Archives for : movies
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.
The sheer genius of turning our emotions into loveable characters was enough to make you fall in love with the magic of the first “Inside Out”. Like many, I was hesitant to the idea of a sequel. But after watching “Inside Out 2”, and meeting Anxiety, it all makes sense.
“Inside Out 2” follows Riley entering into her teen years, making room for new emotions right before she goes into High School. She and her two best friends, Bree and Grace, have been selected to go to a 3-day hockey camp. Everything seems to be going smoothly in Riley’s life until Bree and Grace inform her, they won’t be going to High School together due to different school zones. This puts Riley in a panic of who she will be friends with next year. Que, Anxiety and her close friends; Envy, Embarrassment, and Ennui. They all step in to try to navigate the unexpected situation, but Joy and her core group of emotions clash with them on to best help Riley.
Obviously, the first “Inside Out” is better than the sequel. But that’s because the element of surprise and awe has been revealed. Which is why the first film is one of the best Pixar films ever made. There was so much attention to detail and every second in that movie was intentional. It was clearly filmmakers Pete Doctor and Ronnie Del Carmen’s baby and all their hard work paid off. They have passed the torch to director Kelsey Mann this time around and he respects the craft he’s been given to work with, building on this world and adding value instead of a cheap remake.
Introducing audiences to Anxiety at a time in our lives where we all felt this emotion, but probably didn’t know how to define it, is beneficial to younger and older viewers. With hope, it encourages children to understand their feelings and why they are feeling it. Anxiety is voiced by Maya Hawke, who brings out the vibrant energy and panic you’d imagine from the emotion. More of the attention to detail lies in her and not so much from her buddies. Though all the newcomers do a fine job, they won’t be as memorable as Anxiety or Joy and her core friends. Speaking of Joy, Amy Poehler returns as they happy-go-lucky emotion who is still trying to see everything in a positive light. Her voice is the backbone to this franchise and truly is a joy to hear. Phyllis Smith as Sadness is still role/emotion she brilliantly gives life to.
I do think the setting of a 3-day hockey camp was a little limiting to the story. I would have rather seen Riley navigate her emotions starting High School with no friends versus trying to make new ones at camp with her best friends present. There is so much anxiety when start freshman year and there’s a lot the filmmakers could have done with that potential story, but what they did give us, isn’t bad by any means.
“Inside Out 2” still sparkles from its lovable characters and relatable storylines told through emotions we all have. Providing a family-friendly avenue to discuss our feelings and mental health with loved ones.
Rating: A-
“Inside Out 2” opens in theater June 14, 2023.
“Inside Out 2” brings Joy and her whole group back to help Riley as she enters her teen years and welcome new emotions, including, anxiety! I spoke with the wonderful 2 x Emmy winner Tony Hale, who voices Fear in the film. Tony discussed the movie and some of his emotions he felt as a teen.
“Inside Out 2” opens in theaters June 14, 2024
“The Watchers” follows a young artist who gets stranded in an extensive, immaculate forest in western Ireland, where, after finding shelter, she becomes trapped alongside three strangers, stalked by mysterious creatures each night. I spoke with filmmaker, Ishana Night Shyamalan (daughter of horror icon, M. Night Shyamalan) about her directorial debut.
“The Watchers” opens in theaters June 7, 2024.
You might remember the 2008 film, “The Strangers” based on a
horrifying true story of a home invasion. “The Strangers: Chapter 1” is based on the series but is the first installment of a new trilogy directed by Renny Harlin.
After a young couple’s car breaks down in an eerie small town, they are forced to spend the night in a remote cabin. What was supposed to be a relaxing evening turns into a nightmare, as they are terrorized by three masked strangers who attack them with no mercy and seemingly no motive. This first chapter is a promising start to the new saga, as Harlin creates a disturbing, realistic setting with subtle jump scares that make you uneasy from the moment they enter the secluded home.
The film does have a bumpy start. The acting and dialogue feel very much like a CW drama, but once the couple arrive at the cabin, the story really finds its footing and succeeds in making you never want to take a vacation in the middle of nowhere. However, you will be eager to see what’s to come after this first movie, as it does end with a “to-be-continued”. Another draw to the film is the two leads, Riverdale’s Madelaine Petsch and local Dallas native, Froy Gutierrez do a solid job as a long-time couple with natural chemistry. It’s the care you have for them that makes you want to see this tragedy through. And I’m sure you’re wondering how this story compares to the 2008 movie. No surprise, there’s a lot of similarities, don’t expect anything original, outside of a different romantic dynamic and possibly a different outcome.
“The Strangers: Chapter 1” may not leave a lasting impression, but it does provide all the ingredients for a decent scary movie. There’s mounting tension, creative shots, and enough haunting images that make for a thrilling good time. And with all 3 films planned to take place over only a few days, you can’t help but want to see what’s coming next.
“The Strangers: Chapter 1” opens in theaters May 17, 2024.
Rating: C
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.
Rating: A
“The Fall Guy” opens in theaters May 3, 2024.
“Solène, a 40-year-old single mom, begins an unexpected romance with 24-year-old Hayes Campbell, the lead singer of August Moon, the hottest boy band on the planet.”
I got a chance to speak with incredibly talented filmmaker, Michael Showalter about his new romantic comedy that digs deep and pulls at your heartstrings.
I highly recommend everyone watch “The Idea of You” when it streams on Prime Video on May 2, 2024.
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.
Rating: B-