Movie Reviews

The Old Guard Movie Review

Charlize Theron anchors this action movie about modern-day immortals. Action scenes are impeccably choreographed and filmed. Dialogue and acting is decent but a slightly off sound mix makes some scenes difficult to hear unless you have your remote handy to adjust the volume. Lots of B-roll filler and significant plot holes tested my patience throughout. The film feels like it was created to set up a sequel or ongoing series. So, I remain curious where this is heading. Streaming on Netflix. Grade - B minus.

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Volume 11, Issue 9, Posted 4:04 PM, 09.03.2020

Jeffrey Epstein Filthy Rich Documentary Review

Streaming on Netflix, this four episode documentary follows the investigation and victims as they recount attempting to seek justice from one of America's most rich and powerful. The story is truly upsetting in the volume and length of time it covers. The documentary is well structured and well shot but there is a lot of establishing shots that make the series take a little longer to view than it should. Grade - B plus.

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Volume 11, Issue 9, Posted 4:04 PM, 09.03.2020

Hamilton Musical Movie Review

I didn't get absorbed into the hype when the show hit Broadway then started touring. So, I was blindsided by the utter brilliance of this musical. Disney Plus pulls off the unimaginable in getting the viewer right into the action of this filmed stage production with the original cast without it feeling distant or uncompelling. Truly a wonder to behold even with a few historical inaccuracies. Grade? Solid A

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Volume 11, Issue 8, Posted 6:26 PM, 08.10.2020

Eurovision Song Contest Movie Review

 Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams play an Icelandic couple that go on a super obvious path to become Europe's greatest singers. If there are jokes, 95% of them went over my head in this slog of a film. Streaming on Netflix, the only redeeming qualities are great settings and Rachel McAdams' "singing". If you are tempted to tune in, just rewatch Pitch Perfect 2 again. Grade - D plus.

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Volume 11, Issue 8, Posted 6:26 PM, 08.10.2020

Space Force Series Review

Space Force Series Review - This 10 episode original series is streaming on Netflix and is anchored by Steve Carrell and John Malkovich. It takes a couple of episodes to buy into Carrell as a four star general but that is not his fault. It is just a natural audience response to ongoing The Office reruns. After getting over that hiccup, the series has some decent laughs and is pretty well written and compelling. Unfortunately, the series starts spending too much time on a poorly directed, possibly miscast daughter. Then the season ends pretty abruptly with (not one but) two totally preposterous cliffhangers that soured the whole experience. Grade? Should have been a B but that finale results in an overall C minus.

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Volume 11, Issue 7, Posted 4:52 PM, 07.06.2020

Lovebirds Movie Review

Lovebirds Movie Review - This romantic comedy follows a couple through multiple mishaps as they try to solve a murder they witnessed. Beautifully shot in great New Orleans locales but that ends my praise. Plot is too predictable and the actors (that are fantastic in everything else they are in) have little chemistry and stiffly deliver their lines and jokes. Streaming on Netflix and should be renamed "Cardboard". Grade - D

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Volume 11, Issue 7, Posted 4:52 PM, 07.06.2020

The Wrong Missy

The Wrong Missy Movie Review - Lauren Lapkus brings all of the kooky to this paint-by-numbers romantic comedy. This movie is streaming on Netflix which is perfect since it did not deserve a theatrical release. While the plot is obvious throughout, the fresh set-ups and laughs justify a viewing. Grade? B minus (barely).

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Volume 11, Issue 6, Posted 11:49 AM, 06.07.2020

Never Have I Ever - Netflix Series

Never Have I Ever Series Review - High school dramedy about a girl recovering from the trauma of witnessing the death of her father. Streaming over 10 episodes on Netflix, breakout roles abound for this bright cast. Some fantastic and hilarious dialogue make this series shine beyond the abundance of high school shows. Grade: B Plus

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Volume 11, Issue 6, Posted 11:49 AM, 06.07.2020

100 Humans Series Review

100 Humans Series Review - Over the 8 episodes, "researchers" recreate famous Psychology and Sociology 101 studies in an entertaining fashion. Multiple times, the sample size is suspect but the show remains informative and entertaining throughout. At my home, the whole family was engaged with lots of pausing for discussions, comments, and questions. What more would you need to tune in? Now streaming on Netflix. Grade: B plus.

