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Moana 2 (2024)
Enjoyable, but Lacking the Magic of the First
The original Moana was a film that surprised me. I thought it was great. It was brimming with heart, humour, and unforgettable songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The performances, especially from Dwayne Johnson as Maui and Auli i Cravalho as Moana, brought the characters to life in a way that felt fresh. Naturally, I was eager to see how a sequel would expand on the magic of the first movie. However, Moana 2, while enjoyable, doesn't quite recapture the same magic that made the original such a standout to me.
One of the biggest differences is in the music. With Miranda not returning to compose the songs, the sequel lacks the same level of musical brilliance. The new songs are decent and serviceable, but they don't have the catchy, emotionally resonant quality that made tracks like "How Far I'll Go" unforgettable. While the tunes in Moana 2 are pleasant, they fail to leave a lasting impression, making the musical aspect of the film feel less integral to the overall experience.
The story, too, feels like a weaker reflection of the original. Without delving into spoilers, the plot revisits themes and beats that feel overly familiar, which might leave fans unsatisfied. That said, the ending provides a heartfelt resolution that ties everything together in a satisfying way. Despite losing momentum in the middle, the final act does a great job of recapturing the story's emotional core, leaving me curious about what future adventures could look like.
Visually, Moana 2 is a feast for the eyes. The animation remains top-tier, with solid visuals of the ocean, lush islands, and intricate details that make the world feel vibrant and alive. While the sequel doesn't quite reach the heights of the original in terms of story or music, it's still an enjoyable watch. For fans of the first film, it's worth checking out, even if it doesn't fully live up to its predecessor.
Emilia Pérez (2024)
A Great Story that Didn't Need to be a Musical
I'm a fan of musicals, especially when they're done well, but there are times when the musical elements in a film feel disconnected from the story. Emilia Pérez is currently streaming on Netflix, and since its debut at several film festivals, it has garnered a lot of attention. While I think the story itself is fantastic, I feel the film suffers from its choice to be a musical. The film tackles a very serious and often intense subject matter, where characters can be in real danger, so when they suddenly break out into song, the tone shift can be jarring. Although I believe Emilia Pérez deserves to be seen for its strong narrative, I fear that the musical elements might pull some viewers out of the experience or cause them to lose interest.
The plot centers around Rita Moro Castro (Zoe Saldana), a struggling lawyer hired by a powerful drug cartel leader to assist with a dangerous and illegal procedure. The leader, who is unhappy in their own skin, wishes to transition into a woman, leading to a complex web of family drama and illegal activities. The story unfolds in a compelling way, with constant twists that keep the audience engaged throughout. Despite the intriguing narrative, the decision to make the film a musical didn't quite work for me. The songs, while catchy, often felt out of place given the intensity of the themes and the stakes at play.
This story is one that certainly deserves to be told, and the performances from the entire cast are remarkable. Zoe Saldana delivers a gripping performance as the lead, and the supporting cast is equally strong. The cinematography is also top-notch, with visually stunning shots that complement the film's dramatic atmosphere. Jacques Audiard's direction and screenplay add depth to the characters and the plot, making the film more immersive. His work on films like You Were Never Really Here made me confident in the quality of the dialogue, and once again, he does not disappoint.
Emilia Pérez is a well-crafted film with a strong story, great performances, and impressive technical execution. However, had it been told without the musical elements, I might have connected with it even more. While the musical numbers are enjoyable in their own right, they occasionally clash with the gravity of the narrative. Still, I would absolutely recommend this film to anyone interested in compelling stories, well-executed direction, and an engaging cast. It's a film that stands out in many ways, and despite my reservations about the musical aspect, it's worth seeing.
Venom: The Last Dance (2024)
More of the Same Enjoyable Silliness
The Venom films have never been held in high regard critically, but I found some silly enjoyment with the first one. I also feel like I'm in the minority among fans when I say that I prefer the second film (Let There Be Carnage) over the first. Being a huge Spider-Man fan may also be the reason I forgive some of the flaws in these movies, but I don't care, I have no shame in saying I have found enjoyment with this movies. Well, they have now closed out this trilogy of movies with Venom: The Last Dance, and while it's nothing special, just like the other two, I once again enjoyed myself and I may even think this is the best of the three instalments.
After the events of Venom: Let There Be Carnage, Eddie Brock/Venom (Tom Hardy) find themselves in a situation that may lead to the end as they know it. Out of nowhere, the symbiote god known as Knull needs to retrieve a codex that formed when Venom bonded with Eddie to save his life in a previous instalment. Because of this, Knull sends out symbiote creatures to retrieve it for him. Thus setting in motion the plot that Venom needs to remain suppressed by I stay alive. On top of that, government operatives are hunting them and a very nice hippy family forms a friendship with them along the way. Venom: The Last Dance is admittedly all over the place, but I had a good time.
I really do enjoy watching Tom Hardy play this role and I believe he's outdone himself here in terms of creating an emotional send off. It's a silly movie with a silly story, featuring silly characters, so with that in mind, I thought it was emotionally satisfying. Still, the overall plot is absolutely rushed and some of the dialogue is shaky, making for a movie that's not quite as good as the characters in it. Rhys Ifans as the father of the family they bump into was easily the highlight of the movie for me, being obsessed with Area 51, which is where the entire climax of the film takes place. There's also a side plot that takes Eddie to Las Vegas and I just had a smile on my face the whole time. The humour in this movie won't be for everyone, but I laughed quite a bit.
Look, Venom: The Last Dance is what it is. If you're looking for a bunch of Spider-Man connections or something to tie it into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, you will be disappointed. Aside from that, if you like the first two Venom movies, I can say that you'll probably enjoy this one as well. I truly believe the humour, action, and silliness that I enjoyed in the previous movies is at an all time high here, so I think I liked it more because of that. Take this review with a grain of salt though, because I was just looking for some silly fun and that's exactly what I got. These aren't high quality films that I rewatch again and again, but they're solid, fun, one time watches in my opinion. Venom: The Last Dance is now in theatres and I recommend it if you were already interested and know what to expect.
The Wild Robot (2024)
Familiar but Beautiful
This is a film that's been on my radar for a while. From the very moment they began marketing The Wild Robot, it seemed a little too familiar, but still looked well-crafted, so I was going to check it out no matter what. Upon hearing how good people have been thinking it is, I quickly moved it to the top of my list and I'm glad that I did. Not only is this one of the best animated films of the year, but with how predictable the story is, it still got me emotionally. I'm very impressed with this one and here's why I recommend it.
