REMINISCENCE
2.5 out of 5 stars
There’s no arguing that this sci-fi neo-noir from Joy, writer, director, & co-creator of Westworld, has its fair share of flaws. There’s secondhand storytelling, deficient pacing, more than a few ideas that can’t be capitalized on, & a far from mind-blowing third act. Contrarily, the ambition, the world-building, the intrigue, & the central mystery is consuming for the better half of the film. Navigating through the past in search of a vanished lover that quickly grows into an obsession, Jackman’s solid performance is the glue that holds it all together. Too bad no one will remember any of this in a week or two. Ain’t that some irony?
JUNGLE CRUISE
3 out of 5 stars
From The African Queen to Pirates of the Caribbean, Disney’s latest big budget movie based on one of their theme park attractions reminds us of other action adventures that are more entertaining. Director Collet-Serra takes us on a secondhand, routine ride that gets swept away by an overabundance of cliches & ugly CGI. Hey, at least he knows better than to leave out those funny puns that the real cruise prides itself on. It’s not a bad time at the movies by any means, but its story should be going full steam ahead rather than drifting on. Still, w/ a wonderful cast anchored by Johnson & Blunt whose charisma & chemistry pulls everything forward – this family-friendly voyage is fun enough to stay afloat.
RESPECT
2.5 out of 5 stars
There’s nothing more disappointing than when a Queen of Soul biopic doesn’t have enough soul. Director Tommy & writer Wilson give Franklin a melodramatic, paint-by-numbers treatment that leaves too many gaps in her extraordinary life story. It results in audiences being cheated out of truly experiencing her artistry, genius, & activism. But there’s no denying Hudson’s commanding portrayal, especially when the music kicks in. She’s in her element, leaving you breathless the moment you hear the first lyric of an indelible Aretha song.
ANNETTE
2 out of 5 stars
Director Carax’s whacky & weird rock opera of two ill-fated lovers who bring a baby puppet into the world is visually striking & offers an undauntable, committed performance from Driver. Unfortunately, there’s little else to enjoy here as the story of fame, jealousy, & exploitation is numbing & achingly dragged out. What’s the most dissatisfying is the collaboration between Sparks & Carax. They appear to be a match made in heaven, that’s until we find ourselves suffering through largely unimaginative, forgettable songs supporting a cockamamy journey that’s drowning in its own pretentiousness.
VAL
3.5 out of 5 stars
Narrated by his son Jack, Kilmer reveals much about his past & present, from his most known film roles to a throat cancer survivor, in an absorbing doc that’s a combo of self-reflection & self-indulgence. Directors Scott & Poo hand over the reigns to the complicated/misunderstood actor & artist to tell his own story in his own way, utilizing over four decades of footage shot by the man himself. He’s his own subject, thus objectivity isn’t necessarily a top priority. With that said, what Kilmer does reveal is a rebirth that’s fascinating & moving of an enigmatic soul finding peace in his life.
NINE DAYS
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
Duke is phenomenal in a superbly soul-searching sci-fi drama that has big ideas on what it means to be human. Set up as a job interview where your life literally depends on it, writer-director Oda’s first feature is imposing & intimate, breathtaking & beautiful. The uniqueness & imagination he presents on-screen is nothing short of stunning. Along w/ Duke, the excellent ensemble (especially Beetz) profoundly questions all concepts of our existence that’s gripping & emotionally effective. This is a marvelous meditation on the meaning of life. It’s a knockout w/ an ending that’s eminently moving & has you reassessing the years you’ve spent on Earth & what you will do w/ the remaining ones you have left.
JOLT
1.5 out of 5 stars
Despite getting Beckinsale, a certifiable badass at this stage – this crazy action-comedy flick is incompatible & unsurprising in too many ways. Director Wexler & writer Wascha’s peppy premise centers around a woman who finally finds love w/ someone who accepts her for who she is & what she has. Awwww. And what she has is an anger-management problem that causes instant dissolution, forcing her to wear an electrode-lined vest that shocks her murderous tendencies away. But when he’s killed, she’s going to use what she’s been trying to control to get vengeance. Sounds fun I know, yet the title is very deceiving considering what viewers experience is polar opposite. It’s torpid, unfunny, & forgettable.
DON’T BREATHE 2
2 out of 5 stars
From sicko to hero isn’t that easy of a switch in this dispensable sequel about our barbaric blind man who has found his next daughter & a soft spot for dogs. Other than another home invasion from fools who don’t know who their f’n with – it disregards practically everything else that made the first one a tense & nerve-racking viewing experience. The family aspect is weird & less than effective, yet the gory violence will certainly get your attention as most involved get what’s coming to them. Writer Sayagues’ directorial debut feels forced & predictable, but one thing is for sure – Lang is still terrifying as hell.
