins
Okay.... A24.... I've dogged them out in the past. And you've seen me go back on those words with The Iron Claw and a couple others.
This one puts me on the fence. Sometimes I feel like the Horror tag is placed on a dark thriller just to get us Horror lovers (and there are lots of us) out there to buy a ticket.
Its not horror at all to me. Some gross stuff. Some crazy person doing crazy things...but is it horror? Idk.
Was it worth it. Nah.
Id say I spent 75% of the movie wondering when they were gonna "Bring Her Back" and who is "Her".
The last 30ish minutes were where they put the intetesting stuff but its like they thought "Whats something crazy we can do that would be shocking? " and they just slung it all willy-nilly in there.
Rating: D+
Final Thought: It's okay, but it tried way too hard to bury the lead to the point that you forget what the point of it all is. And when they go "TADA!!!" you've lost interest.
Probably cost $10 to make, so they'll still get a good payday.
06/06/2025
Ballerina
Starring: Ana de Armas, Keanu Reeves
Director: Len Wiseman
Genre: Action/Thriller
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 5mins
Anything in the John Wick Universe has a certain expectation that's laid out waaaaay before they attempt to announce it.
Listen children. Listen little babies.
They did not come to play at all with this movie. The storyline, the acting, the action were all top tier. The storyline played out like the juiciest Soap (in the best way possible). I clutched my pearls and gasped several times
And the fight scenes.... after the last Mission Impossible movie, this is like...like...finding Excalibur in the lake with the Lady of the Lake handing it to you. Its superb. And watch Excalibur (its in my Top 10). #Imanerd #teeheehee
And there is no movie in existence with Keanu in it that I haven't seen. That man is a ray of sunshine. And when ol Baba Yaga shows up, its ova!
Rating: A
Final Thought: *It's basically John Wick with longer hair and a more petite frame. But, she ain't John Wick and they made sure you know that. #butshesohsocloooooose
05/28/2025
Mission Impossible:
The Final Reckoning
Starring: Tom Cruise, Ving Rhames, Hayley Atwell
Director: Christopher McQuarrie
Genre: Action/Thriller
Rated: PG-13
Run time: 2hr 50mins
As a decent Tom Cruise fan, I was absolutely going to see this. And I expect nothing but brilliance from pretty much anything with ol boy in it.
This was a 3hr movie. 2hrs and 50mins to be exact. But, no need to nickle and dime it. It was long. The problem is (uh-oh....I can hear yall thinking it lol) that you feel it a little.
It's entertaining, don't get me wrong. Its even pertinent to what's happening today with AI and potentially sentient programing....although a little ridiculous, I went with it.
Its just not as captivating and well done as usual.
Me thinks Mr Cruise cut the budget on this one. The fight coordinator was definitely not employed here. I thought I was being pranked for a sec.
And why was everybody sweating? No matter where they were (in obvious places where they shouldn't be sweating) foreheads were glistening....Everybody but Her highness Angela Bassett. She did not play that lolol. Maybe they cut the air-conditioning budget too....idk. But I didn't care for it.
Oh and I think Tommy Tom ran through this whole movie. If you were afraid that, with age, he wasn't gonna run like his life depended on it, you would be pleasantly surprised. Like allllll through it. He ran in place of fighting lolol
Last but not least, idk why but they acted like time wasn't an issue and LITERALLY this time TIME WAS ALL THAT MATTERED! Just wasting time all willy-nilly.... I almost yelled "Focus!" at least 10 times in there...
In short: This movie could've easily been 2hrs long and still kept its integrity and maybe even screened better without the dragging out unnecessary scenes.
Rating: C+
Final Thought: Not as good as the others. But, not horrible.....just tired. Everybody in here seemed tired. Even running Tom Tom.
05/19/2025
Final Destinations:
Bloodlines
Starring: Brec Bassinger, Kaitlyn Santa Juana
Directors: Zach Lipovsky, Adam Stein
Genre: Horror/Mystery
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 50mins
I'm not entirely sure how many of these there is, but I certainly caught the 1st one and possibly the 2nd. Then I said wth can they do now at 3 and 4. I believe I gave 5 a chance and stopped after that.
None were bad. You just get tired of it after a bit.
But, this one was in the good theater and ya girl finally had a day off so I figured I'd give it a go.
It ain't bad. You all know the story is probably the driving factor for me and it's intetesting. They came with some (more) creative ways to kill people, of course. I appreciated the familial storyline and, although a bit hokey (I laughed more times in here than in Clown In A Cornfield....but I'm weird like that) still, kept my attention and you end up rooting for the people. They always get you to root for them lol
Rating: C+
Final Thought: I've seen better horror movies, but this may be the better sequel so far of the Final Destination franchise.
05/19/2025
Clown in a Cornfield
Starring: Katie Douglas, Carson MacCormac, Kevin Durand
Director: Eli Craig
Genre: Horror/Mystery
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 36mins
Why did I go see this movie, you may ask. Well, 1st off, it fit the time slot before the movie I really wanted to see. 2nd, it's horror so, there's that.
Honestly, it was a bit more comedic horror than full on trying to scare ya.
I anticipated bad horror but the storyline was interesting enough to keep my attention.
And, truly, if you asked me for things that epitomize "scary", corn fields and clowns would definitely appear on my list.....a la being a true Stephen King fan.
Not awful. Some unanswered questions, tho. But, as this is apparently derived from a book series, me thinks they anticipate sequels.... we shall see.
Rating: C
Final Thought: I've seen worse horror movies. I've also seen better.
04/27/2025
The Accountant 2
Starring: Ben Affleck, Jon Bernthal
Director: Gavin O'Connor
Genre: Action/Thriller
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 12mins
Although Batman was not his best moment, I'm a Ben Affleck fan. Again, to be clear, I almost turned in my fan club membership with him as Batman....you know how I feel about Batman... But, we all make bad decisions lol
I'm also a huge Jon Bernthal fan.....he's an amazing actor. That said, I was automatically gonna see this.
If you've seen the 1st one, you know how amazing it was....good story, great acting, interesting premise.
