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Category: New Releases

  • War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

    War for the Planet of the Apes (2017)

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    2014’s Dawn of the Planet of the Apes grossed over $710 million, becoming the 8th-highest-grossing film of the year. The film earned widespread critical acclaim and even an Oscar nomination for Best Visual Effects, guaranteeing another sequel. 20th Century Fox was so impressed with Matt Reeves’ cut that they signed him onto direct one more installment. While the studio had a planned release date, they gave Reeves and writer Mark Bomback additional production time. Andy Serkis returned to play the ape leader, Caesar, with Woody Harrelson, Steve Zahn, Gabriel Chavarria, and Amiah Miller joining. With a budget of around $150-152 million, filming took place in Vancouver from October 2015 until March 2016. While initially planned for a 2016 release, 20th Century Fox announced they’d delay it to the following year. After premiering at the SVA Theatre, War for the Planet of the Apes hit theaters in July 2017.

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    Synopsis

    Following the last film, the apes are at war with a human militia, the “Alpha-Omega,” searching for their colony. Specifically, they’re after the ape’s leader, Caesar (Andy Serkis), who’s searching for a new home for the apes. Unfortunately, a raid by the human militia leads to his wife and eldest son dying, so Caesar vows revenge. Caesar and a group of apes journey to the militia base to eliminate their leader, Colonel J. Wesley McCullough (Woody Harrelson). Along the way, the group meets a young mute girl (Amiah Miller) and an ape called “Bad Ape” (Steve Zahn). Eventually, they make it to the militia base, where they see several apes captured and forced into labor. In addition, it turns out that the Simian Flu has mutated to where those infected lose their intelligence and devolve. Will humanity reclaim its place in the world, or will the apes win the war?

    Review

    Often, the third part of a trilogy tends to stumble and fall rather than end things on a solid note. Films like The Godfather: Part III and Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker are perfect examples of unsatisfying trilogy conclusions. Thankfully, War for the Planet of the Apes is one of those rare exceptions that ends the trilogy strong. First, the effects are easily the best since the first film, showing how much CGI has evolved in six years. The fur, textures, and muscles on the apes look so lifelike that you almost believe they’re real. Of course, it helps that they have great actors like Andy Serkis to make these feel more three-dimensional. Serkis perfectly plays an older, wiser Caesar trying to win a war he never wanted but has to fight. His is a great character arc that comes full circle by the end of this film.

    Unlike the last two, this one focuses much more on the apes than the humans, which is a step up. However, that isn’t to say the movie lacks humans; they play a more minor role. While she has no speaking lines, Amiah Miller is memorable as the mute girl the apes name Nova. She shows how, despite conditions for humanity worsening, there’s still hope that they can coexist with the apes. On the opposite end, we have Woody Harrelson as Colonel McCullough, who’s ruthless in his efforts to save humanity. Harrelson does a great job playing such a horrible villain that you almost understand where he’s coming from. He’s not evil for the sake of evil but rather a man who thinks he’s doing good but is wrong. Also, Steven Zahn helps bring some fun as comic relief but never derails the tone.

    Like the other two, this one delivers on the action while telling a tense, dramatic story that never lets up. It’s a thrill ride from the opening sequence of the militia hunting the apes to the attack on the compound. Admittedly, the film slows down after that opening sequence, but the pacing is solid enough that it never feels dull. It’s also interesting to see how things have progressed, such as the Simian Flu evolving and apes fighting alongside humans. Little details like this enhance the film while never feeling like they’re there just for the sake of being there. It’s the longest of the trilogy at two hours and twenty minutes, but there’s enough story to justify that runtime. Regardless of how this series continues, this film shows how the franchise lasted for decades. Overall, War for the Planet of the Apes is a fitting conclusion to the trilogy.

     

     

    Buy War for the Planet of the Apes from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4dA2FKQ.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Civil War (2024)

    Civil War (2024)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Writer-director Alex Garland made a name for himself by writing the scripts for Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later and Sunshine. He also wrote and produced 2012’s Dredd, in which he became an uncredited co-director with Pete Travis. While working on that film, Garland reexamined an idea for a movie he had in his childhood about artificial intelligence. The idea grew into Garland’s official directorial debut, 2014’s Ex Machina, which was both a critical and commercial success. He followed this up with 2018’s Annihilation, which underperformed at the box office despite earning similar critical acclaim. His next film, 2022’s Men, didn’t fare well either commercially and wasn’t as highly praised as his first two outings. That same year, A24 announced that they’d be producing Garland’s next film, which would be their most expensive to date. After premiering at SXSW, Alex Garland’s Civil War opened in theaters in April 2024.

