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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A Working Man

Grade: B+

In this new movie based on the novel Levon's Trade by Chuck Dixon (who is also a co-writer on this), Levon Cade (played by Jason Statham) is a former soldier and a construction foreman. His boss' daughter Jenny Garcia (Ariana Rivas), is kidnapped, and he uses his skills to try to track her.

This reunites Jason Statham and director David Ayer from the Beekeeper. One's surprised they just didn't do a sequel given its success and considering how similar Statham's character and the basic plot of a man avenging a wrong against a good person is, but apparently Sylvester Stallone (who also co-wrote) brought the script to Statham, and he brought the script to Ayer. Though I'd say Beekeeper was the superior film as it was more willing to go over-the-top, this film is a pretty solid follow-up.

The action gets violent and crazy; the final fight is delightfully insane and memorable. Like Beekeeper, you've got a ton of distinctive baddies (played by a pretty solid bunch of actors, including League of Extraordinary Gentlemen/Pennyworth's Jason Flemying, who I'm surprised isn't better known. He's good in whatever he's done.) 

There are also some unique outfits and hideout designs in here. It can be a little weird seeing Cade walk amongst regular people and architecture only to walk into someone wearing brightly colored outfit in an eccentric looking-chari, but I wouldn't call that a deal breaker. 

The setup is a little wooden (though not slow, the movie speeds right through). The exposition about Cade's life doesn't feel natural. Plus, he's got a custody battle subplot that is supposed to help endear the character, but it feels forced and the daughter (The Outlaw's Isla Gie) and the former father-in-law (sorry, couldn't figure which actor was him) he's having the custody fight with don't sound like real people. However, once the movie gets to the action, that's when everything comes into place and things get going.

Statham is again great as the tough guy who is determined and mows down everyone in his way, though he can't sell some of the poorly written dialogue moments. Michael Pena is good in his limited screen time as the emotionally distressed father of Jenny.

Recommended. If you loved the Beekeeper, like I said, it won't be exactly it, but it'll probably wet your whistle. (Just walk into this knowing that A Working Man takes itself slightly more serious than the Beekeeper.)

Snow White

Grade: A-

Next in Disney's growing longer line of live-action remakes is Snow White. (If you're wondering why this one took so long given its fame, I recall that they were working on a SW project from the very beginning, but it was going to be a Snow White/Rose Red movie that was going to be more of a re-imagining like Maleficent or Cruella. The project fell apart after a few years.) In this, Princess Snow White (played by the West Side Story remake's Rachel Zegler) must flee into the forest in order to escape her stepmother The Evil Queen (Wonder Woman/The Fast and the Furious' Gal Gadot), who wants her dead.

This differs a bit from the other remakes in that the creators approached this with a bit of a more light-hearted feel to it, giving the movie a more humorous nature. It's like they said to themselves "We've got seven funny dwarf sidekicks in this. Why not lean into the comedy?"

It helps that the plot to the 1937 film was really simple. So, this the gave the movie room to be its own thing and make changes. There is more to Snow White's journey here and more characters. A big weakness of a lot of the remakes is that the live action can't compare to the original animation films. I'm not saying this surpasses the iconic original, but honestly, a lot of scenes are filmed naturally and lively enough that the difference isn't egregious and you're not thinking as hard about it. The movie's version of Hi Ho is probably the musical number that comes the closest out of all Disney remakes to competing with the original. It's one of the most engaging parts of the movie. The final confrontation with The Evil Queen isn't as strong as the original. I'll give you that.

Admittedly, Snow White's quest to save her kingdom is a smidge predictable (we've all seen this story before). Also, the specifics for why The Evil Queen's been able to ensure loyalty from her guards and maintain power is really vague. (The strongest part of the movie is the middle which doesn't focus on kingdom stuff as much).

Zegler really drives the film. She is super sincere and does an excellent job of being kind and compassionate without seeming like a paper thin character. 

The Evil Queen, however, IS a paper thin character. She values beauty and power and that is it. I find it odd that she values personal appearance, but lives in dark, poorly lit interiors most of the time. Her decadence feels odd. She likes jewels and good food, but that's it. She doesn't have fancy parties or statues of herself and seems like a shut-in. Her lessons in beauty being power don't even make sense. However, Gadot is doing her best playing the Queen as a complete b***h.

