Thoughts on Star Wars The Rise Of Skywalker

Star Wars The Rise Of Skywalker is the ninth film in the Skywalker saga. It is a pretty fun adventure with a few flaws. A lot of questions remain unanswered. I did not leave disappointed this time like The Last Jedi. It was satisfactory for what it gave us. I recommend it to any folks who enjoy Star Wars.

Thoughts on Dolemite

Dolemite is a blaxploitation movie starring Rudy Ray Moore. Having recently seen Dolemite Is My Name, it adds a new dimension to the movie that I did not appreciate before. The movie is entertaining in a way that will delight anyone into the cult or exploitation genres. It has a certain charm to the bizarre script and insane edits. It is certainly worth seeing if you enjoyed Dolemite Is My Name.

Thoughts on Overlord

Overlord is an action horror movie set in WWII, featuring Wyatt Russell, son and apparent clone of Kurt Russell. The action and tension are really woven in nicely to the taut narrative. It seems like a straight forward action movie at first, then takes a turn at the halfway point and becomes a Nazi zombie movie. The movie is really well-paced and is edited in such a way that it is reminiscent of wandering through a theme park haunted house. Other scenes are rife with tension and make the movie a very effective thriller. Check it out if you enjoy the strange, violent, and the lovecraftian.

Thoughts on Halloweentown High

Halloweentown High is a Disney Channel Original Movie that is just painful. The script is weak, the characters are wildly unlikeable, save the mom character, played by Judith Hoag. Kids might enjoy the colorful characters and effects. I am not the intended audience for a movie like this. I am sure little kids would like it plenty but it isn’t really my cup of tea.

Thoughts on Dolemite is my Name

Dolemite is my Name is a really good Netflix movie. The actors are fantastic. Eddie Murphy seems to be really trying. The story is long but great in creating a fun story. There are scenes that are reminiscent of Ed Wood which shares the writer as this movie. It is a great ride and a great introduction to the works of Rudy Ray Moore. Check it out if movies about moviemaking is interesting to you.

Thoughts on the Addams Family

The Addams’ Family is an animated movie based on the New Yorker comic strip. For the most part it is fine. The characters are okay. I am not keen on the design but that is a subjective factor. The story itself is serviceable and well-paced. There are some groaner jokes as well as some cute genuine moments. Kids will like it and parents will enjoy it’s inoffensive humor and run time.

Thoughts on Valley of the Dolls

Valley of the Dolls is an interesting movie about show business in the sixties. The characters are interesting and the movie tackles issues like abortion, which must’ve been shocking and taboo at the time. It is also nice to finally see Sharon Tate in a film. She is adorable and talented which makes her fate all the more tragic. The film is a cautionary tale which is still fairly relevant. Check it out if you enjoy older cult classics.

New Children’s Book!

I am proud to announce that Kurt the Turtle and the New Baby is available on Amazon. Dedicated to three boys who are becoming big brothers soon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/1690819405/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_93MJDbTP8RFJ5

Thoughts on Lake Mungo

Lake Mungo is a Australian psychological horror mockumentary. It has a creepy atmosphere and the edits make the paranormal imagery very authentically eerie. The story twists and turns for an interesting and subtle ghost story. It get a little anticlimactic after the great build up. Still, Lake Mungo is worth checking out if you enjoy subtle horror.

Thoughts on Between Two Ferns: The Movie

Between Two Ferns: The Movie is a Netflix movie which is the appropriate venue. The humor is very sarcastic and satirical. The celebrities seem like good sports. If there is a major downside, it’s that Will Ferrell is a comedic black hole. Every joke he attempts reeks of desperation. Otherwise, it’s a fine movie to catch if you are a fan of the web show.

Thoughts on School Spirit

School Spirit is a Hulu original horror movie. The plot is essentially The Breakfast Club if there was a murderer at the school. The dialogue is hilariously bad, the acting is not particularly great, and the story is completely ludicrous. Still, I was at least entertained with the premise and the twists and turns it took to at least attempt to make the movie entertaining. I recommend it if you are a horror fan at a complete loss for what to watch on Hulu.