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    Synopsis

    America is in ruins as a new civil war has erupted, though The President (Nick Offerman) believes victory is assured. Meanwhile, renowned war photojournalist Lee Smith (Kirsten Dunst) is trekking to DC to interview The President. Accompanied by her colleague Joel (Wagner Moura) and mentor Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson), they set their sights on reaching Charlottesville. However, unbeknownst to Lee, Joel brings along a wannabe photojournalist named Jessie Cullen (Cailee Spaeny), who idolizes Lee. As the group journeys from New York to Charlottesville, they see how people are being affected by this war. Some actively stay out of it, others merely try to survive, and a few take advantage of the lawlessness. Along the way, Jessie learns what it truly means to be a photojournalist as Lee shows her the ropes. Will our heroes make the trip successfully, or will they be another casualty in this civil war?

     

    Review

    Given the political climate we’re living in, it was quite a risk for Lionsgate to release Civil War. The film doesn’t take a side one way or the other, but the conflict isn’t the central focus. Our focus is squarely on this group of journalists as they travel across a war-torn country to document what’s happening. It reminds me of World War Z (the book, not the movie), only without zombies and the conflict still happening. Like Max Brooks’ iconic book, this film explores what would happen if society crumbled and how people would respond. Some choose to ignore what’s happening, some run rampant and commit unspeakable acts, and others try to survive. Admittedly, the movie doesn’t explain what the war’s over or how the conflict started, but that’s not the point. While I don’t want to dissuade anyone from seeing this, you should know what you’re getting into.

    Kirsten Dunst does a great job playing a somewhat disgruntled photojournalist who’s almost lost hope. You feel that she’s seen a lot in her day and is numb to everything that’s going on around her. Conversely, you have Cailee Spaeny as the young, ambitious, wannabe photojournalist who wants to live up to her idol. While she’s certainly seen quite a bit, she isn’t as exposed to the horrors of war as Dunst’s character. By the end, she goes through quite a character arc and becomes as despondent and almost unfeeling as Dunst. Wagner Moura and Stephen McKinley Henderson help balance things out and provide some good back-and-forths with Dunst and Spaeny. Since we’re following these four the most, it helps that they’re engaging and likable enough that we don’t mind. Also, a special mention goes to Jesse Plemons, who steals the show during his short screen time.

    Like with his other movies, Alex Garland’s direction is solid, perfectly capturing a sense of chaos and dreariness. Whether it’s a long tracking shot or through the use of handheld cameras, he makes you feel like you’re there. Unlike many filmmakers who rely heavily on shaky cam, he uses it just enough to intensify the action. Also, the movie is violent but never gratuitous, which helps sell the point without going too far. Admittedly, the thought of California and Texas allying isn’t very realistic, which throws a wrench in the film’s credibility. Still, this film is a compelling cautionary tale of how easy it is for the US to fall into chaos. You may disagree with what’s shown, but it’s still thought-provoking and worth watching at least once. Overall, Civil War has some fantastic direction and excellent performances, but some might find its message divisive or controversial.

     

    Buy Civil War from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4f9FO98.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Abigail (2024)

    Abigail (2024)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.25.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Radio Silence Productions got plenty of attention after 2019’s Ready or Not became a critical and commercial success. The directing duo of Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett helmed the fifth and sixth installments in the long-dormant Scream franchise. Both films received positive reviews and grossed over $100 million at the box office, cementing their place in horror history. In April 2023, they announced work on a new project with Universal Studios loosely based on 1936’s Dracula’s Daughter. Universal Studios clarified that they wanted each film to stand alone and give filmmakers more creative freedom. With a $28 million budget, filming started in Dublin in June before being suspended due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. Filming wrapped in December, but sadly, cast member Angus Cloud passed away in July from a drug overdose. After premiering at the Overlook Film Festival, the newly-retitled Abigail hit theaters in April 2024.

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    Synopsis

    Crime boss Lambert (Giancarlo Esposito) hires a group of six criminals to kidnap young ballerina Abigail (Alisha Weir). After kidnapping her, the group must wait in an old mansion while Lambert negotiates with the girl’s father. While the rest of the group keeps a lookout, group member Joey (Melissa Barrera) must be Abigail’s sole caretaker. As the night goes on, they get picked off one by one under mysterious circumstances, leading to internal struggles. On top of that, the mansion’s security system activates, trapping them inside with seemingly no way out. Soon, the group learns the truth – Abigail is a vampire, and the whole kidnapping was a trap. What started as a seemingly easy job becomes a fight for survival as the thieves fight off the young vampire. Before long, the group learns more than they bargained for as they try to fend off Abigail.

     

    Review

    I’m glad I never saw a trailer for Abigail because I was surprised by how good this movie was. This is one of the most fun, violent, and entertaining movies I’ve seen in quite some time. I wish I hadn’t known about the vampire twist, but I understand the movie needs to sell its gimmick. Admittedly, going in knowing that adds to the suspense as you’re left wondering when she’ll turn and attack them. It helps that Alisha Weir delivers a standout performance, going from scared and helpless to evil and conniving without fail. Everyone in the cast does a great job, and none of them feel secondary in the slightest. Melissa Barrera is tough and likable, Dan Stevens is wonderfully despicable, and Giancarlo Esposito shines in his few scenes. Kathryn Newton and Kevin Durand’s relationship is sweet, Will Catlett is strong, and the late Angus Cloud excels.

