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Movie Review: “Materialists”

Materialists has officially revived the rom com genre with a modern take on a familiar story, and I for one, hope that this refreshing spin on love brings romantic comedies back to theaters. While the film is more of a romantic dramedy, it has all the makings of becoming one of my favorite films of the year.

Lucy is an ambitious young New York City matchmaker, who finds herself torn between the perfect match and her imperfect ex. Starring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans, the plot raises a lot of questions about dating in the world today. Read full review here.

Rating: A+

“Materialists” opens in theaters June 13, 2025.

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Movie Review: “Dangerous Animals”

Shark movies have become a staple for this time of year, there’s something about watching “Jaws”, “Deep Blue Sea”, “The Shallows”, and many more during the outdoor swimming months that really gets us in the summer spirit. And now, audiences can add a refreshing twist to that list with “Dangerous Animals”.

Director Sean Bryne and writer Nick Lepard bring us the unexpected serial killer/shark combo horror fans will be chomping at the bit to see. Read full review here.

Rating: A-

“Dangerous Animals” opens in theaters June 6, 2025.

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Movie Review: “Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning”

This may be the last time audiences will see Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt from the widely known Mission Impossible franchise. While there is no official word on the exit, the film’s title and ending, along with rumors of Cruise moving on, indicate it is likely that if the franchise were to continue, it would be with a new team. But in the meantime, we can focus on the latest film, Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning.

Director Christopher McQuarrie returns to pick up where he left off from the last movie, Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning. Read full review here.

Rating: B

“Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning” opens in theaters May 23, 2025.

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Movie Review: “Thunderbolts*”

Since the overhaul of Marvel films that have been released since Endgame, it’s been difficult to get excited for any of the upcoming sequel or spinoffs. However, the 36th installment to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Thunderbolts* offers something more original and more cathartic than the traditional superhero formula.

This film follows the misfit anti-heroes we have previously been introduced, including Yelena, Ava Starr, and if you watched the Disney Plus series, The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, you’ll remember John Walker.
Read the full review here.

Rating: A-

“Thunderbolts*” opens in theaters May 2, 2025.

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Movie Review & Interview: “The Salamander King” (DIFF Opening Night Premiere)

“Happy Gilmore” meets Texas pride in Austin Nichols’ promising directorial debut about a man and his quirky group of friends who are trying to save more than a municipal golf course.

At first glance “The Salamander King” may not seem like much to look at, but much like its unconventional characters, this film has a whole lot of heart. The movie follows a golf professional (Ryan Hansen) who runs a financially struggling municipal golf course for the city of Austin aka “Muni”. Naturally, the city hires a consultant (Adrianne Palicki) from California to help bring in money. She is not exactly welcomed with open arms, and the staff finds her presence threatening as her focus of “making money” loses sight of what the course is truly about: Community.

Outsiders and those who “keep Austin weird” feel at home at this golf course. This isn’t a rich snooty resort. “Muni” is a place where anyone can feel safe to “let their freak flag fly” and be their true self while quite possibly making their dreams come true. As we see in the film, a shy girl who had virtually nothing can eventually turn pro. It’s moments like those in the movie, that warm your heart and reminds you why it’s nice to take break from the depressing world news with a brisk, light-hearted comedy.

It is great seeing Hansen star in a more likeable leading role. He has incredible chemistry with his entire cast, especially with his on-screen love interest, Palicki, who provides a nice balance of normalcy and witty humor. Most importantly, director Austin Nichols lets his love of Austin, TX shine throughout the film. He shows the beauty, uniqueness, and delicious flavors of the city through a 1990’s style lens.

There is a certain nostalgia to underdog stories like these. And the opening sequence to the tune of “Take on Me” absolutely adds to the comfort feeling. But there was a time where comedies like “The Salamander King” ruled the box office and made for a great theatrical option over something so heavy or bloody. I can only hope this movie could lead to that genre returning to theaters. But, in the meantime, I am grateful for the opportunity see it during this year’s Dallas International Film Festival.

Rating: B+

Interview with Director Austin Nichols and Star Adrianne Palicki

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The Salamander King

Comedy

Director: Austin Nichols

Starring: Ryan Hansen, Adrianne Palicki, Dulce Sloan, Justin Chatwin, Reggie Bush, Temple Baker, Bill Wise, among others

Unrated

94 min.

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Movie Review: “The Accountant 2”

The first “Accountant” surprisingly charmed and entertained audiences. While I did not expect a sequel, I certainly don’t mind getting to see Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal team up again. Though it’s hard to beat the refreshing plot of the original film, this second installment adds up to a solid watch.

Ben Affleck returns as Christian Wolff, an unusual accountant with a brilliant mind that can calculate far more than tax returns. Read the full review here.

Rating: B

“The Accountant 2” opens in theaters April 25, 2025

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Movie Review: “Drop”

“Drop” premiered at this year’s South by Southwest with rave reviews about the exhilarating new thriller. It’s not easy to get back into the dating world, especially after a traumatic relationship. Director Christopher Landon takes audiences on a horrifying first date in what might eventually become an instant cult classic.

