Happy Gilmore 2

Grade: B+

In this Netflix sequel to the 90's comedy hit, Happy Gilmore (played by Adam Sandler), having retired from golf and lost his fortune, returns to the sport in order to pay for his daughter Vienna (Sunny Sandler) to go to ballet school in Paris.

Sequels made a long time later than the original always have the risk of not working out, but I'm pleased to say that this was a pretty fun film. This has the strengths that some of the better Sandler films have by just going crazy with a lot of goofy, delightfully dumb, and nuts gags. 

I'm not loving that this went for the rather tired and disappointing trope of having the lead character's life go downhill after the original film (plus this has another overused, bummer trope that I won't spoil). However, I did think this movie did a better job with the trope than usual. Sandler's still funny in this, but he does a really solid job trying to overcome Gilmore's personal struggles, not to mention depicting the guy's relationship with his children. 

There are a buttload of guest star appearances in this that may surprise, and almost everyone who pops up delivers. HG@ also feels like it was trying to give a lot more time and spotlight to famous golfers. If you're a pro golf fan, you're going to love all the faces in this. (The golfer who appears the most in this gives one of his best performances and has some of the best bits.) Unfortunately, the movie does have way too many call backs to characters from the original, not to mention way too many offspring of dead characters or cast members. 

Pretty good cast for the most part. Gilmore's enemy Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald) returns, and McDonald clearly seems charged to bring back the character he's arguably most famous for playing. McGavin has spent quite some time in a mental institution, and though he's still McGavin, he has a bit of a loopy side this time around that's pretty enjoyable. The best fresh face here is definitely rapper Bad Bunny as Gilmore's new late notice caddy Oscar Mejias. I've seen him do comedy on SNL in the past, and I honestly thought he was just okay, but here the guy proves he is a real master at physical comedy. The four actors playing Gilmore's stereotypically gonzo Bostonians are also really fun.

Recommended. This is one of those movies that are so ridiculous that you can't help laughing.

I Know What you did Last Summer (2025)

Grade: B

In this revival, a new group of people in the coastal town of Southport become involved in an accidental death and a secret to keep things quiet. A year later they find themselves hunted by a killer dressed up as a fisherman, much like the one from all those many years ago.

The kills in this lack a certain mood or scare factor to them, lacking the effectiveness of those from the original movie or even I Still Know What you did Last Summer. That having been said, there are a couple good camera shots and a fine use of set pieces (more on the setting a little later).

The psychological aspect of the characters dealing with their guilt also isn't as strong as in the first film. The characters just don't act as remorseful as perhaps they should. That having been said, what they did here isn't quite as awful as just dumping a body, so that is a decent reason as to why they're not struck quite as hard. Also, I felt that one of the weaknesses of the first movie was that it spent a lot of time on the personal suffering of characters who were going to be punished and die anyway. This movie never feels like its too slow. 

Credit should be given to the movie for doing the same but different. This movie starts off with another vehicular accident, but things transpire rather differently. Those whose lives are messed up the most are also handled differently. Plus, where the first movie was about a bunch of teens about to graduate, here we've got a group of young adults with mostly stable, successful lives.

There's a decent amount of comedy in this. More than previous films. I'm not hating it, say what you say about the rest of the movie, but most of the humorous lines work.

This reboot also manages to pay homage to the original film and even its sequel without mostly feeling like its forcing stuff.

I give the finale/killer reveal credit for going for broke. It's dynamic and I wasn't bored. However, they were parts that I (and a lot of other people) didn't think quite worked or elements of the killer's motivation that didn't quite track. Plus, from what I've read online, the ending was changed a little after test screenings, and I think it shows a little. However, I don't find the ending to be a dealbreaker.

Original leads Jennife Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. return as original leads Julie James and Ray Bronson. This is one of those cases where it turns out years later that the main couple broke up. However, here the duo seem to really dislike each other instead of things simply not working out. Given how close they were in the first two movies, it's a little hard to fathom how they started hating each other so much, and one wished more info was provided.

The casting for the main group of victims was great, and they do manage to elevate simple characters through charisma. The Studio/Bodies Bodies Bodies' Chase Sui Wonders as lead character Ava Brucks is very watchable. Though, the standout here is Glass Onion/Outer Banks' Madelin Clyne as Ava's best friend. She's sort of the outgoing one, and there is sort of a silliness and a simplistic lack of emotional walls that makes the character entertaining.

Southport has been renovated into a posh tourist destination in the interim between films. This results in some pretty fancy looking and eye-catching sets and locations. It may bother some that the lighting is pretty bright and clear without much atmosphere, but I'm not hating the glossy look (the movie really has a 90's/2000's throwback feel to it).

Kinda recommended. It is by no means a perfect movie, and maybe the least scary of the films (including the made-for-DVD one), but I wasn't bored. This movie felt like it was trying to have fun and entertains in a popcorn-style kind of way. To be honest, I'd rank this slightly higher than all previous sequels.

KPop Demon Hunters

Grade: A+

In KPop Demon Hunters on Netflix, the popular Korean pop group Huntrix are also demon hunters. In order to stop them, the demons send their own boy band Souji Boys to steal their fans' positivity and their power. 