The Wild Robot follows Roz (Lupita Nyong'o), a robotic organism that is programmed with a directive. That directive is inconsequential though when a disaster happens that leaves an unhatched Duckling without a mother. Making it its new directive to take care of this Duckling, Roz becomes a little more human and learns to care about not just this duck as it grows up, but other animals in this forest as well, becoming a mother-figure to many. It's told in a way that's very kid-friendly, but this is absolutely a movie for adults. The themes of parenting and having to deal with what your kids think of you was just beautiful. I cried multiple times during this one.
The voice cast is all terrific and the animation is different from most studio productions, which I appreciated. The Wild Robot felt like a piece of art, made for kids. The score even had me welling up at times, so bravo to composer Chris Bowers. I also didn't realize until after viewing the film that Chris Sanders was the writer. From How to Train Your Dragon to The Lion King, this man has written some of the best animated films of all time, so it comes as no surprise that this effort is also fantastic. Even with a similar story to films like The Iron Giant or E. T., I still felt moved.
In conclusion, The Wild Robot is a film that deserves all of the praise it has been receiving. It does everything a great animated film should do. It has humour and messages for children, but also for adults. It doesn't care that it has a story that's been told many times before because it puts its own spin on it. This is one I can absolutely watch multiple times and not get sick of. People have been putting it on the list of best animated movies of all time, and I'm not quite sure if I'm there yet, but I absolutely can see why. This is an incredibly effective film from beginning to end and I can't recommend it enough.
Saturday Night (2024)
AN Energetic, Funny, Fun Time
As someone who grew up with Saturday Night Live (SNL) on in the background most Saturday nights, thanks to my parents, it's no surprise I've developed a deep affection for the show. Over the years, the format and talent involved just kept improving. While I'm part of the era with names like Seth Meyers, Jimmy Fallon, and Tina Fey, I've always looked back on classic episodes with fondness. There are sketches from decades past that I still revisit because they're just that iconic. Naturally, all of this made me curious about the film Saturday Night, now in theaters. And if you're a fan of the show, particularly those old enough to have experienced the original cast in the 1970s, here's why you should definitely check this one out.
Most people see Saturday Night Live as a lighthearted, easy watch, a way to get a few laughs late at night. But what many don't realize is how chaotic and stressful it was to actually get the show on air, especially in the early days. The film dives into the behind-the-scenes madness leading up to the premiere episode on October 11th, 1975. Ninety minutes before going live, the set was still unfinished, people were being fired, mistakes were being made left and right. It was a whirlwind of confusion and stress, and the film places you right in the middle of it. From the moment you're thrown onto the set, there's an undeniable energy as everyone scrambles to get things ready. It's a thrilling ride without a single dull moment.
Directed by Jason Reitman, Saturday Night feels like his best work since 2009's Up in the Air. His direction injects the film with a kinetic, almost frantic energy, perfectly capturing the chaos of a live production on the verge of collapse. The cast delivers outstanding performances, each of them embracing the high-octane tone Reitman clearly set. Dylan O'Brien nails his portrayal of Dan Aykroyd, Cory Michael Smith captures the essence of Chevy Chase, and Nicholas Braun impressively balances two distinct characters throughout the film. However, the standout by far is Gabriel LaBelle as Lorne Michaels, the mastermind behind it all. LaBelle, who was solid in Spielberg's The Fabelmans, truly shines here, delivering a breakout performance that anchors the entire film. His portrayal of Michaels is captivating, he shoulders the film almost entirely, with only a few scenes where he's not the focal point.
Now, while Saturday Night excels in capturing the essence of its characters and infusing humour to keep audiences laughing, it does have one notable flaw: it stretches the believability of how all of this could have unfolded in just 90 minutes. Though the film isn't meant to showcase sketches from SNL itself, I couldn't help but feel that the story ends a bit abruptly. I expected the conclusion, but still, it felt like a few more beats could've been hit before the credits rolled. That feeling of "is that it?" holds the film back slightly for me.
In the end, Saturday Night isn't a masterpiece, but it's an energetic, fun film that captures the frantic spirit of creating live television. It made me laugh a lot, and the energy was infectious. Despite its imperfections, I had a great time watching it.
Megalopolis (2024)
Quite the Experience (Not Good or Bad)
Megalopolis is one of the most intriguing cinematic experiences I've encountered in a long time. Directed by the legendary Francis Ford Coppola, whose masterpieces include The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, this film is the culmination of a passion project he wrote decades ago. After facing years of funding challenges, Coppola even sold his vineyard to bring his vision to life. The result is a film that left me perplexed, making it a film I'm grateful to have seen on the big screen.
At its heart, the story follows Cesar Catalina (Adam Driver), a visionary architect locked in a rivalry with Major Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito). Cesar's complicated relationships, particularly with Julia Cicero (Nathalie Emmanuel), the Mayor's daughter, further intensify this conflict. The plot thickens as Cesar develops a groundbreaking material called Megalon, envisioning a utopia while the Mayor is content with the way the city currently is, aiming only to build a casino. As Julia becomes pregnant with Cesar's child, the stakes rise, intertwining with several other subplots that occasionally veer the narrative off course.
The film's most frustrating aspect is its endless amount of compelling ideas that, with a bit of refinement and external input, could have elevated it to brilliance. Megalopolis embodies the essence of a great filmmaker, perhaps in his later years, embracing creative freedom, even when the execution feels too much like how he probably wanted it 30 years ago. While the CGI may not always hit the mark, I admired the visual style Coppola aimed for, immersing viewers in a strikingly imaginative world that, unfortunately, doesn't always align with the story itself. The supporting cast, led by a dynamic performance from Shia LaBeouf in one of his most unhinged roles, alongside some wild choices made by Aubrey Plaza and a captivating Lawrence Fishburne as the narrator, all deliver enjoyable performances, despite the script's shortcomings.
The film ventures into the abstract, showcasing some trippy and unique imagery. However, even as someone who appreciates the avant-garde, I often felt that Coppola's vision didn't fully translate to the audience. Ultimately, my experience with Megalopolis was a whirlwind of emotions, I was impressed, bewildered, intrigued, and thoroughly entertained by all the chaos. While the overarching message may have gone right over my head, I can't recommend this film enough to fans of Coppola; it's a mesmerizing journey that simply must be seen to be believed. Megalopolis may not be a success, but it certainly offers a wild ride that I genuinely enjoyed, leaving me with the question: Why does it exist?
My Old Ass (2024)
Funny and Emotionally Impactful
My Old Ass presents a nice blend of humour and heartfelt emotion through the journey of Elliott and her friends as they venture into the woods for a mushroom-fueled adventure. The film takes an unexpected turn when Elliott encounters a future version of herself, portrayed very well by Aubrey Plaza, whose brief but impactful presence leaves a lasting impression. This encounter becomes the core of the narrative, as it explores themes of self-reflection, family bonds, and the importance of companionship. The dialogue gleams with wit and authenticity, which is also enhanced by Megan Park's direction, making each moment feel genuine and relatable.
