Knock at the Cabin

 

Knock at the Cabin is a suspense thriller directed by M. Night Shyamalan; starring Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff, and Ben Aldridge. The film is based on the novel The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul Tremblay. The film follows a family who is taken hostage by four armed strangers at a remote cabin in the woods. The strangers demand that the family make an unthinkable choice to avert the apocalypse.

The plot was engaging and kept me guessing what would happen next. However, there were some gaps in the story that made it not as believable. The themes of family, sacrifice, and faith were prevalent throughout. Additionally, the twist at the end was different from the book, but it still wrapped up appropriately.

The film is categorized as a horror, but it did not deliver on the scares that one might expect. The cinematography was not as suspenseful as it could have been, and the R rating was a bit confusing because the director pans away from all the worst parts. As a result, a lot is left up to the interpretation of the viewer.

I appreciated the diversity of the casting however the character development in the film was lacking. The characters were not very well-formed, which made it hard to connect with them and care about their fates. As a result, the film did not have the same emotional impact that it could have had.

In the end, Knock at the Cabin was a typical M. Night Shyamalan film. For those that are fans of the director, you might enjoy it. For me, I came away thinking it wasn’t a complete waste of time but I was glad I didn't pay to see it in theatres and it was not one I would recommend to others.

No Hard Feelings

 

No Hard Feelings is a romantic comedy that features Jennifer Lawrence, who not only stars in the film but also serves as an executive producer. The cast also includes Andrew Barth Feldman, Laura Benanti, and Matthew Broderick. The story revolves around Maddie, who, on the verge of losing her home, takes on a unique job opportunity: a car in exchange for helping helicopter parents bring their introverted 19-year-old son out of his shell before he goes off to college. She has one summer to transform him or lose everything.

The film delves into themes of personal growth, stepping out of one's comfort zone, and embracing life's experiences. As said in the film, “you have to push in to pull out”. I also picked up on how No Hard Feelings was reminiscent of one of my favorite movies, the coming-of-age story The Girl Next Door from 2004. While No Hard Feelings did contain some predictable plotlines, the overall narrative remained easy to follow and enjoyable. It struck a balance between humor and heart, making it a fun watch.

Jennifer Lawrence shown as Maddie Barker, stealing the scenes with her portrayal of a hilariously awkward, raunchy, and unpredictable character. Despite making questionable choices, Lawrence infused Maddie with a wide range of emotions, creating a fully formed character with a redeemable arc. It is commendable to see Lawrence taking on unique and diverse roles, deviating from the path that initially brought her fame. Lawrence also had great chemistry with Andrew Barth Feldman, a fresh face for many. He also impressed as Percy Becker, an introverted 19-year-old struggling with confidence and seeking to blend into the background. His performance brought authenticity to the character and added depth to the overall story.

While No Hard Feelings occasionally ventured into over-the-top territory with its comedic gags, it remained an enjoyable film. The exaggerated moments added to the entertainment value and contributed to the overall charm of the movie.

It Could Happen to You

 

It Could Happen to You is loosely based on a true story that revolves around a police officer who, instead of leaving a tip, promises to share half of his lottery ticket winnings with a waitress. Starring Nicolas Cage, Bridget Fonda and Rosie Perez.

While the concept of the film was initially charming, the execution of the plot fell short, revealing significant drawbacks. The writing was poor and at times corny. However, the most notable issue, in my opinion, was the romanticization of an inappropriate relationship between married individuals, which left a bitter aftertaste.

Regarding casting, I appreciated the authentic diverse representation of what New York City actually looks like. Nicolas Cage's acting fell short of expectations. His performance as Charlie Lang was lackluster, unable to deliver the depth and range required for his character. I was also distracted by the poor makeup choice for Lang, as he appeared unnaturally pale throughout the movie. This questionable decision became a disruption, taking away from the overall viewing experience. On the other hand, Bridget Fonda who played Yvonne Biasi and Rosie Perez who played Muriel Lang shown bright in their roles, bringing energy and skill to the screen. Their superior acting abilities overshadowed Cage's shortcomings and made their scenes more bearable.

On another positive note, the film successfully captured the essence of the 90s with its appropriate costume choices that align with the setting. Interestingly, these vintage styles have made a comeback in recent times, adding a touch of nostalgia for viewers.

While the film may be considered a classic and garnered a loyal following, it fails to hold up in today's context. This storyline detracts from the overall enjoyment and may be a point of contention for those seeking a more wholesome narrative. Regrettably, It Could Happen to You does not stand the test of time, and I personally wouldn't choose to watch it again.

Fast X

 

Fast X marks the beginning of a two-part finale for the iconic Fast and Furious franchise, centered around Dom Toretto and his loyal family. This time, they find themselves in the crosshairs of the vengeful son of drug kingpin Hernan Reyes, a character introduced in Fast Five.

The plot bore a number of similarities to Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol. While this film managed to incorporate some elements of intrigue and suspense, with unexpected twists and character reveals, it did little to distinguish itself from other action franchises, falling into familiar territory. Additionally, this franchise's fondness for increasingly unrealistic action sequences has reached new height to the point that it has become comical.

