Movie Review: Video Pandemic Edition

First, let me just say hope that you and yours are healthy and staying safe.  Second, I realize it’s crazy out there and for many it’s really starting to wear thin.  The sudden and dramatic changes from the everyday mundaness (is that even a word?) of life to chaos, uncertainty,  and all around upheaval has been unsettling to say the least.  While going to the movies, like so many things, are a no go, like many between the stressing and disinfecting (I think I’m becoming OCD about hand washing) I have gotten a few at-home movie views under my belt. While I’m not going to go too deep into analysis it still seems like a pretty good time to offer up a couple of ideas as a distraction/entertainment.

How about a Will Smith double shot?

First up, Gemini Man. Yeah, yeah, I couldn’t get a good feel from the trailers and never heard anything positive once the film did hit the theaters, (the same can be said of Collateral Beauty and that one gave me all the feels and had me crying like a baby, yet happy to have experienced it) so I gave it a looksy out of pure curiosity.  To put it mildly I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this one (filed under, “wish I’d seen at the theater”).  Good casting, engaging characters, fantastic action, and real emotion/characterization.  The CGI work for creating a younger version of Will Smith is mesmerizing.  Given things get a little over the top towards the end of the film, but all told, really entertaining.

I’m giving it a solid 8.


Second, Will Smith part deux in Spies in Disguise from the folks at BlueSky (Ice Age, Rio, Fight Club).  Now this was one I had planned on seeing in the theater, but didn’t make it.  So, when I found myself able to score some disinfectant wipes as an add-on with $25 purchase, I snagged this, some snacks, wipes, and felt victorious.  My victory was made even sweeter upon watching this film.  I was all in from start to finish to the point when the credits began to roll three thoughts popped into my mind. 1) Delightful. 2) I could/would this again right now, but I need to go to bed. And 3) I hope they make a sequel.  Fun, funny, heartfelt, educational (pigeon facts), poignant, all around entertaining and engaging. 

A 9 from me.

Check these out and let me know what you think.  Keep washing those hands and staying away from each other! 

TTFN

BWT: BONUS, since I’m on the Will Smith track, Bad Boys for Life, was also a fun ride.  If you like the series, don’t miss it. 

An 8 from me on that one as well.

Movie Review: The Addams Family (2019) 10/15/19

In their third foray (after Igor and Sherlock Gnomes) into feature length animation, MGM decided to take on the classic Addams Family comic utilizing an all star cast, the latest technology, and all the throwbacks, references, and homages to previous material that can be fit into the 87 minute run time.   I joined the nearly packed theater intrigued to see the latest adventure of The Addams Family.

The overall look, feel, and tone of The Addams Family (2019) rings perfect.  The voice casting and performances are spot on. Nothing against Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, and Chloe  Grace Moretz, Conrad Vernon’s Lurch is a personal fave. The soundtrack is bumpin’ and will have you bobbing in your seat with a smile on your face.  All told, there’s a lot that works for this film.

That’s why it’s disappointing that The Addams Family (2019) is one of those films that despite all efforts falls flat and comes off as “meh” at best.

As an origin story, the film offers a few delights.  The messaging is important, timely, and relevant, but heavy handed to the point of being “preachy.”  The overall plot is thin and the comedy even more so. I was at least halfway through the film before I had anything approaching a genuine laugh and I’m sure I could count on one hand and have fingers left the truly funny moments in the entire film.  Most of the joy for me came from little throwbacks and meta references. Snoop Dogg rolling up as It? Pure delight right down to the pimp cane.

All told, the biggest fault in the film is the production decided to play it safe and watered down everything that’s made the Addams Family the Addams Family since 1938.  The creepy and the kooky let alone the mysterious, spooky, and ooky just aren’t there. Being a family film the movie is geared toward kids (expected), but even they (and the theater was packed with kids) just weren’t into it.  A tepid response at best and the theater emptied out as soon as the credits rolled, Thing leading you in a sing-along didn’t slow the exodus.

Enough butts have filled the seat for MGM to already green light a sequel, let’s hope the nail down a better, more entertaining story for that one.  As for The Addams Family (2019) if you don’t have to see it in the theater, do yourself and your pocketbook a favor and wait to watch it at home (Netflix, Redbox, streaming).  It’s and overly generous 5 from me.

Movie Review : Joker

First I want to apologize for the long break in reviews.  Between the recent bag- over- the-head punch in the face RL has dealt me and the sheer lack of anything remotely peaking my interest there hasn’t been any drive/desire to head to the theater.  So, thank you for bearing with me and still showing an interest in my little review site.  Anywho, all that changed with DC’s much anticipated release of Joker.

Once again, I find myself of two minds on this one.

On the one hand, yes, I see were all the rave reviews are coming from.

Joaquin Phoenix delivers a tour-de-force performance that’s stunning, engaging, and mesmerizing.  His Arthur Fleck much like the film itself is dark, intense, tragic, relatable, challenging, thought provoking, and at times uncomfortable.   