Thoughts on IT: Chapter 2

IT: Chapter 2 is a fine follow up to the first IT. The actors do a great job and there are a lot of creepy moments. The CG monsters border a bit on the silly/ridiculous side. The story movies forward and gets a bit predictable at times but the acting and pacing make the film enjoyable. Give this movie a try if you enjoyed the first film.

Thoughts on Gnome Alone

Gnome Alone is fine for a quick family movie. It feels like a mix of a lot of other movies. A little Gremlins, Coraline, and Inside Out elements make their way into this movie. It isn’t all that clever or edited particularly well. Still, it is better than other crap that is shown as family entertainment. It isn’t high art and it certainly won’t win any awards, but it will entertain the young kids for an hour or so.

Thoughts on The Kitchen

The Kitchen is a good movie. The actors do a great job and the story is interesting. The pacing was a bit rushed. Also, most movies that take place in the 70s have heavy smoking, yet this did not. It was strange. The movie itself was at least entertaining and well-done. The twist at the end was a bit underwhelming. I recommend it for fans of mob movies or themes of female empowerment.

Step Brothers

Step Brother is a movie that isn’t for me. I cannot get behind a movie where the protagonists are two idiot man-children. There are some funny lines but it doesn’t make it a good movie. It is mean spirited and stupid. I am not sure who keeps asking for this type of movie but the older the leads get the more pathetic it appears.

Thoughts on Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood is a good movie that is very difficult to define. The characters are great and the actors work wonderfully to bring the era to life. Margot Robbie is amazing and cute. The ending is difficult to explain without spoilers. Still, it is a good movie that uses a past horrific crime to add a twist ending that really is fun. I am not sure I’d feel the same if I didn’t know about the Manson murders.

Thoughts on Spider-Man: Far From Home

Spider-Man: Far From Home is a fine sequel. The characters have a great chemistry and perform well together. The movie could have cut some superfluous scenes and it would have dragged a lot less. Still, it is a fun story that takes the character in a fun new direction after the last Avengers movie. I recommend it to any MCU fan.

Thoughts on Insidious: The Last Key

Insidious: The Last Key is garbage. Not only is the story pointless and the acting unremarkable, but the film is so dark that I struggled to know what the hell I was seeing. I really found myself wondering what the point was at all. These movies have gotten progressively worse and it reeks of desperation for the audience’s money. I’d give it a miss unless your time is of no value.

Thoughts on Toy Story 4

Toy Story 4 is fine movie. It isn’t as satisfying as Toy Story 3 but it is entertaining. The story seems desperate to create drama. The film is worth seeing of you enjoy the others. Some gags worked and others fall flat, but kids will enjoy it. It isn’t great but at least you will be entertained.

Thoughts on Dante’s Peak

Dante’s Peak is good schlock. The actors are trying hard but the dialogue is not helping at all. The plot is silly but the tense scenes actually have suspenseful moments that often pay off. If I saw this when it came out in 1997 I would have dug it. It was entertaining and silly. I recommend it if you can handle a bit of silly action.

Thoughts on Brightburn

Brightburn is a dark and entertaining movie. It takes the Superman origin story and asks, “what if Superman grew to become evil?” The actors do a good job and the story is solid without pointless filler. It was entertaining and even a bit thought provoking. Check it out if you want a new take on a superhero origin story. It might even make a great companion movie with Super.

Thoughts on Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile

Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile is a fine movie. The actors do a decent job with what they are given. The story is fairly rushed and it felt like it relies on the viewer to have watched Conversations with a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes. The characters are not very well developed and that sort of makes it forgettable. Having seen that documentary, the film is at the very least entertaining.