One of the standout aspects of the film is its profound message about cherishing the present. That, combined with Elliott's carefree youth and her future self's reflections, emphasizes that time is never on our side. This theme resonates deeply, reminding viewers to embrace love and connection while they can. The film's exploration of life's unpredictability is highlighted by the idea that the past cannot be altered, which adds layers to its comedic moments, transforming them into powerful reminders of what truly matters.
Maisy Stella's performance as Elliott is nothing short of remarkable, making her a breakout talent to watch. She effortlessly captures the nuances of youth, balancing humour with vulnerability as she navigates the complexities of her friendships and future self. The chemistry among the cast elevates the film, bringing authenticity to their shared experiences. The lush backdrop of Muskoka, Ontario, adds an intimate touch, making the setting feel like a character in its own right, further enhancing the film's emotional depth.
Overall, My Old Ass transcends typical coming-of-age narratives, leaving audiences both laughing and teary-eyed. It strikes a perfect balance between humour and heartfelt moments, steering clear of clichés while delivering a great message about love and living in the moment. This film is a must-see and it's one I can see myself revisiting time and time again. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a film that resonates long after the credits roll.
Wolfs (2024)
A Solid, Fun Buddy Flick
Starring the duo of Brad Pitt and George Clooney, Wolfs offers a thrilling blend of humor and action that showcases the undeniable chemistry between these two well-known actors. Their performances are solid, bringing to life the intricacies of their characters as they navigate the murky waters of crime and cover-ups. As a longtime fan of both actors, it was a joy to see them bounce off each other once again, delivering witty banter and engaging dialogue that definitely entertained me. The film's premise is centered on a fixer entangled in a high-stakes mess, which serves as a backdrop for their talents, providing a rich canvas for both comedic and dramatic moments.
Director Jon Watts, known for his recent success with the Spider-Man franchise, brings a unique flair to Wolfs. His ability to balance action with humor shines through, and the film occasionally feels reminiscent of Shane Black's Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. While Watts manages to capture some of that cleverness, Wolfs sometimes falls short of reaching those comedic heights. Nevertheless, the action sequences are well-executed, and the pacing keeps viewers engaged, even if I found myself wishing for a bit more adrenaline-fueled excitement.
The plot, though intriguing, has a resolution that may leave some wanting more. The twist of having an unexpected counterpart in the fixer's journey adds layers to the story, but the ending feels somewhat rushed and could benefit from a more satisfying conclusion. If Wolfs doesn't receive a sequel, the narrative may feel incomplete, which is a shame given the strong groundwork laid for a trilogy, in my opinion. The story's potential for further development is undeniable, and I, for one, would eagerly welcome a follow-up to explore these characters further.
Available now on AppleTV+, Wolfs is a worthwhile watch for fans of buddy comedies and action films. Despite its minor flaws, it delivers plenty of laughs and engaging moments, making it a fun addition to any movie night. With standout performances, clever dialogue, and solid direction, I had a good time watching this film. If you're looking for an entertaining experience, I recommend giving Wolfs a shot. You may just find yourself hoping for that sequel as well!
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice (2024)
A Decent Legacy Sequel
As someone who grew up watching the original Beetlejuice, I fondly remember its quirky charm and dark humour. Michael Keaton's portrayal of the eccentric character was a masterclass in comedic performance, blending outrageous antics with an unexpected layer of depth and emotion. Tim Burton's unique vision brought a world filled with imaginative designs and a playful yet haunting atmosphere to life. With that nostalgia in mind, I approached Beetlejuice Beetlejuice with high hopes, eager to see how the sequel would pay homage to its predecessor.
In this follow-up, Burton attempts to bring back the spirit of the original, but the film feels somewhat disjointed at times. While it boasts the same whimsical visuals and a lot of colorful characters, the narrative often veers off into chaotic territory. The plot revolves around a new group of characters who stumble upon Beetlejuice's antics, but their journey lacks the emotional core that made the first film more impactful. The humor, while still present, doesn't feel as funny and it's slightly forced and uneven, leaning too heavily on the absurdity without the clever wit of the original.
Michael Keaton returns to his iconic role, and it's clear that he still has a flair for the ridiculous. However, the character feels more like a caricature than the multifaceted trickster we once loved. The film is filled with bizarre set pieces and eccentric dialogue that sometimes feel like a frantic attempt to recapture the magic, but it often misses the mark. The heartwarming moments that grounded the original are still present here, but there are weird choices with how certain characters have died, that made it hard to pay attention during the dramatic moments.
In conclusion, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice is an ambitious attempt to revive a beloved classic, yet it struggles to find its footing. While it showcases Burton's signature visual style and Keaton's charisma leaping off the screen once again, the film ultimately lacks the cohesion and emotional resonance of its predecessor. For fans of the original, it's a trip down memory lane, but it may leave you longing for the charm and heart that made Beetlejuice a favourite of mine.
Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)
A Very Solid Multiversal Time
The Deadpool films have always been very enjoyable to me. They've never been endlessly rewatchable, simply due to the crass humour from start to finish, but that's just because I don't want to get tired of them. The first two films found a way to make me smile, but I never felt the need to keep revisiting those same jokes. This time around, we're in a whole new era. Since Disney purchased 20th Century Fox, we've known they were going to let this R-rated franchise continue, but in what way? Well, Deadpool & Wolverine has now hit theatres and I must admit, I once again had a solid time and it is probably the most fun I've had with any of these movies, even though the overall film itself fits right in line with the first two, quality-wise. This is a consistently entertaining franchise of 4/5 star films. Here's why I enjoyed this one, but also why I have a few concerns for those who don't follow every Marvel project.
Without getting into too many details, the basic premise of Deadpool & Wolverine begins with Deadpool being pulled into the TVA, where he learns that his world is dying and there's nothing he can do about it. Realizing that Wolverine/Logan passing away is the reason for this, he makes it his mission to hop through dimensions to find another version of that character to help him save his world and the only people he cares about. This leads them to a wasteland where characters and things from the past have all been forgotten. From there, chaos ensues, surprises will please many audience members, and the story becomes more emotionally driven than expected.
Again without giving anything away, there are a lot of cameos in this film and I enjoyed every single one of them, whether they were used for a cheap pop or a meaningful reason for being there. The use of a certain character had me in tears and another had me laughing hysterically, so I had a great time with the cameo aspects. The story is also effective enough that it held my attention, but the true core of this film comes down to Deadpool and Wolverine. Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds have clearly dreamt of doing a movie like this together and it shows. Their chemistry is electric and this is definitely a side we haven't seen from Jackman yet as this character. They made this a great experience.