The trailers made this look fun, but they did not prepare me for how good this was. KPDH is an energetic, fun affair featuring entertaining or amusing, quirky characters. Visual gags and silliness fly fast, and one immediately likes the main trio (the traditional trio of the quirky one, the tough one, and the leader). Also, every SINGLE character in this works, even silly bit players. (Adding to the Korean authenticity of this, the majority of the cast are Korean actors, many of which are making their English language film debut.)

But there is a surprising vein of seriousness under the bubblegum pop veneer of the movie. Though it's never shown on screen, the demons do kill people and present actual stakes. The message to this movie is a lot stronger than you'd expect (I know I'm being vague, but it's best you walk into this part blind.) There is actually  a lot of depth and backstory to Souji Boys' leader Jinu (voiced by Ahn Hyeo-seop, who's been in a lot of Korean shows including Happy Home and Father is Strange).

If I have any nitpicks about this, I honestly don't know how I feel about the design or voice decisions for the head demon Gwi-Ma (Squid Game's Lee Byung-hun). The look is interesting, but I don't know if it's threatening enough. I also really don't know how I feel about his voice. He's more understated and casual than the usual head monster, which makes for an interesting delivery, but he can also feel low energy.

Animation looks great. KPDH is really colorful with a lot of solid, expressive character designs. The music numbers are really dynamic, well choreographed and look great. 

Speaking of the music numbers, this movie also has an excellent song selection (only one didn't feel as strong as the others and that one was still perfectly fine). I'm not well versed in the K-Pop scene, but I had no problem enjoying any of these tunes.

Highly recommended. This is one of those movies where practically everything works and a good story and time is had.

Deep Cover

Grade: B+

In this new movie on Amazon Prime, improv teacher/failed actress Kat (Bryce Dallas Howard) and her improv students IT guy Hugh (Ted Lasso's Nick Mohammed) and struggling actor Marlon (Pirates of the Caribbean/Lord of the Rings' Orlando Bloom) are recruited for a minor sting operation. Events don't go as planned and they find themselves forced to pretend to be professional criminals. 

The setup makes this feel like it might be a groaner. The introduction to all the characters isn't particularly entertaining, and Hugh's social awkwardness and Marlon's obsession with method acting as a tough criminal initially feels awkward and too much. 

However, once they get involved in the crime world, things really pick up. The jokes work. It also helps that the movie doesn't overplay the scenario. They could've had the characters go really over-the-top and silly with trying to cover for themselves, but the were smart enough to not play the characters too dumb. I was also afraid that Hugh's social awkwardness and Marlon's going too deep into his character would be overplayed, but the script never overdoes these elements. The movie's basically getting themselves in deeper and into crazier and crazier situations, and the situations don't disappoint. 

The one major complaint people may have with Deep Cover is that some of the resolutions to the perilous situations the characters find themselves in are just cleaned up with "it's a comedy don't worry about it" plot devices that don't always track. 

Pretty strong casting in this across the board. Howard's playing the straight man, but she honestly is the most watchable of the main trio. She's the most grounded, and it's fun to see her think on her feet. Bloom, it turns out has great comic timing. I do believe Mohammed is typecast, basically playing a variation of the same guy he played in Ted Lasso. (Guy does have range. Ever see Maggie Moore(s); solidly plays a confident guy in that.) He does more of the same, but he's good at it. 

Credit should also be given to Ben Ashenden and Alexander Owen as a couple of detectives. They've got a good straight man/goofy guy dynamic going on.

Recommended. This was a pleasant experience with a good cast.

Titan: the Oceangate Disaster

Grade: A-

This new Netflix documentary looks at the inevitable in hindsight implosion of Oceangate's Titan submersible and the company's CEO Stockton Rush who ignored all criticism's of the ship's design and safety, did his best to avoid oversight, and died in his creation.

The Titan has been a morbidly fascinating story as it a tale of man's hubris mirroring that of the original Titanic disaster, which was the source of the sub's creation as it was created to perform tours to its wreckage. This movie follows the many issues with the sub's design, which used carbon fiber, which doesn't do great under extreme pressure. The documentary chronologically goes over the various people who raised issues and either left or were fired as it becomes clear that this was always going to fail and how sketchy Rush's entire operation was.

The movie really focuses on him. Rush comes clear as a stereotypical psychopathic rich guy who sounds very confident but will say and do anything to get what he wants rather than admit he failed.

The pacing, editing, interviews, and music all work smoothly. My only major complaint is that not a lot of time is spent looking at the victims.

If you've heard, another Titan documentary also came out (Implosion on Max). If you're wondering which one's stronger, I'd say they're both equal in quality (they have very similar direction, music, and tone, including no narrator). They actually compliment each other as Titan focuses more on Rush and has more audio/video from the inside goings of Oceangate, while Implosion focuses more on bigger picture info. and the design of the Titan.

Recommended. 

Predator: Killer of Killers

Grade: A-

This new predator film on Hulu/Disney+ is an animated anthology film in which we see different Predators hunting different human warriors throughout history.

This is helmed by Dan Trachtenberg (10 Cloverfield Lane), who directed the previous Predator installment Prey, and the guy's still got it. What with Prey taking place in the past, this movie whets our appetite for more of this by seeing Predator action in other parts of history. This results in innovative new set pieces. Plus, all the Predators have very different looks and techniques. 