Thoughts on Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle is largely forgettable. While the actors seem to be having fun the movie drags with a lackluster script. The actors do play their parts well and add some charm to an otherwise dull movie. The dialogue is vapid and obvious and the effects are cartoonishly lazy. This update is unwelcome and the worst kind of pointless cash-grab that, unfortunately, seems to be on par for Sony Pictures. It just reeks of desperation. I would say not to bother seeing it, but even if you did see it you would likely forget the movie.

Thoughts on Pokemon Detective Pikachu

Pokemon Detective Pikachu is a good movie. The effects are good, the story is interesting enough, and the acting is decent. It’s a cute story that will satisfy any fan of Pokemon games or shows. Some moments are a bit slow but the pacing makes up for it as a whole. It is a harmless movie that any kid should easily  enjoy. It also has enough fun references to make any Pokemon fan smile.

Thoughts on Shazam!

Shazam! is fine. It has a fun premise but drags in the second act. It is a silly movie with silly characters acting silly. If I was a kid this movie would have likely been a lot of fun. I just found myself a little bored by the predictable story. I recommend it for kids and teens. Adults might just want to wait for rental.

Thoughts on Avengers End Game

Avengers End Game is fantastic. It is the perfect wrap up to the Avengers series. At times it feels like an exploration of superhero PTSD. It is super difficult not to run through a gamut of emotions. The film does fan service well and concludes beautifully. It is a great movie for fans of the MCU universe.  Especially if you need to see how the heroes step up from the loss of Infinity Wars.

Thoughts on Glass

Glass is a disappointing movie. To the movies credit there are some cool looking shots that use an interesting color composition. The actors are wasted on a poor script and pedestrian dialogue. The movie drags at a snail’s pace and often feels bogged down with exposition.The movie is dumb and dull, but if you liked Unbreakable and Spilt you might as well see it all end.

Thoughts on Missing Link

Missing Link is a beautiful movie. That being said it is a terribly dull story with characters that are, sadly, not that interesting. The movie has amazing animation but gives far little else to be considered entertaining. It’s fine as rental or maybe a cable viewing.

Thoughts on Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie

Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie is a fine movie. Probably best for middle school and upper elementary school viewers. It is pretty harmless and funny. It is entertaining and cute. Check it out if you have fun-loving kids.

Thoughts on Aquaman

Aquaman is a sad attempt by DC to make a movie in the same vein as Thor with the same basic story idea as Black Panther. The acting is serviceable but is hindered  by a terrible script and gobs of CGI mess. There were a couple of interesting action moments, but they felt few and far between. For the most part the story is a typical cliche hero ascension tale. It meanders a bit on occasion which adds to a pointlessly long run time. I seriously don’t recommend this movie.

Thoughts on Pokemon the Movie: I Choose You

Pokemon the Movie: I Choose You is a fine movie. It takes elements of the original series and recons aspects to make a solid story. It is animated well and should entertain any one who enjoys Pokemon. The film is pretty harmless and fun for kids who can handle cartoon action.

Thoughts on Us

Us is a strange movie that is really well-done. The acting is fantastic, the cinematography is beautiful, and the story is taut and purposeful. I was happy that there were tons of set-ups and payoffs to make the story make sense. The story goes in a strange direction but it is entertaining and it works well. I recommend it for folks looking for a fun and different horror movie.

Thoughts on Captain Marvel

Captain Marvel is a good movie for the most part. I felt that Captain Marvel is the dullest aspect of the movie. I just didn’t find her compelling. It isn’t interesting when a hero has no flaws or real threat to overcome. The villains and Nick Fury really carry the charm of this movie. It is still entertaining and worth seeing if you enjoy the MCU.

Thoughts on Top Secret!

Top Secret! is a fun movie from 1984. This film was directed by the Zucker Abrahams Zucker trio who are famous for the Naked Gun movies and Airplane. Their comedy is fun and cartoonish while at the same time played serious. The stunts are great and the performances are very funny. Check it out if you enjoyed Naked Gun antics.

