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Category: New Releases

  • Thanksgiving (2023)

    Thanksgiving (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=”{}”]For the 2007 double feature Grindhouse, directors Edgar Wright, Rob Zombie, and Eli Roth contributed three fake trailers. Wright homaged 70s European horror with Don’t, Zombie brought up Werewolf Women of the SS, and Roth offered up Thanksgiving. While the movie underperformed, the trailers were a highlight, and Roth started developing a feature film based on the trailer. Over the next few years, Roth and co-writer Jeff Rendell worked on fleshing out the script while producing other movies. During this time, Roth was hired by Lionsgate to direct a film adaptation of the popular video game Borderlands. While filming wrapped in 2022, reshoots were announced in early 2023, but Roth chose to make his holiday slasher instead. He left Tim Miller in charge while filming in Toronto and Ontario for three months on a $15 million budget. After 16 years of development, Thanksgiving finally slashed into theaters in November 2023.

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    Synopsis

    The small town of Plymouth, Massachusetts, is rocked to its core when a massive Black Friday sale ends in tragedy. One year later, Thomas Wright (Rick Hoffman), the store owner whose sale ended in death, plans to do it again. Wright commits despite warnings from his daughter Jessica (Nell Verlaque) and protests led by former manager Mitch Collins (Ty Olsson). Soon, a mysterious figure dressed as a pilgrim wearing a John Carver mask starts killing people in increasingly gruesome ways. The killer is targeting people involved in the Black Friday tragedy, which Jessica and her friends were present for. Sheriff Eric Newlon (Patrick Dempsey) is investigating the murders while Jessica deals with her ex-boyfriend Bobby (Jalen Thomas Brooks). As the killings continue, our heroes have to figure out who the killer is before they end up dead. This Thanksgiving, there will be no leftovers.

     

    Review

    If I’m being honest, I’ve never been the biggest fan of Eli Roth, primarily because of his writing style. In Cabin Fever and Hostel, he wrote the characters to be so unlikeable that you wanted them to die. That’s the sign of a bad writer: instead of writing well-rounded, three-dimensional characters, you make them as annoying as possible. With that in mind, I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed Roth’s latest offering. Thanksgiving is a solid throwback to 80s holiday-themed slasher films like My Bloody Valentine and Happy Birthday to Me. One thing that impressed me immediately was the gore effects, which are all done practically and look great. There are some memorable kills, including a few from the original fake trailer, including the infamous trampoline scene. The over-the-top nature of the kills adds to the fun, grindhouse-type vibe the movie is going for.

    While I would’ve preferred Michael Biehn from the original trailer to return, Patrick Dempsey does an excellent job. He’s quiet and reserved, never playing the role for laughs and taking it seriously, which makes the dark humor funnier. Relative newcomer Nell Verlaque is also promising as the main heroine, Jessica, acting as the voice of reason. The rest of the cast is your typical slasher canon fodder, but that’s not to say they’re all detestable. Sure, there is some of that douchy bro attitude Eli Roth is known for, but it’s downplayed significantly here. Plus, any particularly unlikable characters are disposed of pretty quickly, so you’re never stuck with them for too long. Old-school slasher fans should look for an appearance from Lynne Griffin, known for Canadian chillers like Black Christmas and Curtains. Also, Gina Gershon has a small but memorable role early in the movie.

    If I had any complaints, I’d say one of the biggest is the runtime, roughly an hour and forty-seven minutes. A slasher film like this should be kept at ninety minutes, and plenty of slower scenes could’ve been excised. Also, while the first two acts are strong, everything starts falling apart in the third. The film loses the sense of dark fun it had and goes straight for the gross-out factor. Plus, even if the effect was digital, I wish this had that faux grainy, scratched-up look from Grindhouse. Regardless, you’ll have a good time here if you’re a fan of Eli Roth’s work or slasher films. Even if you generally don’t like Roth’s movies (like myself), you might be surprised with this one. Overall, Thanksgiving is an enjoyably gruesome and humorous take on a well-worn horror subgenre that never seems to die.

     

    Buy Thanksgiving from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4f85pzl.

    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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  • The Marvels (2023)

    The Marvels (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=”{}”]On a $160 million budget, Captain Marvel grossed over $1 billion worldwide, making it the 9th highest-grossing film of 2019. A few months after its release, Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige announced a sequel was in the works. In early 2020, Megan McDonnell was hired to write the sequel after working on the Disney+ series WandaVision. Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck, who directed the first film, would not return, so Marvel sought a new director. After considering Olivia Wilde and Jamie Babbit, the studio hired Nia DaCosta, who previously helmed the Candyman remake. Brie Larson returned to the title role, with Teyonah Parris and newcomer Iman Vellani joining the cast. The movie was shot between July 2021 and May 2022 in Pinewood Studios, Longcross Studios, LA, and Tropea. After numerous delays, The Marvels premiered in Vegas on November 7, 2023, before its wide release three days later.

