And so the “sequel that acts as a soft reboot” trend continues. “Charlie’s Angels” is the latest installment in the titular spy franchise which began with the 1970s TV series followed by the two films in the early 2000s. This rendition stars Kristen Stewart, Naomi Scott and Ella Balinska as the three new Angels, alongside… Continue reading The ‘Charlie’s Angels’ Not-Reboot Is Not-That-Bad
Who knew that arguably both the best war film and the best comedy of 2019 would be a divorce drama? “Marriage Story” follows a divorcing couple (Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson), and the struggles they face while going through the process from different sides of the country. Laura Dern, Alan Alda, Ray Liotta, Azhy Robertson,… Continue reading ‘Marriage Story’ is an Honest Dramedy Built to Last
It took 15 years, three studios and $159 million, but “The Irishman” is finally here. “The Irishman” is the latest film from Martin Scoresese and has been anticipated as much for its cast and director as it was for its infamous budget issues, extensive use of de-aging technology and being Netflix’s biggest and most ambitious… Continue reading The Good, The Bad and ‘The Irishman’
Imagine “Moonrise Kingdom” got a Swastika paintjob and that is basically this film. “Jojo Rabbit” tells the tale of a 10-year-old Hitler Youth (played by Roman Griffin Davis) who discovers his mother (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a Jewish girl (Thomasin McKenzie) in their attic. Taika Waititi stars as an imaginary version of Adolf Hitler, while… Continue reading ‘Jojo Rabbit’ Reminds Us to Live, Laugh and Love, Even in the Darkest of Times
This is a lot like if Mark Wahlberg’s film “Shooter” had a lovechild with “Looper,” and I mean that as a compliment. “Gemini Man” stars Will Smith as an aging assassin who, after being double-crossed by his agency, must fight a younger clone of himself (portrayed by Smith through motion capture and de-aging). Mary Elizabeth… Continue reading Don’t Let Anyone Tell You ‘Gemini Man’ Is a Bad Movie
If nothing else, at least this is a better murderous clown film than “It Chapter Two.” “Joker” is an original origin story for Batman’s archenemy, and stars Joaquin Phoenix in the titular role. Todd Phillips directs and co-writes, while Zazie Beetz and Robert De Niro also star. The hype around this film has been building… Continue reading It Won’t Change the World, but ‘Joker’ is an Uncomfortable, Entertaining Watch
And with Brad Pitt following Matt Damon and George Clooney, the “Ocean’s 11” space drama trilogy is complete. “Ad Astra” follows an astronaut who is sent on a top-secret mission to Neptune in order to see if his long-lost scientist father is still alive. Brad Pitt stars alongside Tommy Lee Jones, Ruth Negga, Liv Tyler… Continue reading ‘Ad Astra’ Reaches for the Stars, Nearly Soars
If “The Big Short” and “War Dogs” had a child, I think this would be a lot what it would look like. “Hustlers” is based on the true story of a group of New York City strippers who, following the financial crisis of 2008, begin to drug and rob from their rich clients. Jennifer Lopez,… Continue reading ‘Hustlers’ Fails to Find its Flow
Two bad Stephen King adaptations in less than six months, wonder if Vegas had some sort of over/under on that… “It Chapter Two” is the sequel to the (somewhat surprising) 2017 hit, and follows a group of adults who return to their hometown in order to again face off against a creature that terrorized them… Continue reading ‘It Chapter 2’ Sinks Instead of Floating
When done right, there is little better in the world of film than a black comedy, especially in the horror genre. “Ready or Not” stars Samara Weaver as a new bride who marries into a very rich family, only to find out they are hunting her with lethal intentions during an annual game of hide… Continue reading ‘Ready or Not,’ Here Comes a Perfectly Sufficient Horror-Comedy
The Reel Deal 