Nena Erb was the guest this week. Nena is the Emmy Award winning editor of HBO’s Insecure.
Episode #206: Nena Erb. Editor of HBO’s Insecure
Review: Bodies Bodies Bodies
Bodies, Bodies, Bodies (2022)
R ‧ Horror Comedy ‧ 1 Hour 35 Minutes
Screenplay by Sarah DeLappe
Story by Kristen Roupenian
Directed by Halina Reijn
THE CAST
Amandla Stenberg, Maria Bakalova, Myha’la Herrold, Chase Sui Wonders, Rachel Sennott, Lee Pace, and Pete Davidson.
THE STORY
(In their own words)
When a group of rich 20-somethings plan a hurricane party at a remote family mansion, a party game turns deadly in this fresh and funny look at backstabbing, fake friends, and one party gone very, very wrong.
THE BEST
The BEST things about the film
- The comedy – very funny film. Possibly now a current favorite horror comedy.
- The suspense – Trying to figure out who the killer is, waiting for twists, waiting for the next death, trying to figure the whole thing out, was amazingly exciting.
- The satire. The satire of the film to me seemed to be a commentary on the juxtaposition of the starring generation. This is a generation that is really in touch with their emotions and aware how their words can harm other people. Yet at the same time they feel empty.
THE WORST
The WORST things about the Film
- It’s definitely a film of convenience. Set up too perfectly.
- Some exposition to explain dumb things people did, seemed unnecessary.
- My lack of a time machine to go back in time and watch this again for the first time.
THE REVIEW
After every screening I see, I’m supposed to give notes to the PR firm holding the screening, let me share with you what I said to the things I told them:
“A refreshingly and surprisingly wonderfully done horror comedy, with an emphasis on the comedy.
Honest performances, never over the top, played for keeps never for laughs, but the laughs kept coming.
Pete Davidson is fantastic.
Wonderful ensemble! Acting, chemistry, they did it all so wonderfully.
Can’t wait to see it again.
It is the “do-not-miss horror of the year.”
Spot-on satire of a generation that has amazing levels of empathy and understanding of other people’s difficulties yet can’t find their own purpose.”
That should give you a sense of how I felt about this film.
They say it is a lot harder to write a review of a film you like than to write one for a film you hate. It’s really hard for me to write this review. I just want to gush over how much I enjoyed this.
I feel like I watch a lot of TV and film, and I just couldn’t predict this film. It’s horror, but it wasn’t as gory as I was afraid it would be. It showed it was also a comedy, but it was WAY funnier than I predicted. I thought I knew who the killer was, then I thought I knew who they were trying to make me think the killer was, then I thought I knew the red herring, cause it’s actually this other person….I was never right. I could just never predict what would happen. And that is absolutely exhilarating.
I don’t think the film will be considered a film to “change the genre” but it at minimum should set a bar of excellence because this film is truly wonderful. The writing is wonderful. The script is witty, the characters are fully developed, they are driven with clear motivations, they reveal things at just the right times, there are wonderfully developed social commentaries throughout the film, which is so wonderful to see in a horror comedy.
The acting is surprisingly awesome. Pete Davidson was just terrific and it makes me want to go watch his other films to see if I’ve been missing something.
THE LESSON
This movie is stacked full of lessons! It really is!
Lessons in white privilege, in ableism, in understanding the hardships others experience and trying to be an ally. But ultimately I came away with this:
Being an ally is great….but making yourself empty inside is horrible.
REWATCHABLE?
Absolutely. One of the first movies in a while that I can’t wait to watch again.
THE FINAL WORD
If you want a great laugh and scream movie, Bodies Bodies Bodies is it. It definitely has the blood and guts of a horror film. But it’s comedy makes me forget all that. This is close to the most fun I’ve had in a theater this year.
THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.