There are also needle drops every few minutes, but most of them worked in the context of the scenes. Shawn Levy has directed many films in the past, but never anything like this, so it was nice to see he was capable of content like this. What else can I say about this one? Well, the action is great (like all of the Deadpool films), the cast is fantastic, the humour works 90% of the time, the surprises are a plenty, and the third act actually reeled back from what I thought would be happening. I have to admit that people may have set their expectations a little high as to who and how many characters might appear, but in general, I have no complaints there; However, there are concerns I have for certain audience members.
They make it easy enough to follow everything, but some appearances and stories carry over from shows and pieces from other films that, if you haven't seen everything, may make you scratch your head. I know there will be elements lost on some people, but at least the whole point of the movie is just about Deadpool and Wolverine. It's far from perfect and a few aspects (which would spoil your enjoyment if I said them here) are very easy to nitpick, but I have to be honest and say I had a really good time. I can't wait to see more. Deadpool & Wolverine is now playing in theatres.
Twisters (2024)
A Blast from Start to FInish
Growing up, Twister was a film that my family watched over and over again, but I've shockingly only seen it a couple of times from beginning to end. It's a fun popcorn flick but I never had much more enjoyment than that from it. For that reason, I was eagerly awaiting the revamp, Twisters, simply because I figured they could improve upon the original. Well, I believe they accomplished just that and then some. Twisters is the best time I've had at the movies in a while. If you're a natural disaster film fan, here's why you shouldn't miss this one on the big screen.
Taking place in the modern day, Twisters has no real connection to the original film, as the cast is all fresh and the references are also barely noticeable if you're not a previous fan. So, if you haven't seen the first, you can absolutely see this one on its own. The story begins years after a tragic event that Kate (Daisy Edgar-Jones) is still reeling from. Her old friend Javi (Anthony Ramos) gives her a visit to recruit her once again to his new team of tornado chasers. While very scared and hesitant, she agrees. Along the way, a rival group of tornado chasers, led by Tyler (Glen Powell), catches her eye and she realizes that she may not be working for the right team. This causes a stir between groups, as her knowledge is very valuable. This makes for some nice drama and her backstory is also well fleshed out. This movie had far more heart than I was expecting it to.
Now, a movie like this is really all about showcasing some massive set pieces and tornado sequences and I'm more than pleased with what they were able to accomplish in that regard. The CGI is top-notch and the use of a lot of practical effects and sets just made me smile. This is a crew that wanted to make everything feel as authentic as possible and I was genuinely loving the fact that it very rarely felt farfetched, like the original did. Sure, there are some crazy concepts floated throughout the film that probably wouldn't work in reality, but if you let that get to you, natural disaster movies probably don't work for you anyway. Props to everyone involved in the technical aspects.
The direction by Lee Isaac Chung is superb as well, and I have to give a huge round of applause to him because after working on some smaller films, he got awards buzz for a little film called Minari (which is really good), but I never once saw the potential of a big blockbuster like this. I can't wait to see what his talents bring to us next. Look, Twisters is a movie that is meant to entertain, thrill, and have a collection of likeable characters to get behind. In that aspect, it succeeds in spades and it's overall story is far better than the original, so I really have to scrape the bottom of the barrel if I wanted to complain about something here. There are eye-rolling moments for sure, but if that's all that bothered me, this one is a huge win. If you want to have a blast at the movies, I highly recommend Twisters.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024)
A Solid Late Sequel
Beverly Hills Cop is a great action comedy from the 1980s, but its sequels didn't exactly work for me. I was excited to hear about them making a sequel so many years later, bringing back the whole cast from the first film, but I also worried that it would be in line with the quality of the previous sequels. While I certainly have my issues with Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, it's easily the best sequel. From some excellent action to some great one-liners, this is a sequel that captures the essence of the first film but never reaches the same heights. Now streaming on Netflix, here are my thoughts.
Taking place many years after the third instalment, the film picks up with Axel Foley (Eddie Murphy) as he is still the same (aged) cop that he was before, still patrolling in Detroit. After receiving a call that his daughter is involved in a shady court case, he travels back to Beverly Hills. The plot then thickens and crooked cops, a couple twists, and familiar faces all begin to elevate the film. I will say though that it does suffer from pacing issues. The last 20 minutes are what fans of these films are waiting for and I believe it delivers on that promise, it's just that it took a little too long to get there.
For being a very simplistic story, the father-daughter relationship (even though it's good) plays out too slowly and becomes focused on far too much. Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Detective Bobby Abbott was a nice addition to the film and I enjoyed the chemistry and banter between him and Foley, but I do wish that Judge Reinhold's Billy Rosewood had more screen time with him. As I said, this film is just a build-up to some great fan service moments that all work, but it didn't quite last long enough for me. I believe some quicker editing and a few beats removed here and there would've made for a snappier watch. Still, it's almost like they make you wait for the goods you want, which is fine since it all worked for me.
All in all, I went into this late sequel hoping for some fun action, Eddie Murphy to be having a good time again in the role, and a nice mixture of comedy and drama, which was what the original film balanced well, and I got just that. It's done in a streamlined and safe way, but it was still entertaining nonetheless. I feel as though audiences will have a good time with this one, especially if they liked previous instalments. I do wish this one played in theatres, given its large budget and solid action sequences, but Netflix just continues to do what they do. Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F was unnecessary, but welcome at the same time. I'd say check it out.
A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)
A Sad, Suspenseful Thriller
A Quiet Place and its sequel have become two of my favourite horror/thrillers. Forest that reason alone I will always be there opening weekend for the next instalment. Hearing that we were taking a break from the main storyline to focus on some new people on Day One of the event, seemed like an interesting choice, but I love the this world so I was up for anything. After sitting down to view this prequel, I must say, I am genuinely impressed. I don't feel as though it reaches the heights of its predecessors, but it's a damn great time in my opinion. If you like this franchise or thrillers in general, here's why I recommend A Quiet Place: Day One.
As I mentioned, the film is about the first day that the creatures from the original film first arrived on Earth. Taking place in New York City when sound is what attracts the creatures was a great choice because you don't have a lot of places to keep quiet in. That alone made the film feel tense. Given the setting, I was shocked at their ability to add so much silence to a film like this. Bravo to the sound design team on this one. What stood out to me the most this time around though was the characters. This is a much sadder film than I was expecting.