This one has all of those things, but we kinda know what to expect so it doesn't catch us by surprise.
Idk why but there's something missing. Idk if it's Ben's older take on the character or the attempt to bury the lead (it's somewhat of a mystery storyline). But, the feel is different. We did get a peek behind the curtain for the Accountant Character in this one... sometimes knowing how the sausage is made can change your view of sausage.
Its entertaining tho. Jon brings levity and more verbal engagement. The action scenes are pretty good! The overall story, in today's climate, is fitting and needs to be talked about more. Overall, it's a good movie.
Rating: B
Final Thought: It ain't the 1st one, but it's not far off.
If you see it and can pinpoint what's missing, pls let me know lol
04/21/2025
Sinners
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Delroy Lindo
Director: Ryan Coogler
Genre: Horror/Action
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 17mins
The first question I have is why "Sinners"? I kinda feel like, with the subject matter, there's at least a trillion other names that would fit better...
The next question is who believes that someone in production, somewhere, didn't slip Rotten Tomatoes some bands to put that 100% Fresh label on this?
I have a hard time with 100%.
Is it entertaining? Absolutely.
Is Michael B. Jordan in it? Yes. Yes he is.
Is there sanging? Oh yes... they do that.
Is the acting good? Yeppers. It ain't bad.
Is it 100% worth of all of that? Imma say no.
Its an interesting take on the subject matter that's been written and filmed since books & movies began. I just got no point in the movie where there's no question that is a good movie.
It ain't bad, again. But, every good or even great movie (as Rotten Tomatoes says) gives a moment that you realize you're in the presence of greatness.
Besides MBJ's biceps, idk if it was great. Its a good time, tho.
You'll definitely be entertained. You may, like me, at points wish you had an interpretor or captioning because they really drug that southern accent straight to HE Double Hockey Sticks.
Rating: C+
Final Thought: It was refreshing to see MBJ doing something besides boxing and doing it well. And Delroy is always a breath of fresh air. Some unnecessary story arcs that weren't really explored annoyed me a little.
04/23/2025
Drop
Starring: Brandon Sklenar, Meghann Fahy
Director: Christopher Landon
Genre: Thriller
Rated: PG-13
Run time: 1hr 35mins
This movie believes it's clever. Well, at least the writer, director and probably the producer believes it to be true.
What I believe is, much like Trading Places, an old guy bet another old guy that they can make a movie with some unbelievably low budget and make it look high-tech. And I'd almost guarantee that the bet was $1.
Its silly in a way that they drag it out with craziness and decisions no sane person would make just to get to the 1.5hr time and to try to throw you off the scent.
Its entertaining if there's nothing else out there that you'd like to see and you want to feel validated on never going on another date again....ever.
Rating: D+
Final Thought: I didn't fall asleep, which gets points. And I feel validated on never going on another date again.....ever.
04/07/2025
The Woman in the Yard
Starring: Danielle Deadwyler, Russell Hornsby
Director: Jaume Collet-Serra
Genre: Thriller/Mystery
Rated: PG-13
Run time: 1hr 27mins
The promos and previews don't give any indication of what this is about. Not one. So, I came into it expecting to be underwhelmed as most horror movies go these days.
10mins in and I wanted to punish the director for the wonky/blurry fade-ins and outs and weird camera angles....
20mins in, and I realized what it was really about....and that endeared me to it more.
As a black woman of a certain age, this movie is really for us. Because at 20, you won't really get it. In your 30s, you'll maybe begin to see a little. But in your 40's and upward, this movie will speak to your soul.
They try to hide the reveal, hence the dragging storyline and the annoying antics. But, once you get it, you get it.
And the lead, Danielle Deadwyler, is really good in this. Like she really carried!
Overall, it's kind of a love letter that may be over the heads of most. But, I'm not mad at it.
Oh, and it may be more thriller than horror...just saying.
Rating: C+
Final Thought: I get it on so many levels.
12/31/2024
Babygirl
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Harris Dickinson, Antonio Banderas
Director: Halina Reijn
Genre: Thriller/Erotic
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 56mins
When I see A24, I don't shrink away in horror or disappointment immediately anymore. As I've said before, they're getting better and better with script picking and casting.
Is it good? Ah, well, good is much too strong a word to use here. It's interesting until the last maybe 15-ish mins...
This movie is what would happen if 50 Shades of Grey, Basic Instinct and Secretary had baby. As all three are semi-ridiculous (some more than others), and stupid decisions were made all around, there's stiiilllll that wonder of what will happen next or how will they get out of the bad place they put themselves.
Its definitely hot & heavy, almost silly (but I think most things involving crazy decisions is silly).... But, we all know there's truth in there somewhere as folks can and sometimes do cheat.
Where it falls short is the ending. The one thing I detest with movies is when you can tell where they didn't know how to end it. I'd love to know the original script ending. I also dislike deeply when the director doesn't trust you to figure out something that's pretty blatant.
Interesting. Entertaining. Nicole Kidman, like Demi in Substance, makes anyone over the 50yr mark wonder what we're not doing right body-wise The story falls weak in the last 10-15mins. Yet, I didn't once fight sleep.....and your girl is perpetually tired rn.
Rating: C
Final Thought: I think they should've went with a more realistic ending or even went completely into the stratosphere with it. But, they just bowed out.
12/27/2024
Nosferatu
Starring: Bill Skarsgard, Lily-Rose Depp, Nicholas Hoult
Director: Robert Eggers
Genre: Horror/Mystery
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 12mins
As tired as I was, I wanted to catch this one in the good theater so I got on out for a sec...
I'm going to always be honest, even when it breaks my heart. I had high hopes because Bill Skarsgård is gonna always serve...especially villainy...and he did here. But, I feel like they did a disservice by not having him present enough.
They really played up his creepy voice with his voice-overs and 90% of the time when he's in a scene, he's in the shadows. This made me begin to wonder about the budget. Me thinks they spent the majority of their money on the the actors and not enough on scenery.