    Like their 2019 outing, Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett deliver a bloody good time with tons of practical gore effects. By the movie’s end, not a single room in the mansion is left unstained by blood, and it’s great. The movie is so bloody that the directors had to apologize to the actors for how much blood they used. Thankfully, it never feels like the gore is there for the sake of being there, like so many other movies. The movie also reinvents the vampire lore by showing that specific weaknesses aren’t practical in this universe. The film introduces a ton of lore, but it never feels unnecessary or detracts from the rest of the story. Also, the movie takes some genuine twists and turns that I wasn’t expecting, and I was pleasantly surprised by them. It helps that the movie clocks in at slightly under two hours long.

    On the topic of this being a remake, this movie honestly doesn’t share much in common with Dracula’s Daughter. Not once is Dracula mentioned by name, nor is Abigail referred to as being The Count’s daughter. The only significant connection between the two is using the Swan Lake theme, which is a nice touch. If I can be honest, I’m struggling to find things to discuss with this movie without getting into spoilers. In a time where we’re inundated with sequels, remakes, and reboots, original movies like this are a rarity. The cast is excellent, the effects are gruesome, the direction is solid, and the pacing works. You’ll have a good time if you’re a horror fan who enjoys splatter and liked the directors’ previous work. Overall, Abigail is one of the most fun theater-going experiences I’ve had this year, and I highly recommend it.

     

    Buy Abigail from Amazon: https://amzn.to/48yffYO.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Monkey Man (2024)

    Monkey Man (2024)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.3″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]In 2018, Oscar-nominated actor Dev Patel announced he’d be making his directorial debut as suggested by previous collaborator Neill Blomkamp. In addition to directing, Patel would be starring and sharing writing credits with Paul Angunawela and John Collee. Patel originally wanted to film in India in 2020 but had to postpone due to COVID-19, ultimately settling for Indonesia. Filming wrapped in 2021, and Netflix later acquired the distribution rights but considered canceling the release due to political concerns. At some point, Jordan Peele watched the film and loved it so much that he came on as a producer. Through his company, Monkeypaw Productions, Peele convinced Universal to buy the movie from Netflix for under $10 million. The film premiered at South by Southwest in March 2024 and received critical praise, generating an early buzz. Less than a month later, Dev Patel’s Monkey Man opened worldwide in April 2024.

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    Synopsis

    The film follows a young man (Dev Patel) who witnessed his village burned and his mother killed as a child. Years later, he’s trying to make ends meet in an underground fighting ring as “The Monkey Man.” Along the way, he plots revenge on religious leader Baba Shakti (Makarand Deshpande) and police chief Rana Singh (Sikandar Kher). Shakti orchestrated the village’s destruction to acquire the land, and he hired Singh to lead the massacre. Through his underground connections, our hero gets a job from Singh’s cohort, Queenie Kapoor (Ashwini Kalsekar), naming himself “Bobby.” Unfortunately, Bobby flies too close to the sun and nearly dies, though to be saved by spiritualist Alpha (Vipin Sharma). With help from Alpha and his transgender commune, Bobby trains with a newfound sense of purpose and makes his return. Now more driven and determined than ever, Bobby seeks vengeance and justice for those wronged.

     

    Review

    For his directorial debut, Dev Patel excelled and then some with Monkey Man, and I anticipate his next outing. Unlike many contemporary action movies, Patel isn’t afraid to go for the jugular and presents brutal, unflinching violence. You feel all the hits that are dealt, and the violence gets progressively bloodier and bloodier as it goes on. Admittedly, the editing can get choppy during the action sequences due to tight zooms, quick cuts, and shaky camerawork. While the editing does get better later on, parts of the first act are nearly incomprehensible because of the editing. Also, after a frantic first act, the film grinds to a near halt in the second act. The second act has plenty of story and character development, but it feels like tonal whiplash. Don’t get me wrong, Patel did an excellent job on his first outing, but there’s room for improvement.

    In addition to doing a solid job directing, Patel delivers one of his best performances since The Green Knight. He does a great job playing the strong, silent type with a look of determination and focus on his face. Seeing how his revenge plan plays out is fascinating, and you feel for him when things start to go south for him. Though his screen time is limited, Sharlto Copley chews up all the scenery around him when he’s on screen. He steals every scene he’s in, and I wish Copley had been in the movie more. Another highlight is Sobhita Dhulipala as Sita, a sex worker whom Patel’s character forms a bond with. You feel the hurt and struggle she’s going through, and you get the sense that she’s lost faith in humanity. Sikandar Kher plays a great villain and even outshines Makarand Deshpande, who’s technically the real villain.

