Review: Scream VI

SCREAM VI (2023)
R ‧ Slasher Horror ‧ Hours Minutes

Written by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick

Directed by Tyler Gillett, Matt Bettinelli-Olpin

THE CAST

Melissa Barrera, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Jenna Ortega, Hayden Panettiere, and Courteney Cox.

Ghostface in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s “Scream VI.”

THE STORY

(In their own words). Four survivors of the Ghostface murders leave Woodsboro behind for a fresh start in New York City. However, they soon find themselves in a fight for their lives when a new killer embarks on a bloody rampage.

THE PREFACE

Okay, I have to make a confession before I start this review. I have only seen Scream 1 & 2, and to be completely honest I don’t even remember Scream 2 much. I also have a vague recollection that in some film in the franchise they started doing a thing where they were making a movie about the events in Scream but it was a fictional world within the fictional universe of Scream. But I didn’t know how it went. So I went into this film not knowing a lot of what is going on. I thought, “A good film should stand on its own and make me just want to go see the films I missed.

Jenna Ortega (“Tara Carpenter”), left, and Melissa Barrera (“Sam Carpenter” star in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s “Scream VI.”

THE BEST

The BEST things about the film

The thrills. I was thrilled the entire movie. It was just super exciting. I don’t know if it’s because I was in the dark from the past movies, or if it was repetitive, or if there were swerves from the last film that I wasn’t picking on. All I know is that I was fully engaged and riveted the entire film. It works on its own. Having not known about a majority of the cast, I never felt lost. There were times I figured I should know more, but I think they did a great job of keeping the film self-contained while bringing in information that we need to know.
The humor. I was honestly shocked to go back and look and see that none of the previous films are labeled horror comedies. There’s this element of self awareness and meta humor within it that I was sure it was also a comedy. The creators just identify each of the films as a slasher horror, but this film I really do think has enough humor to get the horror comedy label.
The ensemble. I think this is a pretty terrific ensemble of friends that we get to watch in this film. The acting between each other is nice, they come off as truly having a long term friendship that works well together. The acting across the board is pretty good.

L-r, Mason Gooding (“Chad Meeks-Martin”), Jenna Ortega (“Tara Carpenter”), Jasmin Savoy Brown (“Mindy Meeks-Martin”), Devyn Nekoda (“Anika Kayoko”) and Melissa Barrera (“Sam Carpenter”) star in Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group’s “Scream VI.”

THE WORST

The WORST things about the film

This is pure entertainment. I think the best horrors, the best comedies, the best of filmmaking happens when there is a social commentary being made. To say that this film is trying to get out a message would be a paper thin argument.
There’s some real twisting of laws of physics and common sense that needs to happen in order to make a lot of points of the film move forward. Suspension of disbelief needs to be pushed really far for this.

THE COMMENTS

I don’t know how this ranks in the series. I need to see the rest of the series. I have no idea how much this film repeats itself from other films. All I know is that what was presented to me was pretty exciting. This film has made me want to go back, watch the original, then see all the ones I missed.

THE LESSON
The past comes back to you.

IS IT REWATCHABLE

Yes. In fact, I want very much just to see how well the ending works/makes sense. And I will rewatch as I go back to view the whole series.

THE FINAL WORD

A thoroughly entertaining thrill ride. I have not seen the last three films in this series and it made me want to run out and watch them all. It’s a pretty exciting film with a really terrific ensemble of actors. While it certainly has the violence for a slasher label, the film is full of really funny moments. In fact, there are elements that seem so absurd, I was a little surprised to discover it isn’t labeled a horror comedy. I could never have predicted the sixth installment of any horror film would be something I’d have been happy to have seen. But this one got me, it really got me. You scream, I scream, we all scream for Scream VI.

THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.

Scream VI gets a strong Like It.

THE TRAILER

THE MEME REVIEW

Review:Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

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

(L-R): Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man and Kathryn Newton as Cassandra “Cassie” Lang in Marvel Studios’ ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.

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

Visually stunning. It’s like everyone’s imaginations have just come to life.
I think it’s the most appropriately funny of the films. While all Marvel has comedy, I feel like Ant-Man is built for it.
Great new villain in Kang the Conqueror. I’m very excited to see where this goes.
Paul Rudd continues being a very relatable superhero. He gives us that glimmer of hope that we might one day be able to fill his shoes. He’s a regular guy who happens to surround himself with brilliant people who will help him be a better man.
The whole film either met or exceeded my expectations.

THE WORST

Jonathan Majors as Kang The Conqueror in Marvel Studios’ ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2023 MARVEL.

The WORST things about the Film

The beginning of the film is great, as we are learning about the world, then it tapers off a bit quickly and I don’t feel entirely fulfilled by the things I learned. Some of “the world” just wasn’t explained enough.
While it does a wonderful job of spectacle, I don’t think the film was great for character development. I don’t think any of the characters really changed to any significant degree over the course of the film. It just really squanders the opportunity to elevate it over just another event and be a powerful film.
As much as I liked the film, I feel like it’s starting to feel redundant. It’s like the dopamine hits the films used to provide are just not lasting as long. I’m watching incredible visual films and in the back of my head I’m thinking. Is this it?
I really wanted to get into Kang’s backstory more. If he is being set up as a villain, they really need to show us why he’s doing what he’s doing. The best hero stories really invest the time in developing the villains, and for me, they just didn’t do that in this 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.

(L-R): Paul Rudd as Scott Lang/Ant-Man, Kathryn Newton as Cassandra “Cassie” Lang, Evangeline Lilly as Hope Van Dyne/Wasp in Marvel Studios’ ANT-MAN AND THE WASP: QUANTUMANIA. Photo courtesy of Marvel Studios. © 2022 MARVEL.

