Review – The Adam Project

Reviewed by Silas Lindenstein

The Adam Project (2022)
PG-13 • Scifi/Adventure • 1 Hour 43 Minutes

Written by Jonathan Tropper; T.S. Nowlin; Jennifer Flackett; Mark Levin

Directed by ‎Shawn Levy

THE CAST

Ryan Reynolds, Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Garner, Walker Scobell, Zoe Saldaña, Catherine Keener

THE STORY

(In their own words) After accidentally crash-landing in 2022, time-traveling fighter pilot Adam Reed teams up with his 12-year-old self on a mission to save the future.   

The Adam Project (L to R) Walker Scobell as Young Adam and Ryan Reynolds as Big Adam. Cr. Doane Gregory/Netflix © 2022

THE REVIEW

I’m a sucker for any sort of time travel based film. Add in a nice size portion of snarky Ryan Reynolds, and I’m grabbing my popcorn ready for a good time.

And that’s what The Adam Project provides. It’s a good time. It has a weird plot relationship with time and how your action in time will affect the future….but you have to let that go…we don’t really know how that could all work. Let it go and just enjoy the story.

For me the best part of the film was Walker Scobell playing young Adam to the older  Ryan Reynolds version of the character. Walker did a great job of picking up the ticks and speaking patterns of Ryan Reynolds and incorporating them into his character, making him extremely believable as a young Ryan Reynolds. 

The underlying drama of the film is young Adam and his mother(Jennifer Garner)  dealing with the grief over the somewhat recent loss of Adam’s father. There’s a particular stand out scene between Garner and Reynolds as they talk about losing someone and how that affected each of them. It’s a wonderfully played scene, honest, raw, and a nice dramatic break from the rest of the film.

The rest of the film is lot of fun laser shooting, and hand to hand combat, and space ships, and trying to figure out how to deal with this time travel mess they’ve gotten themselves into. 

It’s a fun movie, nothing more, nothing less. Luckily it stars some pretty great talent that helped elevate it from more than it is. Don’t think too hard during this. Just enjoy.  

THE BEST


BEST things about the film

  1. Fun Time Travel Story
  2. Very Funny
  3. Some touching moments
  4. The kid actor does a great imitation of Ryan Reynolds, really seeming like a young version. 
The Adam Project (L to R) Zoe Saldana as Laura and Ryan Reynolds as Big Adam. Cr. Doane Gregory/Netflix © 2021

THE WORST

The three WORST things about the Film

  1. Kind of predictable.
  2. Nothing super memorable about the movie.
  3. Villain is really lacks depth.

THE LESSON

Misdirected anger hurts the wrong people.

REWATCHABLE?

Yes

THE FINAL WORD

A light hearted scifi time travel adventure that is not a bad way to spend a Friday night enjoying. 

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

I give The Adam Project a Like It

THE TRAILER

Review – Uncharted (2022)

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.

Mark Wahlberg stars as Victor “Sully” Sullivan and Tom Holland is Nathan Drake in Columbia Pictures’ UNCHARTED. Photo by: Clay Enos

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.

Tom Holland stars as Nathan Drake in Columbia Pictures’ UNCHARTED.

THE BEST


BEST things about the film

  1. Very fun.
  2. Seamless special effects.
  3. One of the best adaptations of a  video game to film.
  4. No forced romance plot. 
  5. Felt like the video game came to life. 

THE WORST

The WORST things about the Film

  1. Not a lot of background on the characters.
  2. Predictability.
  3. “Bad guys” motivations not really fleshed out well
  4. Lack of memorable lines or moments.

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.

Review – The Fallout

The Fallout  (2021)
Review by Silas Lindenstein

Release date: January 27, 2022

By http://www.impawards.com/2022/fallout_ver3.html, Fair use


Rated R ‧ Drama ‧ 1 hour 32 minutes
Written by Megan Park

Directed by ‎Megan Park

THE CAST

Jenna Ortega, Maddie Ziegler, Shailene Woodley, Julie Bowen, John Ortiz, Niles Fitch, and Will Ropp

THE STORY

“High schooler Vada navigates the emotional fallout she experiences in the wake of a school tragedy. Relationships with her family, friends and view of the world are forever altered. ” IMBD

“The Fallout is a compelling exploration of the inexplicable resiliency of life and the hope that emerges out of loss. A raw and honest coming-of-age story for this generation, Jenna Ortega and Maddie Ziegler star in Megan Park’s directorial debut.”

THE REVIEW

To be honest, when I first saw the trailer for this film, I didn’t think I would watch it. The premise of the film, dealing with the aftermath of a school shooting, hits too close to my heart. I have three children and the idea of a school shooting is one of the most terrifying things I can think about.