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    Synopsis

    In her quest to restore her homeworld, Dar-Benn (Zawe Ashton) acquires a Quantum Band, allowing her to create space rifts. These anomalies catch the attention of S.W.O.R.D., an intelligence agency headed by Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson). He asks Carol Danvers/Captain Marvel (Brie Larson) and Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris) to investigate, but something goes wrong. The anomaly causes Carol, Monica, and Kamala Khan/Ms. Marvel (Iman Vellani) to switch places when they use their powers. They deduce that their light-based powers are caught in a quantum entanglement caused by Dar-Benn creating jump points. It turns out that Dar-Benn is using the jump points to siphon resources to revive the Kree homeworld, Hala. With Dar-Benn’s jump points threatening to rupture existence, Carol, Monica, and Kamala team up to stop her. Will The Marvels save the universe, or will it fall apart while Dar-Benn tries restoring the Kree empire?

     

    Review

    At this point, it feels like I’m watching all the MCU movies out of obligation rather than genuine interest. With a few exceptions, most of them have been decent at best and mediocre at worst. While not as bad as Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania, The Marvels is another forgettable mediocre MCU movie. Part of it could be superhero fatigue, but that doesn’t change the fact that this movie is pretty dull. To start positively, I will say that some performances aren’t half bad, with Iman Vellani being a huge standout. Much like in Ms. Marvel, her energy and enthusiasm is infectious, and I look forward to what she does next. Brie Larson and Teyonah Parris are decent, though they come off slightly on the bland side. Samuel L. Jackson still has a commanding presence, even if he isn’t given much to do.

    Unfortunately, that’s where most of the positives end, as this has all the elements of a weak MCU movie. Dar-Benn is right up there with Ronan the Conqueror and Malekith as one of the weakest villains in the series. While they try giving her a compelling motivation, she comes off as a stereotypical big bad wanting to destroy everything. It doesn’t help that Zawe Ashton’s performance mainly consists of wide-eyed expressions and delivering her lines in a whispering tone. Also, the whole “switching places when they use their powers” gimmick could’ve been fun, but it’s underutilized. Aside from a few action scenes and a decent training montage, the gimmick is hardly used and is mostly forgotten. There are also some out-of-place attempts at humor, like when the heroes visit a planet where people communicate through song. It’s on par with what Taika Waititi did on Thor: Love and Thunder.

    The film’s best parts were the quieter, more character-driven scenes, like Kamala’s family or the main heroes bonding. It’s in the big, CGI-filled action sequences that the film feels generic and hollow, like most of the MCU recently. I’m glad Nia DaCosta got to direct a big-budget blockbuster, but I don’t know if she was the right choice. Not that the film is shot poorly or the editing is awful, but there’s no sense of style. Considering her last film had a $25 million budget, maybe she’s not ready for such a vast project. One thing I can credit this movie for is that it’s relatively short, at only an hour and 45 minutes. Still, Marvel Studios should take some time off, regroup, and commit to delivering better content than this. Overall, The Marvels has moments, but you can skip this one unless you’re a hardcore MCU fan.

     

    Buy The Marvels from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Afde7n.

    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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  • Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

    Killers of the Flower Moon (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″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]David Grann’s Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI was published in 2017. The book tells the real-life story of how members of the Osage people were murdered after gaining wealth from oil. Grann’s book received rave reviews from The New York Times, Rolling Stone, and Publishers Weekly, so Hollywood soon came calling. In 2016, Imperative Entertainment bought the film rights for $5 million, with Martin Scorsese announced to be helming the project. Paramount Pictures originally announced they’d distribute the film in 2019 but were unsure due to the $200 million budget. While filming was delayed due to COVID-19, Scorsese made a deal with Apple TV+ to co-finance and co-distribute the film. The movie was shot in Osage County and Washington County, Oklahoma, from April to October 2021. After premiering at Cannes, Killers of the Flower Moon hit theaters in October 2023.