As for tone, it probably comes the closest to going with the more serious one that Predators had, however I honestly thought this did a better job with story and drama. 

The animation is like that of Arcane, having a painterly look to it. Animation isn't as detailed as Arcane, but more fluid. The whole thing is really gorgeous to look at with some impressively choreographed action moments (you even have a tracking shot; rare in animation). KoK is able to pull stuff off that you just couldn't in live-action.

Sections-

The Shield- A

A viking warrior and her group go searching for their enemy and encounter a Predator.

Probably my favorite one. Has the best story, script and characterization and efficiently manages to set everything up in a short amount of time.

The Sword- B+

In feudal Japan, a Predator becomes involved in a fight between two men.

Has the best fight scenes out of the entire film. The Japanese setting makes for a distinct look and fighting techniques. However, you get the basic gist of the story, but there are a lot of follow-up questions that aren't answered.

The Bullett- B+

A WII aerial squadron fights... you guessed it... a Predator and its space ship.

This is really ingenious: the idea of a Predator aerial fight. This segment, though still full of death, also feels a little less earnest than the previous ones. However, the fight scenes are too rapid fire; and there are too many close-ups.

Final section- A-

Not spoiling this point. This is like The Sword in that the story has a lot of follow-up questions,  but it has the second best action and finishes off everything with a bang.

Recommended. There are a few plot nitpicks, but this is a real action-packed tour-de-force for the eyes and definitely something to see for Predator fans. I'd say this is my fourth favorite film behind P1+2 and Prey.

Doctor Who (2023)- Season 2

Grade: A

In the newest season of Doctor Who, available in the US on Disney+, the Doctor (played by Sex Education's Ncuti Gatwa) meets nurse Belindra Chandra (Andor's Varada Sethu), who becomes his companion by accident as after their first adventure, getting her back home turns out to be more trouble than expected as a mysterious occurrence forces them to take the long way back.

This season is stronger than the last one. Whereas that one made the mistake of putting the heavy episodes all in the middle without any lighter fare between them and had one very polarizing episode and a finale that couldn't stand up to its setup, I'm pleased to say that this season is far more consistent. Standout episodes include The Well, a trademark DW scary episode, and The Story & the Engine, which is a more unique DW story. 

Like the last season, the show makes the wiser choice to focus on newer or lesser known DW villains, avoiding over saturated antagonists like the Daleks or the Cybermen. 

If there are any nitpicks, the villains' plan in the episode Lucky Day has some holes in it, and the finale, while entertaining does try to do a lot at once (which admittedly is a common critique of showrunner Russell T. Davis' writing.)

I felt that last season's companion Ruby Sunday (Coronation Street's Millie Gibson) was stronger  in terms of personality (she does get some guest appearances this season), but Sethu ain't too shabby an actress and she works well off of Gatwa.

Gatwa remains the driving force of the show. I think he may be my favorite Doctor. He plays one of the most open, emotional and life loving Doctors. Man can the guy hit the emotional beats, mastering happy, sad, afraid, and angry.

 Highly recommended. This is a fun and imaginative season.

Lilo & Stitch (2025)

Grade: A-

In this live-action remake of the popular Disney Channel movie, alien experiment Stitch (voiced by Chris Sanders, the character’s original voice and the director of the original film), is deemed a threat to the galaxy. He escapes his captors before punishment and crash lands his spaceship into Hawaii. There he is mistaken for a dog and adopted by young, quirky Lilo (played by Maia Kealoha).

A lot of people complain that Disney remakes are uncalled for, not as good as the originals, and do not have a lot to offer. At first I was worried that this movie was going to be too much of a by-the-numbers replication of the original. At the beginning of the movie, there are a lot of lines taken directly from the first movie. (Say what you will about the other remakes, but the scripts will at least paraphrase dialogue.) However, after the first ten minutes, I was pleased to see that the entirety of the movie wasn't just repetition like the Gus Van Sant Psycho remake was. Though this does still follow the basic brush strokes of the original story, this remake actually tries some new stuff. 

A lot more emphasis is put on the relationship between Lilo and her older sister/guardian Nani (Sydney Agudong) as well as Nani's struggles as a guardian and other aspects of her. This is directed by Dean Fleischer Camp who directed the heartfelt film Marcel the Shell with Shoes on (critically well liked, but didn't get a lot of advertising). The guy was really trying for bringing the character/human aspect to this movie, which I felt paid off. Some may not love the fact that the original film's antagonist Gantu was cut in this to give the other characters more time and space. In fairness, his basic purpose was to create a last act physical threat and wasn't heavily involved in the rest of the story. The guy's a good character, but I don't think he's in anyone's top five list of Disney villains. Some may also not love the final obstacle put in Gantu's stead, but I applaud Camp for trying something new. Again, one wants a remake to do things at least a little different, otherwise it's the exact same movie. Besides, I think the final problem works well story-wise.

Though many jokes are recycled, the new humor works pretty well.

