lawnmorgan

Left for Dead: The Ashley Reeves Story tells the harrowing tale of a young woman's fight for survival after a brutal attack leaves her paralyzed and abandoned in the woods for 30 hours. While the true story is undeniably compelling, the execution leans heavily on Lifetime Movie Network tropes, with predictable pacing, clichéd dialogue, and overly dramatic moments. The film struggles to elevate itself beyond the "based on true events" genre, feeling more like a grim Hallmark movie than a gripping drama. Despite its flaws, the film serves as a testament to resilience, though its lack of nuance and polish leaves much to be desired. Overall, a decent snowed in movie.

The movie about Jennifer Dulos, the Connecticut mother of five who vanished in 2019, falls short of expectations. While the real-life case is gripping and tragic, the film struggles to do it justice. The acting is average, and the storytelling lacks the emotional depth and suspense necessary to convey the complexity of the case, including the contentious custody battle and the investigation into her husband, Fotis Dulos. Overall, the true story is far more compelling than this lackluster adaptation. I suspect there's a 20/20 or Dateline documentary out there that is actually better. Oh well; made a decent snow day movie.

What were they thinking? Turning Joker into a musical feels like a colossal misstep. Even in the golden age of musicals, this would have been a disaster. The dark, psychological brilliance of the first film is traded for awkward musical numbers and an incoherent tone that leaves viewers scratching their heads.

Joaquin Phoenix, so captivating in the original, is reduced to warbling through overwrought songs that sap all menace from his character. And Lady Gaga, while a talented performer in other arenas, struggles to convey the complexity of Harley Quinn, delivering a performance that feels more like a parody than a genuine portrayal. Their chemistry is forced, and the musical format robs the story of the gritty tension that made the first film a masterpiece. Watching them kiss caused me to feel nauseous.

Instead of diving deeper into the Joker's twisted psyche, Folie à Deux meanders through forgettable tunes and garish visuals that feel more Broadway than Gotham. The result is an unfocused, tone-deaf sequel that feels like an insult to the brilliant groundwork laid by its predecessor. If the first Joker was an exploration of a damaged, evil genius, this sequel is little more than a gaudy spectacle-and a pure pile of cinematic cow manure. Gene Kelly, your legacy is safe.