Bodies Bodies Bodies gets a Love It
THE TRAILER
Episode 205: Charlotte Mikkelborg & Time Detectives: The Mystery of the Mary Rose
This week on Episode 205:
Silas sat down for an interview with Charlotte Mikkelborg, director and producer of the augmented reality mystery game – Time Detectives: The Mystery of The Mary Rose.
Also, Silas discusses his love of VR, AR, and what he thinks it will mean for the future of gaming.
Also, this website and podcast will be changing, listen for info from Silas on what will be happening in the future!
Here’s the podcast:
Here’s the trailer for the game:
Review: Prey (2022)
Prey (2022)
R ‧ Scifi/Action – 1 hour 39 Minutes
Written by Patrick Aison
Directed by Dan Trachtenberg
THE CAST
- Amber Midthunder as Naru, a young Comanche warrior who protects her tribe against a Predator
- Dakota Beavers as Taabe
- Dane DiLiegro as the Predator
- Stormee Kipp
- Michelle Thrush
- Julian Black Antelope
THE STORY
(In their own words) In the Comanche Nation in 1717, a fierce and highly skilled warrior named Naru learns the prey she is stalking is a highly evolved alien with a technologically advanced arsenal
THE BEST
The BEST things about the film
- It’s a really cool addition to the franchise. Love the setting in the Native American world.
- They are releasing the film in a full Comanche language dubbing. This is the first time ever for a feature film.
- Love seeing an action film with a really strong female lead.
THE WORST
The WORST things about the Film
- The special effects of a bear are really bad. For a movie with this kind of budget….come on. Really?
- The lack of consistency with using Native American language and “English” and accent or no accent.
- Unlike the original, there doesn’t seem to be much of a deeper underlying message to the film. It’s just there for fun.
THE REVIEW
I will admit, I rolled my eyes when I heard they were coming out with a fifth installment of the Predator franchise called Prey. Like, haven’t we mined this franchise for enough material yet? However, once I learned about the premise I became intrigued. This installment is technically a prequel to the others, set long ago in Native American land in 1717. From the trailer it was unclear if the Predator was the one hunting the members of the Comanche Nation or if it was the other way around. Which actually is kind of an accurate question even during the film.
The story centers around a young female warrior, Naru (Amber Midthunder) who’s trying to earn the respect of her fellow tribemates, when suddenly The Predator shows up. Seemingly, the Predator seems like he’s just there to find prey to hunt. To her, it’s a sign from the gods that she’s ready to be a hunter and she’s ready to capture him. But things don’t go as easily as she hoped.
Midhunter does a wonderful job in the lead role, showing herself to be a formidable opponent of the predator and someone who deserves the respect of it and her peers.
At this point, the success of the film and to an extent. really comes down to whether the story they tell with the Predator is a good one. We aren’t expecting surprises, we know what the Predator’s people can do…so it is really about did they come up with a good story and execute it well. I feel like they did on both counts.
The film was full of captivating drama and action, it gave us enough of a sense to not really know how it would end throughout. We didn’t know how these folks with less technology would stand a chance against the predator.
I enjoyed this film a lot. I’m not entirely in love with it, but it is probably the best entry into the Predator franchise since the original. I really enjoyed seeing the intersection of scifi/fantasy and the old technology living of the Comanche Nation.
This is a great popcorn film.
THE LESSON
Never underestimate your opponent.
If you won’t fight back, you may not be worth it.
THE FINAL WORD
The fifth installment of the Predator franchise is probably the best one in decades. Intense, action packed, and a creative 1717 Comanche Nation setting.
THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.
Prey gets a Like It
WHERE TO WATCH
Prey will be streaming on Hulu in the U.S. on Friday, August 5.
THE TRAILER
Review: Gone In The Night
Gone In The Night (2022)
Rating ‧ Thriller/Mystery‧ 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Written by Matthew Derby and Eli Horowitz
Directed by Eli Horowitz
THE CAST
Winona Ryder, Dermot Mulroney, Dustin Ingram, John Gallagher Jr., And Brianne Tju
THE STORY
(In their own words) Upon arriving at a remote cabin for a getaway, a woman and her boyfriend discover another couple already staying there. They decide to share the rental for the night, but the boyfriend’s disappearance sparks a race for answers.