The movie also has a pretty good cast as the voices of the seven dwarves. I'd say that Ted Lasso's Jeremy Swift's Doc is my favorite. He manages to pull off being a kind leader who's also sorta silly.

The movie looks great. This is directed by Marc Webb, who helmed the Amazing Spider-Man movies. Say what you will about the second film, but no one complains about the look of it. (In Webb's defense, that movie had a lot of studio interference.) The world of Snow White is so colorful, particularly the use of cherry trees and the princess' outfit. A lot of detail went into the sets, especially the dwarfs' house. The dwarfs are computer generated, and the switch to 3D came out looking good and detailed, managing to make them still look comical without feeling like they are in too separate a world from the human characters.

The movie ditches all the original songs except the classics Hi Ho and Whistle While you Work. Honestly, the rhythm for most of them are REALLY 1930's dated and will not work for some people. However, many will miss the song "Someday my Prince will Come". Yeah, it's a dated concept, but they could've reworked the lyrics. The new songs by Dear Evan Hansen/The Greatest Showman/Spirited's Benji Pasek and Justin Paul are fun. I'm not saying this makes the top ten of Disney movie soundtracks, but it knocks more recent entries like Moana 2 and Wish out of the park. (The songs are Hercules/Pocahontas level.)

Recommended. Yeah, the status of Snow White's kingdom is weakly written but on a whole this is an enjoyable time with an old-school sense of Disney joy. Most kids will enjoy themselves.

The Day the Earth Blew up: A Looney Toons Movie

Grade: B

The Day the Earth Blew up: A Looney Toons Movie is a movie of the Looney Tunes Cartoons, the Max show that was a throwback to old timey Looney Tunes cartoons. It was originally intended to air on Max, but Warner Discovery's new head David Zaslav had it canned with several other films. (Children's films with classic Looney Tunes and Hannah Barbara characters particularly got the axe because Warner's been having trouble hitting that children's market). However, this movie managed to escape oblivion when a separate distributor bought it. In this movie, Daffy Duck and Porky Pig (both voiced by voice actor Eric Bauza) try to stop an alien invasion.

This is kind of like the Jetsons Movie back in the day in that it is not a perfect movie, but still pretty watchable and looks great. The plotting on this can be a little odd, with some stuff happening too quick or characters and plot points delivered at odd parts. It's partly funny. There are some truly great bits in here, but a lot of jokes are also just okay. Also, there are a few "modern" bits that don't mesh well with the more retro feel of the movie.

However, the story itself is a lot stronger than the jokes. It makes for a wild ride and has sort of an old school 90's feel to it. The alien aspect has a sorta of quasi-spooky, but isn't really scary atmosphere that can bring kids and adults a bit of excitement.

The brother-like relationship between the carefree Daffy and the cautious Porky (they were raised together in this story) makes for relatable protagonists. Funny thing is, I wouldn’t even say their personalities are as strongly written as some other incarnations, but it’s that bond that makes them compelling. The duo have your average “two-polar opposites-have-their-friendship-threatened-by-their-differences” storyline, but the movie has it developed mostly naturally. DtEBu shows their differences and building tension in smaller moments without having to yell the point of the story at you.

If you're a fan of talkative, self-centered Daffy, you won't find him here. Since this is a retro film, DtEBu went with old-school wacky Daffy. Some may not want this, but in fairness, some works, like The Looney Tunes Show, can go TOO far with his selfishness. I like friendly, well-meaning Daffy here. (BTW, Bauza is doing a great job as the duck).

The third main character of this is Petunia Pig (voice actress Candi Milo). I like what they did with her character. She's always been a bit of a blank slate, since her personality has always simply been "Porky's girlfriend," so the writers had some free room to work. In this, she's an eccentric and enthusiastic flavor scientist at a gum factory. You weirdly become invested in her obsession with the next flavor. (And yes, Daffy, Porky, and Petunia are the only Looney Tunes characters in this. This might disappoint some, but it keeps the story focused.)