A Quiet Place: Day One follows Samira (Lupita Nyong'o) as she joins a field trip with a group from the hospice centre she's been at. With not many days left (as cancer is taking her quickly), all she wants is to get to New York for some pizza. As the invasion happens, she meets Eric (Joseph Quinn), who is completely terrified of what is going on and they form a bond that ended up being years to my eyes. Their chemistry was great. Where the whole story goes was satisfying to me, even though some people will probably find the final scene fairly abrupt. I will also say that I've cried throughout all three of these films, but this one takes the cake emotionally. Again, bravo to the acting in this film, all around.
All in all, this film has all the hallmarks that made the first two films so great and with a great cast and a solid emotional story, I liked it almost just as much as the first two. My only real complaint is that there are a couple of scenes where they were just retreading ideas from the first film. As into this film as I was, I wondering why one or two scenes felt so similar. There were different ways of showcasing that. This is a film that deserves to be seen and experienced on the big screen, as the atmosphere is a character in itself. I loved watching this film. A Quiet Place: Day One is now playing in theatres.
Inside Out 2 (2024)
More of the Same, Fantastic Storytelling
It has been almost ten years since the release of Pixar's Inside Out. I still believe to this day that it is one of the finest feature films Pixar has done. After viewing this long-awaited sequel, I think it is nearly just as good. Not only does it use what the previous film sets up and explores to its advantage, but a lot more substance is added that I didn't expect. I'm thrilled I got to see this one on the big screen and I can't wait to give it another watch one day. Here's why I believe Inside Out 2 is a home run for the studio.
Picking up in real-time, many years after the first film, Riley is a teenager and will soon head off to high school. Struggling with the fact that she wants to fit in with new girls she looks up to on the hockey team she is currently trying out for, as well as dealing with the fact that her friends will be attending a different high school, and the fact that this is all happening as she is beginning puberty, in comes a new emotion, Anxiety. Joy, Anger, Fear, Sadness, and Disgust all return and are just as likable this time around, but Anxiety is the point of the film for sure. With the newfound emotion of Anxiety, a few others come along with her and imprison all of the emotions, suppressing them from Riley's mind. Where this whole story goes had me in tears by the end and I wasn't expecting it.
The way this film has you guessing where it's going when it should've been obvious the whole time, somehow surprised me. I was seriously not prepared for a few lines of dialogue towards the end. Younger viewers may not grasp all of the nuances and subtleties throughout the film, but it's there for them to discover upon rewatching it when they're older. These two Inside Out films are timeless in that they won't feel dated and they can relate to everyone. I had a great time with this film.
The animation is as gorgeous to look at as ever and the returning and new voice cast members all do an incredible job. The adventure it takes you on is worth the wait because the messages at the end need to be experienced by all ages. It is a great family film in that it's made for adults, but kids can also enjoy it. To get my only real criticism out of the way, I do feel there were a few moments that was treading very closely to certain themes and moments from the first, feeling a little repetitive, but that's my only complaint. It has been a while since I've enjoyed a Pixar film this much and I'm happy many others seem to be enjoying it as well.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)
A Lot of Fun
The Bad Boys franchise is one that I have always found enjoyment in, but only mildly with the first two movies. I just found them to be style over substance, but their chemistry always worked for me. It wasn't until 2020 when Bad Boys for Life came out, that the franchise found its true footing, in my opinion. The characters, story, and action all felt more real and believable to me, while also being ridiculous as always. For that, I was looking forward to Bad Boys: Ride or Die, and I must say I am a much bigger fan of these two new modern movies than the older movies. Here are my thoughts on the latest Bad Boys flick.
Picking up after the events of the third movie, Bad Boys: Ride or Die follows an aging Mike (Will Smith) and Marcus (Martin Lawrence) as they find out that their former captain (who is now deceased), has been framed. News gets out that he has been tied to drug cartels for years and with the help of Captain Rita Secada (Paola Núñez) and a mayoral candidate, Adam Lockwood (Ioan Gruffudd), they do everything they can to prove his innocence and protect the legacy of his name. There are a couple of very obvious subplot twists that come and go, so it's far from perfect, but the beating heart of why I liked the previous instalment so much, is very much present here as well.
The surprising revelation in the last movie that Mike has a son honestly added to the story in my opinion, and I'm very happy he wasn't forgotten about. He is just as prominent in this instalment and Jacob Scipio's portrayal steals the movie multiple times. I will also say that Marcus' son-in-law Reggie (Dennis Greene). Has a couple of great moments as well. This is a movie that gives the fans what they want in terms of characters, story, and action, even though it's all just ridiculous and not meant to be taken overly seriously. Directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah once again direct and their sensibilities are felt once again. They have a knack for making a good buddy cop movie and I would love to see an original one made by them.
Overall, Bad Boys: Ride or Die isn't quite as good as its predecessor, but that's okay because I still had a good time with it and the open ending hooked me for sure. Where I will say this movie suffers the most is in the editing. There were numerous times when it felt either too choppy, too slow, or just off. From a lot of fades to action scenes cutting between way too many different angles, it did feel jumbled at times. The action could've used a bit more time to breathe and the dramatic moments hit a little too hard for the type of film that it is, and it really does linger on those moments. Still, aside from how the film was assembled, I had a great time and I believe many others will too.
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)
A Very Solid Follow-Up to Mad Mad: Fury Road
The Max Max franchise is one that I have enjoyed for some time now. The original films may feel dated, but their high-octane energy is still a blast to watch. When the franchise made a comeback in 2015 with Mad Max: Fury Road, I was pleasantly surprised just how awesome it was. Therefore, I eagerly awaited the prequel to that film, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga. Well, it's now playing in theatres and while I don't think it quite reaches the heights of its predecessor, it was still a great time at the movies. Here's why, if you already like these films, you should flock out and see this.
Anya Taylor-Joy takes over the role of Furiosa from Charlize Theron this time around, as the film follows her in her younger years. In fact, I was shocked at the fact that she didn't even show up until about an hour into the film. We get the full backstory of her life, from childhood to adulthood and leading into the events of Mad Max: Fury Road. This in turn has young Ayla Browne on the screen for the first hour and she does a terrific job. Anya Taylor-Joy also does a fantastic job making the character feel like Theron's version. I have to say though, just as Mad Max: Fury Road was a film that was really about Furiosa, this film heavily relies on the villain's presence, Dementus, played by Chris Hemsworth.
Since her childhood, Dementus has had a part to play in her life, so he is present more than any performer throughout the run time. His performance is wacky and he doesn't hold back from completely going for it. I found his character to be hilarious and psychotic in the best ways. I will say that the storyline involving him and Furiosa does get bogged down by a drawn-out conclusion. I found the film to have a great pace and much stellar action to keep you engaged, but when it came to the final 30 minutes or so, I was ready for it to wrap up. I get what the last act was trying to do, but it made the film feel longer than it needed to. Still, the finale is satisfying, albeit a little slow.