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    Synopsis

    In 1918, Ernest Burkhart (Leonardo DiCaprio) returns from the war to meet his uncle William “King” Hale (Robert De Niro). While Ernest was away, the Osage acquired mass amounts of wealth after discovering oil, which upsets Hale despite his appearance. He asks Ernest to work as a driver for Mollie Kyle (Lilly Gladstone), an Osage whose family owns the land. The two develop a relationship and get married, entitling Ernest to a share of the land should Mollie’s family die. While Hale has several Osage killed secretly, Ernest is ordered to poison Mollie’s insulin, slowly killing her without her realizing. News of the murders reaches Washington, D.C., so the Bureau of Investigation sends Agent Tom White (Jesse Plemons) to investigate. Though they try covering everything up, Ernest and Hale must answer for their crimes as everything crumbles around them.

     

    Review

    Martin Scorsese is one of those rare filmmakers who still delivers quality cinema even in his twilight years. His latest epic, Killers of the Flower Moon, is no exception, as it gives Oppenheimer a run for its money. First and foremost, the movie is three and a half hours long, but its lengthy runtime is justified. There is so much story to be had that this could’ve worked as a six-hour miniseries on HBO. Plus, it’s one of those movies that keeps you engaged throughout its extended runtime, a rare feat. It helps that the film has an engaging story that continually builds tension and never lets up. It’s a story of love, betrayal, greed, and prejudice that tackles one of America’s more troubled tales. The film also has some incredible production design, which makes you feel like you’re in early 20th-century Oklahoma.

    Like many of Scorsese’s films, the performances are excellent all across the board, from the leads to the supporting cast. As easy as it would’ve been to phone in his performance, Robert De Niro proves he can still kill it. Even at 80, De Niro has such a commanding presence as the outwardly friendly but secretly evil King Hale. Leonardo Di Caprio gives what might be the best performance of his career as the conflicted Ernest Burkhart. You can tell he wants to make his uncle happy but also loves his wife despite his terrible actions. However, the real stand-out is Lily Gladstone, who perfectly matches Di Caprio’s wild energy with a quiet, tragic demeanor. If any actor deserves an Oscar, it’s her, just for the lengths she goes through during the film. There are also significant supporting roles from John Lithgow, Brendan Fraser, Louis Cancelmi, and Martin Scorsese.

    Scorsese and company went to great lengths to be as accurate to the Osage’s history and culture as possible. While I’ve never read the book or know everything about the Osage Nation, I’m sure Scorsese did his job well. Rodrigo Prieto’s cinematography effectively captures the Oklahoma plains’ beauty, and Robbie Robertson’s haunting score compliments the story. Plenty of slow moments might come off as dull, but they help make the harsher scenes more impactful. Without going into spoilers, the best way to describe the ending is bittersweet: there’s some hope, but it’s still tragic. Aside from its lengthy runtime, it’s challenging to think of anything wrong with this film. Between this and Christopher Nolan’s biopic, it will be tough to decide what’s the best movie of 2023. Overall, Killers of the Flower Moon is another epic in Martin Scorsese’s historic career that deserves its critical acclaim.

     

    Buy Killers of the Flower Moon from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3Aqgo8b.

    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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  • AIMEE: The Visitor (2023)

    AIMEE: The Visitor (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=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]From the Greek legend of Talos to literary works like Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, people have been fascinated by artificial life. The idea of human thought being mechanized and automated has been researched and tested for centuries. However, the concept of artificial intelligence was fully explored once scientists gathered for what became The Dartmouth Workshop of 1956. Meanwhile, science-fiction writers like Isaac Asimov and Phillip K. Dick were telling stories about the dangers of AI. Similarly, filmmakers like Stanley Kubrick, James Cameron, and The Wachowskis expressed similar fears of machine learning. As technology continued to evolve throughout the 20th century, more research was being done into how effective AI could be. Ever the opportunist Charles Band of Full Moon Entertainment decided to explore this by creating the first AI-generated femme fatale. The result was the 2023 sci-fi thriller AIMEE: The Visitor.

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    Synopsis

    Scott Keyes (Dallas Schaefer) is a computer programmer who spends his days watching porn and eating fast food. He’s hired hacker siblings Hunter (Felix Merback) and Gazelle (Faith West) to steal top-secret software to sell online. The two bring Scott a new artificial intelligence program, which he tinkers with and unlocks AIMEE, an ai-generated woman. Scott is immediately drawn to how seemingly perfect she is: she’s intelligent, funny, does whatever Scott wants, and never complains. Elsewhere, two government agents (Joe Kurak and Tom Dacey Carr) are snooping around when they’re mysteriously electrocuted. While Hunter is perfectly content, Gazelle is suspicious of AIMEE and starts digging into its code. She finds out about AIMEE’s dark secrets and tries to pull Scott away, eventually beginning a romantic relationship with him. Little do they know that AIMEE is willing to do everything and anything to keep Scott all to herself.