Sanders' still got it when it comes to voicing Stitch, managing to make the guy sound both funny, but also sympathetic when the movie calls for it. Kealoha makes for an energetic and talented young actress. Billy Magnusson, who has proven he's been gifted at comedy before in films like Game Night, makes for a game and goofy Pleakley, an alien official pursuing Stitch, and Zach Galifianakis as Stitch's creator Jumba is fairly funny too and works well as a straight man to Pleakley. Some may not love that Galifianakis' voice sounds nothing like the original cartoon character, who had a Russian accent, but again I appreciate that this movie is attempting something new, and I think Galifianakis works for this take on the character.

Not loving the fact that though the original movie was colorful and that the story takes place in bright, sunny Hawaii, this remake has a shaded look to it and isn't as bright as it could be. In fairness, this might be to make sure the computer animated characters' detail doesn't feel as artificial when compared to natural color. 

It is also a little disappointing that the alien and spaceship design adhere so closely to the original movie without trying anything new. Jumba and Pleakley's looks in particular feel like they worked better in 2D, and don't adapt quite well to 3D. Stitch is still cute, though.

Recommended. I'm not saying the original isn't better, but this makes for what will be an enjoyable time for the family and is one of my top 3 remakes, below Pete's Dragon and the Glenn Close 101 Dalmations.

Fountain of Youth

Grade: C+

In this new movie on Apple+ directed by Guy Ritichie, morally flexible treasure hunter Luke Purdue (The Office/Jack Ryan's John Krasinski) cajoles his straight-laced sister art curator sister Charlotte (Natalie Portman) into helping him search for the Fountain of Youth.

This is definitely a thing that is a treasure hunting movie. It is basic and feels like mostly everything in this has been done before. It's not like the movie is running on fumes, but a quarter tank. This is a competently made flick, and there's a few good lines. Luke's back-and-forth with Esme (Eiza Gonzalez), who's part of a group sworn to protect the fountain, is kinda fun, and I do like that there are several interest parties also after our leads, but there is just nothing about this does enough to set it apart from the likes of National Treasure and such. Also, Charlotte's soon-to-be ex-husband Harold (Daniel de Bourg), is completely unnecessary and ruins any scene he's in. 

Guy Ritchie's work can really fluctuate between great and so-so, and yeah, this one is so-so. He replaced the originally scheduled director, and this really feels like a pay-the-bills entry for him. The movie doesn't feel like this has the special Ritchie touch that he has had with projects he felt invested in.

It's a fine cast between Portman, Krasinski, and Domhnall Gleeson as Owen Carver, Luke's financial backer (I do hope that guy's star is rising; he's always good in whatever he's in.) However, they are only able to do so much with the script (Krasinski in particular is definitely trying his best, poor guy).

I feel that for an adventurous, globe-traversing movie, the whole thing looks drab as Ritchie goes for a greyish, overcast tone. The set design for the various locations they visit ain't too shabby, I'll give you that.

This is not must-see. However, it is not unwatchable (I'd be fine seeing this again). It could serve well as a time-waster that you don't have to put a lot of emotional/intellectual investment into it.

Elsbeth- Season 2

Grade: A-

In season 2, consent decree monitor Elsbeth Tascione (Carrie Preston) continues to help the New York police catch criminals.

The strength of the show is still Elsbeth. Even in weaker episodes she shines with her sheer enthusiasm, funny lines, and quirky personality. 

The supporting cast also helps make this work. The rotating cast of detectives Elsbeth works with remain a fun and colorful bunch. The Arrangement's Carra Patterson as Elsbeth's friend Officer Kaya Blanke continues to have great chemistry with Preston. One of my biggest complaints about the last season is that Kaya was basically there just for someone for Elsbeth to talk to. Here, she gets some subplots and more screentime. Although there isn't as much of Captain Wagner (The Wire's Wendell Pierce) being the commanding one and the only one able to control Elsbeth's enthusiasm, but Pierce is so watchable and has some great understated comedy chops. We get a new Lieutenant: Steve Connor (Billions' Daniel K. Isaac), a very logic-based fellow. I feel his introduction storyline didn't really go anywhere, but he works pretty well as an oddball character, and the guy you need police to give police rule jargon from time to time.

Again we get a fine selection of guest actors as the killers, some of which will make you say "Oh, they got him/her." The show mostly has a Columbo "howcathem" formula where you know who did it. However, there are a handful of episodes that are more experimental than the last season, including a few actual mysteries.

If you feel that the show is a little optimistic, especially when compared to its parent shows The Good Wife and The Good Fight, what with Justice always prevailing in a neat little bow. Here Elsbeth has a couple storylines where she has to deal with the more unfair aspects of the world. We even get to know what caused Elsbeth to become disillusioned with being a practicing defense attorney.

Recommended. This remains one of the more entertaining crime shows out there.

Thunderbolts*

Grade: A+

In this new movie based on the Marvel comic series, five operatives doing dirty work for the government are sent into a trap. Now, this group of damaged soldiers must ban together in order to survive.

It really feels like the creators of this took into consideration the complaints that the MCU has fallen into a rut, and gotten a little predictable. Thunderbolts* is refreshing. Everything feels a lot more character and story driven. This is a superhero movie, so you get special effects moments in this, but it doesn't have the big spectacle fight scenes, involving a sky beam or something like that, for the sake of it. (Not to say the action and effects disappoint. There is one great fight scene and a visual that will stick with you.) The number of locations is also surprisingly conservative, not a lot of jumping from place to place. The antagonist is refreshingly a little different from your usual MCU baddie.

