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Archives for : Susan Kamyab Stephens

Movie Review: “Thunderbolts*”

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : May 2, 2025
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Category: Movie Reviews

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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)

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : April 28, 2025
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Category: Movie Reviews

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“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”

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : April 25, 2025
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Category: Movie Reviews

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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”

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : April 9, 2025
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Category: Movie Reviews

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“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”

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : April 4, 2025
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Category: Movie Reviews

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

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : March 20, 2025
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Category: Interviews, Movie Reviews

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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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Movie Review: “Disney’s Snow White”

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : March 19, 2025
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Category: Movie Reviews

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Is Walt Disney’s newest live-action remake of the 1937 classic, “Snow White” the fairest of them all? Not quite, but it is certainly not the worst remake.

The film stars the musically talented songbird, Rachel Zegler as the fairest of them all and Gal Godot trades her golden lasso for a poison apple as the Evil Queen. For those not already familiar with the tale, it follows Snow White, a young woman who is forced to run away from her jealous stepmother, the Evil Queen, and seeks shelter in a cottage in the forest by seven new friends with distinct personalities. There are a few changes to the original story that is better left unspoiled, but what I can tease is the beautiful music by writers Benj Pasek & Justin Paul, known for “La La Land” and “The Greatest Showman”. The two add the magical Disney touch to the film with songs like “Waiting on a Wish”. And no surprise Zegler and Gadot do a fine job, fully committing to their characters and bringing life and more depth to the dynamic of their relationship that was never fully developed in the original movie.

Of course, with every Disney live-action remake, we ask, was this film necessary or worth making? In all honesty, not really. There has yet to be one that is truly “better” than the animated classics. The quality, the writing, and even the animation was so good for its time, that when we rewatch we can appreciate the wonder and awe felt during that time. Though I understand wanting to modernize the story, especially a dated damsel in distress plot. It’s nice to see these princesses have their own strength and not rely soley on a man to save them. What these remakes are trying to do is not bad, but maybe instead of trying to redo an already beloved tale, create an original “fairy-tale” story that would enhance new technology. Even an original story like “Cruella” is more inspiring to watch.

Regardless of live action or animated preference, the film is still an entertaining watch, with its toe-tapping Broadway style original songs, heartwarming moments, and stunning visuals, ‘Snow White” is a solid musical reimagining the worth seeing with the family in theaters.

Rating: C+

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Movie Review: “F Marry Kill”

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : March 13, 2025
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Category: Movie Reviews

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Lucy Hale continues to slay in the horror genre, this time adding a hilarious romantic comedy element to her new whodunit thriller, “F Marry Kill”.

Directed by Laura Murphy, the story follows Hale as Eva, a true crime junkie obsessed with the latest serial killer that’s targeting women on dating apps. After wasting 8 years with an egotistical boyfriend, she finally decides to put herself back out into the dating world. With encouragement from all her friends except for her happily married best friend, Kelly (Virginia Gardner), she takes a stab at the dating apps. Though hesitant, she succeeds in finding three seemingly nice potential suitors (Brendan Morgan, Samer Salem, and Jedidiah Goodacre). But as the news unveils alarming evidence about the infamous serial killer, Eva begins to suspect the new men in her life. This leads her to question which one of her three dates is an f-boy, marriage material, or a killer.

While the plot may sound ridiculous, it is surprisingly creative and laugh out loud funny. Hale leads the cast with a crass yet charmingly captivating performance. While her character is an overthinker and makes some obviously idiotic choices, she is relatable and hilarious. This is easily one of her most entertaining roles to date. The supporting cast around her kills it with their comedic timing, elevating the already witty script.

Fans of a good murder mystery can appreciate the clever storytelling. Albeit a little formulaic, there is still some originality sprinkled in with its topical references about social media and dating app, along with the film’s humorous path and clues leading up to a killer reveal.

After a plethora of remakes and heavy award season dramas, “F Mary Kill” offers mischievous fun with a stellar cast. The film is a re-watchable comedic murder mystery that makes it the perfect watch for a friend’s night out.

“F Marry Kill” Is currently playing theaters.

Rating: B

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Predicting the Winners: 97th Academy Awards

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : February 28, 2025
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Category: Movie Reviews, Special Events, Special Features

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Best Picture

  • “Anora” (Neon)
  • “The Brutalist” (A24)
  • “A Complete Unknown” (Searchlight)
  • “Conclave” (Focus)
  • “Dune: Part Two” (Warner Bros.)
  • “Emilia Pérez” (Netflix)
  • “I’m Still Here” (Sony Classics)
  • “Nickel Boys” (Amazon/MGM)
  • “The Substance” (Mubi)
  • “Wicked” (Universal)

Will Win: Conclave

Could Win: Anora

Want to Win: Wicked or Emilia Perez

Best Director

  • Sean Baker, “Anora”
  • Brady Corbet, “The Brutalist”
  • James Mangold, “A Complete Unknown”
  • Jacques Audiard, “Emilia Pérez”
  • Coralie Fargeat, “The Substance”