THE BEST
The BEST things about the film
- Winona Ryder – I will really watch anything she does. She definitely delivers and carries the film. Her performance is so nuanced, like early on in the film she does little things in the rearview mirror, subtle looks that later end up being very important.
- Editing – The way they edited the film in a non-linear framework really made the mystery compelling. They also really tightly edited the film, it was nice and short and didn’t have extra fluff in the film. Kept the story direct and focused.
- The suspense – The film is certainly suspenseful. Director Eli Horowitz definitely hit the tone of the film well. The first half of the film is especially intriguing.
THE WORST
The WORST things about the Film
- The main premise, the inciting incident of Kath (Winona Ryder) agreeing to stay overnight with a couple strangers was just kind of preposterous. I had a hard time getting over the fact that I didn’t believe she would be willing to stay. And then so easily accept the explanation for why her boyfriend disappears…fundamental foundation problems.
- Predictability – The mystery didn’t take too long to start figuring out that something else happened than initially presented and we get a good guess on where it’s going. I can’t say I had a prediction for the end of the film, but with a smaller cast you know too quick who all the players will be.
- The third act – The third act of the film is a bit of a head scratcher. Bizarre and possibly unearned. The film deserved better than the ending that we get.
THE REVIEW
The film feels like a late night movie you catch repeating on HBO a bunch so you finally watch it and wonder…”I thought Winona was doing pretty well at this point in her career, I wonder why she did this film. “ Winona Ryder is certainly the draw to the film and her acting is quite wonderful and nuanced…she didn’t need to do this film, but the film definitely needed her. She really does a wonderful job in the film. She is the source of making every seen engaging, mysterious, and you want her to solve the mystery. The film simply wouldn’t have worked without her cast in the film.
That being said, the rest of the cast does a really good job in their respective roles. Brianne Tju has a really interesting quality to her that brings an air of mystery. You always get the sense that there’s something she isn’t saying. She certainly has that “it” factor.
What the film does well is tone. It does a really good job of creating an intriguing atmosphere that while watching, you can somewhat go along with the story. But it’s one of those films that the more you think about it, the film starts to unravel.
THE LESSON
Learn to be okay within your own skin.
THE FINAL WORD
Winona Ryder is outstanding in this mystery that will have you on the edge of your seat for the first half of the film and then scratching your head for the last third.
THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.
Gone In The Night gets a Like It.
THE TRAILER
Review: Bullet Train
Bullet Train (2022)
R ‧ Action Comedy Thriller ‧ 2 Hour 6 Minutes
Directed by David Leitch
Screenplay by Zak Olkewicz. Based on the Japanese novel Maria Beetle (published in English as Bullet Train) by Kōtarō Isaka.
THE CAST
Brad Pitt, Joey King, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Brian Tyree Henry, Andrew Koji, Hiroyuki Sanada, Michael Shannon, Benito A Martínez Ocasio, and Sandra Bullock.
THE STORY
(In their own words) Five assassins find themselves on a fast moving bullet train from Tokyo to Morioka with only a few stops in between. They discover their missions are not unrelated to each other.
THE BEST
Three BEST things about the film
- The story – Very compelling story and I really like the way it was presented.
- The comedy – really funny film. Impeccable comedy and funny characters.
- Brad Pitt – Such an enjoyable performance. You could tell he was having fun with the role so it was fun for us to watch. He plays an “Assassin” who is trying to change himself and not kill people anymore. He’s been doing a lot of therapy and he just wants to do “grab and go” jobs now. He also thinks he is bad luck now, because people around him tend to die, even if they aren’t connected to the job he’s doing.