     

    Review

    Given AI’s prevalence in the last few years, it makes sense for a movie like AIMEE: The Visitor to emerge. As technology evolves, we find ourselves being pulled further into the digital world and away from the real one. Granted, this concept isn’t anything new, and that’s one of the biggest problems with Charles Band’s sci-fi thriller. In 2023 alone, we had the film M3GAN, which tackled the same issue of an artificial person replacing human contact. Granted, if it’s told well and given some uniqueness, there’s nothing wrong with retelling the same story repeatedly. The only thing that separates this film is that the AI is the titular artificially generated woman. In this movie’s defense, Aimee is terrifying and manipulative, and she makes for a great villain. She does an excellent job of showcasing how dangerous artificial people can be if technology goes too far.

    Dallas Schaefer plays Scott as an arrogant yet lovable jerk who appreciates his colleagues despite constantly mocking them. Granted, he doesn’t fit the bill of someone who spends all day eating junk and using porn to relieve himself. While he comes off a bit unlikable, you also get the sense that he’s confused as Aimee keeps manipulating him. Felix Merback and Faith West also perform well as hacker siblings who put up with Scott’s antics for the money. Admittedly, the romance between Scott and Gazelle comes out of nowhere and isn’t given a proper build-up. While we don’t know the character’s history with each other, how they interact doesn’t suggest a romance blossoming. Considering this is a modern version of a 90s erotic thriller, the romance could’ve been an excuse for some nudity. It doesn’t help that we’re not given much development at only an hour in length.

    Like many recent Full Moon offerings, this one could not have had a large budget, though Band makes it work. The small cast and single location help give a sense of claustrophobia and tension as Aimee spies on our heroes. There’s also a decent use of light and shadow to make the film look more dynamic and suspenseful. While there is some questionable CGI here and there, it’s not distracting enough to take you out of the action. Without giving any spoilers, I will say that the ending genuinely surprised me with how depressing it was. As easy as it would’ve been to end happily, the fact that it ends on a bleak note is commendable. While I wouldn’t call this one of Full Moon’s best, it’s at least one of their more ambitious movies. Overall, AIMEE: The Visitor is flawed but has some fun sci-fi thrills.

     

    Special thanks to Full Moon Features for providing me with an early screener copy for review.

    Buy AIMEE: The Visitor from Amazon: https://amzn.to/4fv3THc.

    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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  • Gran Turismo (2023)

    Gran Turismo (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=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Developed by Polys Entertainment and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, Gran Turismo was released on the PlayStation in 1997. The game received universal acclaim and sold over 10 million copies worldwide, making it the highest-selling PlayStation game. Since its release, the game spawned several sequels and spin-offs, becoming one of the most popular video game franchises ever. In 2008, Sony collaborated with Polyphony Digital and Nissan to start GT Academy, offering players a shot at real-life racing. In 2013, Sony Pictures announced a film adaptation of the games with Joseph Kosinski directing, only to cease in 2018. Development resumed in 2022 with Neill Blomkamp directing, but this time, the subject would be GT Academy graduate Jann Mardenborough. The movie was filmed in Hungary between November and December 2022 with a budget of $60 million. After premiering at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in July 2023, Gran Turismo hit theaters in August.

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    Synopsis

    Nissan marketing executive Danny Moore (Orlando Bloom) pitches an idea to the Japanese HQ: make Gran Turismo players real racers. Despite its unconventional nature, the board agrees to fund his project, dubbed The GT Academy, and he starts preparing. After being turned down by several prospects, Moore hires racer-turned-mechanic Jack Salter (David Harbour) to train the would-be racers. Meanwhile, gaming enthusiast Jann Mardenborough (Archie Madekwe) aspires to be a racer despite objections from his father, Steve (Djimon Hounsou). Jann gets his shot when he places first in a qualifying race and enters The GT Academy, eager to succeed. Despite the odds stacked against him, Jann manages to win and graduates as the representative of Nissan Racing. Even after achieving his dream, Jann struggles with getting his license, maintaining his relationship, and dealing with a terrible accident. Will Jann emerge victorious, or will he end up like his father?