This is arguably the darkest MCU movie. However, it still works with the general audience as Thunderbolts manages to balance the dark with lighter, more humorous moments. (If you've seen Moon Knight, the tone is like that.)

Really solid characterization. Though the MCU's policy of setting things up years in advance has not been as steady or effective as it used to, this movie shows that it still works. All the anti-heroes here have already been set up, so the writers walked into this with a firm grasp of the characters. These are mostly people who have done horrible or at least questionable things in the name of their government or their army, but none of them are complete monsters. The whole movie is a surprisingly well-thought look at trauma and guilt. Also, the characters all work really well off of each other. (They're messed up in a different ways, but they're also kinda on the same wave length.)

Though this is a team movie, White Widow/Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh) is definitely the lead. She already stole the show in both Black Widow and Hawkeye and does not disappoint. She remains extremely personable and relatable, but it is her dramatic moments that really make the movie. She's had a sad life and this story milks all the drama and tragedy from the character it can.  You really feel Yelena's struggle with her past and sense of aimlessness. It's too bad movies like this don't often get Oscar nominations, because Pugh is doing the work, and this might be remembered as her best role.  

Stranger Things' David Harbor seems to be having the time of his life as Red Guardian/Alexei Shostakov. Admittedly, they might have given him too many jokes. But, as the one of the few members of the team really wanting to be a hero, he serves as a nice counter to the others.

Honestly, all the team members are good. Former Captain America U.S. Agent/John Walker (Wyatt Russell), is arrogant, but also entertaining in his boastfulness and honest takes. Ghost/Ava Starr (Hannah John-Kamen) is also solid, but it feels like she's the straight man of the group and got the lowest amount of characterization. Her personality feels downgraded after Ant-Man and the Wasp. The mysterious and gentle-natured Bob (Lewis Pullman), is a fun new addition, and him and White Widow have excellent chemistry. 

The one weak character for me is amoral CIA head Valentina Allegra de Fontaine. She's basically DC's Amanda Waller if she was snarkier and less wise. Wasn't found of her. All her lines felt like they were trying too hard, and she didn't feel competent enough for someone to conflict with the heroes. 

Highly recommended. One of the best post-Endgame MCU movies.

Final Destination: Bloodlines

Grade: A

After a 14 year dormancy, the Final Destination franchise returns. In this installment, someone was able to cheat death for a long, long time and now Death is finally coming after the person's descendants who weren't supposed to be born in the first place.

This does a surprising job of sticking with what made these movies work (creative kills and the anticipation of how people will die) while also feeling refreshing in its own way. There are some truly inspired deaths in this, maybe some of the best. (For those who can take movie violence up to a certain point, be forewarned that there are two really gory deaths in this.) The opening traditional disaster that the lead avoids due to a psychic vision, is hands down the best in the series. Taking place at one of those skytop restaurants, this is a truly visually impressive and crazy act of destruction.

The whole descendants aspect is also a nice change of pace. For the first time, the entire list of possible victims are all family members. Bloodlines does a good job of getting to know them all, and they make for a watchable bunch, especially Erik (The 100's Richard Harmon), the wisecracking one. Although, considering this is about a whole extended family being wiped out, this is also probably the biggest bummer of the FD movies.

The plot is clever with a surprise or two. Given how quickly Death has acted in the previous films, one may wonder why he waited so long here. The movie gives a very satisfactory for at least partially why this is. Although Bloodlines tries some new things, the creators have definitely seen all the previous movies and they are making sure to stick to the established rules. However, there is one part of this where it really feels that Death and the writers were cheating.

The late Tony Todd (Candyman) returns as the mysterious coroner who has appeared throughout the movies. Both Todd and Bloddlines' creators knew that he was dying and that this was his last role. (The poor guy was so skinny in this.) They do more than expected with the coroner and give him an interesting sendoff. However, those who liked his air of mystery and arcane demeanor may be disappointed that these traits won't be found this time around. 

Highly recommended. This is how to bring a franchise back. I consider Bloodline one of the best ones, and I think it'll please most fans.

Clown in a Cornfield

Grade: B+

In this movie adaptation of the YA book by Adam Cesare, Quinn Maybrook (played by Ginny & Georgia's Katie Douglas) and her father Glenn (Blindspot/Children Ruin Everything's Aaron Abrams) move to the rural, had-better-days, town of Kettle Springs. There, she finds herself and her new friend group attacked by a killer dressed up as the town's former corn syrup factory's mascot Frendo.

This is a refreshing film. There is more going on with the story and what the movie is trying to say than simply a traditional slasher flick. The movie's also funnier than the trailers would have you believe (it's from the guy who directed Tucker & Dale vs. Evil), including what may be one of my favorite lines of the year.

Clown in a Cornfield does suffer a bit from the whole adults-not-understanding-the-teens part being a little too simplistic and hamfisted for its own good. But, like I said, this is based on a YA novel, sot it's not trying to be too complex.

