Talk about a film that much like its central characters just can’t seem to catch a break. “The Upside” is a remake of the 2011 French film “The Intouchables.” It follows a paralyzed billionaire (Bryan Cranston) who hires a recently paroled convict (Kevin Hart) to take care of him. Nicole Kidman, Julianna Margulies, and Aja… Continue reading ‘The Upside’ Has a Semi-Serious Kevin Hart, but Not Much Else New
Sometimes a film is such a train wreck, a misguided screw-up of such epic proportions, that you can’t help but stare in amazement. “Welcome to Marwen” is the latest film from director Robert Zemeckis, based on the 2010 documentary “Marwencol.” The film, inspired by a true story, follows Mark Hogancamp (Steve Carell) who is beaten… Continue reading ‘Welcome to Marwen’ is Awful yet Brilliant, Dumb but Genius
I just want to go back to the days where Adam McKay was helping Will Ferrell make his only good movies… “Vice” is the biopic of Dick Cheney, a man who would rise from young staffer all the way to Vice President of the United States. Christian Bale, who gained 40 pounds for the role,… Continue reading All the Makeup in the World Can’t Cover the Major Flaws in ‘Vice’
I don’t care what anyone says, Jason Momoa is #NotMyAquaman, that will forever be Vincent Chase from “Entourage.” “Aquaman” is the sixth installment of the DC Extended Universe, and the first solo film for the titular character (we last saw him in last year’s abomination “Justice League”). Jason Momoa reprises his role as Arthur Curry… Continue reading ‘Aquaman’ Tries to be Fresh and Goofy but Ends Up Sinking into the Abyss
Sometimes, a movie just doesn’t work for you and unfortunately this is one of those time. “The Favourite” tells the semi-true story of two cousins who jockey for the favoritism of Queen Anne in early-18th century England. Olivia Coleman stars as the Queen, Emma Stone portrays maid Abigail Hill and Rachel Weisz plays Duchess Sarah… Continue reading Look… I Just Really Didn’t Like ‘The Favourite’ All That Much
Unrelated fact: Tobey Maguire is the best Spider-Man we’ve ever had, and the Sam Raimi trilogy is the best superhero series ever put to film. Ok. On with the review. “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” is an animated telling of the titular character (the ninth in as many years). It features Shameik Moore as Miles Morales,… Continue reading ‘Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse’ isn’t Perfect, but it’s Colorful and Poignant
The guy has won an Oscar, yet somehow I feel we still don’t appreciate Mahershala Ali as much as we should… “Green Book” is the true story of bouncer Tony Vallelonga (Viggo Mortensen), who in 1962 drove classical pianist Don Shirley (Mahershala Ali) around the Deep South during a concert tour. Peter Farrelly directs and… Continue reading Two Perfectly-Cast Leads Make ‘Green Book’ Something Special
“Creed II” is the follow-up to the 2015 hit “Creed” and the eighth installment of the “Rocky” franchise. It follows Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) as he becomes the World Heavyweight Champion and is challenged by the Ivan Drago, the son of the man who killed his father Apollo Creed in the ring more than… Continue reading ‘Creed II’ Lacks the Punch and Swagger of the First Film
It’s like “Ocean’s 8” just with none of the light-hearted jokes or Rihanna and Awkafina quipping. “Widows” is based off the 1980s British TV series of the same name, and follows a group of women (Viola Davis, Michelle Rodriguez, Elizabeth Debicki, and Cynthia Erivo) who must complete a heist to pay back a crime boss… Continue reading ‘Widows’ Can’t Fully Pull Off the Job, but the Effort is There
I will go to my grave not understanding the hate for the 2000 Jim Carrey “Grinch” film… “The Grinch” is the third telling of the Dr. Seuss book, following the television special from 1966 and the live-action Carrey film from 2000. It features the voice of Benedict Cumberbatch as the titular green grouch who plans… Continue reading ‘The Grinch’ is a Simple Retelling, and It Mostly Works
The Reel Deal 