The BIGGEST reason to watch this is the 2D animation. It really feels old school. It is so fluid with characters rarely being stagnant. The character designs in general work really well. Humans are all distinct and exaggerated without being too simple-looking. (Keep an eye out for Farmer Jim (voice actor Fred Tatasciore), the man who raised Porky and Daffy, who creatively shifts between being done in still background art and being SUPER fluid). Backgrounds are vibrant and colorful. Not loving Porky's light yellow gloves here. The color just doesn't blend well with anything else.

Recommended. Kids will probably like this and the humor more and not care too much about weaker plot elements. Adults will like the parts that do work and the fantastic animation.

In the Lost Lands

Grade: C

This adaptation of the short story by George R.R. Martin takes place in a futuristic dystopia after the collapse of society, which also has magic in it apparently. The witch Gray Alys (played by the Resident Evil movies’ Milla Jovovich) is given a task by The Queen (Amara Okereke). In order to do so, Gray must travel to the lost lands and hires the aid of guide Boyce (Dave Bautista).

This is directed by Paul W. S. Anderson (The Resident Evil movies, the first Mortal Kombat movie, Alien vs. Predator, and Event Horizon), and like with his last couple of films, he seems to be losing his touch. The movie at first keeps you a little interested with some of the mysteries and the intrigue of various parties with different goals working against each other, but the payoff at the end is disappointing, ridiculous, and overwrought. Also, they don't explain the rules of this world or how magic in this world that is also an apocalyptic wasteland works at all.

This is one of those adaptations where you say to yourself “Oh, I can see how this may have played out better in written form.” The problem is that Anderson’s basic-level “let’s have fun with the action and over-the-top moments” approach doesn’t jive with R.R. Martin’s more serious political intrigue style. Anderson tries to make stuff sound important, but he treats it all too lightly to ever sound sincere.

That all having been said, this is a Paul W.S. Anderson movie. Some of his movies can be disappointing, but I don't think he's ever delivered one that is completely awful. He's always been able to deliver at least some fun popcorn movie ideas or action, and this has its mindless fun moments as well. (I will glady watch this movie any day over Zack Snyder's sorta similar in spirit Rebel Moon movies. Anderson at least feels like he's having fun.)

Yeah, the director has once against cast his wife in the lead, and Jovovich again plays the same sort of character who is good at fighting, but she as always manages to give a decent performance. Jovovich and Bautista do pretty well with what little they have material they have and they do work well off of each other. Though her performance might not technically be good, Okereke plays her role more over-the-top than anyone else and it is something to watch.

The majority of this film is obvious and mid-level CGI. A lot of ItLL doesn't visually set itself apart from other apocalyptic movie worlds, but there are a couple good set pieces; the castle of the Overlord is a fun design.

Not recommended. Not something one can't get through, but nothing that makes this required viewing. 

Plankton the Movie

Grade: B+

In this new SpongeBob Squarepants movie on Netflix, the show's villain Plankton (voiced by Mr. Lawrence, who also co-wrote this), the diminutive evil genius, takes the center stage. He and his computer wife Karen (voice actress Jill Talley) have a falling out after years of his evil plans not working and him not listening to her. She goes solo and proving herself to be a far more competent and dangerous threat to the underwater town of Bikini Bottom and the entire world. Now, Plankton has to team up with SpongeBob (voice actor Tom Kenny) in order to save his marriage.

This has been a real step up since the last two films. (They had their moments, but both left something to be desired.) This feels more like prime SpongeBob, with goofy jokes, including some strong physical humor, and a little classic weirdness thrown into the mix.

Honestly, I'm surprised that the show hasn't done this story in its 25 years before. The script writes itself. Plankton and Karen have always had a comically tense relationship, and it always seems like Karen would be a whole lot better at the whole evil plan thing if she took the initiative (honestly, she's the most level-headed character in the entire show). Nice to see her brought to the forefront. (In Sponge out of Water, her role just ends part way through the movie without any follow up.) Her updated form, with three new personalities make for a bigger threat than any other movie antagonist.

What makes the script work in particular is that even though Plankton is a real big jerk in the movie, it still strangely manages to make us want to see him repair his relationship. We get to see the history of Plankton and Karen's love story, which is weirdly touching while still having them both be bad guys. (I feel that it really helped that Mr. Lawrence was involved in this in that he knows Plankton down pat and what to do with him).