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

Review – Empire Of Light

Empire of Light (2022)
Rated R ‧ Romance/Drama ‧ 1h 59m
Written by Sam Mendes
Directed by ‎Sam Mendes

THE CAST

Olivia Colman, Micheal Ward, Monica Dolan, Tom Brooke, Tanya Moodie, Hannah Onslow, Crystal Clarke, Toby Jones, and Colin Firth.

THE STORY

(In their own words) A romance develops in a beautiful old cinema In the south coast of England in the 1980s.

THE BEST

The BEST things about the film

Character Driven – This is a character driven piece. It was very nice examining these characters.
Olivia Coleman is great. She’s a magnificent actor and her roller coaster of emotions in this film seem spot on.
Well directed. The pacing and the moments are really nice.

THE WORST

The WORST things about the Film

The story feels like it meanders a bit.
No oomph. There is no feeling at the end of it like we accomplished anything big with the film.

MY THOUGHTS

Most films are about one or two elements. This is really a character driven piece about an unlikely romance between a middle-aged white woman and a college age young black man in the 1980s. The film seems relatively simple, but I think it’s a lot more complex than most people will give it credit for. This film delved into mental health, workplace sexual harassment, racism, and taboo matters of the heart. At first it seems like it’s just going to be another film about the joy of cinema, when there’s actually more discussion about how the main character won’t take time to go sit and watch a movie. The story moves swiftly and your affection for each of the characters grows in complex ways, much like what happens between the characters.

THE LESSON

If you move fast enough you can’t see the darkness

IS IT REWATCHABLE

Yes

THE FINAL WORD

Olivia Coleman shines as the lead actress is this character driven romance drama set at a film house in 1980s England. Sam Mendes directs this film with much care and attention to careful pacing and tender moments between characters. Very much a character driven piece it is interesting, thoughtful and full of partial explorations of the challenges within a complicated relationship and mental health issues. A well-done film that meanders at times and lacks a huge understanding of why we are seeing this story. Nonetheless, it is worth seeing for Coleman’s performance, insight into the 80s in England, and exemplary film direction.

THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.

Empire Of Light gets a Like It.

THE TRAILER

THE MEME REVIEW

Review – The Fabelmans

The Fablemens (2022)
PG-13 ‧ Drama/Coming Of Age ‧ 2 Hours 31 Minutes

Written by Steven Spielberg & Tony Kushner

Directed by ‎Steven Spielberg

THE CAST

Gabriel LaBelle as Sammy, with Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, and Judd Hirsch

THE STORY

This is a semi-autobiographical film loosely based on the adolescents of Steven Spielberg. It’s the story of a young aspiring filmmaker Sammy Fabelman, as he discovers the power of film in creating emotional moments and feelings in those around him and how he can see into people deeper through his lens than most can in real life.

THE BEST
The BEST things about the film

Overall Quality – it’s just a really well made film. Steven Spielberg is obviously a master of his craft. Everything about this film is excellent; cinematography, direction, acting.

Direction – Well paced, emotional moments are there that give you the right feelings at the right times. Spielberg is a master. He knows how to get you emotionally through the camera movement to the music, he knows how to make you feel in that very moment.
Timeline – I really liked that when choosing something autobiogrpahical, Spielberg chose to pick a relatively short amount of time. Too often filmmakers try to craft biopics covering way too many decades of their or other people’s lives and it always ends up feeling flat. Picking this one influential time allowed us to get a full satisfying story.

THE WORST

The WORST things about the Film

It doesn’t stay with you. While great in the moment, I question whether this is a film or story that gives you a long term emotional impact. The next day, I honestly forgot I saw the movie until someone asked me how it was. Still I was like, “oh,it’s really well done, Spielberg really executes it flawlessly, there’s some really neat discussion points about art vs science, and honestly I wish I was just 10% as good at anything as Spielberg is at directing.” And then immediately I forgot I watched the film.

THE LESSON

I think the lesson from a film is also a line from the film:

You can’t just love something, you also have to take care of it.

IS IT REWATCHABLE?

Yes. It’s really good. I don’t think it has that huge, “ I can’t wait to see this again feeling, but it’s solid.

FAVORITE LINES THAT AREN’T SPOILERS
You can’t just love something, you also have to take care of it.

We mashuga for art

Movies are dreams you never forget.

Guilt is a wasted emotion.

Sometimes we can’t just fix things and we have to suffer.

THE FINAL WORD

A beautifully filmed, well-paced, and very nice story. This semi autobiographical film is about a semi-dysfunctional family and Sammy Fabelman’s discovery in the power of film making during his adolescence. It raises semi-timeless questions such as pursuing a life in science vs a life of art. Despite being incredibly well made, the film doesn’t leave a lasting impact on the viewer, making it semi-memorable.

THE VERDICT
My 3L system gives me the choice to Love It, Like It, or Lose It.

The Fabelmans gets a Like It.

THE TRAILER

THE MEME REVIEW

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

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

(L-R): Amber Midthunder as Naru and Dane DeLiegro as the Predator in 20th Century Studios’ PREY, exclusively on Hulu. Photo by David Bukach. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

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.

Amber Midthunder as Naru in 20th Century Studios’ PREY, exclusively on Hulu. Photo by David Bukach. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

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.

Dane DiLiegro as the Predator in 20th Century Studios’ PREY, exclusively on Hulu. Photo by David Bukach. © 2022 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

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

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.

Daniel Kaluuya as OJ Haywood in Nope, written, produced and directed by Jordan Peele.

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.