CRUELLA
3.5 out of 5 stars
Disney has really outdone itself by going delectably dark with this slick, spectacularly stylish, & sinister origin story of Ms. de Vil. While it doesn’t need to be as lengthy as it is, director Gillespie designs something totally idiomatic & creative for the perfect iconic Disney villain to strut her stuff in her revolt. From fabulous costumes & ravishing hair & makeup to the wonderful production design of 70s London – each & every one of them build a bold & beautiful world. And just you wait ‘til you get a load of its smashing soundtrack! Supported by an exceptional cast, the two firerce Emmas are wonderfully wicked, making for a devilish duo w/ claws out & ready to leave a nasty scratch. They’re indeed unabashed villains to believe in.
THOSE WHO WISH ME DEAD
2.5 out of 5 stars
Writer/director Sheridan’s taut though typical neo-western & action thriller walks & talks like it was made straight out of the 90s. Where has the guy who wrote Sicario & Hell or High Water gone to? Little & Senghore are stellar, & Jolie makes the most of what she’s given in a cut-and-dry premise involving a smokejumper & a boy toiling to survive a wildfire & assassins. It’s not totally lacking excitement & tension, but it’s also ridiculous & mostly all smoke w/ very few flames of exhilaration.
RIDERS OF JUSTICE
3.5 out of 5 stars
Featuring a splendid cast lead by a magnificent Mikkelsen, this Danish revenge thriller of a disconnected soldier who’s out for justice after his wife is killed in a train accident is surprisingly thoughtful underneath its action & brutal violence. Aside from that, there’s the dark sense of humor that brings it all together. The different tones established by writer-director Jensen make for a wild, exciting mix as being hung up on vengeance is picked apart for a more meaningful look into making sense of life & coming to grips w/ grief. Likewise, it’s soft spot for healing to take place from the strength found in unlikely friendships is quite poignant.
Mortal Kombat (2021)
2.5 out of 5 stars
With his first movie being an adaptation of an iconic video game, director McQuoid is no dummy as he displays cool action sequences that shower us w/ violence, blood & gore. He very well may hand the diehard fans what they want, & fun fatalities are very much a part of that. Still, they’ll have to fight through awful acting and a limp story that actually could’ve used a longer runtime to get it. You decide if it’s worth it or not.
Sub-Zero & Scorpion are badass, though the same can’t be said for our dragon marked champions. They appear powerful, yet they’re merely skin-deep depictions of cherished characters that should be kicking way more ass. Feeling as though his sights were already set on a sequel when his undivided attention should’ve been on the task at hand, McQuoid also leans on nostalgia too much. Listen, when the trailer is more exciting than the movie itself – it’s disappointing to say the least.
TOM CLANCY’S WITHOUT REMORSE
2 out of 5 stars
As far as revenge thrillers go, this is simply substandard stuff. Director Sollima & writers Sheridan & Staples produce a recycled, uninspired plot that’s in love w/ patriotic clichés while boasting average action sequences. If not for Jordan’s dedicated performance, this would flip from a minor misfire to a major one. With an inevitable sequel coming our way, practically everything except its badass star demands real refinement. Maybe then it stands a good chance in delivering the goods from a Tom Clancy novel.
TOGETHER TOGETHER
4 out of 5 stars
This warm & winning dramedy presents a refreshing perspective of platonic love between an unorthodox coupling of a father-to-be & his surrogate. From writer-director Beckwith, two lonely souls go from being complete strangers to forming an awkward but hopeful connection that blossoms into a beautiful friendship. From the opening scene, it’s easy to see the cracking chemistry between Helms & Harrison. Their likability is off the charts. Everything they say or do looks & feels natural, & the humor they share only compliments their delightful dynamic. In what could’ve easily played out as a cheesy rom-com, Beckwith & her two splendid stars go in a wonderfully unexpected direction to tell a smart, sweet surrogacy story w/ honesty and heart.
STREET GANG: HOW WE GOT TO SESAME STREET
3.5 out of 5 stars
Genius, educational, groundbreaking, imaginative and fun. That essentially sums up what Sesame Street was & continues to be. In a conventional yet touching doc about the beginnings of the iconic children’s TV show, director Agrelo gives us a behind-the-scenes look at when some of the greatest creative minds came together to entertain its intended young audience while together using its time to teach worthwhile lessons everyone could learn from. I wish it would’ve gone more in-depth w/ some of the stories from this legendary street, but, nevertheless, there’s enough here to take in its incredible influence on the whole world & countless childhoods. There’s some laughing, a little crying, & a lot of smiling. It’s a joyous jubilee where the love poured into creating Sesame Street is long-lasting and shared by those who watch it.
THE DJINN
3 out of 5 stars
Dewey is riveting as a mute boy who finds an ancient book in his closet that could make his wish of having a voice come true in this suitable, suspenseful monster movie that warns us to be careful what we wish for because there are no take-backs. Clocking in at an already short 82 minutes, writer-directors Charbonier & Powell could’ve probably shaved off another 10 minutes or so as there are times where scenes feel stretched out or repetitive. But things tend to always bounce back with a few good scares & a story (especially its ending) that’s jolting & well-crafted.
PROFILE
2 out of 5 stars
Director Bekmambetov has taken a liking to this sub-genre of computer screen stories serving as a producer for Unfriended & its upcoming sequel. However, his effort here is relatively tedious. Inspired by a real investigation, a British journalist poses as a recent Islam converter & tries to expose an ISIS recruiter while trying not to fall in love w/ him at the same time. Without question, tension & thrills is written all over it, but the story feels rushed & soon ventures out into melodramatic territory to never return. The gravitas of what really occurred, including the questions that ignited this undercover probe, is jostled out of the way for the facile & forced elements of seduction & romance.
THE DRY
3.5 out of 5 stars
This slow-burning murder-mystery from the Land Down Under is gripping & gritty in its storytelling of two murders – one from the present & one from the past – in a bone-dry town that brings Federal Agent Falk back home where he’s not the most popular guy. In one of his best performances, Bana is boffo as Falk, playing a tortured soul in search of suspects & answers that may finally bring him peace. Writer/director Connolly sharply captures the desolate setting, a place deep in despair where secrets, guilt & grim truthfulness are buried deep. While there are certainly familiar elements included, it remains an involving whodunnit w/ a jarring conclusion.
Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of The Vick’s Flicks Podcast. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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