    The fight choreography is excellent, and every hit feels visceral and natural, probably because a lot of it was. Amongst all the violence and fight scenes, there’s also plenty of political and social commentary that isn’t particularly subtle. From the look of Mumbai poverty to the subjugation of trans people, it makes sense why Netflix might’ve had reservations. The fact that a major studio like Universal was willing to take on a project like this says a lot. What’s also refreshing is the film’s short runtime of under two hours, a rarity in Hollywood today. Even if the second act somewhat drags, it’s not enough to make the experience feel longer than it is. Despite its flaws, this is an incredible action thriller worth your time, and I’m excited to see Patel’s next outing. Overall, Monkey Man is rough around the edges but has something special going for it.

     

    Buy Monkey Man from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4fcKdZg.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)

    Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Godzilla vs. Kong was a massive success, grossing $470 million worldwide against a budget of around $155 – 200 million. It was the 8th highest-grossing film of 2021, HBO Max’s most successful launch title, and a hit with critics. Naturally, with that kind of success, a sequel would follow, formally announced in March 2022. Adam Wingard agreed to direct this follow-up, with much of the last film’s cast and crew also returning. With a budget of $135 million, principal photography started in July 2022 around the Gold Coast, Queensland. Filming wrapped in November in Australia, and a year’s worth of post-production followed, with Alessandro Ongaro supervising the visual effects. Meanwhile, Toho released Godzilla Minus One, a financial and critical hit that earned an Oscar for Best Visual Effects. After premiering at Grauman’s Chinese Theater, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire premiered in March 2024.

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    Synopsis

    Since the last movie, Kong has made Hollow Earth his home while Godzilla defends Earth from various Titans. All is well until a Monarch research station detects an unknown signal, which triggers Jia (Kaylee Hottle) to have hallucinations. Sensing that something’s wrong, Jia’s adopted mother, Dr. Ilene Andrews (Rebecca Hall), recruits Bernie Hayes (Brian Tyree Henry) for help. Alongside Titan vet Trapper (Dan Stevens), they travel to Hollow Earth to find the signal’s source and discover what’s happening. Meanwhile, Godzilla is spotted attacking nuclear power plants and absorbing their energy, possibly preparing for something big. Back in Hollow Earth, Kong discovers a group of giant apes living deep underground led by the tyrannical Skar King. It turns out that the Skar King plans to invade the surface with his apes and an ice-breathing Titan, Shimo. Kong and Godzilla must team up to save the world once again!

     

    Review

    While I wouldn’t call this movie unique or groundbreaking, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire is at least entertaining. Honestly, entertaining is all this movie had to be, and it more or less succeeds at providing pure popcorn entertainment. Sure, this film isn’t as good as Godzilla Minus One, but it was never going to be, and that’s fine. As the last movie demonstrates, Adam Wingard knows what his audience wants and delivers on it tenfold. Admittedly, G-fans may be disappointed that Godzilla doesn’t get as much screen time as Kong, who’s more-or-less the central focus. Besides teaming up for the climax, this might as well be Kong: The New Empire with special guest star Godzilla. Granted, there are a few standout Godzilla moments, mostly him battling other monsters and even napping in the Colosseum. Seeing them team up to fight different monsters is all worth it.

    Like many other Kaiju movies, the human characters aren’t as significant as the monsters, but they’re at least well-acted. Rebecca Hall is the film’s emotional core and does a great job playing a sympathetic lead. Her scenes with Kaylee Hottle as her adopted daughter are funny and heartwarming, which helps ground the film’s reality. Brian Tyree Henry returns as the comic relief, and while his humor is hit-or-miss, he isn’t overly annoying or obnoxious. Dan Stevens, who starred in Wingard’s 2014 thriller The Guest, is also fun as the brash and arrogant Trapper. Aside from them, there’s not much else to discuss with the human cast since they’re just background noise. Admittedly, the smaller human cast is a welcome change from Godzilla vs. Kong, which had too many human characters. It shows that, sometimes, less is more, especially regarding extra human characters.

    Before writing this review, I decided to see what other critics were saying, and I’m wondering what they were expecting. Many complain that the film doesn’t explore deeper meanings or the implications of these monsters’ existence. Like I said earlier, this film would never explore any deeper meanings, and that’s fine. Not every movie needs to be a profound contemplation on life’s meaning or what being a giant ape means. Sometimes, you need a big, ridiculous, fun popcorn movie to escape from reality for two hours. While filmmakers should strive for more than surface-level entertainment, there’s nothing wrong with making pure escapism. I’m not saying this movie is a masterpiece that will sweep the Oscars, but it’s a fun watch. Overall, Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire falters in some aspects, but it’s a fun way to kill two hours.

     

    Buy Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire from Amazon: https://amzn.to/40q9Wc0.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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    Where to watch Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)

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  • Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)

    Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Despite a mixed reception, 2021’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife was a box office hit, grossing $204 million against a $75 million budget. Months after its release, Sony Pictures announced a sequel was in development with Jason Reitman returning to direct. However, towards the end of 2022, Reitman was replaced by director Gil Kenan, who previously helmed the Oscar-nominated Monster House. Under the title Firehouse, principal photography started in March 2023 in London, with some shots filmed in New York City. In addition to the primary cast from the previous film, several actors from the original films also reprised their roles. New cast members included Kumail Nanjiani, Patton Oswalt, James Acaster, and Emily Alyn Lind. Filming wrapped in June, and it was scheduled for a December release but was delayed due to the SAG-AFTRA strike. After premiering in New York City in early March 2024, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire was released worldwide soon after.