     

    Review

    If I’m being honest, the trailers for Gran Turismo did not impress me at all, so I had low expectations. That said, I was surprised with how enjoyable this biopic was, even if it was somewhat predictable. The cast all do a fantastic job, with Archie Madekwe, David Harbour, and Orlando Bloom being the highlights. Madekwe, who was also in Midsommar, makes for a likable lead and comes off as very relatable. Orlando Bloom is also enjoyable, coming off as a business-first guy while showing he genuinely cares. Arguably, the real scene stealer is David Harbour, channeling the same sarcastic energy he brings to Stranger Things into here. Given how he delivers his lines, you sometimes wonder if he was even aware that cameras were rolling. Once again, he’s utilized way better in this than the godawful Hellboy reboot from a few years ago.

    Admittedly, as great as the cast is, some actors feel underutilized, namely Djimon Honsou, who disappears for much of it. Neill Blomkamp’s track record hasn’t been the greatest regarding direction, but he did a good job here. While the races don’t have the same intensity as Ford v Ferrari, they’re shot relatively well and do the job. However, several races are condensed into montages, making it feel like they’re just glossing them over. While it would be easy to say this movie is a giant commercial for the games, it isn’t. Sure, there are a few scenes where they go in-depth about the games, but it never feels like product placement. Some of the movie’s two-hour and fifteen-minute runtime could’ve been trimmed, but it never felt dull or overly padded. Overall, Gran Turismo is not the most original, groundbreaking film ever, but it doesn’t need to be.

     

    Buy Gran Turismo from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NQtFKo.

    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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  • Demonic Toys: Jack-Attack (2023)

    Demonic Toys: Jack-Attack (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=”4.22.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]While not as popular as the Puppet Master series, Demonic Toys still proved to be a Full Moon hit. After the crossover, Dollman vs. Demonic Toys, the SciFi Channel released a loosely connected sequel, Puppet Master vs. Demonic Toys. In 2010, nearly 20 years after the original, Full Moon released Demonic Toys 2, written and directed by William Butler. However, it wouldn’t be until a decade later that the series got a soft reboot with a spin-off. In 2021, William Butler directed Baby Oopsie, which focused on the evil baby doll from the original movie. Initially released in parts as a mini-series, the film proved popular enough that two sequels were released the following year. During a Full Moon Universe video, Charles Band announced another spin-off focusing on the evil Jack-In-The-Box toy, Jack-Attack. Now comes the latest chapter in the killer puppet series, Demonic Toys: Jack-Attack!

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    Synopsis

    After witnessing the death of her foster mother, young Lily (Sofia Castellanos) is staying at an orphanage. CPS agent Audrey Haines (Mabel Thomas) informs the director, Mrs. Culver (Donna Steele), that Lily will be moving out. Despite Mrs. Culver’s warning about Lily’s arrested development, Audrey takes her to live with the Yost family. Tyler (Sean Ramey) and his wife Kate (Christine Brunner) welcome the mute Lily into their home with open arms. Lily soon meets her new siblings, Mike (Carson Polish) and Dewey (Taylor Abigail Rice), who’s a would-be influencer. Despite the warm welcome, Lily is still traumatized and keeps seeing images of an evil clown with a Jack-in-the-box. Unfortunately, the toy of her nightmares ends up at her new home, releasing the demonic toy, Jack Attack. As Audrey rushes to save her, Lily must learn to confront her fears and survive against the tiny terror.

     

    Review

    Admittedly, I didn’t know what to expect when I started playing the screener copy of Demonic Toys: Jack-Attack I received. Aside from the original film and the first crossover, I had yet to see the sequel or the Baby Oopsie spin-off. Unfortunately, this movie references the events of that film quite a bit, so you need to see it to understand. Considering the quality of most modern Full Moon movies, I was genuinely surprised at how much I liked this one. The cast performs well, with Sofia Castellanos and Mabel Thomas being the standouts. Admittedly, Taylor Abigail Rice is pretty annoying, but it feels like that’s how her character was written. Also, the film has some decent gore effects, and a few of the death scenes are surprisingly gruesome. Plus, at only an hour long, the movie goes by fast and never feels bogged down with unnecessary padding.

    Sadly, the movie still has some of the same issues as most modern Full Moon films. For one, the overuse of stock music, stock footage, stock sound effects, and fake websites is distracting. Tonally, the movie feels like a Hallmark Channel original drama that has weird horror moments thrown in. This might be more of a technical problem, but there are some odd audio issues with balancing and echo. It doesn’t help that there is some obvious ADR added in post-production. While Jack Attack’s design looks close to how he initially looked, I’m not too fond of his new high-pitched laugh. Also, while I praised the practical effects, some noticeable CGI is sprinkled in. To give William Butler credit, there is some decent camera work and a good use of light and shadow. Overall, Demonic Toys: Jack-Attack has its issues, but it’s a decently entertaining killer doll movie.

