Ricky Stanicky, the latest offering from director Peter Farrelly, brings together a mix of familiar comedic elements with a touch of unpredictability. While the film's premise may feel like every other Adam Sandler film, it manages to carve its own niche, thanks to the versatile performances of its cast, particularly Zac Efron and John Cena. Zac Efron's ability to seamlessly transition from roles like a wrestler to a comedic lead showcases his adaptability, reminiscent of John Cena's own surprising comedic prowess.
Read MoreOut of Darkness (2022)
Out of Darkness is a gripping journey into the primal depths of survivalist horror, where the unforgiving landscape becomes a character in itself. Directed by the impressive newcomer Andrew Cummings, this film catapults viewers 45,000 years into the past, where a desperate group of pioneers battles starvation, fear, and the unknown in a quest for a new home. The film opens with a slow burn, the first half-hour setting the stage for what initially seems like a mundane survival story.
Read MoreMonolith (2022)
Monolith takes audiences on a unique and intriguing journey by blending a minimalist approach with the power of podcasts to deliver a thought-provoking narrative. Lily Sullivan's one-woman show, supported by exceptional vocal performances, unfolds within a single location, effectively capturing the essence of paranoia, guilt, and the looming possibility of an alien invasion. The film cleverly taps into the current trend of podcast popularity, using interviews as a tool to unravel mysteries.
Read MoreAlita: Battle Angel (2019) #RetroReview
Though hindered by a handful of flaws, Alita: Battle Angel from 2019 is a seriously fun film. Directed by Robert Rodriguez, and produced and co-written by James Cameron, the filmmakers go all in on creating visually dazzling anime-inspired cyberpunk visuals. Based on the manga by Yukito Kishiro, Cameron had wanted to make the film for nearly two decades but his work on his Avatar series took priority.
Read MoreAgainst the Dark (2009) #RetroReview
Steven Seagal’s lone horror flick, Against the Dark, celebrates its fifteenth anniversary this week. It went straight to video on February 10th, 2009. Directed by Richard Crudo, I wouldn’t list it amongst the infamous actor’s best films.
Read MoreDario Argento Panico (2023)
If you’re a fan of horror movies at all, you’re probably already familiar with the works of Italian filmmaker Dario Argento. However, how much do you know about the man himself? What motivates him?
Read MoreHe Went That Way (2023)
Filmmaking grapples with the dichotomy of true stories often being either too mundane or too complex for cinematic adaptation. While some extraordinary tales demand dramatization, skilled filmmakers can extract intrigue from seemingly ordinary narratives. The assertion that every person has a compelling story underscores the transformative power of storytelling.
Read MoreBathtub Shark Attack (2023)
Some people need a movie to have a multimillion-dollar budget and big-name stars in order for them to enjoy it. And I get that. I dig going down to the megaplex for the latest studio flick as much as the next guy.
Read MoreRace for Glory: Audi vs. Lancia (2024)
After watching Gran Turismo recently, I was in the mood for another good car movie. Unfortunately, Race for Glory wasn't it. While it has solid racing moments, the film is bogged down with mediocre performances and a bloated narrative.
Read MoreHellbound: Hellraiser II (1988) #RetroReview
Tony Randel’s Hellbound: Hellraiser II from 1988 celebrates its 35th birthday on December 23rd. Though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of Clive Barker’s original, it is easily the best of all the sequels. Won’t you join me for a look back?
Read MoreNo One Will Save You (2023)
Aliens have been in our movies ever since Georges Méliès’s 1902 silent epic “A Trip to the Moon.” Since then, we’ve been gifted 1951’s “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” 1953’s “War of the Worlds,” 1956’s “Earth Vs. the Flying Saucers,” and that’s just the ‘50s. Mankind has been fascinated with extraterrestrial life for centuries, but these last two centuries really kicked off the ET craze.
Read MoreSkinamarink (2022)
Cambridge Dictionary defines a “fever dream” as “A very strange experience or situation, usually a bad one, that seems like a dream rather than like something that would really happen.” On dreams in general, Merriam-Webster defines a dream quite accurately for this film in one word: “A series of thoughts, images, or emotions occurring during sleep.” There’s that word, “images.”
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