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    Synopsis

    Following the previous film, the Spenglers and former science teacher Gary Grooberson (Paul Rudd) move into the Ghostbusters firehouse. Though successful, the family tells Phoebe (Mckenna Grace) she can’t continue busting ghosts, or they get shut down. Meanwhile, local Nadeem Razmaadi (Kumail Nanjiani) sells Dr. Ray Stantz (Dan Aykroyd) an orb that supposedly contains an ancient spirit. The team discovers that inside the orb is an ancient evil that was imprisoned after harnessing the death chill. Elsewhere, a depressed Phoebe inadvertently makes friends with a ghost girl named Melody (Emily Alyn Lind), who seeks absolution. While she appears innocent, Melody secretly works with the ancient evil, Garraka, to release him from the orb. Once freed, Garraka plans to engulf New York City and the world in a neverending winter of fear. Will our fearless paranormal investigators save the world, or will they become frozen with fear?

     

    Review

    Some may recall that the last Ghostbusters movie made my Best Films of 2021 list, and I stand by that. Naturally, I was excited for another sequel, though I had doubts after seeing the first few trailers. Having seen the movie, I can say that while this isn’t spectacular, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is a decent enough follow-up. The returning cast members still deliver solid performances, though some stand out more than others. Like in the last film, McKenna Grace is charming and likable, and her scenes with Dan Aykroyd are fun. The returning Ghostbusters are given more to do here, though some, like Bill Murray, are little more than glorified cameos. Another standout is Emily Alyn Lind as Melody, the ghost girl with a tragic backstory who becomes friends with Phoebe. Not only is she fabulous, but it’s a different look at ghosts that the series hasn’t explored before.

    Admittedly, this plays into one of the film’s most significant weaknesses: too many characters and insufficient story. So many characters and subplots are going on that the movie loses focus and feels like a jumbled mess. Sure, some of it is interesting, like Winston using his vast wealth to fund further Ghostbusters research, but it’s overwhelming. In all honesty, some characters, like Finn Wolfhard’s Trevor, could’ve been written out, and nothing would’ve changed. Also, the pacing is very uneven, with the first half being relatively dull and the second being more action-packed. While it does pick up in the second half, considering all the exposition dumped on you, it’s hard to care. It feels like Gil Kenan had a lot of ideas but no one to tell him when to pull back. Say what you will about Afterlife, but it at least felt like Jason Reitman had a singular vision.

    To spin this in a more positive direction, I will give this movie props for creating a new villain. Garraka is an intimidating and well-designed villain, and the lore surrounding him is fascinatingly eerie. I think that’s what frustrates me the most about this movie: it has several good ideas but no real focus. It doesn’t help there are more references to the older movies, though it’s not as egregious as critics have suggested. I’ve also seen critics complain that this had a more serious tone, which I wasn’t bothered by. Sure, it isn’t as funny or has many jokes, but remember that the original was shot like a horror film. Despite my issues, and while I wouldn’t say it’s on par with Afterlife, this is still a decent sequel. Much like Ghostbusters 2, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire is a flawed but enjoyable experience overall.

     

    Buy Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4ec3HMb.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Ready Player One (2018)

    Ready Player One (2018)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_header title=”Special Review” subhead=”This review is a special request from Patreon supporter BodaciousCNO. If you’d like to support me on Patreon, click the button below.” text_orientation=”center” button_one_text=”Visit Patreon” button_one_url=”https://www.patreon.com/filmnerd” background_overlay_color=”#f96854″ _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ background_color=”#f96854″ custom_button_one=”on” button_one_bg_color=”#052d49″ custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”25px||25px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][/et_pb_fullwidth_header][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.24.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]In 2010, aspiring author Ernest Cline sold the rights to his first novel, Ready Player One, to Crown Publishing Group. Not long after, Warner Bros. bought the film rights before the book was published the following year. Cline wrote the original screenplay, Eric Eason and Zak Penn handled rewrites, and Steven Spielberg was hired to direct. After a lengthy casting process, principal photography commenced in June 2016, mainly in Birmingham and Warner Bros. Studios, Leavesden. Thanks to Spielberg’s reputation, many of the pop culture references featured in the book were brought into the movie. Filming wrapped in September 2016, and ILM, Digital Domain, and Territory Studio handled the visual effects and post-production. The film initially had a late 2017 release but was delayed to avoid competition from Star Wars: The Last Jedi. After premiering at South by Southwest, Ready Player One hit theaters in March 2018.