Will Win: Sean Baker

Could Win: Brady Corbet

Want to Win: Coralie Fargeat

Best Actress

  • Cynthia Erivo, “Wicked”
  • Karla Sofia Gascón, “Emilia Pérez”
  • Mikey Madison, “Anora”
  • Demi Moore, “The Substance”
  • Fernanda Torres, “I’m Still Here”

Will Win: Demi Moore

Could Win: Mikey Madison

Want to Win: Demi Moore

Best Actor

  • Adrian Brody, “The Brutalist”
  • Timothée Chalamet, “A Complete Unknown”
  • Colman Domingo, “Sing Sing”
  • Ralph Fiennes, “Conclave”
  • Sebastian Stan, “The Apprentice”

Will Win: Adrian Brody

Could Win: Timothée Chalamet

Want to Win: Timothée Chalamet or Colman Domingo

Best Supporting Actress

  • Monica Barbaro, “A Complete Unknown”
  • Ariana Grande, “Wicked”
  • Felicity Jones, “The Brutalist”
  • Isabella Rossellini, “Conclave”
  • Zoe Saldaña, “Emilia Pérez”

Will Win: Zoe Saldaña

Could Win: Ariana Grande

Want to Win: Zoe Saldaña

Best Supporting Actor

  • Yura Borisov, “Anora”
  • Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain”
  • Edward Norton, “A Complete Unknown”
  • Guy Pearce, “The Brutalist”
  • Jeremy Strong, “The Apprentice”

Will Win: Kieran Culkin

Could Win: No Contest

Want to Win: Kieran Culkin

Best Original Screenplay

  • “Anora,” Sean Baker
  • “The Brutalist,” Brady Corbet & Mona Fastvold
  • “A Real Pain,” Jesse Eisenberg
  • “September 5,” Tim Fehlbaum & Moritz Binder
  • “The Substance,” Coralie Fargeat

Will Win: Anora

Could Win: A Real Pain

Want to Win: The Substance

Best Adapted Screenplay

  • “A Complete Unknown,” Jay Cocks & James Mangold
  • “Conclave,” Peter Straughan
  • “Emilia Pérez,” Jacques Audiard, Thomas Bidegain & Nicolas Livecchi
  • “Nickel Boys,” RaMell Ross & Joslyn Barnes
  • “Sing Sing,” Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar, Clarence Maclin & John “Divine G” Whitfield

Will Win: Conclave

Could Win: Nickel Boys

Want to Win: Conclave

Best International Feature

  • “I’m Still Here,” Walter Salles (Brazil)
  • “The Girl with the Needle,” Magnus von Horn (Denmark)
  • “Emilia Pérez,” Jacques Audiard (France)
  • “The Seed of the Sacred Fig,” Mohammad Rasoulof (Germany)
  • “Flow,” Miguel Gomes (Latvia)

Will Win: Emilia Perez

Could Win: I’m Still Here

Want to Win: Emilia Perez

Best Documentary Feature

  • “Black Box Diaries,” Shiori Itō (MTV)
  • “No Other Land,” Basel Adra, Hamdan Ballal, Yuval Abraham & Rachel Szor (No distributor)
  • “Porcelain War,” Brendan Bellomo & Slava Leontyev (Picturehouse)
  • “Soundtrack to a Coup d’Etat,” Johan Grimonprez (Kino Lorber)
  • “Sugarcane,” Julian Brave NoiseCat & Emily Kassie (Nat Geo)

Will Win: No Other Land

Could Win: Porcelain War

Want to Win: Any of them

Best Animated Feature

  • “Flow” (Janus Films/Sideshow)
  • “Inside Out 2” (Disney/Pixar)
  • “Memoir of a Snail” (IFC Films)
  • “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” (Aardman/Netflix)
  • “The Wild Robot” (Dreamworks/Universal)

Will Win: The Wild Robot

Could Win: Flow

Want to Win: Inside Out 2 or The Wild Robot

Best Cinematography

  • “The Brutalist,” Lol Crawley
  • “Dune: Part Two,” Greig Fraser
  • “Emilia Pérez,” Paul Guillaume
  • “Maria,” Edward Lachman
  • “Nosferatu,” Jarin Blaschke

Will Win: The Brutalist

Could Win: Dune: Part Two

Want to Win: Dune: Part Two

Best Costume Design

  • “A Complete Unknown,” Arianne Phillips
  • “Conclave,” Lisy Christl
  • “Gladiator II,” Janty Yates
  • “Nosferatu,” Linda Muir
  • “Wicked,” Paul Tazewell

Will Win: Wicked

Could Win: Nosferatu

Want to Win: Wicked

Best Film Editing

  • “Anora,” Sean Baker
  • “The Brutalist,” Dávid Jancsó
  • “Conclave,” Nick Emerson
  • “Emilia Pérez,” Juliette Welfling
  • “Wicked,” Myron Kerstein