With all of the tight shots and the seemingly replayed backgrounds, it felt very elizabethan-bargin bin-ish. I think I just created a thing with that phrase, but if you watch it and notice the square-footage of each scene, you'll get what I mean. Every scene is either for sure green screen or no more than 6-7 feet square.
And although Dracula's voice is creepy, the cadence was exhaustive after a while. I mean, a tired person like myself was fighting sleep like my name was Ali and he was chanting "Ali- boombayay". It was an epic fight, is what I'm saying
Willem Defoe tried to help but I'm not sure if he was given enough in the way of the script to revive it.
Anyhooo.... the main female actresses took allllllll of their cues from Lucy in Bram Stoker's Dracula, which, although the better Dracula Movie if not the best, she was tiresome in that so to have everyone basically playing her got reeeaaallly hard. They tried to adjust the story some. But, if you're gonna borrow from the best, you may as well go ahead and re-do that movie
Badly written script. Too tight shooting. Questionable directing. Poor editing. Decent acting up to a point....and then everybody climbed onto a wave runner, rev'ed up to the highest speed possible and hit that ramp full force. They cleared the shark but no body ever really wants to see that. *big sigh*
Rating: D+
Final Thought: Could be my exhaustion, but I can't in good conscience give it a C. It was not worth the time, I'm afraid.
12/16/2024
Kraven the Hunter
Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ariana DeBose, Russell Crowe
Director: J. C. Chandor
Genre: Action/Sci-fi
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 7mins
This one just happened to be showing in the "good" screening room at the time I was determined to see a movie. So this one it was.
Would I have gone to see it anyways? Did you see the poster? Of course
Not knowing much about Kraven, eventhough it's in my beloved Marvel universe, it ain't bad.
If you're looking for action, bloody fight scenes and Russell Crowe's epic Russian Accent, you will love it. Conversely, if you like deep blue eyes, vests with guns out and abs, you will also love it lol
It was a win-win for me
Is it Oscar worthy? Nooooooooooo. This will neva see Oscar gold. But, it was entertaining. The storyline was a little patched together but it's not one of those movies where it matters much.
As much as I was rapt to the screen, I still fought sleep in there so it's possible I missed a convo or two but it didn't lose me.
I will say that the main antagonist was a little odd, to say the least lolol. But the main fight was not bad.
Rating: C+
Final Thought: Eye candy and fight scenes. Give me 14 of 'em.
11/29/2024
Wicked
Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
Director: Jon M. Chu
Genre: Musical/Fantasy
Rated: PG
Run time: 2hr 40mins
This one made me question myself. I asked myself "Am I over musicals?" "Am I too hard on movies these days?" "Am I missing something that everyone else can get?" "Is it me?"
My answer was No to each of those questions. A few of my fav movies of all time are musicals. I've seen some good movies lately. And the amount of phns being scrolled through and ambient convos not about the movie in the theater leads me to think I'm not alone...
I've never gone to see Wicked on Broadway or any other live show. But, with the likes of Cynthia Erivo, Jeff Goldbloom and Michelle Yeoh I was thinking I'm in for at least a decent movie.
I simply wasn't impressed. It was cute but not actually good. I wonder if the script in the movie is
similar to the Broadway show....
Still, I wanted to leave but sat determined to see it thru and have a fully informed review.
I feel like everyone except Arianna Grande seemed to mute their character down some.... I'm not saying Arianna was good. She got on my nerves, frankly. But, I think she embodied her character completely.
I'll note that "and another thing" moment with Elphaba at the end where she keeps popping back in......just why?
Anyhoo, Wicked ain't for me. So Wicked Part II won't see me in a theater unless there is literally nothing else out and I hadn't used a pass in weeks.
Rating: D
Final Thought: I could've had a V8. A green one.
11/22/2024
Gladiator II
Starring: Paul Mescal, Denzel Washington, Pedro Pascal
Director: Ridley Scott
Genre: Action/Adventure
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 28mins
Well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well, well well. I'll preface this review by saying that it isn't a bad movie. Its actually decent.
Is it up to the level (or close to it) as the original? Sadly, no.
Actually, any time I see the "Thanks For Watching" msg with the movie actors before the movie, and it's not Tom Cruise (because he does this but other than Vanilla Sky he hasn't done a bad movie) I already get worried. That, dare I say, is guilty behavior.
I went in with some expectations but not high ones. What I feel like it is is a money grab on the legacy of Gladiator. They tried to make it make sense and write it in a way to pay homage and bring in the previous movie. But, what gets lost in that type of writing is how does it become its own film? It's too busy trying to be valid by beckoning to the last movie than to just BE.
The script is not great, really. The idea is almost ridiculous when you really think about it.
With that in pocket, in my opinion, ol Ridley said "Well, Russell's character is dead. Joachin's is dead. What big names can I get to bring the people in and give this some credibility?" Cut to Denzel & Pedro. And the star.... he has awesome timbre vocally. But I didn't believe him. It's that simple.
Although he wasn't bad at all, he was not believable in the character he played... to me.
There was some great colloseum scenes- especially the ships. But, even those are not as good as they could've been. I kinda wonder what the fight sceen budget was because I feel like it was skimpy. *sigh*
Not great script. Not great use of great actors. Somewhat unorganized directing. The squeezing of everything into a completely "perfect" bow. Its just not as good as it maybe could've been.
There was no moment that sent it into the stratosphere. It was good- kinda.
But, those who maybe haven't seen or don't cherish the original, they'll love it. I saw toddlers walking out saying how good it was.
I disagree.
Rating: C+
I went in hoping I could use my passes and see it at least once or twice more before it is leaves theaters. I left knowing I never want to see it again.
*big sigh*
I'll be watching Gladiator to cleanse my palate
Rating: C+
Final Thought: I went in hoping I could use my passes and see it at least once or twice more before it leaves theaters. I left knowing I never want to see it again.
*Big Sigh*
I'll be watching Gladiator to cleanse my palate
11/17/2024
Heretic
Starring: Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East
Director: Scott Beck, Bryan Woods
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 51mins
What a curious film.
Since The Iron Claw (I still stand behind it being the best movie I've seen in a while), A24 has grown on me. Nothing before that was good by them- and I do mean NUTHIN! But, something has changed with script picking and directing and now.....much better.