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    Synopsis

    It is 2045, and people are escaping reality by entering a virtual reality program called The Oasis. Created by James Halliday (Mark Rylance) and Ogden Morrow (Simon Pegg), what started as a game quickly became a phenomenon. Unfortunately, Halliday passed away but left three keys hidden in The Oasis, leading to a golden Easter egg. Whoever found the keys and got the egg would win total control of The Oasis, but people lost interest. That is except for a few passionate egg hunters, aka “Gunters,” and rival tech CEO Nolan Sorrento (Ben Mendelsohn). One of these Gunters, Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan), finds the first key, which paints a massive target on his back. He soon finds himself in a rebellion led by fellow Gunter Samantha Cook (Olivia Cooke) to take down Sorrento. With control of The Oasis at stake, will our heroes succeed, or will Sorrento claim it for himself?

     

    Review

    Before going further, I will address that I haven’t read the book, so I don’t know how the movie compares. That said, Ready Player One has plenty going for it, and it’s easy to see why some people enjoy it. It’s got some exciting world-building, the characters are likable, and there’s a charm to seeing all these pop culture references. Unfortunately, once you strip all of that away, you’re left with a pretty bland story you’ve seen done before. The characters are all stock archetypes, the plot devolves into a “chosen one” narrative, and there’s nothing unique here. There’s nothing inherently wrong with using familiar stories and character types, so long as you make something different. Star Wars is a perfect example of taking tropes and ideas from other media to tell a unique story. Aside from the video game angle, this has nothing unique to offer.

    To get into some positive aspects, I thought the performances were generally strong despite lacking substantial material. Tye Sheridan makes for a decent, relatable, and sympathetic lead, especially as the film progresses. Though his scenes are brief, Mark Rylance has an innocent charm that makes him feel more human. Simon Pegg is enjoyable as always, and T.J. Miller is funny in his role as i-R0k. Also, while some of the visuals haven’t aged as well as others, there are some decent-looking digital effects. Alan Silvestri’s score fits the action well, though it sounds like his Back to the Future score. Steven Spielberg’s direction is on point, as always, though the film lacks some of his usual style. Oddly enough, the scene that felt the most like Spielberg was towards the end when Parzival meets Halliday. Sadly, that’s where most of my positives for this movie end.

    While the rest of the cast is decent, many are either forgettable or repeats of previous performances. The worst example is Ben Mendelsohn, a great actor, whose role is more or less the same as Rogue One. While most references are relegated to the background, it gets annoying when the movie blatantly tells you the reference. In particular, when they mentioned The Shining, Buckaroo Banzai, and Child’s Play, I wished I was watching those movies instead. This movie should not be two hours and twenty minutes long, especially with all the unnecessary padding. Sure, it has an action-packed climax, but I was waiting for everything to end by then. I wouldn’t call this one of Spielberg’s worst movies, but it’s a far cry from Jaws or Schindler’s List. Overall, Ready Player One has some surface-level enjoyment, but it won’t leave much of an impact.

     

    Buy Ready Player One from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AniUMA.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Godzilla Minus One (2023)

    Godzilla Minus One (2023)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]While 2016’s Shin Godzilla was a critical and commercial hit, Toho could only release another Godzilla film after some years. This was due to their agreement with Legendary Pictures not to make a Godzilla film alongside them. Meanwhile, Toho set up an office to discuss plans for the Godzilla series and hired Takashi Yamazaki to direct. For a dream sequence, Yamazaki had previously incorporated Godzilla in his 2007 film Always: Sunset on Third Street 2. Many news outlets reported that the budget was $15 million, less than 10% of Godzilla vs. Kong’s $155-200 million budget. Yamazaki set the film in post-WWII Japan and took influence from Godzilla, Mothra, and King Ghidorah: Giant Monsters All-Out Attack. The movie was shot in Honshu’s Kantō and Chūbu regions between March and June 2022, with effects by Shirogumi Inc. After its Japanese release in November, Godzilla Minus One hit American shores in December 2023.

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    Synopsis

    Towards the end of WWII, kamikaze pilot Kōichi Shikishima (Ryunosuke Kamiki) flees his duties by flying to Odo Island. That night, he witnesses the entire base of technicians get wiped out by a giant dinosaur the locals call “Godzilla.” He returns home to find that his parents are dead, and his house was destroyed in the bombings. Kōichi inadvertently takes in Noriko Ōishi (Minami Hamabe), a local whose parents also died, and orphaned child Akiko (Sae Nagatani). While he tries to move on and works as a minesweeper, the dinosaur from before is mutated by atomic bombs. Now bigger and more powerful than ever, Godzilla makes his way to Ginza and goes on a rampage. In his wake, thousands are killed, including Noriko, and Kōichi swears revenge as the country struggles to rebuild. Will our heroes rise to take on this new threat, or will Japan be obliterated once again?

     

    Review

    In a time where we’re inundated with multi-million-dollar blockbusters with mediocre effects, along comes Godzilla Minus One to rival them. It says a lot when an under $15 million movie has better effects than The Flash, which had $300 million. Granted, $15 million isn’t a low budget, but it might as well be compared to today’s movies. While I generally prefer practical effects over CGI, I can’t deny that the digital effects in this movie are jaw-dropping. Sure, there’s a charm to the tried-and-true guys in rubber suits technique, but I’ll admit it wouldn’t have worked here. This is a much more serious, heartfelt, and emotional film on par with the original 1954 Godzilla. This is less of a kaiju movie and more of a human-focused drama featuring a kaiju. If you go into this expecting something like Godzilla vs. Kong, you will be disappointed.

