Archives for : Tom Cruise
10. The Black Phone
At first glance, “The Black Phone” could come off as a “ripped from the headlines” Lifetime movie. In actuality, the film is a familiar story about a child kidnapper/serial killer that unfolds in a completely unnerving and original way! It also features an incredible and disturbingly eerie performance by Ethan Hawke.
9. I Want You Back
When I watched this film back in February, I knew it would be in my top 10. Not just because I love the genre, but because this one felt reminiscent of some of my favorite 90’s romcoms. The film follows Emma (Jenny Slate) and Peter (Charlie Day) after they have both been dumped by their significant others. They bond over their losses and decide to work together to get their exes back. “I Want You Back” has a refreshing and hilarious screenplay that shines even brighter through Slate and Day’s chemistry.
8. Hustle
Less is more when it comes to the brilliance that is “Hustle”. Adam Sandler plays a basketball scout whose goal is to become a coach. In the midst of that journey, he stumbles upon a talented baller in Spain. They connect as two underdogs trying to prove themselves worthy of coming out on top. This is just one of those movies that excels through incredible performances and it’s a feel-good story. It’s easily my favorite performance by Sandler to date. “Hustle” is the hidden gem of 2022 that I hope everyone was able to find.
7. The Woman King
Based on true events, “The Woman King” is the remarkable story of the Agojie, the all-female unit of warriors who protected the African Kingdom of Dahomey in the 1800s. The women are fierce warriors with unbelievable fighting skills. From its opening scene, the film hooks you in, and keeps you enthralled with exciting action sequences and a thrilling journey. It’s an inspiring and powerful movie.
6. Bros
Finally, a good romcom was shown in theaters this year! It’s crazy to think that “Bros” is the first romantic comedy about two men falling in love to be produced by a mainstream studio. It’s long overdue. But, if we had to wait this long, I’m glad we put it in the hands of Billy Eichner (Co-Writer) and Nick Stoller (Director/Co-Writer). In addition to the film’s historic romantic storyline, the movie also features and entirely LGBTQ+ cast. And it’s entertaining to watch some of those characters poke fun at their own current political identities. “Bros” goes beyond the surface level romcom with its conversation about the importance of LGBTQ+ historical figures.
5. Vengeance
B.J. Novak’s directorial debut is a dark comedy thriller about a podcaster who travels from New York to West Texas to investigate the death of a girl he was hooking up with. I may be bias, being from Texas, but anyone can relate to this story. It’s a hilarious satire about politics, media and technology. Novak is a tour de force, providing a sharp and witty script with a valuable message about how we “connect” with people. “Vengeance” is an original “whodunit” with a shocking and unforgettable ending.
4. Fresh
Mimi Cave’s debut feature goes from rom-com to a dark, provocative horror. Audiences may think they’ve seen this story before, but it hasn’t been told quite like this. For starters, the film features a Grade-A cast. Sebastian Stan’s character is unlike anything he’s played before. And Daisy Edgar-Jones gives an unforgettable performance, as she brings a whole new level to the “damsel turns badass” story arc. The film’s images range from picturesque to beautifully grotesque. “Fresh” delivers the whole package. It’s a deliciously, twisted horror/comedy that leaves you craving more.
3. The Menu
The best original screenplay award should go to “The Menu”. Talk about a brilliant script! This was one that audiences didn’t really know what they were walking into, but should have left very satisfied. In the film, a couple (Anya Taylor-Joy and Nicholas Hoult) travels to a coastal island to eat at an exclusive restaurant where the chef (Ralph Fiennes) has prepared a lavish menu, with some shocking surprises. As the story unfolds, we find this is an exploration of the toxic relationship between art, artist and consumer. Are we still making the art that we were passionate about for ourselves or have we become sell outs? “The Menu” is a clever and delectable story.
2. The Batman
“The Batman” is one of the best Batman movies since “The Dark Knight”. I was hesitant when Robert Pattinson was cast, but he nails it with a brooding Bruce Wayne in his 20’s. The entire cast is fantastic, especially, the quick-witted Zoe Kravitz as probably the most realistic Cat woman, and a stunning, unrecognizable Colin Farrell as Penguin, and of course, a chilling Paul Dano as The Riddler. In this story, citizens know Batman’s name, but don’t quite know his full potential. However, when The Riddler, sadistically begins to murder key political figures and dirty cops in Gotham, Batman is pulled into the investigation to uncover the city’s hidden corruption and his family’s involvement. The film’s dark and gritty atmosphere paired with Matt Reeves’ alluring shots heightens the thrills and suspense during this enthralling murder mystery.