Technically Joker is a cinematic masterpiece.  Stunning cinematography, terrific direction, well-written standalone origin story, and the most gritty, realistic created Gotham to date.

Seems like a slam dunk winner...but not so fast…

While Joker certainly has a lot going for it, I find the rave reviews better than what the film actually merits.  

Despite the solid writing, amazing acting, etc. Joker is actually quite, dare I say?  Yes. Boring.  

The pacing is slow, damn slow well into the final act and the story drags.  I was restless and if I’d remembered to wear my watch, I would’ve been checking it, often.  The other audience members seemed to be feeling that way as well, a couple of people walked out halfway through, not to return, while others contented themselves with just talking quietly among themselves about other things.   Normally, that would’ve bothered me, not this time. Even the punctuated moments of violence (which there are surprisingly few given the subject matter) failed to inject any real energy or excitement to the viewing experience. Overall there’s a feeling of generic soullessness about Joker that left me disappointed and wishing I could stay up after watching Lego Batman as a palate cleanser.

I’m just going to throw it out there, my take may well be a gender thing.  Talking with male coworkers that have seen the movie, they unanimously LOVE it, can’t say enough about how great it is, but readily admit that the wives and daughters walked away feeling the same way I did.  I’m curious to see if that’s the case, so ladies and gentlemen if you see this one, be sure to leave a comment letting me know.

As previously mentioned, I’m split on this one along the lines Manchester by the Sea or Dunkirk. On the one hand, I get it and can give Joker an 8 for all the things that work, especially the performance by Joaquin Phoenix, I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s an Oscar nod in his future.  And if they produce another film with him, I’m game to see it. On the other hand, meh. I was bored, disappointed and certainly don’t feel a need to see Joker again let alone add it to my movie collection.  A 5 at best.  

In short, you take your chances with this one.  Sorry I can’t be more definitive than that.

Movie Review: It Chapter 2

After a long summer of so-so movie choices fall ushers in its first highly anticipated film in It: Chapter 2.  Like many I’ve been looking forward to catching up with the Losers club after their 27 -year hiatus from Derry and Pennywise.  Anxious to shake of the horror of my own personal week, I headed to the theater to get my scare on. 

It Chapter 2 clocks in at just under three hours running time, mixing current events and those of 27 years prior, while entertaining and engaging in their own right, the mixture doesn’t always work in terms of pacing. Making for segments that cause the overall film to drag to the point just prior to boredom setting in.  Still watchable, but a bit disappointing. 

The horror aspect this time around isn’t as strong either.  There are a couple of good jump scares, but by and large the movie focuses more on CGI monsters to try to be creepy instead of the psychological terror that dominates the first film.  The “creepy” factor ranges disturbing to just plain silly creating an unevenness in tone. 

Speaking of tone, this time around humor plays a surprisingly big part in the film.  I’m talking actual laugh-out-loud funny moments that I wish the comedies I’ve been watching possessed.  Again, in and of itself great, but there’s so much humor you began to question if you’re watching a comedy or a horror movie. 

As with the original casting of the kids in the first film, the adult cast is sensational and perfectly matched with their younger counterparts. Bill Hader as Richie is simply outstanding. 

Overall, the viewing experience is okay, but a bit underwhelming, especially given the running time.  Compared to the book, the original mini-series, and the 2017 reboot It Chapter 2 falls short of expectations for me.  I’m sadly giving this one a 6. 

Movie Review: Good Boys 

The movie slum continues as we await the Fall releases.  So, when a coworker saw Good Boys and said, “It’s pretty funny,” I decided to give it a viewing.  With the team behind Superbad and Sausage Party lead by Seth Rogen behind it, I figured I had a decent shot at being entertained for an hour and a half.

Let’s be honest, Good Boys isn’t for everyone.  It’s nothing too deep or challenging and is basically just dumb.  Raunchy, dumb, fun.  It’s fair to classify it as a pint-sized Superbad from start to finish.  Extreme situational comedy, but not over the top.  The humor for me, however, is a mixed bag of unevenness.  Maybe it’s just me (other audience members were shrieking with laughter from start to finish) I on the other hand felt some of the “humor” didn’t land, other bits were “one chuckle through the nose amusing”, and then you had some real laugh-out-loud hilarity, sometimes all in one scene.  Not quite the emotional roller coaster I was looking for.  Maybe it was just me, but I feel like a have a good sense of humor normally, and this one just didn't hit the ole funny bone as often as it should.

The kids are watchable, relatable and not annoying for the most part.  But, once again, there are also quite a few cringe worthy acting moments that beg for another take.  After a slow start the pacing hits a good stride, and the soundtrack is without a doubt my favorite part of the film. 

While I did find Good Boys amusing, can’t really categorize it as entertaining.  Yes, there are some real gems sprinkled throughout the film, but the inconsistencies, predictability, and cliches are too many to over come.  Overall not a terrible film, just not that great.  Most of the funny you see in the previews and for the rest you’re better off waiting to watch at home.  I’m giving Good Boys a 5 and hope that Seth Rogen and company put a little more into their next effort.