    As much as I enjoyed that movie, this trumps Adam Wingard’s monster mash-up and then some. While that film had so many characters and subplots, this one keeps it simple and focuses on one central character. It helps that the human storyline is captivating, and the characters are well-developed to the point where they feel real. You care about the guilt that Kōichi feels for seemingly betraying his country and letting so many people die. Additionally, Takashi Yamazaki does an excellent job of giving the film a somber, almost apocalyptic feel. Seeing the characters wander the ruined streets of Tokyo after the bombings and Godzilla’s rampage adds to the tone. Like the Ishirō Honda original, this one depicts Godzilla as a force of destruction that wreaks havoc without mercy. As incredible as it is watching Godzilla fire his atomic breath, you also dread what he will do.

    At the heart of the film is a story of redemption, recovery, and people coming together to overcome significant obstacles. You could take Godzilla out of the movie, and it would still work as a drama about post-war Japan. That said, this film also celebrates the 70-year legacy of Godzilla, even including snippets of Akira Ifukube’s original score. If I had any criticisms, I admit that the characters can come off a bit one-note and stereotypical. Also, the acting can seem overdramatic and overly emotional, but it fits the film’s tone. Honestly, there is so much about this movie that works that it’s hard to find anything worth criticizing. Even if you’ve never seen a Godzilla movie, you’ll get something out of this and maybe want to see more. Overall, Godzilla Minus One should be a wake-up call for Hollywood to improve and put more care into their movies.

     

    Buy Godzilla: Minus One from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3CbWSNh.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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    Where to watch Godzilla Minus One (2023)

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  • Wonka (2023)

    Wonka (2023)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]British author Roald Dahl’s novel Charlie and the Chocolate Factory was published in the US in 1964 to instant success. The book caught the attention of filmmaker Mel Stuart and producer David Wolper, who decided to adapt it to film. Released in 1971, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory received critical acclaim but wasn’t a huge financial hit. Over time, the film found its audience through repeated television viewings and home video, becoming a beloved classic. In 2005, Tim Burton directed the remake Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which stuck closer to the original novel. While the film remains divisive, it was a massive financial success, grossing $475 million worldwide on a $150 million budget. In 2016, Warner Bros. reacquired the rights to Willy Wonka and announced the development of a new prequel film. After years of production and marketing, Wonka premiered in October 2023 before its worldwide December release.

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    Synopsis

    Since childhood, Willy Wonka (Timothée Chalamet) has dreamed of opening a chocolate shop at the Galeries Gourmet. Unfortunately, through a series of circumstances, he’s forced to work for the devious Mrs. Scrubitt (Olivia Colman). To try to pay off the overwhelming debt he owes, Wonka goes out to Galeries Gourmet to sell his chocolate. However, he’s stopped by rival chocolatiers Mr. Arthur Slugworth (Paterson Joseph), Mr. Prodnose (Matt Lucas), and Mr. Fickelgruber (Mathew Baynton). Known as The Chocolate Cartel, they control all candy production, bribing a priest (Rowan Atkinson) and the chief-of-police (Keegan-Michael Key). With help from other people forced into Mrs. Scrubitt’s servitude, Wonka vows to make his dreams a reality. Along the way, he contends with the police, Mrs. Scrubitt’s assistant, Bleacher (Tom Davis), and an Oompa Loompa (Hugh Grant). As Wonka’s mother told him, “Every good thing in this world started with a dream.”

     

    Review

    Like many people, I was immediately skeptical about this movie when I first heard about it. The original is such a timeless classic, and the 2005 version, while not great, stuck closer to the source material. It seemed pointless to revisit this material for a third time, let alone make a prequel to the original film. Thankfully, I’m happy that Wonka exceeded my expectations, living up to the 1971 classic while working on its merits. First off, Timothée Chalamet does a great job as the youthful Willy Wonka, whose unbreakable optimism is contagious. He gives the role a ton of charisma and wit that honors Gene Wilder without appearing as an imitation. You genuinely want to see him succeed and overcome the odds, even as things seem more dire. It helps that he has a solid singing voice, and the songs are incredibly catchy.

    The rest of the cast does a commendable job, mostly playing it up for laughs and mugging for the camera. The one exception is Calah Lane as the orphan girl, Noodle, who becomes fast friends with Wonka. She plays her part straight and works as an anchor for Chalamet’s unbridled positivity that keeps the film grounded. Hugh Grant also stands out as Lofty, an Oompa-Loompa pursuing Wonka and stealing his chocolate to compensate for his failures. The production design is on another level, with fantastic sets and elaborate effects, justifying the film’s $125 million budget. Paul King does a great job keeping the pacing moving without rushing or dragging things out. The movie breezes at barely two hours long and never feels bogged down by unnecessary filler scenes. It’s a fun experience that the whole family can enjoy and get something out of.