This movie gets right to the point fast. You aren't waiting long to see the opposition engage. But, and what I appreciate, you will have to wait for the actual point- which you maaaaay not ever get.
That said....the dialogue is exquisite!
I'm getting Tarrantino vibes with the seemingly benign convos and the ones that actually have meaning.
It's basically a break-down on religion and how/why some people may not be interested and, conversely, why some people will die for it.
Lots of interesting points being made. Some truthful moments and some stretched a bit but all done well.
And Hugh Grant.... he's a weird little treasure, isn't he? Soooooo good as an antagonist.
Great script. Interesting subject. Pretty dang good acting. Worth a look if you're into psychological thrillers. This isn't horror.
Rating: B
Final Thought: They may have single-handedly resurrected (you'll appreciate this later) Radiohead, because the urge to listen to Creep was heeeeeeeavy when leaving the theater and still is.
11/03/2024
Conclave
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, John Lithgow, Isabella Rosselini
Director: Edward Berger
Genre: Thriller/Mystery
Rated: PG
Run time: 2hrs
Honestly, I feel like I didn't see anything about this movie until a couple weeks before it hit the theaters. Anything Ralph Fiennes does is generally top tier but I was thinking.. how can they make this subject matter interesting.
5 mins into this movie and I started thinking to myself "Is this a clinic?". 20 mins in and I knew it was. This is not the best movie ever....by far. But is it the best movie out right now...yep. Will it get nominated....yep. Will it win? Probably.
There's a crazy thing that happens when you remove clutter from a plot line (and the scene). There's nothing to hide behind literally or figuratively. The actor will either rise to a certain level or we'll be underwhelmed or just whelmed as per usual. But, in this case, oh my goodness.... its as close to perfection as you'll get to that spot where what actors think is good acting and what the consumer thinks is good acting meets..
And it's not action-packed but it's well casted, well written, well acted, decently directed/edited...
And on top of that, they threw a whammy in with a plot twist at the end that nobody in the history of pope based movies saw coming.
Honestly, it was good enough without adding that twist idea in. It allllllllllmost tipped it into eye roll territory.
Anyhoo, if Ralph Fiennes doesn't get that Oscar I'll be super surprised.
Rating: B+
Final Thought: Some great actors in big roles supported by some great actors in smaller roles. Its....well, it's a clinic. Period.
10/19/2024
The Nightmare Before Christmas
Starring: Danny Elfman, Chris Sarandon, Ken Page
Director: Henry Selick
Genre: Family/Fantasy
Rated: PG
Run time: 1hr 16mins
Do I need to review this frfr? Nope.
Because, if you know me, you know that it's in my Top 2 fav holiday movies.
But, they re-released it and, as always, I attempt to get my nieces and nephews into it (so we can watch it on repeat) as soon as possible. So far, I'm batting .1000 on this
So, me and my 4yr old nephew, the 5month old (yep he went) and their sweet momma went to see this.
It was perfect!
I hadn't gotten to see it on the big screen back in the day so I was a happy camper
Did Amari watch? Mostly lol. Did Zyaire watch? More than you'd think but he is a whole other story when it comes to movies
He was talking to the screen and all that at one point (we were the only people in the theater so it was okay lol).
Anyhoo, for those who don't know, it is a classic tale of "the grass isn't always greener on the other side". And how sometimes being great at something doesn't make you great at everything. And finally, it really points out how important perspective is.
It's weird (it's a Tim Burton film) but there's so many lessons in it and I loooove the songs.
Rating: A+
Final Thought: Me and my nieve and nephew randomly saying "What's this? What's this?" and instantly knowing what we mean is everything.
10/06/2024
Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga
Director: Todd Phillips
Genre: Musical/Crime
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 18mins
I saw the negative reviews, but that never stops me....and I'm glad I didn't listen.
I'm not sure what people thought it was going to be. Its almost exactly what I assumed it would be once I heard it was a musical. I mean, how do you cast Gaga and not have her sing?
And, I've found that I'm not a huge fan of musicals these days. Used to love them but it's got to be special now lol
But this movie is different. It's a musical that doesn't look like a musical. It's a musical that doesn't insist upon itself. It's like if I started singing irl while doing every day things. It would be weird....out of place....but, in my head, it would be cool, right?
Imagine that here.
And, just like the first Joker, it's a lesson on abuse and what those childhood traumas can create. It's a clinic on mental illness and what it could look like in their head and how alluring that could be to the "right" person.
The storyline between Harley and Joker was jimmied in there with a crowbar but it's there. We all know that it happens. Joaquin is always phenomenal. I don't think Gaga is bad either. I also think a heavier hitter in the acting department maaaaybe should've had her role. Remember, they ain't singing hard like a typical musical..... they go more quaint than that. I believe they needed a chops matcher in the acting department for Joaquin but THOUGHT they needed a singer who's hot rn.
Overall, not a bad movie. I'm pretty sure a 3rd one is otw. When it comes, I hope it follows more of the traditional Joker pattern of mayhem than this love story path.
Rating: B-
Final Thought: It kept my attention and I never once thought of leaving the theater. That's a win these days.
09/28/2024
Megalopolis
Starring: Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Shia LaBeouf
Director: Francis Ford Coppola
Genre: Sci-fi/Drama
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 18mins
Whew lawd. I'm gonna keep this short and sweet because it doesn't deserve more of my time.
This is awful. Francis Ford Coppola attempted to mix ancient Rome w/ modern times but then, where he messed up (in my opinion) is he couldn't get out of the 50's. The 50's isn't modern so why go there? It's a discombobulation of unconnected ideas that are trying to be connected.
The story is all over the place. Its waaaaaay too artistic to be able to relay a cohesive thought.
And to stack the deck with the likes of Adam Driver, Giancarlo Esposito, Dustin Hoffman, Lawrence Fishburn.... to have this caliber of actor and put this out is embarrassing.
It had a 50% rotten on Rotten Tomatoes and they were being generous.