These films have never really been known for good acting or script writing so it’s always a surprise to me when a well-established and respected actors like Brie Larson join this clown show. And as expected, Brie’s character, Tess, unfortunately fell victim to a lackluster role and a subpar script. Her performance felt forced, partially due to a lack of character development, which failed to fully utilize her abilities and left her character incongruous in the overall narrative.

I was disappointed with Jason Momoa's casting as Dante Reyes, despite being a huge fan of his. Specifically, the decision to portray Dante as some sort of homage to Health Ledger’s Joker while also packing on a more flamboyant and campy personality tapped into an offensive practice known as queer coding. This approach involves attributing stereotypical LGBTQ+ traits to villainous characters. Not only did it feel out of place, but the ethnicity of the character was also a mismatch for Momoa, who is of Hawaiian and White heritage, playing a character of Latino descent. My thoughts were, if they wanted Momoa so bad, they should have changed his character to fit his ethnicity but instead they lazily plugged him into a role that he shouldn't have been in. This also me thinking about one other missed opportunity to cast an actor who more accurately reflecting the character's background in Vin Diesel's portrayal of Dom. Another character who is supposed to be of Latino descent, which does not align with Diesel's own ethnicity.

Despite its shortcomings, Fast X successfully maintains certain core elements that have always made the franchise enjoyable. The race scenes, a trademark of the series, are still entertaining and well-executed. Additionally, the film continues the tradition of presenting strong, capable women who can hold their own alongside their male counterparts. This representation is always appreciated and contributes to the overall appeal of the movie.

Overall, Fast X sets the stage for an action-packed conclusion to the franchise but falls short in terms of fresh storytelling and fully utilizing the talents of its cast. It's a film that is for the fans, catering to the spectacle of increasingly outrageous action sequences that require a suspension of disbelief. As a longtime fan, I'm still committed to the series, but no longer think it's necessity to experience these films in theaters. Instead, I think they can be enjoyed from the comfort of home, where one can appreciate and pass judgment on their over-the-top nature.

The Flash

 

The Flash is a DC superhero film directed by Andy Muschietti and starring Ezra Miller, Michael Keaton, and Sasha Calle. The film follows Barry Allen as he uses his super speed to travel back in time to save his mother, but his attempt to change the past creates a new timeline where he must now race to undo his mistakes in order to save the future.

The plot is similar to Spider-Man: No Way Home, down to the shakeup of the multiverse. It doesn't offer anything new or groundbreaking. Additionally, the fight sequences were creative but the CGI was so terrible that it looked like a poorly made video game.

There were a few funny parts here and there but for the most part the script was pretty generic except for the Batman sequences which were quite nostalgic.

Regarding casting, the multiverse does give a lot of opportunity to see actors you haven’t seen in a while, which was an addition I enjoyed. It’s too bad Ezra Miller has had such a bad reputation as of late, because they are really likeable as The Flash. They are quirky and relatable as more of an underdog superhero. As for the rest of the cast, there was a stanch lack of character development. Especially for Super Girl, played by Sasha Calle and The Flash’s, the love interest, Iris West, played by Kiersey Clemons. Both women had minimal to no backstory and were never fully formed. It was a shame because this would have been a great opportunity to introduce some additional leading ladies but instead they both felt like afterthoughts.

Overall, The Flash was a typical disappointing DC movie. A movie that had potential to be great but couldn’t quite stick the landing. . With all the changes at Warner Bros. Discovery I’m hoping the new iterations of The Flash, along with Suicide Squad, Justice League, Aquaman and Wonder Woman all get the Marvel revamp they so desperately need.

A Tourist’s Guide to Love

 

A Tourist's Guide to Love is a romantic comedy that centers on the journey of Amanda Riley, portrayed by Rachael Leigh Cook. After experiencing an unexpected breakup, Amanda, an executive seeking self-discovery, embarks on a transformative adventure. As an undercover tourist in Vietnam, she immerses herself in the vibrant travel industry, which sets the stage for a delightful exploration of love, personal growth, and cultural discovery.

While the plot may have been predictable from the beginning, the movie still managed to charm me with its sweetness. The movie explores the compelling theme of stepping outside of one's comfort zone, encouraging people to embrace new experiences and take risks. It serves as a reminder of the transformative power of travel and venturing into the unknown.

I appreciated how this film showcased authentic and diverse casting, highlighting the importance of proper representation. The inclusion of Vietnamese actors and the integration of the Vietnamese language throughout the story added a layer of authenticity. Scott Ly, a new face for many, portrayed a good-looking leading man with commendable acting range. His chemistry with Rachael's character was palpable and added to the film's charm. It was also nice to see Rachael's return to a leading role. Her portrayal as a risk adverse planner was wholesome and likable, adding to the film's overall appeal.

The traditional and vibrant Vietnamese clothing further enhanced the cultural richness portrayed on screen. I also had a deep appreciation for the films beautiful on site locations. Notably, the line, "Vietnam is more than just the war," spoken by Scott Ly's character, Sinh, left a lasting impact. It instilled a deep appreciation for Vietnamese culture, food, and the significance of family bonds. This film was able to successfully transcend boundaries, reminding us that we share more similarities than differences.