THE WORST
The WORST things about the Film
- Honestly, I don’t have many complaints about this film. My major issue is probably that we somehow filled this Japanese story set in Japan with a bunch of people who aren’t Japanese. I’m nearly positive that in the original book, they weren’t a bunch of American and British people in the story. However, there is also something to be said that this film likely wouldn’t have gotten viewed by many if it didn’t have a big star attached to it like Brad Pitt. Further, to a degree the race of the people doesn’t matter. It’s not like they cast white people in roles that really relied on being part of Japanese culture.
- Violence. There’s a lot of violence in the film. If you are shy to violence, this may not be for you. Much of it is done in a comical way, but it’s still there. Is it gorey? Not exactly, but there is a level of exaggeration. Not as bad as The Kingsmen or Kill Bill, but there is a level of it that you have to be able to deal with.
- I love Sandra Bullock and was looking forward to some Sandra Bullock physical comedy, however that’s not the role she has for this. She serves mostly as a voice actor for this film.
THE REVIEW
Bullet Train is a high speed adventure with surprisingly well rounded characters. In this kind of
action film, you don’t expect the arch of the film to take you through so much character building. We end up with some really fleshed out characters that make you root for them throughout.
The film is an exaggeration. That’s the “world of the play.” When looking and examining a film like this you can’t judge the action sequences by the terms of a realistic drama, you have to look at the world that is created for the audience. Does the movie stay within the laws and world framework that they establish early on. While Bullet Train is in an absurd world.
It is in a world of exaggerated violence, characters, and therefore it is not a stretch when the world of physics get pushed to their max, and beyond. There are people who will judge this film based on how realistic it is and that simply isn’t fair. If the film breaks its rules it has established, it is jarring and the audience can feel it, that never happens in the film.
Bullet Train is my kind of action film. It is smartly written, full of comedy, suspenseful all the way until the end, and has some hidden lessons. In this film it comes from Brad Pitt’s character, Ladybug, who is about teaching yourself to have a good mindset.
To me, the film is less of a “who dunnit, and more of a “who DIDN’T do it.” It is full of twists and callbacks to earlier actions, people, and items, so you really have to pay attention during the film.
Bullet Train is easily one of my favorite action films of the year.
THE LESSON
Thomas The Train can really teach you to know people.
THE FINAL WORD
Bullet Train is funny, suspenseful, and full of exaggerated displays of violence. One of Brad Pitt’s most entertaining roles in quite a while. Bullet Train is a fun ride that doesn’t disappoint. One of my favorite action films of the year.
THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.
Bullet Train gets a Love It.
THE TRAILER
Review: DC League of Super-pets
DC League of Super-Pets (2022)
PG ‧ Animated Action Adventure ‧ 106 minutes
Written by John Whittington
Directed by Jared Stern
THE CAST
Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Kate McKinnon, John Krasinski, Vanessa Bayer, Natasha Lyonne, Diego Luna, Thomas Middleditch, Ben Schwartz, and Keanu Reeves.
THE STORY
(In their own words) Krypto the Super-Dog and Superman are inseparable best friends, sharing the same superpowers and fighting crime side by side in Metropolis. However, when the Man of Steel and the rest of the Justice League are kidnapped, Krypto must convince a ragtag group of animals to master their own newfound powers for a rescue mission
THE BEST
The BEST things about the film
- Humor, lots of animated physical comedy. I watched it with two of my kids, one six and one four, and they both laughed a lot during it. Especially in the first 20 minutes.
- There are some touching moments such as when Krpyto (Dwayne Johnson) and Ace (Kevin Hart) connect over Ace’s traumatic moment that led to him being sent to a rescue.
- Really nice family friendly superhero story you can bring kids to so they can enjoy super-heroes in the theater.
- Fun characters.