Overall, Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga is a film that gives the fans of this franchise what they want to see, especially if they liked the 2015 film. George Miller once again directs and does an unbelievably good job, given the fact that he is 79 years old. His vision is still there and his ability to showcase his talents has not wained. I would love to revisit the frenetic world of Mad Max throughout more films, I just feel as though its audience isn't turning up as much anymore, which is a shame. If this is your type of movie, I can't recommend seeing this one enough, to try and keep the story going. It's simple and as exciting as ever, and now playing in theatres.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes (2024)
Just as Great as the Previous Trilogy
I loved the original Planet of the Apes, but the rest of the films that followed it were not very good. Somehow though, the most recent trilogy of The Planet of the Apes have all been great or fantastic to me. After War for the Planet of the Apes came out in 2017, I really found myself thinking that was it, for a long time, but I was clearly wrong. Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is now playing in theatres, and while I don't think it's the best one of the franchise, I still loved watching it and thought it was a great continuation. The writers and filmmakers they happen to get for these films spend the effort to make these stories worth watching. Here are my thoughts on the latest film in the franchise.
Picking up "many generations" after the reign of Caesar, apes have taken over the planet, as you might expect. Some believe the history of Caesar to be their religion and positively swear by his words, while many others have now begun to follow Proximus, an Ape who twists Caesar's words for the worse. The main story though follows Noah and his family, as Proximus' apes attack their colony. Noah then makes it his mission to rescue his captured family and friends. Along the way, he meets Raka, an Orangutan who teaches him about Caesar's legacy, and a human woman whom they name Nova. Their stories put together makes for an interesting dynamic.
From there, the film builds excellently to a climax that feels familiar to the franchise, adding its new flare. Once again, the visuals are spectacular and the motion capture performances are insanely good. Leaping ahead this many years was the best way forward this franchise had. It works almost as a reboot, as there cannot be any returning characters, while also feeling like a progression of the previous story. If for nothing else, the world-building this franchise has done is worth all the praise in the world. I also have to hand it to director Wes Ball because I didn't know he had a movie this good in him.
I liked his work on The Maze Runner films, but only some people did, and those are all he has to his name, feature film-wise. This is easily his best film to date. On top of that, Josh Friedman as the writer also shocked me. Sure, he worked on the story for Avatar: The Way of Water, but other than that, his best films are probably War of the Worlds (2005) and Terminator: Dark Fate, so once again, as far as an actual film screenplay goes, I think this is his best work to date as well. Everyone on board this film gave it their all, which shows in the final product.
I could go on and on about how much I liked Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, so I'll end with the overall experience it gave me. This is an engrossing world, and at nearly two and a half hours, it never felt its length to me. The richness of the characters and the heartfelt nature of good and evil all hooked me. This is one of the best ongoing franchises right now and I hope we get more of them with the same teamwork on them. It's not quite my favourite, but it's up there and I can't wait to revisit it. "Apes. Together. Strong."
Baby Reindeer (2024)
The fact that this was true is enough praise in itself
Baby Reindeer, like many shows on Netflix, I had no idea it was even coming out. Based on praise and an intriguing true story, I decided to give it a watch. I'm very glad that I did because it's a crazy story that deserves some attention, but I also think I was craving an unpredictable story, so it came at the right time for me. I would suggest watching the trailer for this show first though because if it made you feel uneasy, it's definitely not for you. Let's dive into this series that, with a title like Baby Reindeer, you wouldn't be able to predict the story.
The basic premise is that a Donny (Richard Gadd) is a bartender who is at a dead end in life. Wanting to be a standup comedian, but never really getting there, a woman by the name of Martha (Jessica Gunning) comes into the bar. This meeting throws his entire life into a downward spiral. Sherry becomes an overly obsessive stalker, from physical altercations to bombarding him with emails, she basically does everything in the book to get to him. You will also learn about his very dark past and that this is the last thing he needed to be a part of his life. It's a depressing, sometimes comedic story, but what I learned about the series afterwards shined a new light on it.
Upon doing some research about the fact that this is a true story, I learned that Richard Gadd, the writer and creator of this show, is actually who the true story is based on. He wrote his own life story and made it into a series, which in itself is crazily brave. I had even more respect for the stellar writing in this show after learning that. It also makes a lot of sense in retrospect because it felt raw and authentic. The graphic nature of a few scenes really drove the points home. It's a tough watch, but a great watch.
Baby Reindeer will not be for everyone, especially due to the nature of the show not holding back any details. The entire series feels like a confession of what has happened to this man throughout the years and it's done so well. I highly recommend checking this series out, which is now streaming on Netflix, but I'll just caution those who may be off-put by it. Whether you're talking television or film, Baby Reindeer is one of the best stories I've seen in 2024. Feels weird to say it like that, but it's true. I thought this series was great and I think many others will too.
IF (2024)
A great story in a mediocre film
John Krasinski is a filmmaker I will continue to follow, no matter what project he is working on. A Quiet Place and A Quiet Place: Part 2 were both fantastic horror/thrillers and coming from TV comedies and low-budget indie films, Krasinksi has proven he is more than just the quirky actor we all love. IF is his latest directorial effort and while I'm a fan of family movies and creative ideas, I don't believe this concept was brought to its fullest potential. Sometimes a nice idea just isn't enough, and IF is a perfect showcase of that. With a lot of solid ideas and plot devices going for it, let's dive into what I thought went wrong.
After the loss of her mother, Bea (Cailey Fleming) is going through a difficult time in her life. Her father (John Krasinski) is also in the process of having surgery, so the weight on her shoulders when the film begins is quite heavy. Beginning to see a bunch of random, unique-looking creatures and ideas come to life around her, she begins to realize she is seeing the imaginary friends that everyone has grown up with and forgotten. In comes Cal (Ryan Reynolds), who can also see these "IFs," as they embark on a journey together in order to reconnect these "IFs" with their people who have grown up. This concept is beautiful and almost even brought a tear to my eye, but I feel as though there are far too many similarities to other films, without it really doing too much to stand out on its own.
I will say that the payoff/twist at the end is effective, but maybe it's just that I've seen too many movies like this. I was able to predict the main twist pretty early on in the movie and since that was what it all built up to, I felt a little underwhelmed. Still, for those who don't see a few things coming, I'm sure you will feel the emotion more than me. It's a well-constructed movie overall and Krasinski still continues to prove he has a knack for directing, it's just that the magic he thought he was heavily injecting into the film felt a little flat to me. I will also say that there are many times when some viewers may find it overly sappy, but I found those moments to be a nice cherry on top of an otherwise good, but predictable movie.