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Volume 11, Issue 5, Posted 5:48 PM, 05.07.2020

The Boys Series Review

The Boys Series Review - Amazon Prime released this fantastic, violent, and cynical look at what if the Justice League went corporate and had some significant mental problems. The casting and acting was perfect and I thoroughly enjoyed every episode. Only complaint is that the final episode was a little tight and could have used a ninth episode to breath a little bit. I totally can't wait for Season Two. Grade? Straight-up A.

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Volume 11, Issue 5, Posted 5:48 PM, 05.07.2020

11.22.63 Series Review

11.22.63 Series Review - James Franco truly shines in this twisty 8-episode Hulu series. Concept is what if you could go back in time to stop JFK from being assassinated but your time travel device drops you three years early so you have to establish a life in the sixties to pay bills while you plan. Great concept. Well executed adaptation of the Stephen King novel. Grade: A minus

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Volume 11, Issue 4, Posted 4:26 PM, 04.01.2020

The Devil Next Door Series Review

The Devil Next Door Series Review - This Netflix multi-episode documentary recounts the decades of attempting to convict a Seven Hills auto factory retiree as being a former World War II Nazi extermination guard. I grew up with details of this trial in the background of my life. Seeing it recounted so carefully and balanced was a fascinating adult return to a story heavily debated in my childhood home. In addition, interviews with Channel 5 newscaster Ted Henry also reminded me of days gone by. An important and interesting watch. Grade: A

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Volume 11, Issue 4, Posted 4:26 PM, 04.01.2020

Birds of Prey Movie Review

Going in with no expectations, I was surprised with this movie's humor, writing, and action scenes. An incredibly fun performance by Ewan McGregor is barely out-shined by Margot Robbie's beaming eyes, smile and strong comedic timing. My quips are small with the film including a weird casting for Cassandra Cain and that too many scenes are day lit for a movie taking place in Gotham. Those are minor so I am as shocked as you are that I give this film a B plus.

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Volume 11, Issue 3, Posted 5:25 PM, 03.09.2020

To All The Boys 2: PS I Still Love You Movie Review

This unnecessary sequel has barely a plot that justifies the 101 minute running time. Almost nothing happens and the boy vying for the lead's attention creates no chemistry and is anchored by some painful dialogue. The movie is well directed with some truly great camera angles and Noah Centineo remains a rising star. Grade? D

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Volume 11, Issue 3, Posted 5:25 PM, 03.09.2020

6 Underground Movie Review

When I first saw the trailer, I was excited to buy a ticket and see it in a theater. Much to my surprise, this very high budget, globe-trotting movie was made for streaming on Netflix. With Michael Bay producing and directing, the action scenes are beautifully shot and choreographed but the story is a little challenging to follow. This feel looks and feels shockingly expensive for a streaming service. I have to admit when Michael Bay has an R-rating, it is a guilty pleasure of mine. Grade: B minus.

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Volume 11, Issue 2, Posted 5:53 PM, 02.05.2020

Bad Boys For Life Movie Review

Will Smith drags Martin Lawrence out of retirement for this unnecessary but pretty fun ride. Looked and felt like a Bad Boys film even though the original Director didn't return. Some truly ridiculous plot twists in the third arc leave a bad taste. Worse ways to spend a snowy winter day. Grade: C plus

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Volume 11, Issue 2, Posted 5:53 PM, 02.05.2020

Jumanji The Next Level Movie Review

A very well done sequel, which is rare. Maintains all the notes from the first film but has more than enough additional that it doesn't feel like a carbon copy. The cast proves yet again why they are household names with perfect performances all around. CGI was fantastic almost 90% of the time with just a little wonky the rest. Grade: B+ (89%)

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Volume 11, Issue 1, Posted 5:12 PM, 01.12.2020

Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker movie review

The final installment recovers valiantly from many of the failures of Episode 8. This is definitely a Star Wars film and a strong attempt to wrap up this epic legacy. Unfortunately, massive shifts in pacing and dull storytelling are distracting. In addition, massive plot holes are generated regularly because of the new expansive Jedi powers created from the previous installment. Grade? A strong B minus.