Really solid casting. Everyone feels like they're elevating the dialogue. I'm rather pleased that this gave some of the adult roles to actors who are good but don't get as much work as you'd like. Will Sasso, who's always solid when doing comedy, is the town's sheriff. Between this and him being in the show George and Mandy's First Marriage, it's nice to see his career picking up. Back in the day he felt like he'd be the MadTV cast member most likely to go onto bigger things, but besides being in that 3 Stooges Movie, his career stalled. Kevin Durand, who's stock has also been rising lately what with being in Abigail and the latest Planet of the Apes movie hams it up as the town's pretty southern, old power mayor.

There are several creative and violent kills in this, but there are moments where the film is hindered by its lower budget. Some kill shots aren't as effective as they could be, and the I've never seen movie blood look more obviously like corn syrup than this. 

Frendo's look gets the job done; he's appropriately scary clown enough. However, I wouldn't call him the most distinctive-looking character; Art the Clown he is not.

Recommended. There are parts that feel like they could be tightened, but overall this movie brings more to the table than expected.

The Righteous Gemstones- Season 4 (Final)

Grade: A

In the final season of this Max show about the exploits of the rich televangelist family the Gemstones, the main siblings have to deal with their father moving on romantically after their mother's death.

I'm really sad to see this very funny and very creative show come to an end, but you have to give showrunner Danny McBride credit for ending it before they run out of steam. I'm seeing a lot of people online saying this is the weakest season, but I disagree. I think it's the second strongest after the second one. What I love about this show is the combination of no cares given outrageous humor and creative, grand storytelling involving the various members of the Gemstone family and their history. Like season 2, this one is more mystery-based, leading to an explosive and dynamic change of events. Given that McBride has always tried to write a family epic, the first episode is an interesting experiment. (It's a good story, but some could be bugged by the fact that there are not a lot of jokes in it.) The finale is definitely one you'll remember.

The humor remains as funny as ever, especially the lines of fairly demented Gemstone sibling Judy (Edi Patterson, who is a living treasure in this with her delivery). However, one episode has a subject that is pretty uncomfortable.

I will really miss the cast. Paterson again has gold to work with, while the writers also giver her some emotional stuff to do. Second behind Patterson is Walton Goggins as the siblings' paternal uncle Baby Billy, who again is so fascinatingly ridiculous as an out-spoken, fame-hungry elderly southern man. Though again with Judy, the character is given some character moments as well. Goggins is able to make the man hiding behind the bravado so real. McBride again delivers as short-tempered eldest sibling Jesse. Again, John Goodman as patriarch Eli is more of the straight man in this, but he really knows how to do the more emotional moments for the guy. 

One of the show's brand new "oh, I didn't think that person would pop up in this" actors is Sean William Scott as the siblings' long-time friend Corey Milsap. Now if you're a fan of funny Scott, you're not getting it here as his character is played straight. However, as he's shown in the likes of Final Destination or Wrath of Becky, you know he can do straight man really well.

Unfortunately, some long-running main/recurring characters get surprisingly little time in the show's grand bow. Jesse's son Gideon (Santa Clarita Diet/The Quarry's Skyler Gisondo) and Eli's right hand Martin (Gregory Allan Williams) have very little screen time. Though she appears throughout and again entertains as a saner member for the family who's great at silently reacting to stuff, Smallville/Longmire's Cassidy Freeman as Jesse's wife Amber gets little to do.

Highly recommended. Again, McBride's insane take on the family saga will surprise you and make you laugh.

Matlock (2025)- Season 1

Grade: A

In this remake of the 80's law show, Madeline "Matty" Matlock (played by Kathy Bates) is a retired lawyer with financial problems. She uses her wits to get employed at law firm Jacobson Moore.

From the general concept, Matlock looked like it could be your basic network procedural show. I'm surprised to say that the show is far more engaging and has more to offer than expected. Now, yeah, the show is comprised of cases of the week, but it's the ongoing storyline and characters' personal stories and interplay with each other that really makes this work. Melodrama is done quite well, but the lighter, diverting moments are also solid.

Cathy Bates makes the show (unsurprisingly). The actress has stated that this will be her last role, and this makes for a fine swan song. Bates does a great job as a woman who uses her smarts and likableness to prove herself in a field she's been out of for a very long time. However, the trailer and commercials won't prepare you for how much dramatic work she's given. Bates excels at performing a complex character with a lot of emotions. Unfortunately, since she's in her 70's, her voice has trouble reaching the full potential she used to have, but the woman is definitely giving 100%. 

The show's other major ingredient is Skye P. Marshall as Matty's superior Olympia Lawrence.  She commands all her scenes as a very no-nonsense type who had to climb way her to the top all the way from the bottom, but there is clearly a heart buried underneath that exterior. (I rather like that her and her estranged husband's pasts and personalities aren't spelled out to you but shown slowly and naturally through small comments here and there).

The whole supporting task is dependable. The recent Nancy Drew show's Leah Lewis is entertaining as first year associate Sarah Franklin. Lewis already proved in ND that she is gifted at playing very determined, sorta acerbic characters, and she continues that here. Sarah is very, very career driven, but it's contrasted with her social awkwardness. Beau Bridges is also in this in a supporting role as Sir, managing partner of Jacob Moore. The guy does a great job of coming across as being laid back and congenial as someone cagey who you wouldn't want to go up against.