The film follows Violet, a widowed mother, played by “White Lotus” star Meghann Fahy who is going on her first date in years. With the help of her sister, who’s agreed to babysit her son while out, she musters up the courage to put herself back out there and meets with a charming photographer played by Brandon Sklenar. Unfortunately, this potential for romance turns into a mother’s worst nightmare as Violet is bombarded with anonymous texts that threaten her son’s life. Trapped in a high rise, upscale restaurant, she must figure out who is behind the messages to save both her son and her date’s life.

If you’re familiar with Landon’s work on films like “Freaky” or “Happy Death Day”, you’ll have an idea of his style of horror. He adds an element of comedy that allows you to breathe a little easier through his character’s high stressed situations. While there are moments of comic relief, “Drop” creates an anxiety-inducing setting with time constraints and focus on suspense. But don’t be fooled by its frightening premise, the film has a few jump scares, but it never takes itself too seriously. In fact, expect a few eye rolls when entering ridiculous and campy territory. It’s Fahy’s devoted and captivating performance that will sell you on any absurd action.

The heart of this film lies with Meghann Fahy, who continues to shine in any role she plays. But “Drop” succeeds in blending romance, wit, and tension into a simple yet tech-savvy, entertaining thrill ride that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

Rating: B+

“Drop” opens in theaters April 11, 2025

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Movie Review: “The Friend”

The new drama, “The Friend”, starring Naomi Watts and Bill Murray is an adaptation of Sigrid Nunez’s novel about an unconventional friendship between a writer and her late friend and mentor.

The film follows Iris, a writer and professor living in New York City. She has just learned about the unexpected passing of her longtime mentor and dear friend, Walter. The heartbreaking news has shocked her, and she isn’t fully able to process how the death has affected her due to the pressures of finishing the novel she had been working on with Walter and having to take care of his Great Dane, Apollo, which Walter has inconveniently passed on to her. To make matters worse her apartment does not allow pets, and finding a new home for Apollo is proving that Iris is taking on more than she can chew.

While Apollo starts out as an imposition in Iris’ life, he quickly becomes a blessing. He fills a void as a representation of Walter and helps her cope with the tragic loss – further proving the healing benefits of an emotional support animal. The film is more of a character study.  While we see how all the people in Walter’s life are impacted in different ways by his passing, we focus on the one who seems to be internalizing most of her feelings. I wouldn’t say there’s a whole lot to unpack here, the message is straightforward, and the story is simple, but the delivery is well done through its heartfelt performances and the subtle progression of Iris and Apollo’s therapeutic bond.

Outside of the captivating flashbacks between Walter and Iris and the dynamic between Iris and her new furry friend, the film lacks creativity. It follows a familiar formula we have seen many times before and there’s nothing necessarily inspiring about the visuals or filmmaking. However, it is a solid watch that tackles heavy, yet relatable themes about friendship, grief, and life in general. And it never hurts to watch a heartwarming and easy-going story about the positive impact of companionship.

Rating: B-

“The Friend” is currently playing in theaters.

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HOLLAND Streams on Prime Video March 27

Watch the Generic Interview with Nicole Kidman, Matthew Macfadyen, & Gael Garcia Bernal

Directed by Mimi Cave
Written by Andrew Sodroski
Produced by Kate Churchill, p.g.a., Peter Dealbert, Nicole Kidman, p.g.a., Per Saari, p.g.a.
Starring Nicole Kidman, Matthew Macfadyen, Jude Hill, Gael García Bernal

In this wildly unpredictable thriller, Nicole Kidman is the meticulous Nancy Vandergroot, a teacher and homemaker whose picture-perfect life with her community pillar husband (Matthew Macfadyen) and son (Jude Hill) in tulip-filled Holland, Michigan tumbles into a twisted tale. Nancy and her friendly colleague (Gael García Bernal) become suspicious of a secret, only to discover nothing in their lives is what it seems.

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Amazon MGM Studios’ HOLLAND / Generic Interview with Nicole Kidman, Matthew Macfadyen & Gael García Berna

DUPLICITY Interview w/ Kat Graham Meaghan Tandy, Tyler Lepley, & RonReaco Lee

In TYLER PERRY’S DUPLICITY, high-powered attorney Marley (Kat Graham) faces her most personal case yet when she is tasked with uncovering the truth behind the shooting of her best friend Fela’s (Meagan Tandy) husband (Joshua Adeyeye). With the help of her boyfriend (Tyler Lepley) – a former cop turned private investigator – Marley’s search for what really happened leads her down a treacherous maze of deception and betrayal.

I had the opportunity to speaks with the stars of the film, Kat Graham Meaghan Tandy, Tyler Lepley, & RonReaco Lee about the power of the media and their captivating characters.

Check out the interview and the movie, streaming on Prime March 20, 2025.

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