In the end, A Tourist's Guide to Love, an adorable and culturally rich film that will leave you yearning to embark on your own journey to Vietnam. With its authentic casting, beautiful visuals, and themes of cultural appreciation, it offers an enjoyable cinematic experience. Prepare to be captivated by this delightful movie that celebrates love, cultural exploration, and personal growth.

Judy

 

Judy is a 2019 biographical drama directed by Rupert Goold, based on the life of renowned American actress and singer Judy Garland. Adapted from Peter Quilter's Olivier- and Tony-nominated play End of the Rainbow, the film stars Renée Zellweger, Rufus Sewell, and Michael Gambon.

While the plot may have been slow-moving, it remained engaging throughout, presenting a cautionary tale. The film delves into the poignant, true story of Judy Garland's struggles, stemming from unresolved childhood traumas. It was truly astonishing to witness how those around her turned a blind eye to her distressing behavior and failed to intervene when she spiraled out of control.

Renée Zellweger's performance as Judy Garland was nothing short of remarkable. She flawlessly embodied Garland, capturing her mannerisms and her look. Zellweger's portrayal deservedly garnered numerous awards and accolades, rightfully recognizing her ability to convey the profound impact of Garland's final year. The fact that she sang live for the film added an impressive layer of authenticity.

Ultimately, Judy tugs at the heartstrings with its exploration of the detrimental effects of an enabling culture perpetuated by individuals who profit from celebrities. It is a well-crafted film that prompts contemplation on the nature of fame and the people who benefit from it.

Till

 

Till is a biographical drama featuring an exceptional cast including Danielle Deadwyler, Jalyn Hall, and Frankie Faison. Set in 1955, the film centers around Mamie Till, a courageous mother determined to confront the deep-rooted racism behind the brutal lynching of her 14-year-old son, Emmett. With unwavering resolve, she vows to bring those responsible for the heinous act to light, seeking justice for her son's tragic fate.

The plot was authentic, suspenseful and heartbreaking. Its poignant portrayal of Mamie Till's journey, alongside its examination of the broader societal issues, serves as a valuable tool for generating awareness and fostering dialogue.

Danielle Deadwyler shines as a true star in Till, carrying the film with her exceptional performance. Her portrayal of Mamie Till is imbedded with strong emotions, composed resilience, and undeniable grace. Her unwavering strength and courage in the face of overt hatred and racism was commendable. Together with countless others, she risked her life to speak out and expose the most heinous crime. Witnessing Danielle’s range as an actress beyond her previous role in the TV miniseries From Scratch was a true pleasure.

One intriguing choice made by the filmmakers was to refrain from showing the brutal act itself, instead opting to depict the aftermath and its harrowing consequences. This decision adds an interesting layer to the narrative, leaving a profound impact on the audience. Furthermore, this choice ensures a PG-13 rating, thus increasing the accessibility and potential viewership, which is crucial for education.

In conclusion, Till stands as a significant and thought-provoking film that pays tribute to the resilience and bravery of Mamie Till and others who fought against racial injustice. With a standout performance by Danielle Deadwyler, it is a compelling cinematic experience that leaves a lasting impression. This film carries a powerful message and should be embraced as a means to educate and enlighten all who see it.

Extraction II

 

Extraction II picks up right where the original 2020 film left off, thrusting audiences back into the gripping world of Tyler Rake and his team. In this highly anticipated sequel, the stakes are raised as they embark on a mission that hits close to home. With the stakes raised, the question looms: Will they be able to maintain their composure and succeed, or will everything unravel before their eyes?

The plot was a seamless continuation of 2020s Extraction. With its suspenseful and engaging storyline you are on the edge of your seat the entire time.

The cinematography and editing were a true standout. Every fast-paced moment is captured with precision and artistry. The camera work was clean and seamless, allowing viewers to fully immerse themselves in the heart-pounding action.

The adrenaline-fueled gunfights to breathtaking stunts, showcased director Sam Hargrave’s signature style as a stuntman turned actor. His unique way of filming the well-choreographed action sequences helped to ensure that viewers would be immersed in the relentless pace of the film

Chris Hemsworth really impressed me with his acting prowess in this sequel. His portrayal of Tyler Rake showcased compelling range, blending vulnerability with unwavering determination. Hemsworth's charismatic presence on screen added depth to the character, making him someone you wanted to root for. I also enjoyed seeing more camera time for Golshifteh Farahani and Adam Bessa
as Nik and Yaz Khan. They all had great chemistry together. My only critique is that I wish we got a deeper dive on Nik and Yaz's character development. 

Director Sam Hargrave skillfully crafted a sequel that flawlessly sustains the nail-biting suspense and tension established in the first film. Through a well-crafted narrative, Hargrave delivers a truly thrilling experience that captivates audiences from start to finish. With its heart-pounding action, gripping storyline, and meticulous attention to detail, Extraction II proves to be an exhilarating ride that leaves viewers craving more.