Highly recommended. This may be the strongest written new network show this season.

Until Dawn (Motion picture)

Grade: A-

In this film based on the popular horror video game of the same title, Clover (Ella Rubin) and her friends are on a road trip retracing the steps of her missing sister Melanie (The Fosters/Good Trouble’s Maia Mitchell). They come across a welcome center where they become trapped in a time loop where they keep being killed by various supernatural threats.

Director David F. Sandberg (Lights Out/Annabelle: Creation/the Shazam movies) decided to set this in the world of Until Dawn rather than do a straight up adaptation of the story. The reasoning being that the original game was basically an interactive movie of itself, which means live action probably would've been more of the same. Making that choice can always be controversial (look at the Resident Evil movies), but I think it works here. This is one of those throw everything at the wall and just have fun with it type of horror movies (kinda like the third Annabelle movie). The various kinds of monsters and threats keep things varied, though, admittedly, they do put more focus on some than others. Though not a horror comedy, there's a twinge of dark humor to this that give this a bit of kick.

Not to say this movie doesn't have any pure horror to it. There is one scene where you'll go "Wow, they didn't have to go as dark with this." Sandberg does a good job of you being invested in the characters fear and suffering as they try to escape their ordeal.

The movie does suffer from giving Clover a very basic character crisis/backstory they have to overcome. (I don't know why all horror has to do it these days. Unless its psychological horror, I'm just here to see kills and scary stuff.) The dialogue for the group is kinda off in the movie's setup. However, once the time loop starts, it falls together. 

The rules to the groups' prison world is explained, but stuff is left vague, and you're left with a lot of questions. There is one aspect of the movie's attempt to fit in with the story of the game that doesn't really work if you're familiar with the original.

Visually, this can't quite compete with the epic look of the original (I do wish they still set this in the snowy mountains), but it ain't too shabby. Contrary to what the trailer may make you think, this doesn't take place completely in the welcome center; the location design is effective and distinct. Monster and prop design as well are appropriately spooky. 

Recommended. Annabelle: Creation is still Sandberg's scariest film, but this might be the most entertaining. For those who like simple popcorn horror, this is a fine example.

Sinners

Grade: A+

In the Jim Crrow-era south, twins Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan) start up a juke house. During the house's premiere night, everyone inside is threatened by a supernatural menace. 

This is a real tour de force of story, characters, horror, and social messaging. All the cast are set up really well in a film that confidently and competently rolls out the exposition in a natural manner. When the horror part happens, it is also really well-paced, especially when it comes to the action, and has some appropriately eerie and eye-catching parts. I'm rather pleased that this takes a common supernatural threat (I'm not mentioning it if you haven't seen the second trailer yet), and looks at it from more of a "mysticism" lens.

The movie does a wonderful job of weaving together messages and story. Since this is in the Jim Crow south, of course racism and the treatment of Afican Americans is a definite component, but it never feels like this is a movie focusing on trauma, but is about the people living their lives and a testament to black culture. When it comes to main messages in this, I'm not going to spoil anything as part of the joy of watching this is being made to think about what the movie is trying to say.

Excellent casting all around in this. No surprise to anyone, but Michael B. Jordan gives a terrific performance. He does a great job of making each of the twins separate characters with separate personalities, storylines and wants for each. Musician and acting newcomer Miles Caton also gives a really solid performance as the Smokstack twins' cousin, musician Sammie Moore, a guy who loves his music and looks up to his more dangerous cousins. Caton gives a very real performance, and is sort of the core of the film.

Jack O'Connell is also a lot of fun as the main villain Remmick. Director/writer Ryan Coogler (Black Panther/Creed/Fruitvale Station) could've gone with a one note monster with him, but he is surprisingly affable and three-dimensional (while also being an uncomfortable threat when the scary stuff happens), and his main goal may surprise you.

Wonderful cinematography (including three REALLY well shot moments that steal the show). The movie is shot in a way I'd describe as "stark" color. Not darkly lit, but it has a harshness to it. Coogler and the cinematographer and editor do a solid job of having Jordan act opposite himself. The threats in this look appropriately off-putting.

Music is a real focal point of the movie, and Sinners makes great use of songs and a stand-out score by Ludwig Goransson. 

The one thing about this film that may not work for some people is that the introduction is very long. It suitably sets up the people and place, but one could get bored.

Highly recommended. This is one of those movies where everything works and really drags you in.  This is one of those rare horror movies like The Menu or The Substance that transcends being merely just horror.

The Pitt- Season 1

Grade: A+

This new show on Max follows the medical staff of “The Pitt,” the emergency section of the Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center over the span of fifteen hours in real time (basically it's hospital 24).

The Pitt is a compelling 15 hours. (Nice to see a streaming show that is over ten episodes. I think it may be partially due to this being more network budget without a lot of known faces outside Noah Wylie). The idea of doing one long connected story instead of the traditional medical case of the day stories really pays off. One can feel the burn of working the long shift. You really feel like you’re in the emergency section with things happening naturally with some cases concluding within an episode or two and others stretching out over the show. The chaotic nature makes the The Pitt feel real. (There are the occasional TV moments where things are forced for the sake of the plot, but they feel surprisingly few.)