     

    Special thanks to Full Moon Features for providing me with an early screener copy for review.

    Buy Demonic Toys: Jack-Attack from Amazon: https://amzn.to/40Otjfd.

    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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  • Blue Beetle (2023)

    Blue Beetle (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=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]In 1939, comic book writer Charles Nicholas Wojtkoski introduced audiences to The Blue Beetle in Mystery Men Comics #1. While originally published by Fox Comics, the character would move to Charlton Comics, which DC Comics purchased in the 1980s. The first Blue Beetle was Dan Garret, followed by Ted Kord’s introduction in Captain Atom #83 in 1966. In 2006, DC introduced audiences to the third and final Blue Beetle, Jaime Reyes, in Infinite Crisis #3. In late 2018, Warner Bros. and DC started developing a Blue Beetle movie with Gareth Dunnet-Alcocer writing the script. The studio hired Ángel Manuel Soto, whose 2020 film Charm City Kings made a splash at Sundance, to direct. Though initially slated for an HBO Max release, the film was given a theatrical release in 2021. After an extensive shooting in mid-2022, Blue Beetle landed in theaters in August 2023.

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    Synopsis

    Returning home from graduating college, Jaime Reyes (Xolo Maridueña) finds his family has been struggling while he was away. It turns out his father, Alberto (Damián Alcázar), lost his car mechanic job, and the house is being foreclosed on. Unfortunately, the best job Jaime gets is working as wait staff at the mansion of Victoria Kord (Susan Sarandon). While he and his sister Milagro (Belissa Escobedo) are fired, Jaime’s luck changes after meeting Victoria’s niece Jenny (Bruna Marquezine). She promises to meet him at Kord Tower, but when he does, she hands him a box to guard. Despite her warnings, Jaime opens it upon returning home, releasing a blue scarab that forms a suit around him. Victoria wants the scarab for her OMAC project and sends her bodyguard, Ignacio Carapax (Raoul Max Trujillo), to get it. With everything at stake, Jaime must accept his role as The Blue Beetle!

     

    Review

    Between Shazam! Fury of the Gods and The Flash, 2023 has not been a good year for DC. And now comes Blue Beetle, a movie based on a niche superhero that only hardcore comic readers are familiar with. I didn’t have high expectations going into this one, especially given how recent superhero movies have been. While there’s nothing here that we haven’t seen before, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. For one, Xolo Maridueña makes for a stellar lead, having a quiet yet relatable charm that makes him instantly likable. You genuinely want to see him succeed, and he goes through a great arc of learning to be a hero. The rest of the family do a fine job, with the biggest standouts being George Lopez and Adriana Barraza. Lopez effectively balances the humor and drama, and Barraza has some memorable moments.

    Bruna Marquezine makes for a decent love interest and has good chemistry with Maridueña, but she can be somewhat bland. Susan Sarandon is ok as the film’s sort-of villain, but Raoul Max Trujillo steals the show, especially with his backstory. Unfortunately, as great as Maridueña is, he loses his human quality once he’s in the suit and behind a mask. It doesn’t feel like he’s there, but more that we’re watching stunt performers or a CGI character with his voice. As fun as the superhero stuff was, the movie’s best parts were all the scenes with Jaime’s family. It helps that, in the film’s climax, the family gets involved in the action and works together to help Jaime. Some of the film’s runtime could’ve been trimmed, but you could say that about many movies today. Overall, Blue Beetle isn’t the next great superhero epic, but it’s a decent watch.

     

    Buy Blue Beetle from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AoN81H.

    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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  • The Last Voyage of the Demeter (2023)

    The Last Voyage of the Demeter (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=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Aspiring screenwriter Bragi Schut Jr. worked at a model shop in Hollywood and became fast friends with the model makers. He loved looking at their past work, but what caught his eye was a schooner used for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. This inspired him to write an Alien-like movie set on the doomed ship, The Demeter, from Bram Stoker’s novel. Unfortunately, the project languished in development hell for decades, with various studios, directors, and actors coming and going. Directors like Robert Schwentke, Marcus Nispel, Stefan Ruzowitzky, David Slade, and Neil Marshall were all attached at some point. It wasn’t until 2019 that André Øvredal, who previously helmed Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark, was hired. The movie was shot in Berlin and Malta between June and October 2021 with a $45 million budget. After languishing for years, The Last Voyage of the Demeter finally hit theaters in August 2023.