Will Win: Conclave

Could Win: Anora

Want to Win: Wicked

Best Production Design

  • “The Brutalist,” Judy Becker
  • “Conclave,” Suzie Davies
  • “Dune: Part Two,” Patrice Vermette
  • “Nosferatu,” Craig Lathrop
  • “Wicked,” Nathan Crowley

Will Win: Wicked

Could Win: Dune: Part Two

Want to Win: Wicked

Best Original Score

  • “The Brutalist,” Daniel Blumberg
  • “Conclave,” Volker Bertelmann
  • “Emilia Pérez,” Clément Ducol & Camille
  • “Wicked,” John Powell & Stephen Schwartz
  • “The Wild Robot,” Kris Bowers

Will Win: The Brutalist

Could Win: Conclave

Want to Win: Wicked

Best Original Song

  • “Never Too Late,” “Elton John: Never Too Late” (Elton John & Brandi Carlile)
  • “El Mal,” “Emilia Pérez” (Clement Ducol, Camille & Jacques Audiard)
  • “Mi Camino,” “Emilia Pérez” (Clement Ducol & Camille)
  • “Like a Bird,” “Sing Sing” (Adrian Quesada & Abraham Alexander)
  • “The Journey,” “The Six Triple Eight” (Diane Warren)

Will Win: El Mal

Could Win: The Journey

Want to Win: El Mal

Best Sound

  • “A Complete Unknown”
  • “Dune: Part Two”
  • “Emilia Pérez”
  • “Wicked”
  • “The Wild Robot”

Will Win: Dune: Part Two

Could Win: A Complete Unknown

Want to Win: Dune: Part Two

Best Visual Effects

  • “Alien: Romulus”
  • “Better Man”
  • “Dune: Part Two”
  • “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes”
  • “Wicked”

Will Win: Dune: Part Two

Could Win: Wicked

Want to Win: Dune: Part Two

Best Makeup and Hairstyling

  • “A Different Man”
  • “Emilia Pérez”
  • “Nosferatu”
  • “The Substance”
  • “Wicked”

Will Win: The Substance

Could Win: Nosferatu

Want to Win: The Substance

Best Documentary Short

  • “Death by Numbers”
  • “I Am Ready, Warden”
  • “Incident”
  • “Instruments of a Beating Heart”
  • “The Only Girl in the Orchestra”

Will Win: The Only Girl in the Orchestra

Could Win: I Am Ready, Warden

Want to Win: The Only Girl in the Orchestra

Best Animated Short

  • “Beautiful Men”
  • “In the Shadow of the Cypress”
  • “Magic Candies”
  • “Wander to Wonder”
  • “Yuck!”

Will Win: Wander to Wonder

Could Win: Yuck!

Want to Win: Wander to Wonder

Best Live-Action Short

  • “A Lien”
  • “Anuja”
  • “I’m Not a Robot”
  • “The Last Ranger”
  • “The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent”

Will Win: Anuja

Could Win: The Man Who Could Not Remain Silent

Want to Win: Anuja

THE OSCARS ARE SET TO AIR LIVE, MARCH 2, ON ABC

Movie Review: “Captain America: Brave New World”

Posted by :Susan Kamyab On : February 27, 2025
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Category: Movie Reviews

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No surprise that the most recent Marvel tale is crushing it at the box office. “Captain America: Brave New World” is a typical superhero film that still makes for a thrilling good time.

The film follows the events after the Disney+ series, which officially dubbed Sam Wilson as the new Captain America. A few years later he is more established in his new position, working for the United States government, with reservations about the new president, Thaddeus Ross, played by Harrison Ford. But when an attempt on Thaddeus’ life causes chaos. Sam must grab his shield and soar into action to uncover the motive behind a deadly global plan. Filmmaker Julius Onah’s daring whirl at this genre pays off for the most part as he succeeds in capturing the heart of a beloved character we want to know more about, while providing enough high-flying entertainment to keep audiences satisfied and engaged.

While the story is formulaic and I think Marvel needs to let us slowly digest their content, I can appreciate the effort in character development. Anthony Mackie thrives in the title he’s deservingly earned. Mackie provides depth and authenticity that humanizes his character. We’ve known the previous Falcon since 2014 when he was introduced in “The Winter Soldier”, and to see how far Mackie and his character have come is kind of heartwarming, especially for Marvel fans. There are flaws to this film, but they do not lie with Mackie. However, the villains lack substance, and the plot is a bit overcrowded, but this set up of a new and darker Marvel Universe with a more relatable lead, does have potential for the future.

“Captain America: Brave New World” is a box-office smash you want to see in theaters. With its gripping action-packed sequences and now, iconic red Hulk, the film is a riveting sci-fi theatrical experience.

Rating: B

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