STILLWATER
3 out of 5 stars
While not exactly the thriller that it appears to be in the trailers, writer/director McCarthy’s timely yet overlong crime drama cuts deep w/ its themes of family, redemption, cultural differences, contemplation, loss, & finding peace. McCarthy & crew may not fully inquire into each of these, but it’s impactful just the same. Breslin, Cottin, & little Siauvaud are terrific, while Damon is in top form w/ his committed, subtle portrayal of an Oklahoma father who travels to France in search of the truth of a murder that put his seemingly innocent daughter in prison. The murder mystery portion of the film, especially towards the end, is hardly shocking & rather implausible. But most notably, it comes close to stripping away a portion of the poignancy that’s been built up to that point. Even so, the film holds on to its empathy & thoughtfulness which are truly integral in invoking an emotional resonance that sticks w/ you once the credits roll.
THE NIGHT HOUSE
3.5 out of 5 stars
Built on Hall’s supernal, torturous performance, this atmospheric & psychological horror from director Bruckner digs into terrifying themes that aren’t always seen but enormously felt. It continually keeps you guessing as a widow goes looking for closure to her husband’s suicide. However, what she finds is spine-tingling in a house w/ inconceivable secrets. The ending is open to interpretation & could make or break on how viewers will ultimately feel about what they’ve seen. But leaving without a sinking feeling doesn’t seem possible – no matter what.
VACATION FRIENDS
1.5 out of 5 stars
A common comedy from writer/director Tarver that tries to pretend it’s wild & crazy; yet, the truth is it’s not raunchy enough to be shocking nor sincere enough to care about its monotonous characters & their freak friendship. The cast consisting of Cena, Hagner, Orji, & Howery are gung -ho on making us laugh, but w/ the exception of a few jokes early on – they’re stuck doing the same shit over & over. Some of which isn’t funny in the first place. From vacationing to weddings & the foolery in between, almost everything is too fake & forced to be at all believable or fun to watch.
CODA
4.5 out of 5 stars
Writer-director Heder’s phenomenal family drama is heartwarming & inspiring. Its narrative structure is nothing new, yet the genuine emotion that comes from an exceptional leading cast will make audiences smile, cry, sing, & laugh. There’s not a single false note in any performance, w/ Jones’ incredible talents coming across loud & clear. Along w/ such a respectful representation of the deaf community, this triumphant, feel-good film is a blissful celebration of inclusion, family fealty, & doing what you love to do – paving your own path in the process. It plays like a beautiful song that’s both personal & universal, & I loved every minute of it.
ENEMIES OF THE STATE
2 out of 5 stars
Paul & Leann DeHart’s son, Matthew, puts a target on all of their backs as his hacking & activism catches the attention of the U.S. government in this espionage exposé that’s engrossing only about half the time. Produced by Morris & directed by Kennebeck, the story is full of twists & turns, told through interviews, re-enactments, & actual audio recordings. However, for every reveal, skepticism soon follows as each side strives to prove their case in a relatively monotonous manner.
The DeHart family’s nightmarish situation is used by Kennebeck to spotlight the larger issue of truth vs. lies becoming truth if repeated enough. That’s a scary reality, yet how she chooses to get there undermines its overall impact. In the end, it’s left up to the viewer to cut through the doc’s clutter & confusion to decide for themselves who & what to believe. I wish I could tell you it’s worth it, but I’d be lying.
DEMONIC
1 out of 5 stars
Blomkamp, writer-director of District 9, returns with a horrible horror movie of a mother/daughter possession story w/ inventive simulation but absolute no scares. Sure, there are tiny glimpses of interesting ideas, but they’re exorcised so quickly by unconvincing acting & boredom – it’s like they were never there.
THE SUICIDE SQUAD
4 out of 5 stars
Writer-director Gunn is delectably gaga in his more reboot than sequel comic book spectacle about a band of supervillain deviants w/ no choice but to do America’s dirty work. It’s ultra-violent, darkly funny, & surprisingly sweet. There’s hardly a character that doesn’t get their time to shine, giving viewers a peek into their scarred souls & adoring them all the more for it. Elba, Cena, & Robbie are the champs, but it’s extremely evident as to why King Shark (voiced by Stallone) is a fan favorite. Getting off on mirthfulness & mayhem, this is inarguably one of DC’s very best. The determining factor is Gunn’s unyielding & unparalleled vision that’s splattered far & wide, assembling a much more superior Squad.
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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