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Volume 11, Issue 1, Posted 5:12 PM, 01.12.2020

Charlie's Angels Movie Review

 Patrick Stewart shines and Kristen Stewart tries a little too hard to be likable in this reboot. No emotional connection is established with the main characters but the film spares no expense on stunts, soundtrack and location selection. Some impressive camera work and the few attempts at humor work well. Grade: B minus.

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Volume 10, Issue 12, Posted 6:26 PM, 12.02.2019

Noelle Movie Review

 (streaming on Disney +) - Anna Kendrick shines in this adorable story about the legacy of Santa Claus. A worthy addition to your holiday movies. Only blemishes are forgettable supporting cast, some wonky CGI animals in places and pedestrian camera work. Grade: B plus.

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Volume 10, Issue 12, Posted 6:26 PM, 12.02.2019

Jay and Silent Bob Reboot

Jay and Silent Bob Reboot Movie Review - Director/"Actor"/Writer Kevin Smith reassembles an expensive cast to revisit his film universe 13 years after Clerks 2. Now full adults, the jokes remain perfectly infantile and the message about parenthood is not particularly thought provoking. However, I am a sucker for cameos and inside jokes so I loved it. Far, far from a must see, but for the dozen of us nationwide that love these guys, I was entertained. No room in this movie to bring along new viewers though. This is just pure nostalgia nonsense. Grade - a very kind C

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Volume 10, Issue 11, Posted 4:14 PM, 11.11.2019

Zombieland: Double Tap

Zombieland: Double Tap Movie Review - A solid sequel to the 2009 original. It is nothing short of a Hollywood miracle that this cast was able to reassemble to make this fun (but unnecessary) follow-up. The cast additions are solid including a great turn by Rosario Dawson. The best jokes only land if you are familiar with the first film, so watch (or rewatch) before walking into the theater. Grade: B

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Volume 10, Issue 11, Posted 4:14 PM, 11.11.2019

Between Two Ferns (Netflix)

Between Two Ferns: The Movie (Netflix) movie review - As a huge fan of the Funny or Die streaming series, I was excited for this movie released directly to Netflix. The writers throw a lot of punchlines at a thin plot with several landing but not quite enough. If you are a fan of the series, check it out. Everyone else can skip. If you do watch, many of the best laughs come from the blooper reel during the credits. Don't miss those. Grade: Solid C.

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Volume 10, Issue 10, Posted 10:31 AM, 10.06.2019

Ad Astra Movie Review

Ad Astra Movie Review - The film is dependent on two things (1) Brad Pitt's performance as he is the only actor in the vast majority of scenes and (2) The payoff at the end being worth the journey. The film throughout maintains a consistent inching along as Pitt attempts to reach the far ends of space but he is emotionally detached intentionally and his lack of emotional response to challenges make him a difficult protagonist to like. The payoff just isn't there as it is too short and lacks the weight of resolution necessary for the movie's running time. If you watch, don't get too involved in any side characters along the way. About a dozen of them come and go as soon as you might get emotionally attached. Grade: D plus.

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Volume 10, Issue 10, Posted 10:31 AM, 10.06.2019

Once Upon A Time ... In Hollywood Movie Review

Let me start by saying that I love all the ingredients in this recipe. But together at a running time of 2 hours and 45 minutes, I am wildly frustrated and disappointed. There are a few gems throughout, but not enough happens. The audience is forced to sit through scene after scene that ends up having minimal (if any) impact on the finale. If you like watching Brad Pitt drive a car for 30 or more minutes, this film is for you. For everyone else? Grade: C minus.