THE WORST
The WORST things about the Film
- As much as it’s being advertised as a buddy comedy between Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, We know since it is an animated film, we know that they record their voices separately. You aren’t going to feel this chemistry between them. That is marketing. For some reason, this film more than others you don’t get a sense of chemistry between characters. And I’m honestly not sure why I get that feeling.
- There’s not a lot memorable about the film.
- I find animated films a bit hard to connect with overall, but this one truly didn’t spend the time in making a strong connection and relatability with the audience.
THE REVIEW
I wanted to like this. I really did. I’m a big DC fanboy. I like a lot of the films in the DC universe that most people don’t. It was lighthearted, but unmemorable. It had some fun characters like the evil bald guinea pig hellbent on world domination, but we really don’t care enough about them to emotionally invest. The main protagonist Krypto, played by the charismatic Dwayne Johnson, somehow wasn’t very likable. And I love Dwayne John. Too bad dogs can’t do the People’s Eyebrow.
I did laugh out loud a few times with my kids. I will admit that. But 90% of my enjoyment of the film was based on their reaction. It’s a kid’s cartoon. Which is okay. I get a lot of enjoyment watching my kid’s enjoy movies. I hope this spurns a love of movies for them.
THE LESSON
Love isn’t about spending every moment together, but rather what you would do for the person you love.
THE FINAL WORD
A less than memorable animated film that may be better suited for a night out with kids. Yet, still better than Justice League. Maybe the grown up superhero films need more pets.
THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.
I give this a Lose It for Adults but A Like It for children.
THE TRAILER
Episode #204: Zora Iman Crews
Zora Iman Crews comes on to talk about her upcoming Mockumentary The Daphne Project.
Review: NOPE
NOPE (2022)
R ‧ Horror/Thriller ‧ 2 Hours 11 Minutes
Written and Directed by Jordan Peele
THE CAST
- Daniel Kaluuya
- Keke Palmer
- Steven Yeun
THE STORY
(In their own words) Caretakers at a California horse ranch encounter a mysterious force that affects human and animal behavior.
THE BEST
(from left) OJ Haywood (Daniel Kaluuya), Emerald Haywood (Keke Palmer) and Angel Torres (Brandon Perea) in Nope, written, produced and directed by Jordan Peele.
BEST things about the film
- The anticipation
- Incredibly imaginative
- Wonderful acting
- Perfectly timed comedy and terror
- It has its own genre
- Great messages underneath
THE WORST
The three WORST things about the Film
- THERE ISN’T A DAMN THING WRONG WITH THIS FILM.
- See number one.
- See number two.
THE REVIEW
Nope is a lot of things. It’s a horror, it’s thriller, it’s comedic, it’s…..a Jordan Peele film. While other filmmakers are out there just crafting new stories, Peele is out there creating his own genre.
This marks director and writer Jordan’s Peele third film and third horror film….with the Peele style. This is easily his best work yet. A clear story, great characters, great performances and underlying themes and messages that will not be obvious to everyone when they first walk away. But there is a lot there. I think this film will be studied and studied. It’s a very layered film.
The trailers for this film frankly give too much away, and yet, tell you nothing. It’s kind of amazing. I didn’t watch trailers for NOPE since the first teaser until after I watched the film. I’m glad I got fully surprised.
The film is incredibly imaginative, well crafted, and full of suspense. The film flew by as I was on the edge of my seat from anticipation of the entire film.
How scary? Like Silence of the Lambs? Gory at all?
I feel like if I say it’s not gory, people will come after me. I think the gore is actually minimal but it is used incredibly and effectively.
I’m not sure how scary it is. I walked in planning to pee my pants. I was pretty tense the whole time.
THE LESSON
Keep your head down.
THE FINAL WORD
Nope is a “yep”.
THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.
NOPE gets a LOVE IT.
THE TRAILER
THE REVIEWER
When he’s not reviewing films or interviewing people for the Black & A Half podcast, Silas Lindenstein can be found in the greater metro Seattle, WA working as a real estate agent helping people buy and sell homes, or performing stand up comedy to fellow nerds. He has a wife and three children and desperately wants to learn to make the perfect homemade pizza.