In the end, this is something kids may enjoy, but I feel it's also aiming for adults with mature storylines. However, these two things clashed for me on multiple occasions because I wasn't sure if it was trying to be cute or thought-provoking. Maybe the answer to that is both, but it didn't work for me. The overall story is more than worth the time, so I'll give it a mild recommendation, but maybe temper your expectations, especially if you've been looking forward to this one. IF is a great story in a mediocre execution of a movie. It's now playing in theatres, but you can wait for this one.
The Fall Guy (2024)
A Great Celebration of Stunts and Movies
Many film fans and industry professionals have been calling for stunt people to be given the credit and acknowledgement they deserve. Well, there may not be any big awards for them yet, but this film certainly celebrates the craft in a great way. The Fall Guy is a big popcorn action flick that I've been waiting to see for a while now, and I have to say, it was very entertaining. You could just tell the filmmakers involved were making this a love letter to stunts, while also trying to tell a very fun story at the same time. If you're looking to have a good time at the movies, here's why I recommend The Fall Guy.
After an injury, stuntman Colt Seavers (Ryan Gosling) saddles back up and returns to a new film set, where his crush happens to be the director (Emily Blunt) of the film and the main star (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) has secretly gone missing. You very soon realize though that he was hired onto this film by the producer so that she can send him on a hunt to find the movie star. With a nice relationship between Blunt and Gosling, this film sings with charisma and humour, while the rest is about celebrating Hollywood and the stunts that go into a movie. I thought the overall story was ridiculous and fun, while the romance was adorable. The movie could've been a little funnier at times, but that's a nitpick.
In terms of where the story goes, I predicted most of it throughout, but the cast is so good that I was able to ignore the formula. Winston Duke as Colt's friend/boss is terrific and their scenes together were some of my favourites in the movie and Hannah Waddingham as the film's producer stole a few moments as well. I will say what perplexed me was that the main credits at the start of the film listed Teresa Palmer when I believe she briefly appears twice and maybe has one or two lines. I was shocked to see her in the top billing without even really being in the movie. Aside from that, this cast was incredible together. Now, let's wrap this up by diving into why a lot of people will likely enjoy it.
The Fall Guy, as I said, is a film that celebrates stunts, and throughout almost every single frame, it all looked like it was shot on location and without many visual effects. That is rare for a big-budget movie these days and that just put a smile on my face. The explosions looked real, the car stunts looked real, and most importantly, it didn't seem like a lot of green screens were used for certain settings. It felt like this film was 90% in-camera and that's never going to be a bad thing in my book. Director David Leitch began his career as a stuntman himself, and after now directing five feature films, I can confidently say that I think The Fall Guy is his best work so far. For action, romance, or comedy fans, I recommend this one. It's not amazing by any means, but the story is good enough to service a big, fun, entertaining popcorn flick. Oh, and stay for the credits, a nice behind-the-scenes look plays throughout them. Check out The Fall Guy, now playing in theatres.
Challengers (2024)
A Dose of Fantastic Filmmaking
Luca Guadagnino is a filmmaker I have seen very little of, and that's coming from someone who tries to watch as many films as I can. With that said the only film of his that I had the pleasure of seeing before Challengers was Call Me By Your Name. I loved that film and am only bringing it up because I found Challengers to be even better. It has been a while since the editing and score of a film sucked me in this much. The way this film is structured felt very reminiscent of The Social Network, which is one of my favourite films, so naturally, that was a bonus for me. Here's why I loved Challengers so much.
Tashi (Zendaya) used to be an incredible tennis player. Due to an injury, she can no longer compete at the level she would like to. Now living vicariously through her husband Art (Mike Faist), as she now coaches him, they are about to face their biggest trial yet, which is the fact that Art will need to go head to head with Patrick (Josh O'Connor). Patrick is Tashi's ex-boyfriend and ex-friend of Art. This creates a triangle of drama that lasts throughout the entire film. Not only is the story intriguing, but the way it's told is simply mind-blowing on a filmmaking level.
I compared it to The Social Network and I'll explain why. That film has a pulsating score from beginning to end, never allowing viewers to become bored and Challengers does exactly that as well. Scored by the terrific duo of Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross (who also did The Social Network), there were multiple times when I had a smile on my face, simply because of how awesome the score was. On top of that, the same technique of telling this story throughout many different periods of their lives is also done here. It's done in such a way that a flashback might happen first and then when you see a simple image in the present, you realize a twist for yourself without the film even really bringing attention to it. The non-linear storytelling here is some of the best I've seen in a while.
Challengers is all about the techniques used to elevate this engaging story. Zendaya, Faist, and O'Connor are all great with what they're given and the tennis scenes are also well-done. No match ever feels the same and the camerawork during those scenes made me scratch my head as to how they even pulled it off. Guadagnino is a filmmaker I said I would always follow after Call Me By Your Name, but I clearly fell off that train and need to get back on. His work here is stellar and I can't wait to see what he does next. Challengers is one of my favourite films of 2024 and will likely remain that way.
Late Night with the Devil (2023)
A Great Experiment that Paid Off
Late Night with the Devil is a film that wasn't on my radar until recently. Until it got a limited theatrical release and then premiered on Shudder, I had no interest, but after hearing some people rave about it, I gave it a chance. I'm glad that I did because even though the film covers familiar territory, it still feels very unique and fresh. From demonic children to professional skeptics, the characters in this film feel like old news, but how they're utilized makes it work so well. Here's why, if you're into horror, you should check this one out.
Jack Delroy (David Dastmalchian) is a late-night talk show host for a series called Night Owls. With his ratings on the decline after being on top for so many years, he decides to make a big decision and bring on guests for a Halloween special in order to spook his audience. After bringing on a medium and a skeptic to get the show rolling, a child is allowed to showcase the fact that she is possessed, on live television. Of course, certain people don't believe, including the skeptic who is on the show, so this makes for a very intriguing story. Is it all an act? Is it real? Are audiences in for a shocking surprise? I couldn't predict that until how the film ended. Taking place as an entire broadcast of an actual late-night talk show, the format of this film held my attention throughout.
Unlike found footage films, Late Night with the Devil uses the talk show format to its advantage. The entire film is told through the cameras of a live show, so there isn't a lot of camera movement and half of the film is simply people having conversations on set, but the tension is present from start to finish and I couldn't look away. It also didn't hurt that David Dastmalchian gave one of his best performances yet, and as a leading man, I would gladly watch him again. What impressed me the most about this film though, was the use of practical effects. Practical effects are not what makes a film good or bad, but I wasn't expecting some of the imagery that was presented to me. From grotesque body horror to physically moving the objects on the set, it was pretty flawless (save for a couple of things that look low budget).
