A Real Pain follows opposite cousins David and Benji who reunite for a tour through Poland to honor their beloved grandmother. But their adventure takes a turn when tensions between the two resurface. The movie premiered at the Sundance Film Festival with high praise as it dives into the two character’s emotions and backstory.
Jessie Eisenberg plays the high strung, anxious family man, David and Emmy winner, Kieran Culkin plays the charming, carefree, erratic Benji, who will say whatever is on his mind even if it is inappropriate. These characters grew up like brothers, but eventually life drove them apart, affecting one of them more painfully than the other. Culkin and Eisenberg are the perfect “odd” couple that you would think are related in real life. This is due to Eisenberg’s deeply personal screenplay.
Though the two are on a journey to see the home their grandmother grew up in, along the way they take an impactful tour with a group of strangers to explore their Jewish roots, igniting a roller coaster of emotions as they visit stunning landscapes of their ancestor’s and the Holocaust camps near their grandmother’s old town. And surprisingly, this is the first time a narrative feature has been allowed to shoot on location at an actual concentration camp, making those scenes even more touching and powerful. But what’s going to move audiences are the performances. Eisenberg doesn’t veer from the type of characters we are used to seeing him play, but he is at his best in a role that feels his most authentic. While Culkin leaves you in tears from his heartfelt portrayal of Benji’s constant high and lows throughout the film as he grieves his grandma and deals with his own internal struggles.
The pain both characters are going through impressively speaks louder from their actions and sometimes silence, more so than any words they express to each other. A Real Pain is a sincere and thought-provoking, emotional journey that is elevated by the film’s beautiful and unforgettable performances. It’s a rare gem that will stay with you all year.
Mother’s have a tendency to want to care for everyone and handle everything. Making it hard for them to find any time for themselves. In the new comedy, “I’ll Be Right There”, Edie Falco stars as a mom who is constantly giving rides and all of herself to the loved ones in her life.
The film begins with Wanda (Falco) at the doctor’s office consoling her mom, Grace (Jeannie Berlin), who is convinced she has lung cancer. She then has to drive her pregnant daughter, Sarah (Kayli Carter) to the doctor’s office to check on the baby. After that she has to meet her son, Mark (Charlie Tahan) for his therapy appointment, where he shows clear signs of resentment towards his mother. You see, in addition to Wanda continuously trying her best to there for everyone, they don’t appear to be appreciative of her efforts. And Wanda’s ex-husband, Henry (Bradley Whitford) is no help because he’s too busy with his new wife and kids that he can’t seem to support either.
I know what I have described is far from groundbreaking and we’ve have certainly seen versions of this story before, but that doesn’t mean “I’ll Be Right There” isn’t offering something fresh. The heart and soul of this movie is Falco, who you connect with from the start. It’s her authentic and relatable performance as a mother who’s just trying to keep it all together that makes her so easy to care for her. She naturally shines and those around her are a solid supporting cast.
“I’ll Be Right There” has a simplistic charm to its mild story. The screenplay could have used a little more meat, but writer Jim Beggarly got the point across; writing about the ups and downs of family drama and Wanda being forced to re-examine herself. And in just under an hour and half, you will feel as though that comedic, yet bittersweet journey of self-discovery flew by.
The idea of Deadpool and Wolverine starring in a film together has been teased for years, and now that dream is coming to fruition with the action-packed and hilarious new Marvel movie.
In the film, Deadpool’s peaceful existence comes crashing down when the Time Variance Authority, also known as the TVA, recruits him to help safeguard the multiverse, which requires him to bring back one of the living Wolverines from a different timeline. As expected, the two butt heads immediately and struggle to work as team to take down their common enemy. But as they go on a mission filled with throwback MCU characters and numerous obstacles, they learn the two have more in common then they think.
We still need a break from superhero movies and from the multiverse/timeline plots, but this film isn’t a formulaic Marvel movie. Some might even complain that there is no narrative, but that seems to director Shawn Levy’s intent. “Deadpool & Wolverine” is meant to make fun of the over bloated superhero films and the mistakes of studios, while paying homage to the former X-Men universe that has created iconic movies, good and bad, featuring memorable characters we will forever hold dear to our hearts. Not to say there isn’t a story, it’s just more along the lines of a high-quality spoof w/ a ton of A-list actors. The on-screen chemistry between Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds is enough to make this a must-see.
And while the plot won’t really stick with you, the fight sequences paired with one of the best soundtracks will, proving Madonna’s “Like A Prayer” has powerful effect when it is played in any circumstance. Deadpool & Wolverine is non-stop laughs, surprises, and fun. The dynamic duo we have been waiting for delivers with energetic, witty, and unforgettable performances that leave you wanting more.