I'm trying to think of the last time....the one other time I couldn't finish a movie in the theater.
I made it thru 75% and just couldn't do it anymore.
Its stupid. There, I said it. Its so very stupid.
Rating: F
Final Thought: Francis Ford Copolla is now my nemesis.
09/25/2024
Never Let Go
Starring: Halle Berry, Percy Daggs IV
Director: Alexandre Aja
Genre: Horror/Suspense
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 41mins
With the screening room to myself (just like I like it with horror movies), it started off grand!
We all know that Ms. Halle "got these curtains on credit" Berry is going to do her best acting when she's in turmoil......and this one is full of opposition.
The writing is impeccable. It draws you in very well. You almost want to say, "But, what about..." And before you can finish that thought, they're answering the question as if they actually thought about the audience while writing but also didn't want to make it too easy for us.... Hmmm... you mean people write movies with the audience in mind still!?
Anyhoo, the 2 little boys.... excellent acting. And either you're gonna match Halle "make me feel good" Berry or you just get out of her way when she's got on the Oscar pants. They matched her.
Not saying an Oscar is on the way, but she left it all out there.
Its going to honestly make you 2nd guess your thoughts on what's really going on until the end...where you will then back track to rethink your final rethinking....
Rating: B
Final Thought: Amazing what you can achieve with a good actor, an old house and very little else.
#MonstersBallquotes
09/25/2024
The Substance
Starring: Demi Moore, Margaret Qualley, Dennis Quaid
Director: Coralie Fargeat
Genre: Horror/Sci-fi
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 22mins
The multitude of different movie posters prove just how cray this thing is.
Its definitely flying under the radar, as I didn't know it existed until last week and it's touted as horror movie which will reel me right on in.
I'm not completely sure if it's really horror, tho... Gross at points. Bloody at points. Overly violent at points. Even grotesque at points. But not sure if its horror.....maybe to the Hollywood aged folks..
This is someone's fantasy. The idea is interesting but, and I'm not exaggerating when I say, I've not seen this much and many bums/booty/hindparts/donkeys/a** in all my days.
Someone has a fixation and I want to say that somebody's hiney was shown/poked out/rubbed/etc within every 5mins or less of this 2hr and 30min movie. And, trust me, it's tiresome. And, also trust me, they didn't forget the boobs. But the tushies were the fixation for sure.
All of that said, the idea of this movie was cheapened by this butt obsession that wasn't necessary at the level it was taken.
Demi did a great job, though. At her age, I applaud this level of nudity on film....but good grief!
Anyhoo.... this interesting idea got the "sillies" midway through and crashed at the end.
Its a Nude Ted Talk on vanity and being happy with what you have but the story is so interesting of a idea that I feel the ending shows the lack of initial direction and the options were endless.... Yet, they chose this way to go. Just doesnt make sense.....
Rating: D+
Final Thought: I wanted to say C-, but the end made me almost walk out and did such a disservice to the whole premise, in my opinion. 1 near walk out drops it down a letter grade.
09/15/2024
Speak No Evil
Starring: James McAvoy. Mackenzie Davis
Director: James Watkins
Genre: Horror/Drama
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 50mins
I had to see this one because I may just be the biggest James McAvoy fan out there. He's ALWAYS good. Full stop. That's in every movie...but especially when he's the antagonist. He does crazy very, very well.
All of that said, it's aight. Mind you, he's phenomenal in it. But, it's slow. It's so slow. And there's glimmers of crazy here and there and then it keeps going slowly along.
It was maybe 15mins left in before you're truly drawn in and want to know what's going to happen next.
SN- if you're being chased around a house, in my opinion the worse thing to do is run into it (especially if it isn't your house). The 2nd worse thing to do is go up- as in up the stairs because how do you get out? This bothers me every time I see it
Anyhoo, not a horrid movie. Great antagonist. Tiresome couple. The poor little guy from the trailer, he's actually a subtly good actor. I'd be curious to see what he's done in 10yrs..
Rating: C+
Final Thought: It's silly. It's slow. But that last 15mins of wth is going on kept me in. And the great antagonist, of course.
09/15/2024
The Killer's Game
Starring: Dave Bautista, Sophia Boutella
Director: J.J. Perry
Genre: Action/Comedy
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 46mins
As a fan of Dave Bautista, I like to see him out here doing his thing as the lead. He's underrated.
I had no hopes for this one...just entertainment and that's what I got.
I'm weird sometimes but his hair and eyebrows kept throwing me. Too dark, maybe.
To me he has the old man/my back hurts movement to him
He's hooooot, but that back is giving him hades and it shows.
Listen, get your bag for however long you can get it. I ain't mad at all.
It was semi-campy which isn't always bad. There was definitely some hammering to get the love-angle to "work" in that script. A little silly in parts but lots of action and dismemberment....if you're into that.
Terry Crews went edgier in this one too....not sure why his character was needed...but get the bag.
Rating: C
Final Thought: It's a cute, fun movie. A cute, fun movies about an assassin. If it were done better, it could've been a dream.
Also Terry Cruz was a bit edgier in here, although his character was not really need..... either way, get the bag my guy.
09/09/2024
The Front Room
Starring: Brandy Norwood, Kathryn Hunter
Director: Sam Eggers, Max Eggers
Genre: Horror/Thriller
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 35mins
I honestly had high hopes for this one just because Brandy is good at whatever she does....singing, acting...she's gonna do her best.
Also, this was billed as a horror movie....it isn't that by a long shot.
I've been trying to think of a movie in the past where there was a super annoying character that everyone was glad to see finally get theirs and nothing came to mind to match what's happening in this movie.
The character in the title Front Room is something else. By that I mean she was a ginormous handful.
It's a dialogue on race relations, childhood trauma and religion, I believe. I honestly think it pokes at Christianity and the speaking in tongues and potential fanaticism of some followers. I didn't care for that.
But, the character transformation with Brandy was interesting. I generally like her characters. I did not like this one. I didn't agree with most of what she said and did in this... which makes it a successful character as far as writers and the acting is concerned.