Review: Thor: Love And Thunder
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
PG-13 ‧ Action/Adventure ‧ 2 Hours 5 Minutes
Written by Taika Waititi(story by) Jennifer Kaytin Robinson
Directed by Taika Waititi
THE CAST
Chris Hemsworth; Christian Bale; Tessa Thompson; Jaimie Alexander; Taika Waititi; Russell Crowe; Natalie Portman.
THE STORY
(In their own words) Thor embarks on a journey unlike anything he’s ever faced — a quest for inner peace. However, his retirement gets interrupted by Gorr the God Butcher, a galactic killer who seeks the extinction of the gods.
THE BEST
BEST things about the film
- The Direction- It is probably the first Marvel movie with such a distinct voice of the director. This is no doubt a taika Waititi film. It is quirky and funny and takes unexpected approaches to the situation.
- Special Effects – Excellent special effects that’s becoming par for the course for Marvel films.
- The comedy – This is a very fun film. It really leans into comedy, which director Taika Waititi.
- Story – The story has a huge level of magnitude and will have huge impact on the future MCU. I think I now know what the direction of Phase 4 is, especially after the two post-credit scenes.
- Christian Bale – Holy moly. I totally forgot he was in the film and I didn’t realize that was him until the film ended and I saw the credits. Incredible transformation as an actor
THE WORST
WORST things about the Film
- Lack of relatability – This film deals with a lot of “Gods.” Similar to The Eternals, we are starting to deal with less “grounded” characters that we can relate to. Which makes it tough to really feel relatable.
- Jane -You know from the previews that Jane somehow gets the power of Thor in this film. I was super excited about this, but it kind of hurt the film by making everyone super powered. Suddenly, we don’t have our relatable character to side with. Jane needed John, someone to look after that would be more vulnerable.
- Villain – We hear a lot about the villain, but don’t get to see a lot. I don’t feel like they properly built up the big bad for this film. He was there, present, but I didn’t have a strong feeling of caring. Without a good villain, we just don’t care if the hero wins. The origin of him they showed was fantastic, but we needed to see him as the villain longer before we intro’d the heroes to fight him.
THE REVIEW
This will probably be the most polarizing marvels film we’ve had yet. In fact, I could see this movie being as polarizing as the Star Wars film The Last Jedi. Some people will love Thor Love & Thunder for its quirky, offbeat filmmaking style, it’s continuous use of comedy throughout, the stretching of the established characters’ personalities, and the unexpected direction this film goes with its story. Others will hate the film for the exact same reasons.
My daughter watched the press screening with me and she said it didn’t feel like a Marvel movie to her. And I get that. It is the first Marvel film I can remember that feels distinctly different because of the director & writer’s style. Most of Disney’s Marvel movies director’s point of view gets generalized by the powers that be. They don’t want anything to be too unpredictable, that’s why so many Marvel movies feel the same. For this one they clearly let director Taika Waititi have free reign.
THE LESSON
Love, above all else.
THE FINAL WORD
Thor: Love and Thunder is a mixed bag. It’s got a lot of elements I really, really liked. It had big shoes to fill after Thor: Ragnorok, and I think it might fall short of expectations in that regard. However, it is still a quirky, fun Marvel film. You haven’t seen anything like this yet. Don’t think too hard and enjoy the action and story. This film is setting up the next big phase of the MCU, so don’t miss out on it.
THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.
Thor: Love and Thunder gets a Like It.
THE TRAILER
THE REVIEWER
When he’s not reviewing films or interviewing people for the Black & A Half podcast, Silas Lindenstein can be found in the greater metro Seattle, WA working as a real estate agent helping people buy and sell homes, or performing stand up comedy to fellow nerds. He has a wife and three children and desperately wants to learn to make the perfect homemade pizza.
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