Rogue

5/10

Rogue is about a gang of mercenaries who rescue hostages from a group of African rebels. Their exit plan falls through and end up having to protect themselves from not just the rebels but also a rogue lioness. This is one of those movies that is just there. Not particularly bad nor particularly memorable.  

I do feel a little guilty that this film wasn't doing it for me. Director and co-writer M.J. Bassett (who helmed Solomon Kane, which I feel is underrated) was definitely making an effort. This was a competently written script that generally flowed well. All the characters had clear personalities and backgrounds, even the lioness had motivations for why she isn't killing just for food. There are a couple scenes that feature some pretty good visual ideas. 

Buuutttt, nothing is knocked out of the park. The script and dialogue is adequate but doesn't stand out. 

The action doesn't stand out. The fight scenes often have way too many quick jumps to close-ups; cinematography is lackluster. This was a low-budget movie and the lioness is fairly cheap-looking. On the plus side, they do manage incorporate an actual lioness for a few shots when practical.

The acting, that's right you guessed it!, doesn't stand out. These are mostly decent actors, but they won't stay with you. It doesn't help that the mercenaries feel a little repetitive of other films about a rag tag team. When I say the actors are "mostly" decent, I am referring to a weak point: lead Megan Fox as the head of the mercenaries. She does alright at times, but falters at the more emotional parts. Also, I just can't buy her as veteran soldier.  

I'm not recommending this as there are so many stronger films out there. Although if you like those low-budget monster/killer animal movies on Sy-Fy, this is up your alley. The script is stronger than a lot of them.

Tenet

7/10

Christopher Nolan's Tenet is about a spy simply called The Protagonist (John David Washington) in the credits. He's promoted to a secret assignment in which he has to go after a villain who has access to time manipulation. This is an interesting film with distinct concepts. A combination of a spy and sci-fi film isn't something you see every day. (I mean other than spy films involving lasers, robotics, and, that one time, going into space. I mean stuff that James Bond wouldn't even touch as it would be going too far.) However, the movie can be overindulgent, I think this could've been a leaner, stronger film.

I'll get to the good points about this first. The spy stuff is done well. (There is a lot more of that in this than the trailer lets on.) Seeing the Protagonist and his associate Neil (Robert Pattison) having to cleverly break into places is one of the best parts.  

The sci-fi stuff is really, really interesting. Let me be clear that this isn't a typical "time travel" sort of movie. It's about time inversion, leading to some legit innovative concepts. The action scenes really take full advantage of this.

Tone wise think of this as kind of being the infiltration scenes from Inception matched with the action parts of Nolan's Batman movies. 

Though a lot of the script takes itself seriously, there are occasional light lines from Washington or between him and Pattison that lend a bit of personality.

The standout actor here is probably Kenneth Brannagh as the antagonist. Brannagh delivers the best performance I've seen him do. (Bare in mind I haven't seen a lot of his earlier works including his Shakespeare films and Dead Again.) He completely loses himself in this truly despicable, dangerous man.

Okay, now for the film's issues. Considering that the lead is called The Protagonist and that title of this film about time inversion happens to be spelled out the same way forward and backward, you can tell that Nolan is be trying too hard to be clever. Way, way, way too much exposition is thrown at you; I mean a crazy amount. Almost every line is a plot point. If you don't pay attention you could become lost. I got the general gist of everything, but there were moments where I had to fill-in-the-blanks and play catch up.

Sometimes the sound effects or music are too loud or the actors are speaking too quietly, making it harder to understand what is going on.

The final action scene looks nice but is far too complicated. I couldn't even tell where the bad guys were coming from.

Besides the complexity of the story, the other major issue is the length. This didn't need to be two-and-a-half hours. The middle act in particular, could've been cut down.

When this movie is good, it is good, but it could've so much more entertaining if it was shorter and some plot points whittled down. I recommend this, especially if you're a Nolan fan, as it is a unique experience. But it's something you can sit on till it is something you can sit on till a rainy day or it is more the price is cheaper.

The Owl House- Season 1

8/10

In this new Disney cartoon show, young Luz (voiced by Sarah-Nicole Robles) travels to a freaky magical world where she becomes an apprentice to the witch Eda (Just Shoot Me/Hot in Cleveland's Wendie Malick). This is a fairly entertaining show.

I can't say this is the best fantasy show ever written, but it's got good characters, world-building, and a sense of humor. It does take a few episodes to find it's legs as the earlier stories can be a bit basic. It takes the introduction of more supporting characters and more interactions with the greater world in order to get things going. There are some good reveals and character stuff if you keep watching.