But the film got some early praise from fellow reviewers and a lot of good buzz from its premiere at the South By Southwest festival last year. And I began to think about it more; if my teenager can handle going to school each day well aware of the dangers she now faces, if she can do active shooter drills since she was in Kindergarten, the least I could do was be uncomfortable during a movie to better relate to her. And isn’t that a goal of why we often watch a film? To better relate to people like the subjects.

I’m very glad that I chose to watch it. It is moving, powerful, and wonderfully well put together film.

The film doesn’t waste much time getting to the inciting incident. After a little brief series of scenes getting to know the main character Vada, played beautifully by Jenna Ortega, showing what she and her life is like before the shooting, she makes a trip to the bathroom after receiving a phone call from her little sister who just got her first period. While in there, she exchanges a couple awkward words with classmate and instagram star Mia {Maddie Ziegler). It’s then that shots start going off in the hallway and the girls run to a bathroom stall to hide. A few moments later they are joined by fellow classmate Quiton who runs in, covered in blood, after his brother was killed and died in his arms before he fled for safety. The three strangers huddle together until the all clear is given and they leave the bathroom and face the fallout in their lives from the event.

What follows is an examination of grief, shock, and second guessing of safety that no child should have to go through. We see how these teens and Vada’s best friend all cope with the tragedy in different ways. Ways that range from self-destructive to becoming an activist for change. We get to see how this event affects Vada’s relationship with her family. What we see if a very honest and believable portrayal of this kind of event. The movie delves into the depths of what it is to be human.

The directing of the film is very calculated and raw, allowing the actors time to feel the moments from the beginning. First time director Megan Park draws out very subtle, honest, and engaging performance from the actors. One of the most important jobs of the director is to make sure the tone of the film is right, which again, Park does a stellar job of making the film cohesive and consistent. Her first film shows the talents of a veteran director and I look forward to seeing what other works she creates.

The writing of the film is quite beautiful. The dialogue is natural and film flows so naturally, you can’t see the strings that carry the film from each beat to the next. Again, those are skills of a great writer and director.

THE BEST


Three BEST things about the film:

  1. The acting. Jenna Ortega will be an early contender for best youth performance.
  2. The writing. Very genuine and honest.
  3. The directing. Nearly perfectly crafted story. Engaging choices.

THE WORST

The WORST things about the film:

  1. The only bad thing about the film is how likely the events of the film are to happen.

THE LESSON

Grief is different for everyone. How someone copes with tragedy is an individual thing.

THE FINAL WORD

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

The Fallout gets a Love It.

Where To Watch

An HBO MAX original film, see it streaming on HBO MAX.

Trailer for the film

Episode 193: Silas’ Top 11 Favorite Films of 2021

Silas breaks down his favorite 11 films from 2021.

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.

Review: The Tender Bar

Tender Bar Review (2021)

R ‧ Coming of Age Drama ‧ 1 hour 46 minutes

Directed by George Clooney
Screenplay by William Monahan

Based on The Tender Bar by J. R. Moehringer

Review by Silas Lindenstein

THE CAST

Ben Affleck as Uncle Charlie
Tye Sheridan as J. R. Moehringer
Lily Rabe as Dorothy Moehringer
Christopher Lloyd as Grandpa
Daniel Ranieri as Young J. R. Moehringer
Rhenzy Feliz as Wesley
Briana Middleton as Sidney
Max Casella as Chief

THE STORY

Set in 1970s Long Island,[2] 9-year-old J. R. Maguire and his mother Dorothy move back in with his grandparents following her breakup with his father. There, he forms a bond with his Uncle Charlie, the owner of a local bar. Charlie acts as a surrogate father to J. R. and encourages him in his pursuit of becoming a successful writer. Charlie’s mother is determined that he will go to Yale or Harvard and become a lawyer.

THE REVIEW

Watching The Tender Bar is like getting a big hug from an Aunt you like. It’s a comforting hug. It feels nice because it’s familiar. It isn’t the best hug, you’ve had hugs like this before, and you’ll have them again. It’s nothing special, but it’s nice. 

The Tender Bar is ripe with the nostalgia you expect from a coming of age story.  A lot of it is familiar, even if you can’t place it exactly; the boy who wishes his Dad was around, and gets more love from his Uncle and his friends than he ever could from his Dad. Dreaming of a better life when they get older and getting to see the slow crawl toward that something better. 

So the story is okay. The premise is alright. The acting….that’s where this film really shines. Ben Affleck is really great as Uncle Charlie, the “smarter than everyone else in the room Uncle” who owns a bar called The Dickens. Affleck is so natural and speaks and matches the tone of film just perfectly. He’s charming, funny, kind, and empathetic. He’s the uncle we all want and he plays it with very little effort. 