I wouldn’t say I had any major cons about this movie, but if you’re one of those parents who don’t like it when shows don’t set a good example for children, understand that there are some pretty mean insults thrown around in this.

It seems that over the past three movies the animators have been slowly trying to perfect the 3D animation in an attempt to best translate the look and feel of the original 2D show. (The last film only came out a year ago, and I’m surprised at the stark difference of the animation styles between these two.) This honestly feels the closest. Characters have a smoother, more painted feel to them. Also, the movie is really colorful. 

PtM is a musical. Some songs are better than others, and I'm not saying this is one of  the great children's musicals, but it works overall. Karen's solo song is a real banger.

Recommended. I feel this is the second best one next to Sponge out of Water. (Yeah, I know a lot of people love the first movie, but only the third act really works for me.)

Captain America: Brave New World

Grade: B

Sam Wilson (played by AnthonyMackie), the new Captain America, investigates an assassination attempt on new president Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross (Harrison Ford taking over for the late William Hurt).

The general backbones of this are rather good, but the execution isn't perfect. The general story, villainous plot, and characters work well. This is a solid political thriller and feels more like the spy thriller we wanted than with Black Widow.

No complaints about Sam's ascension to the lead. He shares Steve Rogers' optimism, though he is more realistic about the obstacles the world throws at you. The movie also rolls with the fact that this Captain America doesn't have super strength, and he has to make the effort to deal with stronger threats. (Of course, he has years of military training and a cool flying suit; so that helps.)

Ross has been a semi-consistent face in the franchise since the second film, but always a supporting character. Him being the focus feels well earned and culminates his story. He's been a morally grey character, and this movie addresses this as he deals with actions from his past.

Also, Captain America works really well alongside his new sidekick (introduced in The Falcon and the Winter Soldier limited series) Joaquin Torres, the new Falcon (Danny Ramirez). Whereas Steve and Sam work together, because they were two similar guys, Sam and Danny work, because they are opposites (Sam is more grounded, while Danny is more jokey), and they work well off each other.

However, the plotting  and dialogue aren't 100%. The movie doesn't feel as "realized" or as natural as the last 3 Captain America movies, not to mention a lot of other MCU films. Brave New World is directed by Julius Onah, who directed The Cloverfield Paradox, which a lot of people had a problem with structurally. (Honestly, I didn't hate it.) There were reportedly a lot of reshoots, and there are moments where characters were clearly green screened into scenes.

There is one moment in particular which partially states what we already know and feels odd. The main villain, who is played by a good actor, feels not used to their full potential. Also, Ross is trying to improve and Captain America is trying to see that in him, but it feels a little unbelievable when CA still tries to believe in Ross when he makes objectionable decisions.

No arguments with the casting. Mackie has all his scenes locked down. Though it’s hard to buy Breaking Bad’s Giancarlo Esposito, who is in his 60’s, playing evil mercenary Sidewinder, as a legitimate physical threat, Esposito does come across as a clever and effective baddie, even though he’s doing the sort of character he often does. (Given how popular he's been after BB, I'm surprised it took so long for him to make the jump from television and get a prominent movie role.)

A little of this movie is set up by the F&tWS, so you might want to see that first.

It is really too bad that Hurt passed before he got his big chance to shine. I think he would've done a great job with the role. Not only does Ford look really different from Hurt (and how Ross has looked in the comics and the first Hulk movie), but he also has a different energy: more grumpy and emotional. However, Ford does an excellent job and is not coasting. He makes one both hate and sympathize with Ross.

Yes the general look and action scenes don't match the first 3 films, but the movie still has its moments. There are two really standout, traditional over-the-top MCU fight scenes. I also like how this manages to be a political thriller, but also manages to use a brighter color scheme without sabotaging the mood.

Lightly recommended. It is the weakest CA movie, and maybe not one of the strongest MCU movies in general, but I still found this to ultimately be a fun time, and something that looks good on the big screen. I'd have no issue rewatching this any time.

The Cleaner

Grade: B

In this British take on the Die Hard formula, window cleaner and former soldier Joey Locke (Daisy Ridley from the most recent Star Wars trilogy) is stuck on the outside of a skyscraper when ecoterrorists take over the building.