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Volume 10, Issue 9, Posted 5:24 PM, 09.08.2019

Dora and The Lost City of Gold Movie Review

I am happy to report that they totally pulled this film off. The first third of the movie is fantastic but then the middle is a little lacking in energy with lots of action for the last third. This skews older than you might guess given the source content as Dora is in high school through much of the film. Still very family friendly but not as pre-school as you might have guessed. Think a PG version of Tomb Raider but with some very strong laughs. Fantastic cast. Grade: B plus.

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Volume 10, Issue 9, Posted 5:24 PM, 09.08.2019

Spider-Man: Far From Home Movie Review

Marvel enters Phase Four with a fantastic film that continues the tone and themes of the previous Spider-Man chapter. Pacing and acting is strong. CGI is some of Marvel's best yet. Only complaint is even a casual Spider-Man fan knows the plot twist that is coming, which makes the first half a little annoying as we wait for it to arrive. But the film delivers on what is a very difficult villain to bring to screen. Grade - A minus.

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Volume 10, Issue 8, Posted 8:51 AM, 07.30.2019

Yesterday Movie Review

Yesterday Movie Review - I was surprised how satisfying this movie was. Great performances from unknown leads and strong production/ camera work by the director. As a tepid Beatles fan, I found the movie to be quite compelling. Unfortunately, the ending was a little too clean for my tastes. Grade - Middle B.

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Volume 10, Issue 8, Posted 8:51 AM, 07.30.2019

Men In Black International movie review

Color me all shades of surprised. Went in with low expectations as anyone rational would do for a reboot and I left pleasantly entertained. While the leads aren't exactly Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones, there is enough chemistry between Hemsworth and Thompson to keep my attention. Plus, four movies in and this sci-fi universe still has enough in the tank to tell more stories. Grade - a solid B.

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Volume 10, Issue 7, Posted 12:30 PM, 07.07.2019

The Perfect Date Movie Review (Netflix streaming original movie)

Noah Centineo stars in his third romantic comedy created by Netflix but this time he is the lead as opposed to the foil for the female lead as in his past two films. He continues to show that he can hold his own opposite his strongest cast yet. The movie boasts both Laura Marano (Austin & Ally) and Camila Mendes (Riverdale) as the other leads but Mendes is clearly "click bait" as she barely appears in the movie more than what is shown in the trailer. This movie is clearly a vehicle for Centineo opposite a surprisingly talented Marano but the plot remains too obvious with little to enjoy other than the rising star of Centineo. Grade - C

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Volume 10, Issue 6, Posted 4:12 PM, 06.05.2019

The Hustle Movie Review

This movie lives and dies on the chemistry between its lead actors - Anne Hathaway and Rebel Wilson. I am a fan of both of them but there is no particular chemistry between the two that suggests this movie should have gotten past the screen test stage. Everyone is just going through the motions with few surprises or chuckles to be had. I did like the opening credits sequence though. That was well done. Grade: C minus.

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Volume 10, Issue 6, Posted 4:12 PM, 06.05.2019

Aladdin Movie Review

After several live action missteps, Disney completely nails this film. Lots of credit to director Guy Ritchie for having a clear vision that updates the original without overdoing the CGI. Amazing new song with "Speechless" and the cast was fantastic. I went in skeptical (and I should after the recent track record) so this "A minus" was well earned.

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Volume 10, Issue 6, Posted 4:12 PM, 06.05.2019

Shazam! Movie Review

I did not expect this film to be so close to the spirit and ethos of the comics. That alone sent me into true "fanboy" mode which no DCEU movie has done to me yet. So, that is high praise. Also, great pacing and Zachary Levi/ Asher Angel are perfect in the shared lead role. Plus a truly strong villain.On the other hand, some CGI challenges throughout. Also, story arc did not require being over two hours long. Have lots more to say but they would be spoilers so I will keep them to myself. Grade 84% - "B".