Rating: C
Final Thought: It was okay. Interesting up to about halfway through and then you wish everyone was out of their misery.....but it keeps going.
09/09/2024
Beetlejuice 2
Starring: Michael Keaton, Winona Rider, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Genre: Horror/Comedy
Rated: PG-13
Run time: 2hrs
After all of these years, we deserved a better sequel. The script was super flimsy. It was, dare I say, boring for the first 45mins or so and didn't get much better after that.
And the portion that I'd heard black folks may have a problem with...... oh yeah....there's a problem.
I was stuck between knowing it's wrong but thinking that's the train I'd want to be on LOL
But still....it was straight buffoonery and I feel like someone had the idea and everyone that looked at that script and/or tape thought "Great idea! That's hilarious!" But, I'll pretty much guarantee that none of those people were black. Couldn't be.
Beetlejuice wasn't in it enough- and when he was, it was meh. There were unnecessary plot lines. They tried to use the previous musical formula and it failed this time...
Rating: D+
Final Thought: I almost didn't go to see it and I wish I'd followed my first mind.
09/03/2024
Afraid
Starring: Katherine Waterston, John Cho
Director: Chris Weitz
Genre: Horror/Drama
Rated: PG-13
Run time: 1hr 24mins
I almost just said "Big Sigh" and left it at that
But, I'll give some insight...
I actually like John Cho. I had an inkling of what this was prior to going in but I don't think the writer and director (they happen to be the same person) knew exactly what he wanted to do.
It seems like he had a beginning and an ending in mind but wasn't quite sure how to connect the two. It's too fast moving in some parts while still feeling like it's going too slow
This has a 1hr 24min run time and yet it feels like a summer day when you don't have anything to do, but you want to do something...... long is what I mean.... It feels at least as long as Killers of the Flower Moon should've felt.
This should not be classified as a horror movie. It's a thriller, at best. A comedy at worst.
Rating: D-
Final Thought: It had promise but the storyline was everywhere and haphazard which means that halfway through it started to get silly and go off the rails. *Big Sigh*
09/02/2024
Blink Twice
Starring: Channing Tatum, Zoe Kravitz, Naomi Ackie
Director: Zoe Kravitz
Genre: Thriller
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 42mins
As always, I'm gonna be honest.... I'm not a Zoe Kravitz fan so I almost didn't catch it...
But I did....and I'm surprised.
It was well acted. Well written. And, dare I say, well directed.
I dig Channing Tatum as an antagonist. I mean, that mustache/beard combo was dastardly lol.
And as implausible as the story line is, it was interesting. It was kinda different and there's really not one seam I can pull on to rip it apart. Very interesting indeed.
Rating: B
Final Thought: I'd heard bad things about this movie. But, it isn't really bad at all.
08/18/2024
Borderlands
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Jamie Lee Curtis, Kevin Hart
Director: Eli Roth
Genre: Action/Sci-fi
Rated: PG-13
Run time: 1hr 41mins
I literally never take the words of the critics. I had to see for myself.
And, unlike It Ends With Us, a movie with a book or game reference should still be able to translate well for non-readers or players.
I didn't think this was terrible.
You put 3 of the most non-action oriented actors in a super-action movie. I'm not sure what the critics expected. The cheat-code is that 2 of them are award-winning, amazing actors and that's what I think they banked on.
I fought to stay awake for this one, not because it was boring (it absolute was not)...I was just exhausted and couldn't not see 1 more movie. But, it was interesting.
Special effects weren't bad. Let me tell you what was awful...the JarJar Binks-like robot. That is the turn off. Immediately, I thought of JarJar and I almost tuned completely out when he arrived...
And I love Jack Black, but nope. I'd bet he had a big hand in the panning of this movie
The little girl also got on my nerves a little but I get her point for being there.
That said, I think there's far worse movies out there.... like (you guessed it) It Ends With Us.
Rating: C-
Final Thought: I still don't believe Madam Web was bad. This movie, like Madam Web, is a victim of expectations as opposed to taking it for what it is.
08/18/2024
Alien: Romulus
Starring: Cailee Spaeny, Robert Bobroczkyi, David Jonnson
Director: Fede Alvarez
Genre: Horror/Sci-fi
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 59mins
After watching It Ends With Us, whatever movie came next would rate higher lol
But seriously, I've seen them all, in real time- every Alien Movie. The key to success is Sigorney Weaver. Period. They realized that a couple times in the franchise, and then they'd bring her back. I guess she's had enough of that alien's bs lolol
The budget must've been less than needed because you never saw a full Alien and they played with shadows and lighting big time. The story was all over the place. Weird angles galore. Not the best acting...
But, what they did very well was the music. It gave the old movie feel where the music is like a character. I liked that. Very nostalgic.
I hope they leave this franchise alone.....unless they're bringing back my girl because it doesn't deliver well otherwise and hasn't for a while.
Rating: C
Final Thought: Sitting near loud talkers, one of whom enjoyed taking his straw out of his drink and then screeching it bakd in....literal nails on a chalkboard....I wasn't sure I'd make it through, but I did.
08/13/2024
It Ends With Us
Starring: Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, Brandon Sklenar
Director: Justin Baldoni
Genre: Action/Comedy
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 10mins
I'm the horror girl. The comedy girl. The action-adventure girl..... *sigh*
But, had to make the AMC A-list pass make sense so....
This felt like a romance novel adapted, in all of it's ridiculousness, into a movie. Like, I felt like the14 yr old me that read the occasional Harlequin Romance book would be intrigued.
The 50-ish yr old me that isn't into crying men, stupid situations, saying "Hi" 2 inches from someone's face that you've been kissing for 2mins and contrived circumstances almost rolled my eyes out of my head and down the aisle.
At this point, I'm gonna start rating these kinds of movies by how often I wanted to walk out.
Justin Baldoni, tho.... he's a treat to behold but he cried so dang much! Like good grief! And he's the antagonist. They made him too likable.
I would be happy to never see Blake Lively in anything else.
Too much crying. They didn't know what they wanted the characters to be. And they said the freakin' name of the movie IN THE MOVIE! A drama! Like they made it a moment and everything!
