Interview with the star of the new film Colorblind, Chantel Riley. She discusses how she got into acting and answers the world-famous seven questions.
Available in video and audio-only podcast.
VIDEO
Interview with the star of the new film Colorblind, Chantel Riley. She discusses how she got into acting and answers the world-famous seven questions.
Available in video and audio-only podcast.
VIDEO
Posted in Action, Adventure, Film Reviews, Film Reviews 2023, MCU, Scifi, Superhero by Silas Lindenstein – May 04, 2023
Guardians Of The Galaxy Volume III (2023)
PG-13 ‧ Action/Adventure ‧ 2 Hours 29 Minutes
Written by James Gunn
Directed by James Gunn
THE CAST Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldaña, Dave Bautista, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Sean Gunn, Chukwudi Iwuji, Will Poulter, Elizabeth Debicki, Maria Bakalova, and Sylvester Stallone
THE STORY
(In their own words). Still reeling from the loss of Gamora, Peter Quill must rally his team to defend the universe and protect one of their own. If the mission is not completely successful, it could possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.
THE BEST
The BEST things about the film
THE WORST
The WORST things about the film
THE COMMENTS
For me, this is by far the best MCU film since Endgame, and it isn’t close.
This story is just absolutely beautiful. I was shocked at how much this film got me to care about an animated raccoon’s life and relationships. I was utterly sucked into the characters and their backgrounds. Marvel found what it’s been missing in the latest offering…a relatable story set in a sci-fi setting. This film is really about the scars inside us that we carry around. The latest movies have mostly been about God-like beings, other dimensions, and “greater than this world” events. Marvel stories are best when they are about the things we care about; love, hurt, moving on, and learning how to grow as a person. Films need to teach us more about humanity with a story grounded in something we can relate to or at least aspire to. The early MCU films like Iron Man and Captain America did this, and even so in the original Guardians of The Galaxy film.
This film is Marvel at its best.
THE LESSON
Scars on the outside are nothing compared to the scars inside us.
Friends take care of friends.
IS IT REWATCHABLE
Yes. Can’t wait to watch it again.
THE FINAL WORD
The final chapter of the Guardians Of The Galaxy films ends on a high note. For me, this was the best film since Avengers: Endgame. A captivating story about exploring old wounds wrapped up in a Marvel blanket. It’s a simple story told really well. Humor in the right places without compromising the emotional impact of moments, which has been a flaw of MCU films as of late. This last film from James Gunn in the MCU world (most likely) shows how great of a director and storyteller he truly is. GoG Vol. 3 hopefully will be the guidepost for the type of films Marvel will keep making.
THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.
Guardians of The Galaxy Volume 3 gets a Love It.
THE TRAILER
THE MEME REVIEW
Australian Director Tom Danger joins Silas to talk about his new film, Sweethurt, and to answer the world-famous 7 Questions. Available as a Video and audio only Podcast.
VIDEO
AUDIO ONLY PODCAST
Chevalier (2023)
PG-13 ‧ Drama/Music ‧ 1 Hour 47 Minutes
Written by Stefanie Robinson
Directed by Stephen Williams
Video and Podcast reviews are at the bottom of the page.
THE CAST
THE STORY
(In their own words). The illegitimate son of an African slave and a French plantation owner, Joseph Bologne rises to improbable heights in French society as a celebrated violinist-composer and fencer, complete with a love affair and falling out with Marie Antoinette.
THE BEST
The BEST things about the film
THE WORST
The WORST things about the Film
THE COMMENTS
There’s so much to this film. Even as I write this review, I keep thinking more about it. It comments on slavery without actually being a movie that depicts it. It is about social class, uprising, about having power over people by birthright. It is about people unable to find happiness because of the people in power. It is about breaking down barriers when you excel at something, but how people will never let you forget where you came from.
THE LESSON
Dare to be excellent.
It doesn’t matter how good you are, some people will never accept you.
BEST LINES THAT DON’T SPOIL MOVIE
“Whatever pleases you sounds like heaven.”
“The greatest evil isn’t what they’ve done to our bodies, it’s what they’ve done to our minds.”
IS IT REWATCHABLE
Yes, absolutely.
THE FINAL WORD
Chevalier is probably the most exciting film about classical music I’ve ever seen. The story is compelling, the acting is terrific, and the writing is music to my ears. This film is based on true events and people, sort of a biopic about Joseph Bologne, but written so that key life events occur over just “mostly” a few months. The filmmaking alone merits seeing the film, but beyond that, this is the story of one of the most gifted violinists in France that was nearly erased from history books. It’s a story of Black-French excellence, which is important to see, and it’s crucial to support stories like this where you also learn something.
THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.
Chevalier gets a Love It.
THE TRAILER
THE MEME REVIEW
VIDEO REVIEW
AUDIO ONLY REVIEW
Showing Up (2023)
PG-13 ‧ Drama ‧ 1 Hour 48 Minutes
Written by Jonathan Raymond and Kelly Reichardt
Directed by Kelly Reichardt
THE CAST
THE STORY
(In their own words).A sculptor preparing to open a new show must balance her creative life with the daily dramas of family and friends, in Kelly Reichardt’s vibrant and captivatingly funny portrait of art and craft.
THE BEST
The BEST things about the film
THE WORST
The WORST things about the Film
THE COMMENTS
Films like this are interesting because they remind me of why I loved theatre. It definitely doesn’t feel like a play, but you know there is a lot of thought put into it. There’s things in the film that are metaphors, like the broken wing of the pigeon the two leads are trying to help mend. So few things happen in the story, you know when something does, it is symbolic or important to the director and/or writers. So then you catch yourself thinking about the movie wondering why certain elements are in it. So it lingers. The film just lingers with you in the back of your mind as your subconscious is working out what you see. That’s what is so fascinating by this film.
I’m writing this two days after having seen it and I still can’t figure out what the point of the film is….and I want to know! I wasn’t bored during the film. I was interested in the characters, it was building toward some dramatic tension at the end, that to me, felt like a misdirection. But mostly likely intentional. The director did a good job keeping me engaged when very little was happening. And that’s a real good thing when so many movies these days are non-stop faced paced action machines. Sometimes, you just need to sit in the moment.
This film is somewhere between a “slice of life” piece and a “character driven” piece. I would go with the former because I think a good character piece needs to have an arc around one or more of the characters and not much changes for any of them through the film.
I have no doubt this film is going to be under-appreciated by most people, including myself.
THE LESSON
I honestly don’t know yet. But here’s my guess, “you are not as broken as you think you are.” I might have a different one tomorrow.
IS IT REWATCHABLE
Maybe. I don’t know. If I did, it would be for a class probably. I’m not excited about seeing it again, but I might be okay with it. See if I get more meaning.
THE FINAL WORD
There’s a lot more beneath the surface of this film. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it. It’s well-acted, well-crafted, and is an exercise in finding the deeper meanings in the things you see on screen. Part “slice of life” part “character” it is a much slower pace than a lot of the movies I’ve seen lately, but it also has a lot more meaning than most of those. The film really delves into the making of art and those who create it. A simple film with a lot going for it, but it isn’t one I expect to leave a lasting impression.
THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.
I’m giving Showing Up a “Like It” because it did really get me thinking about the film and that is an accomplishment. I’m still trying to figure out parts of it…in a good way.
THE TRAILER
THE MEME REVIEW
Renfield (2023)
R ‧ Horror/Comedy ‧ 1 Hour 33 Minutes
Written by Ryan Ridley from a story by Robert Kirkman
Directed by Chris McKay
THE CAST
THE STORY
(In their own words) Renfield, the tortured aide to his narcissistic boss, Dracula, is forced to procure his master’s prey and do his every bidding. However, after centuries of servitude, he’s ready to see if there’s a life outside the shadow of the Prince of Darkness.
THE BEST
The BEST things about the film
THE WORST
The WORST things about the Film
THE COMMENTS
This film is definitely more comedy than horror. If you are looking for a film that will legitimately scare you, this isn’t for you. But if you want something that makes you laugh at overly exaggerated “gorey” over-the-top decapitation scenes, this might be the film for you.
This film is ludacris in all the right ways.
THE LESSON
Toxic relationships are even worse when you are immortal.
Don’t let other people take your power.
IS IT REWATCHABLE
Yes.
WHAT MY FRIENDS SAID
My Guests for this film were two comedians; Emmett Montgomery and Laura Lyons.
Emmett said: “Cage at his best. Real good. That was fun!”
Laura said: “Powerful message delivered in a fun way. “
THE FINAL WORD
Nicholas Cage is outstanding as the source of Renfield’s anxiety, depression, and all around toxicity, Count Dracula. This slapstick horror-comedy is as full of laughter as it is gore. Highlighted by a fresh and fun story, Renfield may not change how you see the world, but it makes living in it a lot more fun. Sure, deep inside of the film are some messages about fighting the monsters in your life who bring you more pain than pleasure and how finding the power inside you will help you slay life’s demons….but I think it’s a really fun film.
THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.
Reinfield gets a Love it.
THE TRAILER
THE MEME REVIEW
Air (2023)
R ‧ Drama ‧ 1 Hour 52 Minutes
Written by Alex Convery
Directed by Ben Affleck
THE CAST
THE STORY
(In their own words). It is based on true events about the origin of Air Jordan, a basketball shoeline, of which a Nike employee seeks to strike a business deal with rookie player Michael Jordan.
THE BEST
The BEST things about the film
THE WORST
The WORST things about the Film
THE COMMENTS
The 80s nostalgia opening was just wonderful to set the tone of what was happening at the time. I feel like it really got us to understand what a different time it was, how different people thought back then about business, especially shoes. I had no idea until this movie that it was unheard of at the time for an athlete to get paid a percentage of royalties if their name was on something. Crazy to think about now. Or that Basketball wasn’t always the driving force for all of these companies. I didn’t even know that Nike wasn’t always the go to brand for Basketball shoes.
THE LESSON
Believe in someone so much, you are willing to risk it all for them.
IS IT REWATCHABLE
Very rewatchable.
THE FINAL WORD
If you told me a year ago that I would absolutely love a movie about the signing of Michael Jordan to Nike to create the Air Jordans basketball shoe, I would have laughed in your face. But here I am getting dunked on. Air is a thoroughly entertaining and engaging film directed with absolute care and finesse by Ben Affleck, finding a perfect tone for this story to make me thoroughly engaged throughout the film. Viola Davis plays Michael Jordan’s mom and, as usual, is absolutely incredible. Matt Damon brings to the character a level of passion that just forces you to root for him. I really loved everything about the film; the writing, the acting, the story, I even loved the nostalgia for the 80s that it infused. Nike says “Just Do It.” I say, “Just See It.”
THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.
Air gets a Love It
I’ll say “Just See It”
THE TRAILER
THE MEME REVIEW
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
PG ‧ Action Adventure ‧ 1 Hours 32 Minutes
Written by Matthew Fogel
Directed by Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic
THE CAST
THE STORY
(In their own words). With help from Princess Peach, Mario gets ready to square off against the all-powerful Bowser to stop his plans from conquering the world.
THE BEST
The BEST things about the film
THE WORST
The WORST things about the Film
THE COMMENTS
I think when the first trailer dropped for this movie, I was so distracted by the casting of Chris Pratt, but I didn’t really think much about what else could go wrong with the film.
I also didn’t really think about how much of a kids movie they would be making. Because Hollywood is making a lot of money right now by making movies on intellectual properties that appeal to my Gen X peers. And we are a group of individuals that have strong nostalgia toward our childhood, and are at an age where we can start to afford to see the movies, buy the merchandise and visit the theme parks with our kids. So, I thought they would attempt to make this movie appeal to us. In the sense that they filmed the movie full of Nintendo game nostalgia and include a nihilist perky star, I supposed they did. Gen X loves nihilist characters (or does everyone). But in the sense that the plot really being very simplistic and at times boring, lending itself to a Neftlix original kids movie, it wasn’t for us.
Was I expecting it to be Oscar worthy? I don’t know, with competing animation studios doing some pretty awesome animated films now. Disney has done some rather amazing films lately that appeal to all ages and I shouldn’t only expect that from them. This film would have ended up making a lot more money if it spent less time trying to be cute and more time on the basics of moviemaking. And if you are spending the money to put big movie stars in the film, why wouldn’t you attempt to get adults on board who are more apt to spend lots of money on it, if they enjoy it also?
THE LESSON
Together, anything is possible.
AFTER CREDIT SCENES
Two. Stay for them both.
IS IT REWATCHABLE
Maybe with your kids.
THE FINAL WORD
I think when the first trailer of the movie came out I was so focused on the poor casting choice of Chris Pratt as Mario that I didn’t realize he was the red herring to lure my complaints to somewhere else. Visually, its animation is fantastic. It’s like watching a Mario video game on the biggest screen imaginable. And it gives you a chance to smile, yet rarely laugh, at all the nostalgia Nintendo can provide you, as you are reminded throughout the film of all the different video games you’ve played over the years. It is a cute movie at times, but done at the expense of just focusing on creating an engaging story. They had the plot points that should have made a really good film, but the writers failed to add character development to the hero’s stories. At times I was actually bored, but the second half picked it up a bit for me. Jack Black is a stand out performer voicing Bowser. I didn’t hate this film, as I expected I would a week ago, but I can’t say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I do think my kids will really have a fun time watching it.
THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.
I give it a “Like Minus”. If you miss it on the big screen, I would rather just play a mario game than watch the movie.
THE TRAILER
THE MEME REVIEW
THE AUDIO REVIEW
https://embeds.audioboom.com/posts/8276209/embed/hero#?secret=HO5nHXYDQMTHE VIDEO REVIEW
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)
PG-13 ‧ Adventure/Fantasy ‧ 2 Hours 20 Minutes
Written by John Francis Daley, Jonathan Goldstein & Michael Gilio
Directed by John Francis Daley & Jonathan Goldstein
THE CAST
Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Rege-Jean Page, Hugh Grant, Justice Smith, Sophia Lillis, Choloe Coleman, Daisy Head
THE STORY
(In their own words). A charming thief and a band of unlikely adventurers embark on an epic quest to retrieve a lost relic, but things go dangerously awry when they run afoul of the wrong people.
THE BEST
The BEST things about the film
THE WORST
The WORST things about the Film
THE COMMENTS
This Dungeons & Dragons film is everything I could have hoped for in an adventure film. It was fresh, funny, moved along quickly, the acting was really good, the ensemble really played really well off of each other.
One of the first questions I get from people about the film is “Will I like it if I’ve never played Dungeons & Dragons before?” The answer is yes. I’ve only played it myself a couple of times, despite being a well-known nerd amongst my peers. So I did not notice most of the in-world references they made, but I never felt like I was missing anything, I didn’t even realize I missed little things until I talked to some of my guests at the screening. For our press screening I brought with me three people who in their own life play Dungeons & Dragons as Dungeon Masters, and they filled me in on a bunch of the little “inside baseball” jokes or references I didn’t catch. So, I will say that your experience will be even richer if you’ve played it before, but it’s still an amazingly entertaining movie without that knowledge.
THE LESSON
The love that is with you is more important than the love that you look back on.
IS IT REWATCHABLE
Yes, I can’t wait to see it again.
THE FINAL WORD
This film is the most fun I’ve had in the theater this year. It is a fast-paced, fun adventure, worthy of the Dungeons & Dragons moniker. Chris Pine leads a stellar ensemble with poise, humor, and foundation of love and friendship for this band of thieves. You do not have to have ever played D&D to enjoy this film, but if you have, you will really enjoy the insider nods to that world. This film has everything I could hope for from an adventure film. I was very much a skeptic that they would ever make a good film in this franchise and I am more than happy to be proven wrong. More action adventure films should be this well-made.
THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.
Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves gets a Love It.
THE TRAILER
THE MEME REVIEW
Rye Lane(2023)
PG-13 ‧ Romantic Comedy ‧ 1 Hours 22 Minutes
Written by Nathan Byron and Tom Melia
Directed by Raine Allen-Miller
THE CAST
Vivian Oparah and David Jonsson
THE STORY
(In their own words). Yas (Vivian Oparah) and Dom (David Jonsson), two twenty-somethings both reeling from bad break-ups, connect over the course of an eventful day in South London – helping each other deal with their nightmare exes, and potentially restoring their faith in romance.
THE BEST
The BEST things about the film
THE WORST
The WORST things about the film
THE COMMENTS
While it is a romantic comedy, a big part of me want to tell you that this is a film about healing. I was once told that a breakup is kind of like a death. There is normally grieving from at least one party and it can be really difficult to learn how to move forward from after this change in your life. I think this film does a great job of exploring how these characters try to cope after a break up.
THE LESSON
Breakups are hard. How you react to a breakup doesn’t necessarily define you as a person.
IS IT REWATCHABLE
Yes
THE FINAL WORD
Rye Lane is a very special film. It is a very creative, British romantic comedy film that takes us through the lives of two people trying to process their recent breakups. The film features some wonderful writing, cinematography, and acting. It contains possibly my single favorite scene of the last year or so. Featuring a mostly Black cast, this film shows some wonderful promise from first time director Raine Allen-Miller.
THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.
Rye Lane gets a very strong Like It.
WHERE TO WATCH
Streaming exclusively on Hulu
THE TRAILER
THE MEME REVIEW