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Volume 10, Issue 5, Posted 10:36 AM, 05.05.2019

Endgame review

Avengers Endgame Movie Review - The Russo Brothers did an amazing job directing this final, culminating film after a historic 22-movie run of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). The directors pulled off both the impossible and unprecedented. Congrats! The cast do their best. I laughed in the middle and definitely shed some tears near the end . The story was a little obvious but the journey is fantastic. Admittedly, there are (at least) five better MCU films as stand-alones but this provided sufficient closure. Grade - A minus

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Volume 10, Issue 5, Posted 10:36 AM, 05.05.2019

Captain Marvel Movie Review

Unfortunately, I expected better. The movie ends up having two roles. First, it is an origin story about Captain Marvel. As such, it follows the regular Marvel formula and does so satisfactorily but brings little new other than the hero is amnesiac. Second, the movie acts as an unnecessary prequel taking place in the 90's. As such, it answers random questions. Because of the weight of Infinity War and that we know all these characters will survive this film, it has no suspense. The jokes and plot are insufficient to carry the film alone. Plus the Disney de-aging technology used on Samuel Jackson (and others) is just creepy and is 94% successful which has a really weird rendering effect on the actor(s). Had this film come out in a different part of the sequencing of Marvel films, I would have been more kind. Sadly, I need to give it a "C".

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Volume 10, Issue 4, Posted 3:01 PM, 03.30.2019

Glass Movie Review

A solid film with an outstanding performance by James McAvoy and some really interesting camera angles. Add in a strong score for good measure. Over all - a solid "B".

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Volume 10, Issue 3, Posted 2:41 PM, 03.10.2019

Fyre and Fyre Fraud Streaming Movie Reviews

By now, you probably are aware that two different documentaries regarding the failed 2017 Fyre Festival are available on Netflix and Hulu. I watched them both one day apart. Either one is a fascinating look into the arrogance and gross identity consumerism that afflicts a certain group of young adults. They are not conflicting documentaries, so it is not critical you watch both to get the full story. From pacing to telling a more rounded story of perspectives/victims, the Netflix documentary is far superior. The only advantage that Hulu has is they have the exclusive interview with the fraudster at the center of the whole thing. But that interview is pretty useless and not super informative. Overall - Netflix (Fyre) - Solid B. Hulu (Fyre Fraud) - C+

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Volume 10, Issue 3, Posted 2:41 PM, 03.10.2019

Lego Movie 2 The Second Part

Lego Movie 2 The Second Part Movie Review - I loved the original and this one tried so very, very hard to recreate the magic. So much was right but it barely missed the mark. Themes and pacing were great. It just wasn't funny or original enough. Too many ideas were already stolen by the Lego Batman movie and the Unikitty cartoons.I give it the highest C+ possible (which is 79% for those of you that are math challenged).

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Volume 10, Issue 3, Posted 2:41 PM, 03.10.2019

Spider-Man Into the Spider Verse

Spider-Man Into the Spider Verse Movie Review - Absolutely amazing AND spectacular! Perfect plot and story. Quick pacing. Great animation. High quality voice acting. I was blown away by the entire film. I can't believe it but I have to give the grade of ... A.

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Volume 10, Issue 2, Posted 4:44 PM, 01.30.2019

Bumblebee Movie review

Bumblebee Movie Review - After the milking of the Transformers franchise, I went into this movie with low expectations. Well, I should have went in with much higher! The movie paced great and Bumblebee felt like a real character even though I am usually pretty critical of CGI "actors". Plus Hailee Steinfeld actually acts and emotes far better than her roles so far. She can sing AND she can act. Who knew? My grade - B (Get it? "B" = "bee")

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Volume 10, Issue 2, Posted 4:44 PM, 01.30.2019