The Boiling Isles where this takes place differentiates itself from other fantasy worlds by being children-friendly macabre. However, the exploits of Luz and friends, which usually teach a lesson, feel more like traditional entertainment. The two tones don't always match. Also, the lessons can feel repetitive.

Visually, going back to the child-friendly macabre aspect, The Boiling Isles and its various weird inhabitants have a very distinctive, weird feel.

Overall, I think this would be a show your kids would like. 

Phineas and Ferb the Movie: Candace Against the Universe

8/10

In this second movie of the popular Disney cartoon show, Phineas and Ferb's sister Candace (voiced by Ashley Tisdale) is kidnapped by aliens and they go into space after her. 

I'll just get this out of the way now. CAtU isn't as good as the first movie. That one's story felt justified as a feature, as it's own thing. This feels a little more like an extended episode. The story isn't as tight and kind of goes all over the place. But, that's compared to the first film. This is still pretty funny. 

I'm happy to say that although it's been several years since the cartoon ended that it hasn't lost it's unique feel. Again we just get a lot of dialogue heavy, clever bits; stuff that appeals to adults as well as kids. There is one really clever visual joke. The longer run time also provides a lot of good repeated bits or drawn-out Sideshow-Bob-and-rakes-esque moments that who don't see as often in children's cartoons. 

Though I said this story wasn't as strong as its predecessors, it made a good choice of making Candace the focus. Though she is always trying unsuccessfully to tattle on her brothers and get them in trouble for their grandiose projects, the movie points how unfair it is that her mother never believes her and her brothers are oblivious to her frustration. She's previously thought the universe was against her and this movie just brings it to the forefront.

I mentioned that the story meanders, but on the plus side the movie does keep you guessing and surprises you at some parts. 

If you were dissappointed that Vanessa (Olivia Olson) was the only major recurring character from the show that didn't make the last film, you'll be pleased that they brought her in as part of the story here. However, she's sidelined for much of it. It's a let down that she doesn't have time with Candace (unlike what the trailer makes it look like) as the characters work well off each other.  

You also get to see Dr. Doofenshmirtz (show co-creator Dan Povenmire), who usually has his own self-contained plots, interact with Phineas (Vincnet Martella) and Ferb (David Errigo Jr.) and their friends more than any of the other rare times he has. However, this never really feels like it pays off.

Also, it's hard to place in the show's continuity when this stakes place. It doesn't feel like it's happening after the events of the show or the spin-off Milo Murphy's Law. 

The movie also maintains the show's quality of songs. I wouldn't say they're any earworms, but their decent. The best and funniest one is the villain's introduction. 

I felt there was something a little off about the animation quantity of some of the new characters. It's hard to describe. 

I can't say this is the most standout children's film, but it is definitely an enjoyable way to spend the time for your kids or you, especially if you're jonesing for another P&F fix.

Bill & Ted Face the Music

 

9/10

In this third, and from what I hear final, entry in the Bill and Ted trilogy, the titular protagonists still haven't written the song that'll unite the world and have spent the past couple decades unsuccessfully trying. They're informed that they're almost out of time and that not only is the world at stake, reality itself is. 

I ended up really, really liking this. It keeps the ol' Bill and Ted feel. Probably helps that this is written by the guys who did the first two films, Chris Matheson and Ed Solomon. What we get is another wacky, creative comedy that does whatever it wants to do concept-wise. It manages to incorporate major story elements from the last two films that serve as nostalgic homages without feeling like straight-up retreads. The continuity in this feels; there's one particular bit at the beginning harkening back to the previous films that feels like it was always meant to be. Matheson and Solomon manage to include all the important supporting characters, including Death (William Sadler).     

The movie constantly surprises you as to what happens next. I laughed out loud at this many times. Definitely one of the fresher written comedies I've seen in a while. This is a general audience-pleaser, neither too childish nor too mature.  

Of course, the main draws are still Bill (Alex Winter) and Ted (Keanu Reeves). They're humorous in their simpleness, but never played downright dumb like characters with predictable scenes where they don't understand basic concepts. Bill and Ted remain a couple of chill dudes you'd like to hang with. Them interacting goofily, but sincerely with themselves and most of the cast is one of the best parts of the film. One major difference from when they were teens, is that there is more of a earnestness with them which helps you get invested as they try to complete their mission. It's impressive how Winter hasn't dropped a beat playing Bill, especially since he hasn't been acting as much nowadays. (He's been directing recently.) Keanu isn't able to quite recapture his original performance, but Ted is kind of the slightly more mature of the duo in this and I think Keanu is able to make it work. 