Though there can be significant gaps behind fights, the action in this is good. (The director is Martin Campbell, the man behind The Mask of Zorro, Goldeneye, and Casino Royale. Yeah, he might no be longer at the height of his skill, but he still knows how to provide some decent action.) The Cleaner sets itself apart from other movies in the genre with the whole stuck on the side of the building gimmick. Joey's there for an unexpectedly long time, and her surviving out there as things get worse makes for some good and new spectacle.

I gotta say that ecoterrorism made for a watchable motivation for the villains. More stuff happens with them than you'd expect.

However, the build-up to the hostage situation is a slow burn. The beginning also shows Joey's relationship with her brother. I know it's to show her character and build her journey, but it's a LOT of them just being upset with each other. Tonally, the movie does feel a little confused and doesn't know how light or dark it wants to go.  

The Clean has a pretty good cast and characters. Ridley makes for a solid lead, though honestly, it's the group of villains that are the best performances and the most entertaining parts. (The villains are hidden a bit, so I won't spoil for them for you if you haven't seen the trailer yet.)

This isn't a movie you need to see in the theater, but it makes for a decent watch.

Dog Man

Grade: A-

In this movie adaptation of the popular graphic novels by Dav Pilkey, who co-writes this as well, a cop and his dog are both mortally wounded in an explosion caused by the villainous cat Petey (voiced by SNL's Pete Davidson). The doctor ends up sewing the dog's head onto the cop's body creating the super cop Dog Man (animal noises provided by director and co-writer Peter Hastings). Now, it's Dog Man's mission to stop Pete.

Though it has a few changes from the comic, the movie is pretty faithful to the tone of the graphic novels. The whole thing's very cartoonish and silly with some solid humor. (Some say that the subplot that is in addition to Dog Man/Petey's stories is too much, but I love how completely ridiculous it all is ). However, those new to Dog Man will be surprised at how much heart and emotion is in this. Both Dog Man and Petey, who is as much a main character as Dog Man, go through some sad stuff in their lives, possibly sadder than parents would expect for a goofy kids' movie but not heavy enough that it's too much for kids. The movie provides messages about trying to see the good in life.

I know many other critics are already saying it, but I can't not mention and repeat that the movie is very cluttered. Rather than try to adapt the first volume or a couple of them, this smashes multiple plot points and characters from multiple books in order to squeeze all the major parts of Petey's pivotal moments. The first act moves really quickly, and the final act has a few points where you think it's going to end, but it keeps on going. Also, the second half switches from the Dog Man movie to really being the Petey movie. Given that Dog Man can't speak and Pilkey liking other characters and/or wanting to keep things fresh, some of the latter books take the focus away from its lead, but that happens more naturally in separate installments. Here, it's a little jarring since it all happens in one sitting. That all having been said, I personally think this wasn't a deal breaker as the movie was still very entertaining and touching.

Dog Man makes for a great lead. He's cute, a good boy, and makes for some great physical humor. Petey, who is basically the personification of misanthropy, also works for a solid lead with more layers than you'd expect. I would not have thought of Pete Davidson as the voice of the villainous feline, but he is perfectly cast. Davidson might be giving one of the best vocal performances of the year. Pete’s more of a straight man, but Davidson really manages to wring out the humor with his delivery, and man oh man does Davidson put in the right emotional effort for the more human aspects (you know what I mean) of the character.

The movie also has a great supporting cast of weird, silly characters. (There is a character in this you may love as much as Dog Man and Petey. However, advertising has been light on them, so I won’t spoil anything.) Comedian Lil Rel Howery is pretty funny as the easily worked up police chief. (It’s too bad he doesn’t have enough screen time in the second half.) Now you See me/The Wedding Crashers’ Isla Fisher gets to use her regular accent for a change instead of the usual American one as reporter Sarah Hatoff. She brings a sort of confident and honest earnestness to her role.

Hats off to the animators. The 3D animation looks great. It really feels like the comics' crayon-styled drawings come to life. There is such a vibrant, colorful look to it all.

Highly recommended. Despite squeezing in a lot of material, this is a really funny work that is surprisingly one of the emotionally deeper films DreamWorks has ever made.