Our main character is split into two actors, the young  J. R. Moehringer played by Daniel Ranieri  and the older JR played by Tye Sheridan. Both do an exceptionally well job portraying the lead character, their innocence while marching forward in life is very relatable, slightly awkward, and fun. 

The other well done aspect of the film is the direction. The tone of the film is hit just right by director George Clooney. He does an excellent job of directing really solid moments of the film that engage you with the characters and make you root for them. He also has impeccable comic timing and makes sure that the comedy in the film runs through without being over the top or out of tone with the rest of the film. 

What stops the film from being truly great is that there is nothing new or overwhelmingly moving about the film. There isn’t a stand out scene that blows you away. It’s a solid film, but one that doesn’t make you feel like you are

seeing something incredibly special. 

THE BEST

Three BEST things about the film

  1. Ben Affleck – Golden Globe Nomination and my pick
  2. Skillful Direction
  3. Story  Well adapted from the book

THE WORST

The three WORST things about the Film

  1. Can feel slow at times
  2. Story jumps from little kid to young man quickly. 
  3. Nothing New to the story. Coming of age story is now when I was coming of age. This makes me feel old

THE LESSON

Everyone needs an Uncle Charlie.

THE FINAL WORD

You don’t watch this kind of film because you want to learn more about humanity, you watch it because of the comfort that nostalgia allows. You watch it because you are finally seeing your generations growing up on the big screen. You watch it because it will give you warm feels and you don’t risk a lot.

Will you laugh?

Yes, at times. 

THE VERDICT

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

The Tender Bar gets a Like It

The Tender Bar is available to watch for free on Amazon Prime with membership.

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.

Review: Licorice Pizza

Licorice Pizza (2021)


R ‧ Comedy Drama /Coming of Age ‧ 133 Minutes

Written by Paul Thomas Anderson

Directed by ‎Paul Thomas Anderson

Review by Silas Lindenstein

THE CAST

Alana Haim; Cooper Hoffman; Sean Penn; Tom Waits; Bradley Cooper; Benny Safdie

THE STORY

The story of Alana Kane and Gary Valentine growing up, running around and going through the treacherous navigation of first love in the San Fernando Valley, 1973.

THE REVIEW


Some of the best films are just a simple premise done really well. To a degree, this is what makes Licorice Pizza such a good film. It’s probably in my top ten films of 2021. Well acted, great writing, funny, and a story that compels you to keep watching to see what happens next. 

A coming of age story set in the 1970s southern California area.  It’s the tale of a 15 year old entrepreneurial boy Gary (Cooper Hoffman) and his unlikely (and at times inappropriate) relationship with a 25 year old woman, Alana (Alana Haim) he meets at his school’s picture day. Their relationship strengthens as they become partners in Gary’s business and they satisfy each of their needs. Gary’s need to have something to yearn for, and Alana’s need to have the attention of someone and a potential opportunity to escape from her redundant existence. 

Cooper Hoffman is the son of the late great actor Seymour Hoffman, this is his first feature film lead and he handles it like he’s been doing it for ages. His tone is effective and right for the character throughout. Very believable as a boy searching to find the next quick buck while he yearns for an older woman that won’t let them be together.

Cooper would probably be getting more recognition for his performance if he wasn’t playing opposite Alana Haim, who delivers one of the best performances of the year. She’s a very authentic actress. She exposes herself and wrestles with her dilemmas so we can share them with her. The chemistry between Alana and Cooper as actors elevates the script so that we can understand the complicated relationship between Gary and Alana. 

The production of the film is nearly flawless. The only major thing is within the storyline itself. I had trouble rooting for the leads to get to get together because of the age difference. Ten years isn’t a deal breaker, unless one of the parties is under 18, then it’s a little creepy. 

THE BEST

Three BEST things about the film

  1. Alana Haim’s performance. Honest, passionate, and authentic. 
  2. The writing, it’s believable, turns out it is based on a real guy.
  3. The cameos; Bradley Cooper and Sean Penn make you howl.

THE WORST

The WORST things about the Film

  1. There’s really only one thing that bothered me about the film, and that’s the age difference. While it’s not clear exactly how long the film takes over, as the film develops and feelings between the characters, we have to remember that Alana is an adult and Gary, however mature he seems at times, is still a kid. The relationship isn’t appropriate and if the genders were reversed, this film wouldn’t be celebrated.

THE LESSON

You don’t need attention as much as you need appreciation. 

THE FINAL WORD

A solid film from top to bottom. Expect high praise from this film now, and extraordinary work in the future from the lead actors. Licorice Pizza is a film you need to take a bite out of. 

THE VERDICT

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

Licorice Pizza gets a Love It.


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.