Thoughts on Mune: Guardian of the Moon

Mune: Guardian of the Moon is a fun movie. A bit of Avatar mixed with some Dark Crystal makes for a cool concept. The fictional world is a bit confusing as is the story. Still, it is a sweet tale  with some amazing animation. It’s got great characters and is a fantastic  journey that anyone will  appreciate. Check it out if you want a surprise hidden gem.

Thoughts on Happy Death Day 2 U

Happy Death Day 2 U is a fine follow up to the original. It is not better than the original in anyway, but it is also far from bad. Any fan of the first will enjoy this movie too. Jessica Rothe is fantastic and I look forward to more from her. It is an entertaining movie that takes a detour from horror a bit and gives sci-fi more reign. It does require a person to see the first movie to really fully enjoy this film. Check it out if you liked the first movie.

Thoughts on Bohemian Rhapsody

Bohemian Rhapsody is fine. The acting is nothing special. The story itself is boilerplate biopic formula. It bugged the crap out of me when the Michael Meyers character made fun of the song Bohemian Rhapsody with an wink to the audience because he used the song to create a classic comedy moment in Wayne’s World. The characters are played well but are poorly developed. It’s an okay movie, nothing more, nothing less.

Thoughts on The Lego Movie 2: the Second Part

The Lego Movie 2: the Second Part is damn good. It is a simple and sweet story that does its job well.     The animation is fun and the character arcs are entertaining. I particularly enjoyed Chris Pratt’s Kurt Russell impression. If there is one thing I’d change it is that I am not a fan of the Batman portrayal voiced by Will Arnett. I just personally don’t like Batman to be a buffoon. It is a great follow-up to the first film. Anyone who enjoyed the first will certainly enjoy this movie as well.

Thoughts on Hotel Transylvania 3

Hotel Transylvania 3 is a cute movie. It doesn’t have a complicated plot or a ton of character development besides the most basic level. Still, the cartoonish slapstick is funny and the animation style has grown on me. It is colorful and fun to watch. It’s a enjoyable movie that the kids will enjoy.

Thoughts on Suspiria (2018)

Suspiria (2018) is a mixed bag. On one hand the visuals are amazing. The acting is fine. Tilda Swinton carries the bulk of the film. The story drags on occasion and is overly gory to the point of being ridiculous. The movie pales compared to the original and it relies heavily on filler that drags the running length too long. I’d say forget it unless you are bored.

Thoughts on Bad Times at the El Royale

Bad Times at the El Royale is like a tame Tarantino film. Some of the actors are having fun with the material while others seem to be sleepwalking. There are moments of violence surrounded by dialogue that adds nothing save some weak character development. The whole plot seems odd and aimless without much central conflict. The pacing is painfully slow and full of filler.  I am not sure why Dakota Johnson is on screen. She is awful. The movie lacks any cinematic tension. The cast is a mixture of people who actually want this movie to succeed and others seem to be just crusing for a paycheck. Lewis Pullman is seriously performing circles around most of the cast. It’s a fine rental if you got a lot of time to piss away.

Thoughts on Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse

Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse is a fun ride. The voice actors are all good. The animation is fantastic and stylish. The story itself is pretty sweet. It there was one flaw it is that the animation sometimes gave me a headache and it looks as if you are watching a 3-D movie without glasses. It’s a lot of fun and seems like it captures the characters well. The movie is over-the-top and silly at times but it sets a tone that makes it appropriate. Check it out if you are a fan of Spider-Man.

Thoughts on The Predator

The Predator is a very weak attempt to capture the charm of the first film. The tag line should be, “Well, that was dumb.” The cast is a who’s who of TV actors getting a paycheck in the off season of their respective shows. The humor is mean spirited and low brow. It is far from the worst in the series but it is a mess. Most of the characters are simple caricatures of by-the-book action cliches. The writing is pedestrian and offers stale plot points that do not impress. The script is full of gems that show contempt for the audience and their intelligence. I wouldn’t recommend this movie. Stick with the first and second movie.