Supporting cast is strong. Ready or Not's Brigitte Lundy-Paine and Samara Weaving do good jobs as Billie and Thea, Bill and Ted's daughters, who are basically modern-day variations of their fathers (similar, but not soooo similar that their characters feel superfluous). I did wish we spent a little more time with them as they don't get a lot of room to breathe. By the way, I have nothing but respect for whoever designed their clothes, quite eye-catching.

There are a few rather big plotholes. They're annoying, but it's not like this trilogy was known for it's deep writing. If you liked B&T so far, this probably won't be a dealbreaker for you. The movie also ends abruptly. Considering that a lot of this film is based around Bill and Ted's issues in their personal lives, you're kind of left wanting to know where their lives are headed. 

Also, Bill and Ted's wives and former princesses have been recast for a second time, this time played by Glee's Jayma Mays and Childrens Hospital's Erinn Hayes. Don't get me wrong, they're both good (though they don't get enough screentime), but it feels disrespectful to the previous actresses that they keep getting recast. (The original ones definitely weren't happy they weren't brought back for Bogus Journey.) Plus, it's a little uncomfortable that they hired actresses who are over ten years younger than the male actors they're playing against even though the characters are supposed to be all around the same age. Sort of an uncomfortable, female love interests aren't expected to look old situation.  

Overall, I highly recommend this. It' just a feel-good, fun film. Party on dudes.

New Mutants

8/10

New Mutants, based on the X-Men related comic book series, is about a group of teen mutants being held in a facility until they properly learn to control their powers. Suspicious events commence. This movie was supposed to come out in 2018 before Dark Phoenix and has been held back till now. (The switch to Disney from Fox probably was responsible for some of the stalling on how to handle this.) Now that it's finally come out I'm surprised at the delay. I mean, I could see the executives giving this little advertising or moving it to a weak box office month, but they didn't need to wait this long. Overall, I rather liked the movie.

This is one of the more unique takes on superheroes, being a combination of teen drama and horror. The strongest part is the characters, all managing to be distinct with a good cast playing them. 

The movie looks great. The film has this polished look to everything. It's greyness sets the bleak tone but isn't shot too darkly. The facility this movie mostly takes place in is appropriately creepy looking. It has this sterile, decrepit look while the building exteriors and grounds are pretty grand. The traditional big fight at the end is also definitely different from most films of this type by having some really unique visuals.

However, I can see other people not liking this as much as me. A lot of this movie is just people talking. It could've been shorter. In fact, the pacing may prevent me from watching this again soon.

It's a little hard to believe that the facility is run by only person. Given the powers and raw emotions of the teen mutants, you'd expect there'd be more people there in case things go awry or at least for basic building maintenance or  medical or technical support. Also, the character Ilyana's powers feel vaguely defined. 

I don't know if I can recommend this to everyone (especially if you're not a fan of teen drama, there is a lot of that in this.) However, director/co-writer Josh Boone (The Fault in Our Stars) had a clear distinct vision and I admire the effort.

The Sleepover

6/10

This family film on Netflix is about siblings Clancy (played by Sadie Stanley) and Kevin (Maxwell Simkins) who find out that their mom (the Watchmen movie/Childrens Hospital's Malin Akerman) is an ex-thief who's been kidnapped along with their dad (Childrens Hospital's Ken Marino) and forced to do one last job. The children end up pursuing them with their friends. So basically, it's kind of the setup to Spy Kids 4-D with the execution of Adventures in Babysitting. (Just not as fantastic as the former and played safer than the latter.) I found this to be alright.

This is one of those films that doesn't do enough to separate itself from the pack. You can predict where a lot of things are going and the children have some really basic, worn-out personal storylines. The first act is particularly average cause you don't see anything new just the traditional children's movie family issues.

The Sleepover is generally entertaining, there are several good moments and lines throughout, but the quality isn't consistent. The strength in this is more in the little moments than the general storyline. 

I give the movie credit for not just predictably being about just the children's adventure. The parents' storyline is given just as much focus. However, it bugs me that the movie spends way too much time focusing on the dad being upset with his wife's secret and jealous of her ex-partner (Joe Manganiello). They never really convince you why the couple married or get you root for their relationship. I particularly think that Marino (who's a versatile actor and really should be in more stuff) was given a bad break as he does a good job of playing the character as he's supposed to be played but just isn't given the proper dialogue to work with.

The cast's good. The standout is probably Simkins as he does a great job of nailing the odd goofball. His character demanded the most stuff, and he was game for all of it. Though it's a small role, Erik Griffin lights up each scene as the mom's witness protection handler.

If the crime portion of this story got your hopes up: no, there isn't a lot of action. The budget for this appeared to be pretty low.

I know I've been hard on this film, but it does have it's charm. As something to park your kids in front of, I think they'd like it. It's just as an adult viewer there is nothing about this to make it must-see viewing.