    If I had any complaints, I’d say that while the first two acts are solid, the third somewhat falls apart. The movie goes from a heartwarming journey of making one’s dreams come true to a heist film. Granted, it’s not enough to ruin the movie as it is overall enjoyable, but it is worth pointing out. Also, as whimsical as the film is, it’s not afraid to tackle some darker subject matter. It’s nothing challenging or life-altering but more than what you’d expect from a lighthearted family film. While I wouldn’t say it’s better than the Mel Stuart original, this makes for a good companion piece. But you’ll find something to enjoy whether you’ve seen the other two movies or haven’t heard of the source material. Overall, Wonka is an enjoyable, wholesome movie that reminds us to pursue our dreams and see the magic around us.

     

    Buy Wonka from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4fqQYpQ.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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  • Next Goal Wins (2023)

    Next Goal Wins (2023)

    [et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ admin_label=”row” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_size=”initial” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.23.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]In 2014, the documentary Next Goal Wins, directed by Mike Brett and Steve Jamison, was released to universal acclaim. The film told the story of the American Samoa soccer team’s struggle to qualify for the World Cup. In 2019, Fox Searchlight Pictures announced that Taika Waititi would helm a feature film adaptation of the documentary. Among the cast included Michael Fassbender, Elisabeth Moss, numerous New Zealand-born Samoan actors making their debut, and Armie Hammer. The movie was shot in Honolulu from November 2019 to January 2020 with a $14 million budget. However, after allegations of sexual abuse surrounding Hammer surfaced in 2021, reshoots were done with Will Arnett replacing him. Due to prior commitments on Thor: Love and Thunder, Waititi’s sports movie wouldn’t be released until 2023. After premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, Next Goal Wins hit theaters in November.

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    Synopsis

    Since losing to Australia in 2001 31-0, the American Samoa national football team is considered the worst in history. The American Samoa Football Federation head, Tavita (Oscar Kightley), seeks a new coach to end their losing streak. Enter Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender), a Dutch-American football coach struggling with alcoholism and anger issues who’s recently been fired. Executive Alex Magnussen (Will Arnett) and Rongen’s ex-wife Gail (Elisabeth Moss) send him to American Samoa to fix his life. He becomes the football team’s new coach, which he’s not happy with, given his situation and the team’s reputation. However, as he gets to know the team better, especially transgender player Jaiyah Saelua (Kaimana), Rongen starts to change. He gets the team back on track and prepares them to compete in the 2014 World Cup. Will they end their decade-long losing streak or continue being a laughingstock in the football community?

     

    Review

    Taika Waititi has become a director that I have mixed feelings about, given his track record. While he’s made some great stuff like Thor: Ragnarok and Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Love and Thunder was a huge disappointment. Next Goal Wins falls somewhere in the middle: not as good as his earlier work, but better than his later stuff. This movie is like any other inspirational sports movie about an underdog team, from Cool Runnings to The Mighty Ducks. The only difference is that this film flat-out tells the audience several elements are embellished to suit the narrative better. This extends to the numerous pop culture references made throughout, including The Matrix, The Karate Kid, and Any Given Sunday. It feels like a much deeper story could’ve been explored, but much of it is sidestepped for entertainment’s sake. Again, it’s not all terrible, but there’s nothing new either.

    Michael Fassbender might’ve been an odd choice for Thomas Rongen, but he does a decent job as the struggling coach. His accent tends to slip occasionally, and he comes off so hateful to the players that it’s hard to sympathize. He follows the sports movie trope of the angry, bitter coach who learns to be a better person. Unfortunately, he’s given the most screen time/backstory at the expense of the American Samoa team, who get little development. The one exception is Jaiyah Saelua, played excellently by relative newcomer Kaimana, who’s given more character development. Seeing her relationship with the rest of the team is heartwarming, as they accept her for who she is. Honestly, I would’ve much rather seen her as the lead than the same tired story we were given. It comes off as wasted potential, but what we get does its job well enough.

    From a filmmaking perspective, Waititi does an excellent job of capturing the beauty of the Hawaiian landscape. The movie has bright colors, rich sunrises/sunsets, and plenty of tropical foliage that enhances the visuals. Otherwise, most of the film is shot statically and plainly without much in the way of dynamic camera angles. Some of the jokes land, including a bit involving Rogen going through the Five Stages of Grief. The rest mainly consists of poking fun at the Islanders, which seems a bit disingenuous. Parts of the film drag at roughly an hour and forty-four minutes, but it mostly breezes by. Fans of inspirational sports movies will enjoy this, but I can’t help feeling like this could’ve been so much more. Overall, Next Goal Wins is a decent piece of escapism, but it won’t leave much lasting impact afterward.

     

    Buy Next Goal Wins from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4flRtSa.

    Disclosure: The above link is an affiliate link, which means that, at zero cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through the link and finalize a purchase.

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