1. Top Gun: Maverick
My number one had to go to my favorite cinematic experience this year. This film had no business being as good as it was. But I am so happy to say it pulled off a sequel rarity in being better than the original. In “Top Gun: Maverick”, Pete Mitchell aka Maverick (Tom Cruise), has been serving as one the Navy’s top aviators for more than 30 years. He is ordered to return to “Top Gun” and instruct the new class of fighter pilots. Only problem, that class includes his late best friend, Goose’s son, Bradley (Miles Teller), who has unresolved issues with Maverick. What director Joseph Kosinski did here is no easy feat. He managed to take the good of the original film and elevate the story and special effects to new heights. The script is sharp, with a perfect combination of nostalgia and modern day. The acting is top notch, as these characters are portrayed with more emotion and vulnerability, and the flight sequences are heart pounding thrills.
The Rest of the Best:
11. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
12. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio
13. The Good Nurse
14. Women Talking
15. Bodies, Bodies, Bodies
16. Bullet Train
17. Everything Everywhere All at Once
18. The Whale
19. The Fabelmans
20. Senior Year
Top 5 Worst Films of 2022
5. Jurassic World: Dominon – You bring everyone back for a messy story about giant locusts?
4. Firestarter (2022) – Not even Zac Efron could make this reboot worth it.
3. They/Them – Such a great idea with poor delivery and some of the worst acting.
2. Pinocchio (2022) – A lazy remake with poor graphics and the most annoying Pinocchio.
1. Halloween Ends – I didn’t think it could get any worse than the last film, but then this monstrosity was made. Barely any Michael Myers and too much unwanted romance.
Trevor’s Top 10
10. Thor: Love and Thunder
9. The Black Phone
8. Fresh
7. Bullet Train
6. The Whale
5. Everything Everywhere All At Once
4. The Menu
3. Vengeance
2. The Batman
1. Top Gun: Maverick
This week I review the highly anticipated sequel, “Top Gun: Maverick” and the perfect rom-com to kick-off Pride Month, “Fire Island”.
“Top Gun: Maverick” is currently playing in theaters and “Fire Island” will be available to stream on Hulu June 3, 2022.
Watch the full reviews in the video below!
Just a heads up, this is NOT a reboot of the “The Mummy”(1999) film starring Brendan Fraser. Universal Pictures has relaunched classic monster movie characters as part of the Dark Universe franchise, beginning with “The Mummy” (2017).
Tom Cruise plays Nick Morton, a US soldier in Iraq who in his free time steals priceless antiquities with his reluctant partner in crime, Chris Vail (Jake Johnson).
During one of their “hunts for gold”, the two men and archaeologist Jenny Halsey (Annabelle Wallis) stumble upon the remains of Princess Ahmanet (Sofia Boutella), who was entombed for eternity after her treacherous acts of evil five thousand years ago. By uncovering her remains they have also awakened her spirit, allowing Ahmanet to finally finish out her plan to rule the world.
Okay, so the plot is pretty thin and hardly original, but the movie does have it’s entertaining moments thanks to Cruise and Johnson’s comic relief and the constant action-packed sequences.
The film also eases us into another Dark Universe character, Dr. Henry Jekyll, adequately played by Russell Crowe. Though his character was there to study Ahmanet, and be another obstacle for Nick and his quest to escape the supernatural madness, somehow Dr. Jekyll felt forced in this story. However, the possibility for an interesting Dr. Jekyll is there and I’m looking forward to seeing Crowe as the lead in a Jekyll and Hyde origin film.
“The Mummy” as a whole isn’t much to brag about. The entire cast does a decent job, and the story is very basic. What we currently have here is an average, but fun fantasy adventure that has gotten the ball rolling on what is suppose to compete against Marvel and DC movies. Luckily, “The Mummy” has set the bar real low for the future Dark Universe films.