This week I review the new romantic comedy, “Fly me to the Moon.” The film follows marketing maven Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson), who wreaks havoc on launch director Cole Davis’s (Channing Tatum) already difficult task. When the White House deems the mission too important to fail, Jones is directed to stage a fake moon landing as back-up.
“Fly Me to the Moon” opens in
theaters on July 12, 2024.
Academy Award nominee, June Squibb has been acting for 60 years and at 93 years old she’s landed her first lead role in “Thelma”. The film is about a grandmother who gets duped by a phone scammer pretending to be her grandson and sets out on a mission to reclaim the money stolen from her.
I had the opportunity to speak with June and director Josh Margolin about the movie.
“Thelma” opens in theaters nationwide June 21, 2024.
Ryan Gosling takes on his most thrilling role yet in Universal Pictures newest comedy, The Fall Guy. It’s best not to take this film too seriously, it’s based on the 1981 television series and pays tribute to stunt work, taking full advantage of any opportunity for high-flying tricks. To say this film is action-packed would be an understatement.
Gosling plays Colt Seavers, a retired stuntman, who quit the industry after a severe injury. He is pulled back into the job with the hopes of rekindling a romance with his ex-girlfriend, Jody, who is now the director of a blockbuster film. The only problem is the star of the movie is missing and Colt must find him before Jody’s film is canned.
At first, “The Fall Guy” throws a lot at you at once. It takes a minute to find the groove of the film, but once the film finds its footing, audiences are in for a non-stop, electrifying, good time filled with humor thanks to the witty dialogue by writers, Drew Pearce and Glen A. Larson. Through all the explosions and fight sequences, there’s a gripping story about the typically unrecognized hard work of stuntmen and women. We’re shown how they are repeatedly put into life-threatening situations for a quick “magical” shot that’s pivotal to a movie. But director David Leitch takes this premise one step further by adding a romantic comedy element that only elevates the story.
Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt dazzle on-screen. The two of them surprisingly convey enough heart to charm audiences even while they make you burst out laughing from their several comedic scenes. “The Fall Guy” is an exciting moviegoing experience, providing jaw-dropping action, loveable leads, killer soundtrack, and ridiculous chaotic fun. Making it the perfect popcorn flick.
It’s rare these days to not be able to predict the end of a movie, especially one that appears to be formulaic, but I can assure you, you won’t know what to expect from Universal Pictures’ new, surprisingly funny thriller, “Abigail”.
After a group of criminals kidnap the ballerina daughter of a powerful, wealthy man, they must wait 24 hours in an isolated mansion to collect their 50-million-dollar ransom, but things quickly go awry when the group discovers they are locked inside with no normal little girl. What proceeds to happen is an entertaining, creatively shot blood bath that will shock and humor audiences.
The plot is straight-forward, but the production and performances elevate what could have been a bore. Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett film a balanced narrative that flows much like a ballet performance. There’s a good rhythm at the start and engaging theatrics throughout with Abigail’s random, but impressive dance moves right before she remarkably lands her bait. And while the band of crooks do a fine job, it’s our young star, Alisha Weir who steals the show. She’s natural at playing an angelic scared little girl, who in an instant can flip the switch to a terrifying demonic tiny dancer.
But “Abigail” does have its flaws. Towards the end, the film does waver and stubble over its steady beat with too many betrayals and inconsistent character identities. Which prevents it from providing the depth that was potentially there. That being said, there is still more positive than negative here, especially from the comedic timing of the entire cast. It’s very much M3GAN meets Ready or Not, just nowhere near as good. But, if you’re a fan of the horror genre, then “Abigail” is satisfying, mindless bloody fun.
When there’s something strange in the neighborhood, who you gonna call? It’s the newest sequel to an 80’s classic, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire”. This week I review the adventure comedy and share my thoughts on how it compares to the most recent sequel.
“Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” opens in theaters March 22, 2024.
“A one-hit-wonder band from the ’90s gets a second shot at fame when a young rapper samples their song.” “Girls5eva” is back for Season 3!
I can confidently say this show just gets better and better. I had the opportunity to speak with the hilarious and extremely talented cast about the new season, fame, their childhood posters, and more!
Watch the full interview and binge watch the entire series, including the new season when it streams on Netflix March 14!
“A thirty-something eternal bridesmaid goes on an empowering, and often hilarious, journey of self-discovery.” I had the opportunity to chat with Leah McKendrick, the director/writer/star of the new comedy, “Scrambled”.
This is an early favorite film, and it was such an honor to have an emotional and fun conversation with her about a film that meant so much to me. We discussed things she wanted to highlight about her personal egg freezing journey, the importance of being a supportive friend, and much more!
Be sure to watch “Scrambled” in theaters February 2, 2024.