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    Synopsis

    The Demeter has docked in Bulgaria to transport valuable cargo to London, though the villagers refuse to help load it. A local doctor named Clemens (Corey Hawkins) overhears that the Demeter needs a crew, so he volunteers. Though initially rejected, the ship’s captain, Elliot (Liam Cunningham), welcomes Clemens aboard after saving Elliot’s grandson Toby (Woody Norman). While investigating the ship, Clemens finds one of the cargo crates has broken open and finds a young woman inside. He uses his medical knowledge to revive her through blood transfusions, but everyone else is skeptical about the stowaway. The young woman, Anna (Aisling Franciosi), wakes up and tries to warn the crew about a monster on board. Soon, a mysterious figure picks off crew members individually, which Anna reveals is the legendary vampire Dracula (Javier Botet). Will the crew survive, or will this bloodsucking monster ensure this is Demeter’s last voyage?

     

    Review

    The Last Voyage of the Demeter is a very atypical Dracula movie in that Dracula isn’t the main character. Sure, Dracula is in the film, but the focus is more so on the crew of the ship. Some audiences might be disappointed that Dracula isn’t the central focus, but it’s an exciting take on the source material. It helps that the crew comprises some fantastic actors, particularly Corey Hawkins, Liam Cunningham, and David Dastmalchian. Hawkins makes for a tremendous lead, Cunningham gives his usual commanding presence, and Dastmalchian shows versatility in his performance. Aisling Franciosi, who was also in Game of Thrones with Cunningham, performs excellently as a victim-turned-hero. Even though he has no lines, Javier Botet makes for an excellent Dracula, and his design is familiar yet unique. Seeing his transformation from a sickly creature to a demonic monster is interesting.

    André Øvredal’s is fantastic, giving the movie a gothic feel reminiscent of old Hammer films of the 50s and 60s. Even the daytime scenes have a sense of dread, especially with the surviving characters reflecting on what happened. Also, the practical effects used to create Dracula are impressive, and I appreciate that they hide him until needed. Admittedly, the climax is hampered by some hastily thrown-in CGI, but it doesn’t ruin the overall tension. Without getting into spoilers, the ending feels out of place, like it clashes with the tone they established early on. Lastly, a few moments could’ve been trimmed from its under two-hour runtime, but the length isn’t a huge deterrent. This is still a unique and bold take on the classic character that horror fans will undoubtedly enjoy. Overall, The Last Voyage of the Demeter isn’t perfect, but it’s better than most movies released in August.

     

    Buy The Last Voyage of the Demeter from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3YOyp9x.

    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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  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (2023)

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem (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=”4.21.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]Since its comic book debut in 1984, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles has been one of the most popular franchises ever. In 1987, creators Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird licensed the characters to Playmates Toys, who developed a multi-billion-dollar toy line. That same year, Playmates hired Murakami-Wolf-Swenson to create an animated series lasting for ten seasons from 1987 to 1996. Following the success of Batman, Golden Harvest produced a live-action movie that became a massive hit and spawned two sequels. A new animated series was created by 4Kids Entertainment in 2003, followed by a CG-animated film in 2007. By 2009, the franchise was sold to Viacom, producing two new animated series for Nickelodeon and two movies for Paramount. In 2020, Nickelodeon announced a new CG-animated film in development, with Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg producing. After premiering at Annecy, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem hit theaters in August 2023.

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    Synopsis

    Scientist Baxter Stockman (Giancarlo Esposito) creates a family of mutants when soldiers from the Techno Cosmic Research Institute (TCRI) invade. Stockman dies in an explosion, the mutants go free, and the mutagen that created them is dumped in the sewer. A rat named Splinter (Jackie Chan) finds four baby turtles contaminated by the mutagen and decides to raise them. Years later, the turtles – Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu), Donatello (Micah Abbey), Michaelangelo (Shamon Brown Jr.), and Raphael (Brady Noon) – are ninjas. While going out for supplies, the turtles run into April O’Neil (Ayo Edebiri), a would-be reporter investigating recent break-ins. The turtles offer to help track down the source, discovering a mutant housefly named SuperFly (Ice Cube). He and his army of mutants from Stockman want to enslave humanity by creating more mutants. It’s up to our young heroes in a half shell to save the world from a Mutant Mayhem.