This film will probably get a lot of negative reaction as it brings nothing fresh beyond some jokes and cool CGI. Yet, I can’t help but see potential in what’s to come. Once the franchise finds its footing and brings this world together in a more natural way, it could be something special? Or maybe I’m just being optimistic, who knows!
In a summer filled with anticipated blockbusters it’s hard to say that “The Mummy” will rise above movies like “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” or “Wonder Woman”. However, if you’ve already seen those two films and you’re looking for a quick thrill to satisfy you in theaters till “Spider-man: Homecoming” comes out, then “The Mummy” is worth a few bucks.
Rating: 3/5
“The Mummy” opens in theaters June 9.
Studio Movie Grill Hosts Tom Cruise Doppelgänger Contest
Best Tom Cruise lookalike will win free movies at SMG for 365 days
What: Tom Cruise Doppelgänger Contest
When: Now through Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Why: Calling all Tom Cruise lookalikes! SMG is gearing up for their new location in The Colony. To celebrate the opening, SMG is hosting a Tom Cruisedoppelgänger contest. One lucky lookalike will win free movies at SMG for an entire year, good for admission for two. The winner will also get the chance to see Tom Cruise on the big screen in MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE ROGUE NATION, opening July 31, at an exclusive event at the new SMG The Colony.
To enter to win, submit photos to contests@studiomoviegrill.com. Photos should be less than 2MB. Entry must include first name, last name and phone number. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on Tuesday, July 28. Winning photo will be posted to SMG Facebook page.
About Studio Movie Grill
Studio Movie Grill modernized the traditional movie-going experience by combining first-run movies with full-service, in-theater dining. SMG is characterized in the market today by its continued ability to innovate movie and menu offerings, as well as its dedication to the communities it serves. Considered the industry leader in its rapidly growing segment, SMG currently has 20 locations in 10 states with more expansion on the way. For additional information, please visit www.studiomoviegrill.com.
Clark Gregg swaps superheroes for child stars in his latest dark comedy, Trust Me, in which he wrote, directed, and stars.
What begins as a Hollywood version of Jerry McGuire becomes a depressing and grim look of how far the people involved in this business will go to get what they want.
We begin by seeing, once child star and now Hollywood agent, Howard (Gregg) getting fired by his only notable client for blowing a potentially huge deal. Sometime during this botched negotiation, he luckily stumbles into Lydia’s (Saxon Sharbino) dramatic audition which turns out to be a positive for the young actress. When she is offered the starring role for the next vampire teen trilogy, she immediately claims Howard as her agent. Lydia views Howard as the “nice” alternative to dirt bag agents who care only about money and could careless for the best interest of their clients. Much like Howard’s nemesis, Aldo (Sam Rockwell), a skeezy, douche of an agent who has managed to steal many of Howard’s talents.
Lydia and Howard have a great father-daughter bond and work well together, their only problem is Ray (Paul Sparks), Lydia’s greedy, alcoholic father who tends to cause a scene everywhere he goes. And just when things seem to looking up for Howard’s career and love life, he witnesses what he thinks might be a sexually abusive encounter between Ray and Lydia. Now he must decide if wants to continue his path of success with his inevitable profiting starlet or let the “good guy” within him follow his conscience.
From the start you are hooked. All the aspects of Howard’s life are thoroughly engaging. He pines over his beautiful neighbor (Amanda Peet), and the two share a surprisingly charming relationship. He also has great chemistry with Lydia that you feel could lead to a Tom Cruise and Cuba Gooding Jr. moment. “Show me the MONEY!!!”
Needless to say Gregg gives a captivating performance along with his supporting cast. Saxon Sharbino, who I had never heard of until this movie, shines as the tween actress who is so talented that it’s hard to tell if she’s being herself or playing a part.
In about the last 30 minutes of the film, everything starts to get muggy fast. What seemed like powerful character development and a path of redemption quickly turns into an unsatisfying and truly unnecessary conclusion.
Trust Me has all the pieces for a fantastic, uplifting and/or solid flick; but maybe in an attempt to stay truly original, it past the mark a little too far.
Trust Me is in theaters June 6 and is currently available OnDemand and iTunes.
Rating: 3/5
“Trust Me” Official Trailer HD
Originally posted on RedCarpetCrash.com