Excellent casing in this. Wylie is the lead as senior attending Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinovitch. One may feel it repetitive that Wylie is playing another ER doctor (this was supposed to be an ER spinoff, but Michael Creighton’s estate wouldn’t give the okay), but he helps make the show. The guy gives an Emmy worthy performance. Wylie plays a good man who is very competent and the right sort to lead an ER but is also three-dimensional and you can see stress and regret getting at him. 

The show does a remarkable job of balancing a ton of characters, but there are a couple recurring ones who feel like they sorta disappear unceremoniously. There is a bit of conflict between doctors Trinity Santos (Picard/ Goosebumps’ Isa Briones) and Victoria Javadi (Shabana AzeAzeez) at the beginning, but then it suddenly disappears.

The squeamish should know that the show really tries to be accurate in regards to medical injuries and conditions and that this is the most uncensored medical show I’ve ever seen. The gore can get gnarly at moments. There are also the occasional boobs and penises in this. However, none of the violence or nudity is sensationalized.

Highly recommended. This is just peak TV and so very watchable.

A Minecraft Movie

Grade: A

In A Minecraft Movie, a small group of townsfolk become trapped in the fantastical world of Minecraft. Now they have to find a way out.

Fans of the popular video game will be pleased to know that they managed to adapt the game pretty well. They managed to take a world made out of block shapes and made it presentable in movie form. Lots of items and rules from the game are in this, while making things clear enough for newcomers to get. (Although, I think some of the enemy types with less screen time could’ve gotten a little more explanation.)

Given that this is based on a game where people build things, the movie provides a decent message about creativity. (Message isn’t as strongly delivered as say The Lego Movie or Barbie, but it ain’t half bad.)

The movie decided to go for the humorous route, and is pretty funny and silly. There are a fair amount of jokes adults may like that are a little cynical without being too cynical for a kids’ film.

What really makes this work is the comedy duo of Jack Black as Steve, a human who’s been living in Minecraft for a while and serves as the others’ guide, and Jason Momoa as Garrett “The Garbage Man” Garrison, a former arcade champ fallen on bad times. Both being funny guys, they work great together and are on the same wave length. Black is surprisingly the straight man, but for him that means doing competent stuff in an enthusiastic manner. Momoa might be doing an expected “has-been fallen on hard times who has to learn a lesson” journey, but his performance and dialogue make this not an issue. (Honestly, Momoa  has great chemistry with everyone.)

Sebastian Hansen also does a good job as Henry, who is an additional team member alongside Black and Momoa. He’s kinda the main lead with backstory that works well enough for the film. It is unfortunate that the attention is given a lot more to the guys than the gals. Wednesday’s Emma Myers as Henry’s older sister Natalie and Orange is the New Back/Peacemaker’s Danielle Brooks as real estate agent Dawn do a decent job, but just aren’t given enough screen time to let them shine.

The intro is one of those like the beginning of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice in that they rush through a lot of exposition, and it’s a bit much. 

Jennifer Coolidge has a subplot as Henry’s vice-principal. Fans of the actress will be pleased to know that she gives peak Coolidge, but her story is a one-note joke that is really drawn out. 

Natalie is 23, but it’s hard to see her as an adult with a job in this, because she is just so young looking. 

Highly recommended. Not saying A Minecraft Movie is the most original film, but it’s having a good time.

Hell of a Summer

Grade: C+

In the new horror comedy, a group of  camp counselors, including Jason Hochberg (played by Gladiator 2/Kraven the Hunter’s Fred Hechinger), a 24-year old counselor who doesn’t want to let go of the camp experience, are being murdered by an unknown killer. 

I’m not saying this is the funniest movie ever, but the jokes are consistent and silly. Characters are distinctive enough, and the cast are having a good time. 

For a movie that’s high on comedy, the masked killer moments are taken rather seriously. They are shot in a rather creepy and disconcerting manner. The reveal of the killer is rather satisfactory. 

Weirdly, the movie is rated R, but there is a lot of cutaways when violence happens (this is clearly a low budget movie, and this might be to cut down on effects and makeup.)

However, the movie’s biggest flaw is its emphasis on Jason, who may’ve faired better as a supporting player than the lead. His awkward socially stunted bit is stretched way too long. (Not to besmirch Hechinger’s performance. The guy is clearly an actor on the rise, and he has fully developed Jason’s mannerisms.) Doesn’t help that the “man who learns to grow up” story has been done a lot and this doesn’t do anything to break the mold. Oddly, the movie never gives any backstory for him and why he is this way other than he’s always had fond memories camp. 

There is one person at camp who likes Jason: counselor Claire (Knock at the Cabin’s Abby Quinn). Thing is that they make the mistake of not saying her age. Given that Jason’s the oldest one there, and that Abby looks young and more around the other counselors’ age, it feels sorta uncomfortable. Now, one can assume that there aren’t too many years between the two and that she is over 18, because it’s shown that the two of them attended camp together as kids. Just wished they clarified it.

This is something you might want to catch if it’s already on your streaming subscription. Thing is that the humor in this will save it for a lot of people. However, Jason will be a dealbreaker for a lot of people as well.