I'll be keeping an eye on the directing duo of Cameron and Colin Cairnes in the years to come, especially if they stick with the horror genre because what they accomplished here is terrific. I will say my minor complaints fall in line with my opening statement that the premise itself isn't completely original, but that's easily forgiven when I saw how they used the live setting, practical effects, interesting characters, and how they chose to reveal certain things at the end. The ending may annoy some viewers, but I loved every second of it. As long as you're someone who can stomach some pretty gross practical visuals, I can't recommend Late Night with the Devil enough.
Civil War (2024)
Straightforward and to the Point
Upon hearing Alex Garland would be making a feature film about what our world could look like in the middle of a modern Civil War, I was sold. The trailers hooked me even more, so there was no chance I was missing this one in theatres. Well, even though I thought the experience of Civil War was visceral and engaging, I also felt that something was missing. The funny thing is that I wouldn't change a frame of what was on screen, but I think an additional storyline to add real stakes should've been included. This is a very straightforward film that has one goal and looking through the film with that lens makes it great in my opinion.
As I said, Civil War is a film that imagines what our world would look like if we were in the middle of a modern war. The story of the film follows Lee (Kirsten Dunst), Joel (Wagner Moura), Jessie (Cailee Spaeny), and Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson) on their way to Washington, D. C. Lee and Joel are making it their daring mission to make it to the president, to interview him, before anything may or may not happen to him. Jessie is a fan of Lee and tags along for the ride, as she is an aspiring war photographer and Sammy is a friend of theirs who works for a rival news outlet. The four of them end up on a road trip together and the majority of the film is them making stops and revealing to the audience just how bad certain areas have become. There are some eye-opening images throughout, but where this film shined for me was its characters and the sound design around them.
It was very nice to see Dunst in a leading role because it seems as though it's been quite a few years since that last happened. Her back and forth with Moura (who gives a great performance) is what held the film together for me, along with her relationship with Spaeny. Cailee Spaeny is an actress I took notice of in 2018's Bad Times at the El Royale, but she blew me away last year with her performance in Priscilla. She's great once again here and I can't wait to see what she does next. The entire cast here had fantastic chemistry, and the events around them were also elevated, as I said, by the superb sound design.
Civil War has some of the best sound I've heard in a film in a while. From the use of silence to the pulsating sounds of gunfire in an intense situation, these aspects kept me on the edge of my seat, especially because I liked and cared about the characters. My biggest complaint though is the fact that you can predict the big moments in the film from a mile away and then it never takes it one step further. I would suggest that this film could've been brilliant with a big reveal or a more emotional core to the overall story. It's an eye-opening film for sure and a very well-made one, but I think I got what I expected from Garland as a filmmaker, and nothing more. That's not a bad thing, I think Civil War is great, but I still felt like something was missing.
Monkey Man (2024)
A Fantastic Debut from Dev Patel
Like many, Dev Patel is an actor I have been following since his terrific performance in Slumdog Millionaire. Since then, he has become one of my favourite performers, especially since the film Lion became one of my favourite modern films. For these reasons, there was no chance I was missing his directorial debut in Monkey Man. After viewing this film, I have to say, Patel just be a director on the rise to look out for. Here is why I found Monkey Man to be such an achievement, especially for a first time director.
There are more complexities to the overall story, but the main storyline is that Patel portrays a man who has come from a life where his mother is brutally murdered in front of his eyes as a child. Now in adulthood, his past has come back to haunt him, with the criminal organization responsible is back in his life. At night, he fights in a ring and the audiences have come to know him as the Monkey Man. With these strengths, he will train in order to take down anyone involved in his past. It's a simple revenge story, but the nuances presented throughout the film make it much more emotional, and the stellar fight sequences are just the cherry on top.
The fights, choreography, and brutal nature of how he takes people out is simple pulse-pounding. You can just tell that Dev Patel had a very hard task getting this film made, as he has said publicly. I personally don't know how he pulled off certain techniques here because everything felt raw and real. The editing and cinematography is also unique so I was never bored. I will say the pacing does slow down in the middle, but I enjoyed the story so much that it didn't ruin it, but that's definitely my biggest complaint. The first and third acts are incredible, with a decent middle act. I've also heard some viewers complaining about the shaky cam, but I found it to be used sparingly and made it more visceral.
Overall, Monkey Man is a film that I highly recommend seeing in theatres, if not for the sound design alone. From the first scene to the final shot of the film, I thought the story progression felt earned and the action was more than satisfying. It's a simple story, built out to feel much grander in scale (while being done on a low, ten million dollar budget). Everything about this small flick is impressive. I will warn that it has quite a bit of graphic violence, so if that's not your thing, Monkey Man isn't for you. Otherwise, I had a great time with this one and I absolutely recommend it.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)
Amazingly Dumb Fun
I'll just start by saying that if you know what to expect from a movie like this and you still want to see it, then I can't recommend it enough. Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is now in theatres and it's probably the most fun, bombastic, silly (as well as dumb) movie in this whole Monsterverse to date. When this franchise began in 2014 with Godzilla and then Kong: Skull Island shortly after, I never expected we would end up with a movie like this one. Look, this movie was made for people who want to see giant monsters fight each other, so if that's all you need from this, it delivers. Here's why this big, dumb movie gave me an awesome experience.
Picking up after the events of Godzilla vs. Kong, the majority of this movie takes place down in hollow earth. Still unravelling secrets about Skull Island, a group of new and old cast members journey into the depths of hollow earth, making discoveries about ancestors and possible, current civilization. This continues throughout the movie as Kong discovers a leader of apes, Scar King. This leads to Kong needing the help of Godzilla, who has spent the entire movie charging up at random nuclear locations around the world. Yes, the overall plot is that silly and all over the place, but it all builds up to a 20-30-minute battle sequence that was just pure fun.
I will say, as expected, the human story is thin, but I really didn't care, and that's because of Dan Stevens' performance. He knew the movie he was in and he was just having a blast with his character. He livened up the movie when the monsters weren't there (which is also not very often this time around). A nice story continues from the previous instalment about Ilene (Rebecca Hall) and her newfound daughter Jia (Kaylee Hottle). But, Kong with a giant robotic glove, Godzilla being the most powerful he has ever been, zero gravity action scenes, and surprise monsters all clashing together just made me smile. If you're looking for something deep, look elsewhere.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire may have been exactly the movie I was searching for at the time, but I can't deny that it worked for me. The movie's premise is honestly just a bunch of nonsense to build up to awesome action, and that was clearly director Adam Wingard's plan from the beginning. This is a movie built specifically for fans of giant monsters and for that, I have to give it up for it delivering that. Will there be a dumber big-budget movie this year? Probably not, but this is an example of dumb done amazingly well. If this review sells you on seeing it, then I absolutely recommend it.