If you like crying men, giggling, flowers, ridiculous names and storylines and everything tied up in a nice bow, this will be your jam.
Rating: D+ (btw some people actually clapped at the end)
Final Thought: The subject matter is serious and I love that being put out there. However, this was highly romanticized which makes it less effect as a movie to potentiallu show hot to see the red flags early, (This should've been a Prime Video release...)
My AMC hotdog gets an A+ tho. It was perfect.
08/05/2024
Trap
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Alison Pill, Saleka Night
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Genre: Horror/Crime
Rated: PG-13
Run time: 1hr 45mins
Short version:
I almost walked out midway through and then again towards the end....twice...
*big sigh*
Long version:
This is a clinic on nepotism, but in the worse possible way...
This movie is actually a vehicle for M. Night's daughter who apparently sings and writes songs. She also happens to be the performing "star" at the concert in the movie and she happens to also be performing original music that she wrote....
Listen.. watching her try to walk in heels and try to dance in heels without moving too much was hilarious. Watching her attempt to emote feelings and speak her lines was painful.
She's not horrible.....its the package. A bad script that just didn't give "M. Night" at all (so either he's lost his edge or someone else wrote it), a questionable plot/storyline, screaming teens every 5mins and someone's meemaw doing voice overs put ya girl through the ringer. Lolol
It is not good. Is it The-Watchers-not-good? Nope. I wanna sue for my time back for that one.
But, don't get it twisted. It's bad.
Josh Hartnett did do a decent serial killer, tho. He just wasn't given enough substance to work with and enough good actors to play off of... a better script would've helped too..
Rating: D-
Final Thought: Pains me to say it, but M. Night got us again....
07/28/2024
Longlegs
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Maika Monroe, Blair Underwood
Director: Osgood Perkins
Genre: Horror/Mystery
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 41mins
As a lover of horror movies, if I have the time I'm gonna always consider them 1st.
As a lover of Nicholas Cage, I'm gonna always watch whatever he's in whenever possible because he's always good. So, this was ultimately a win-win situation.
Is he Hammy? Sometimes. Over-the-top? Sure. But good? Absolutely.
Although he's not in this enough for me, when he's in it, he's selling creepy weirdo as only he can.
The premise of this movie is interesting. It definitely keeps you guessing.
Not sure if the main star was the right choice... to me, I don't "believe" her. She's playing a rookie agent but it's actually giving rookie actor playing a rookie agent and ion like that.
But the script..... the script was good. The dialogue at times was perfect.
Is it scary? Nah. But, a few people on my row thought it was at points.
Rating: B-
Final Thought: A better headliner would've made the movie better. I mean, Nick and Blair can't do it all.
07/28/2024
Deadpool & Wolverine
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman
Director: Shawn Levy
Genre: Action/Comedy
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 8mins
1st off, who knew we needed this movie?
It's hilarious, full of action and, honestly, if only the academy truly considered the quality of acting in Superhero Movies.... Huge Jackman delivers 110% of the time.
But, seriously, there were so many never-saw-it-coming parts (and people) that I almost stood and applauded a couple times (anyone who truly knows me will know what I mean when that scene happens ). But man..... I loved it.
I will say this, anyone under the age of 40 will miss at least 50% of the quips Deadpool throws out there because Ryan Reynolds ain't a tween so the jokes go further back
But I seriously lol'd the entire time.
If you are profanity averse...this ain't the movie for you. They throw F-bombs like confetti along with any other colorful curse word.
And, can I say that I need the determination Huge Jackman has to keep them abs and arms poppin' like that! Geesh! Where do you buy that at?
Rating: A
Final Thought: It was almost an A- but 1 cameo pretty much negated that - and sent me to cloud 9 (iykyk)
07/22/2024
Twisters
Starring: Glen Powell, Daisey Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos
Director: Lee Issac Chung
Genre: Action/Thriller
Rated: PG-13
Run time: 2hr 2mins
I mean, we've been here, right? And although Glen Powell is lovable.....he ain't no Bill Paxton. But the younguns don't know about that...
It's been a minute since I saw the last one but, as expected, they doubled-down on everything.... more tornadoes, more "stars", more technology, more explosions....
I feel like Michael Bay was in somebody's ears telling them just how to blow everything up.....in a tornado movie
It was just okay. There's action but it's generally brought on by stupidity which made me roll my eyes and sigh so loud so often that I got on my own nerves in there.
If you like explosions and action for the sake of itself, you'll love this. Otherwise, you'll suffer through it.
Short Review: if there's anything else out there you want to see, go see that instead.
Rating: C-
Final Thought: As much as I like Anthony Ramos, I'm not sure if I'm just noticing this or if it's new...but, he has dead eyes. They're pretty but they don't emot. If you cover from his nose down, they look the same whether he's happy, sad, angry, excited, scared....doesn't matter. Always the same..... Me thinks he may be a sociopath but who am I but someone who studied that kind of thing....
This is all allegedly, of course....
06/10/2024
In A Violent Nature
Starring: Charlotte Creaghan, Ryan Barrett
Director: Chris Nash
Genre: Horror/Drama
Rated: NR
Run time: 1hr 35mins
As a horror fan, I'd heard it was gory and "scary" so I figured I'd give it a try.
Let me tell you what this is...
It's Jason with a seemingly artistic flair.
You know how as the Friday The 13th movies kept procreating, the way people died got crazier and crazier? These guys skipped the 20 movies and went right for "How weird can we get?"
For a fan of that kind of thing, it seems interesting. But this is no horror movie. It's not in the vicinity of being good either.
It's basically Jason but from the view of the killer. He doesn't talk. He's disfigured. And he's got a chip on his shoulder just like Mr. Vorhees. There's even a lake, for goodness sakes.
But, more importantly, he's a walk-em-downer. You know what I mean lol
He could run, but he's gonna walk at a steady pace and do his gory business when he gets there.
And boy oh boy did the sound engineers have a ball. See, because it's from his pov and he's a walker (and Greg Nicotero was probably somewhere behind this) 50% of the time he was on the screen was him walking. So someone had to engineer his step sounds and boy did they engineer the crap out of it.
