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
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
PG-13 ‧ Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Comedy ‧ 2 Hours 5 Minutes
Written by Jeff Loveness
Directed by Peyton Reed
THE CAST
Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Jonathan Majors, Michelle Pfeiffer, Michael Douglas, Kathryn Newton, David Dastmalchian, William Jackson Harper, Katy O’Brian, Bill Murray
THE STORY
(In their own words) Ant-Man and the Wasp find themselves exploring the Quantum Realm, interacting with strange new creatures and embarking on an adventure that pushes them beyond the limits of what they thought was possible.
THE BEST
The BEST things about the film
THE WORST
The WORST things about the Film
THE COMMENTS
The MCU has hit a dangerous spot. Endgame was such a masterpiece with so much building to it, it doesn’t seem like that is something it could ever replicate again, but it has to try. They are releasing so much content, it’s hard to keep track. This film should have had a huge wow factor, but as creative as it was, you get the feeling like you’ve seen this before. The introduction of Kang The Conqueror is interesting because he seems to be different. We don’t know completely what is behind his motivations, but it seems to have potential. I really wish they had gotten more into Kang’s backstory, because I wasn’t invested in rooting against him enough.
THE LESSON
Keeping secrets is never a good idea. Keep communication going and you won’t accidentally be sucked into the quantum realm.
IS IT REWATCHABLE
Yes. There’s so much to take in visually, I don’t think you can catch it all at once.
THE FINAL WORD
A thoroughly entertaining and visual spectacle of a film that is propped up by really solid actors. This film is clearly the set up for the next big phase of Marvel films and you get that the studio really wanted to wow the audience with visuals and potential for the future. Disappointing is the lack of character growth within the story. It’s really a missed opportunity since it was full of such talented actors. Jonathan Majors is excellent with what he is given for the role. I look forward to seeing what he has to offer the franchise and just hope Marvel Studios will not forget what got the films so popular in the first place.
THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.
THE TRAILER
THE MEME REVIEW
Silas & Samantha give their unasked for opinions on the famous Will Smith Slap on Chris Rock. Also; exercising, & baby sleeping.
Writer and director of the new film Alice, Krystin Ver LInden, sits down for a one on one chat with Silas in this mini-episode.
Samantha Rund RETURNS and talks to Silas about comfort television, current television thoughts, and review writing.
Comic and video game streamer Terrance Parsons joined the show to talk about the best films that are based on video games.
Uncharted (2022)
Pg-13 ‧ Action/Adventure ‧ 1 Hour 56 Minutes
Written by Rafe Judkins, Art Marcum, Matt Holloway
Directed by Ruben Fleischer
THE CAST
Tom Holland, Mark Wahlberg
Sophia Ali
Tati Gabrielle
Antonio Banderas
THE STORY
Street-smart Nathan Drake, is recruited by seasoned treasure hunter, Victor “Sully” Sullivan, to recover a fortune amassed by Ferdinand Magellan, and lost 500 years ago by the House of Moncada.
THE REVIEW
I really crossed my fingers coming into this film. I really loved the Uncharted video games, they already felt like films that you could control, but Hollywood doesn’t have a great track record with turning video games into films. I’m happy to report that Uncharted was everything I hoped for.
Uncharted is fast paced, funny, and unlike many of its genre of movies….is actually interesting. Tom Holland does an admirable job playing Nathan Drake, the lead of the Uncharted series. Holland is naturally charismatic and fully embraces the role. He even moves like the video game character in very subtle ways, like the way he leaps out of windows gives a nice nod at the mechanics of the video game.
While playing the video game Uncharted, I often felt like I could just be playing a movie, with long cinematic scenes, decent dialogue and pretty clear paths you have no choice but to take in the game. Watching the film I occasionally thought, I could be playing a video game right now, thinking what I would be doing to solve the puzzles that the characters were faced with.
I also liked that the writers didn’t feel compelled to try and make Drake have a forced love interest in the film, as is a trap they often fall into for these action films. Drake is very focused on his mission; find his brother and the treasure.
Holland’s co-star Mark Walberg is consistent as Sully, the untrustworthy friend of Nathan’s brother. Walberg plays the role like he does most, nothing incredible, but generally believable, charming, and funny when he needs to be. Holland and Wallberg certainly have nice chemistry throughout the film, but we get the sense that both of them would have “nice” chemistry with anyone you pair them with. They don’t make a duo that you hope to see again and again, but they don’t miss the mark either.
What missed the mark for the movie for me was the lack of super memorable moments or lines in the film which is critical to build these kinds of franchises. Think Indiana Jones seeing the giant ball coming at him, or the moment he shoots the swordsman to avoid a dual. Uncharted needed this, or at least some dialogue I won’t forget. Yes, there are a couple action scenes that are super well executed and I will remember those, but at least one is taken directly from the game. Which I don’t think is even bad, in my opinion. It just adds to the sense of your favorite video game come to life.
Overall it is a fun film. Is it a riveting drama that will change the way you look at gold profiteering. No. It’s just a fun film that should be treated much like a video game. Sit down and enjoy and get lost for a couple hours in the adventurous tale they present.
THE BEST
BEST things about the film
THE WORST
The WORST things about the Film
THE LESSON
Searching for treasure will help you find a lot of things. Just not usually treasure.
THE FINAL WORD
One of the best video games adapted to the big screen. It’s a fun, fast paced popcorn film that doesn’t disappoint.
THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.
Uncharted gets a Like It
ABOUT SILAS
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.
Here’s episode #6 of The Bookend, an unauthorized, unsanctioned, and un-asked for aftershow for the Book of Boba Fett, Episode #6 “From The Desert Comes A Stranger.” Hosted by Silas Lindenstein and Brian Trendler
ABOUT SILAS
When he’s not reviewing films or interviewing people for the Black & A Half podcast, Silas 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.
Guest and comic Tara Weidner joins Silas for this episode to discuss The Greatest TV Couples Of All Time.