Movie Review: Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

The 2019 film season continues to be less than stellar for me so I haven’t been excited enough about the current film offerings to make the effort to hit the theaters.  The constant reminders that I haven’t posted anything recently had me put out a call for suggestions.  Shout out to Robert Howard for heeding the call and suggesting Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark.  With another week of brutal temps ahead and Guillermo del Toro being involved in the screenplay, sounds like the perfect time to hit the theater.

First things first, Scary Stories certainly isn’t breaking any new ground or moving the horror genre forward into some new territory.  It’s quite predictable and familiar to even the most casual of horror viewers.  Nonetheless, after a somewhat slow start, this 108 minute period film delivers on entertainment and is visually rich and acts as a cautionary tale against trespassing, breaking & entering, petty larceny, and eating food that miraculously appears in your refrigerator.  Not to mention leaving suspect reading material alone.

With the exception of Dean Norris all the principle actors are unknown to me.  The young cast was fine and their acting serviceable (they avoided the lame/obnoxious kid trap thankfully), but overall nothing to get overly excited about.  Best acting moment for me is the laugh-out-loud one liner by Chief Turner.  Made the film for me.

No, the real joy of Scary Stories definitely lies in the CGI work and the creatures.  They deliver next level creepy and take the spine tingling in this PG-13 film to the next level.  They have del Toro written all over them and they doesn’t disappoint.  Great adaptations of the original source material.

A little more dark/scary than Goosebumps, not as scary as IT, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark falls somewhere in between on the “jack up some kids” scale.  Not a bad way to get out of the heat and spend some time in the movie theater.  Glad I went, and thanks again for the recommendation Robert.  I’m giving this one a 7.5 and look forward to the sequel.

Movie Review: Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw

With the almost universal exception of Tokyo Drift I’m a big fan of the Fast and Furious franchise.  I’m not a gearhead by any stretch of the imagination, however, I do enjoy the flashy, expensive cars I can never afford or drive (stick is not my friend), the over-the-top/one upmanship of the films along with the increasingly ridiculous “heists”/stunts, all against the backdrop of the ride or die nature of family (both born into as well as chosen).  Being a fan of the three principal male actors (I haven’t had much exposure to Vanessa Kirby) and wanting to desperately break my movie slump (2019 has not been kind to my movie viewing) I’ve been anxious to see what’s been done with the first (no doubt of many) franchise spinoffs.  The idea of  Idris Elba as “Black Superman” going up against Dwayne Johnson(Hobbs) and Jason Statham (Shaw), meant I couldn’t get my butt into a theater seat fast enough.

If you’re a fan of the Fast and Furious films, then you’re in luck.  Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw fits perfectly within the franchise and the expectations that go with those film. Adrenaline pumping action sequences/chases, brutal knock down drag out fights, humor, heart, self-awareness winks and nods, cool cars and tech, the continued underlying theme of family throughout, and just enough of a plot to hold things together without taxing your brain too heavily for the 2-hour 15 minutes run. 

With the Fast and Furious formula firmly in place Hobbs & Shaw isn’t anything new, but definitely delivers plenty of bang and entertainment for the buck.  Quick and even pacing keeps the film moving so it never drags.  The strategic placing of the heartfelt/emotional/dramatic elements keeps you interested and invested in the characters without impeding the good stupid fun the film offers.  There’s even a couple of unexpected casting choices that delight. Way to keep a secret and have it pay off.

Speaking of casting.  The boys, Johnson, Statham, and Elba all deliver and they’re a blast to watch. Not really surprising.  The Johnson/Statham chemistry continues to build and deliver from their Fate of the Furious outing.  As for Vanessa Kirby, kudos!  She not only keeps up with, but often takes over and leads the boys with their toys, making sure she’s anything but a damsel in distress.  Her “Hattie” unlike many of the females in the Fast and Furious franchise refuses to play second fiddle and the film is better off for it.  Kirby’s a smart, sassy, sexy, competent, bad@$$ and she never lets anyone forget it, most of all the audience.

Kicking soundtrack including the perfectly themed song performed by Aloe Blacc featured on Songland. Solid CGI.  Good cinematography and editing.  All round things out and make Fast and Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw a perfect summer popcorn film.  It’s got some heavy themes, but never gets too bogged down or serious.  There’s good character continuation and development that elevate this film and will no doubt play into the main franchise and other spinoffs.  Hobbs & Shaw is a big, loud, over-the-top, somewhat dumb Hollywood film, done right.  It delivers on fun, self-awareness, and entertainment. Setting up the spinoff franchise perfectly. 

I was looking for a movie win and Hobbs & Shaw delivered in explosive fashion.  I’ll certainly be adding this to the old movie collection and look forward to many repeat viewings. Do yourself a favor, hit the theater, sit back and enjoy this one for what it is.  It’s far from Citizen Kane, but it gets a 10 from me.

Oh, and do stick around through the ENTIRE credits.  Most people didn’t and missed all 3 bonus scenes not to mention more kicking music.