     

    Review

    Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is an animated film that both longtime fans and newcomers can enjoy. For one, Mikros Animation did an incredible job of bringing the film to life and giving it a unique aesthetic. How the characters, objects, city, etc., are designed reminds me of the doodles in a high school student’s notebook. It’s very similar to the art style of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, which isn’t bad if done differently. While this film has a similar look and feel, it does just enough to set itself apart to stand out. Also, the four teen actors hired to voice the turtles do a great job and feel like four brothers. Some of the film’s best moments are when the turtles banter back and forth or joke around with each other. Jackie Chan is a great anchor to the turtles as the sagelike yet uncertain Splinter.

    Ayo Edebiri is also fun as a new take on April O’Neil and doesn’t come off as standoffish or snarky. Ice Cube was also a great choice as the villain SuperFly, making the character both fun and intense when needed. John Cena and Seth Rogen are good as Bebop and Rocksteady, even if they don’t do much in the movie. The other big standout is Paul Rudd as Mondo Gecko, whose “dude bro” attitude perfectly compliments Michaelangelo. The action sequences are big and chaotic but never overwhelming or confusing, punctuated by a fantastic soundtrack. Also, I appreciate that this movie is only 100 minutes long, which is refreshing nowadays. Admittedly, a few jokes don’t land, and some plot elements don’t work, but these don’t ruin the experience. Overall, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem is a fun movie for kids and adults alike.

     

    Buy Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3AcZbze.

    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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  • Dolly Deadly (2016)

    Dolly Deadly (2016)

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    Hailing from Northern California, Heidi Moore has wanted to direct movies for much of her life. She started Wretched Productions as a way to get her films off the ground, as well as help fellow artists. In 2012, she directed a short called Mommy, initially intended as a segment for The ABCs of Death. That same year, she made the short film, Boyfriend: Hell Hath No Fury Like a Wo-man Scorned. In addition to being a director, Moore was also a mother of two sons named Lawrence and Justin. For her first feature film, she took inspiration from the torment she saw her son Justin go through at school. Moore got her movie off the ground with some bribery and a few favors, but mainly through hard work. At some point, Troma acquired the distribution rights and released Dolly Dearest in August 2016.

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    Synopsis

    After witnessing his mother’s death as an infant, Benji (Justin Moore) has to live with his grandma Mitzi (Kimberly West-Carroll). She and her slob of a boyfriend, Donald (Jay Sosnicki), constantly mock Benji for playing with dolls. Even the neighborhood kids, Crystal (Paloma Couoh) and Kenny (Lawrence Moore) hassle him for his doll obsession. In his solitude, Benji retreats into dreams of his mother, Tina Lyn (Dana Nelson), reminding him that she loves him. At one point, Benji leaves home and runs into Rock Bottom (Donny Gonzalez), who shares some bizarre stand-up comedy. He also meets a homeless guy (Christopher Calvano) who says, “Do unto others as they would do unto you!” This inspires Benji to no longer take the abuse and kill everyone who mocked and tortured him. Benji is no longer a neglected child but instead is now Dolly Deadly!

     

    Review

    Going into Dolly Deadly, I expected it to be some run-of-the-mill generic slasher film about a creepy doll. However, what I got instead was a fascinating character study of a mentally scarred kid pushed to his limit. It brings to mind similar movies like Sleepaway Camp or Silent Night Deadly Night, where the killer is almost sympathetic. You may disagree with them killing people, but you can understand what drove them to this point. Like the controversial Christmas slasher, this one deals with a character’s identity crisis, with the killer embracing who’ve they become. The cast does a phenomenal job, even the kid actors, which is rare even in big-budget movies. Even if it is nepotism, Justin Moore does a fantastic job of playing a kid who just needed some love. He’s excellent at being sympathetic and terrifying, and I’m excited to see what else he does.

    Kimberly West-Carroll and Jay Sosnicki do a great job playing such hateable characters that it makes their deaths more satisfying. The death scenes are creatively gruesome, and the practical effects are top-notch, given the low budget. While the film mostly has an intentionally flat look, some dark sequences utilize brightly-colored lighting, adding a surreal, dreamlike quality. It reminds me of the colors used in Creepshow to give that film its comic-book look. If I had any complaints, I’d say that a few scenes, particularly with Donny Gonzalez, feel out of place. Even at less than 90 minutes, parts of the movie feel padded, and it takes a while to get going. But despite its flaws, this is still an impressively horrific yet heartfelt character study/slasher film that exceeded my expectations. Overall, Dolly Deadly is worth checking out if you want something twisted yet deep.

     

    Buy Dolly Deadly from Amazon: https://amzn.to/3pW8gav.

    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 Dolly Deadly (2016)

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