I just imagine them in boots on squishy jello topped leaves....just stomping away BUT!!! The sound doesn't deviate at all. It's the same! step! sounds! everytime!!!
It's surely their magnum opus.
Rating: F-
Final Thought: The budget had to be pennies and you get what you pay for.
On the bright side, I finally got to watch a "horror" movie in an empty theater all by my lonesome again, so that was a good thing (the only good thing) happening here.
06/10/2024
The Watchers
Starring: Dakota Fanning, Olwin Fouere
Director: Ishana Night Shyamalan
Genre: Horror/Mystery
Rated: PG-13
Run time: 1hr 42mins
I tried to go into this with no expectations. But then, as a career-long lover of M. Night, I hoped upon hope that his daughter was gonna come out like a banshee, going for our jugulars and making all of us put that respeck on their name again.
It saddens me to say that it was not good. Ooooohhhh children! Ooooohhhh little babies, it was bad. Why oh why did her daddy not only sign off on it (because I know he had to read the script), he produced it....so he doubled down. Tripled down... because THE NAME IS CONNECTED TO IT LAWDY!
*sigh*
This movie is a fairytale believer's wet dream.....or horrid nightmare... I'm not sure but someone will love it. It ain't me, tho.
The story is kind of absurd. They roped Dakota Fanning into it and she's a good actor. So they put it all on her shoulders because none of the other peeps in there are noteworthy. It failed. And if the story or even the writing was decent, something could have been salvaged....
The entire idea of it and what they keep trying to explain to you (because they kinda have to) is silly...
It's a cotton-headed ninny-muggins. I don't like to use that type of language, but, there, I said it.
Rating: F+
Final Thought: The "+" is because of the Shyamalan name and the Shayamalan name only. Now, I shall go watch Elf to bring me out of this funk.
06/10/2024
Bad Boys: Ride Or Die
Starring: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence
Director: Adil El Arbi, Biliall Fallah
Genre: Action/Comedy
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 55mins
Before I get into the review, I gotta say Will & Martin may've single handedly brought people back to the movies frfr. The culture was here for it. Like full theater and I loved everything about it but the wait in line. I was like what planet am I on? I don't wait in liiiiiiines anymore!
But, anyways, on to the movie.... I went into this expecting nothing. I mean, if you've seen 1 Bad Boys you've seen them all, right? Wrong. It was super funny, interesting and full of action.
The story was a little shaky if you're like me and question believability and likelihood of moments, but it held together by the ongoing activity, ol Marty-Mar's jokes and the cool shootouts.
I feel like they intentionally made the action/shoot outs a lot like video games. Gamers are gonna love this.
Anyhoo, yep, go see it. It's worth the dollars if you're wanting to see a decent movie in theaters.
Rating: B+
Final Thought: Everyone's heard of ugly crying, but have you ever heard of ugly laughing? Yeah. I did that in there and was ashamed of myself.
05/28/2024
IF
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Cailey Fleming
Director: John Krasinski
Genre: Family/Comedy
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 48mins
Well, full disclosure, I saw this days ago but between new baby happiness and exhaustion, I totally forgot to review it
Did they stack the deck on actors? Yep. Ryan Reynolds alone is a stacked deck but they had even more in character and voice roles that should've been impressive.
Was it funny? Not on my best day could this movie make me laugh....at any point.
So, you can imagine how a exhausted Brenda felt at this thing. Not. Impressed. At. All.
The concept is interesting but it was waaaaay too intricate of a story for kiddos...and by the end, the kids in the theater, who's parents had high hopes, were running up and down the aisles, kicking chairs and loud talking. None were into it, is what I'm saying...
Its almost too sad of a story to be marketed as kid friendly and fun. And, if I'm being honest, Ryan Reynolds played more of a straight man than the funny guy you'd expect.
Odd. Almost too slow. More high-brow than needed. Kinda too sad....
Rating: D+
Final Thought: I fell asleep for about 10mins midway and I left during the bonus clip at the end because I couldn't take anymore.... But, maaaaaaaybe I missed a great part. I highly doubt it, tho.
05/19/2024
The Strangers: Chapter 1
Starring: Madelaine Petsch, Gabriel Basso
Director: Renny Harlin
Genre: Horror/Slasher
Rated: R
Run time: 1hr 31mins
Well, I knew going into it that it wasn't gonna be an Oscar winner. But, this one couldn't even win an Oscar Mayer hotdog
I feel like it should be marketed as a dark comedy because it was more hilarious than scary.
I mean, these people were determined to make this movie be 1.5hrs. They were determined!
The script, the acting, the directing, the poster...it's all pretty awful.
But, if you want to laugh at a "horror" movie like we used to at Leprechaun and Child's Play, this is your moment. And Kat and I guffawed tonight!
And, believe it or not, they had the audacity to say "To Be Continued" at the end. Lissssen....nobody cares. It's such a bad story that I'm about as interested in Chapter 2 as I am in watching a Super Bowl with no Cowboys. Not at all.
Rating: As a Horror Movie: F+ As a Dark Comedy: C-
Final Thought: For the love of all things holy, don't make another one.
95/19/2024
Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes
Starring: Owen Teague, Freya Allan, Kevin Durand
Director: Wes Ball
Genre: Action/Sci-fi
Rated: R
Run time: 2hr 24mins
I feel a way about this one.
On the one hand I'm thinking it was entertaining somewhat and....well, it was a movie...and that's what they promised.
On the other hand I wonder what was the point of it. I don't see anyone reading this script and saying anything like "This is great!" or "This is something the people need to see". Instead I'm sure it went more like "It'll sell tickets for the first few weeks.....so.."
It's okay. It's just okay. It's a little propaganda-y from the rooter to the tooter but the whole franchise is pretty much a play on race relations....let's be real. And that story continues to play out irl on and on and on... If I have to watch it on the big screen too, it better be awesome. It ain't.
I expected a good film and got a tepid serenade to the "can't we all just get along" camp.
Anyhoo, they're getting geared up for another one... so there's that...