Review: Renfield

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

  • Nicolas Cage as Dracula, a legendary Transylvanian vampire
  • Nicholas Hoult as R. M. Renfield, the long-suffering servant of Dracula
  • Awkwafina as Rebecca Quincy, an aggressive traffic cop 
  • Ben Schwartz as Teddy Lobo, a mob enforcer
  • Shohreh Aghdashloo as Ella, a mob boss and Teddy’s mother
  • Adrian Martinez as Chris Marcos, a traffic cop and Quincy’s co-worker
  • Brandon Scott Jones as Mark, a support group leader
  • Jenna Kanell as Carol, a support group member
  • Bess Rous as Caitlyn, a support group member
  • James Moses Black as Captain J. Browning
  • Caroline Williams as Vanessa

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

  1. The comedy – this isn’t just a horror/comedy, it’s more of a slapstick horror.  It is outrageous and campy and it really works well.
  2. Excellent story – It’s a fun story that I haven’t seen before. I’ve enjoyed films and plays within the Dracula lore that give good time to the character of Renfield, but I’ve never seen anything fully focus on the servant character. So, it gives us a unique point of view for film, which is exceptionally wonderful considering how many Dracula films there have been. 
  3. Great Ensemble – The entire cast really worked well together and there wasn’t really a bad actor in the group. 
  4. Nicolas Cage – He was clearly having fun playing Dracula, my understanding is that it is a dream role of his and it shows in this. He’s having fun, so we are having fun. 

THE WORST

The WORST things about the Film

  1. The Gore – It is comical gore, but is still gore. There’s a lot of blood. Lots of body parts and dismemberments. This won’t be for everyone. And That’s okay.  But it is definitely rated R for a reason. The trailer doesn’t really express how gross it gets at times. 
  2. The Camp – I won’t deny that this film gets campy. But I won’t deduct any points for that either because I had a great time. 

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

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

  1. Visually stunning. It’s like everyone’s imaginations have just come to life. 
  2. 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.
  3. Great new villain in Kang the Conqueror. I’m very excited to see where this goes. 
  4. 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.
  5. 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

  1. 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. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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?
  4. 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

Comedian Ken Hamlett

Comedian Ken Hamlett drops by to answer the seven questions and to learn why Silas may have to move. 

Available in video only on our audio only podcast or on our Youtube Channel. Pick whichever one below

Audio Only Podcast

Video

Episode #210: Anthony Calderon

Guest this episode is comedian and commercial actor Anthony Calderon

Video and podcast embeds are below.

VIDEO – Full Episode

Audio Only

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

  1. 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. 
  1. 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.
  2. 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

  1. 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

Episode 209: The Return of Jay Irwin And The Tale Of A Bad Usher

Seattle Theatre Critic Jay Irwin returns to discuss with Silas his latest happenings as a live theatre critic and to listen to Silas’ tale of a bad usher ruining his theatre experience at a recent production.

Listen to the podcast or watch the video

THE PODCAST

THE VIDEO

Episode #208: The Cast of The Umbrella Men

This week Silas got to sit down with the Cast of The Umbrella Man, a new South African action/comedy/heist film, while they were in attendance at the Toronto International Film Festival.

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

  1. It’s a really cool addition to the franchise. Love the setting in the Native American world. 
  2. They are releasing the film in a full Comanche language dubbing. This is the first time ever for a feature film. 
  3. Love seeing an action film with a really strong female lead. 

THE WORST

The WORST things about the Film

  1. The special effects of a bear are really bad. For a movie with this kind of budget….come on. Really?
  2. The lack of consistency with using Native American language and “English” and accent or no accent.  
  3. 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: 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

  1. The story – Very compelling story and I really like the way it was presented. 
  2. The comedy – really funny film. Impeccable comedy and funny characters. 
  3. 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

  1. 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.
  2. 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. 
  3. 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