DOG
3.5 out of 5 stars
Buddy comedies like these that feature animals are formulaic to a fault, but the thoughtfulness and heart that’s put into this by director/star Tatum and co-director Carolin makes a world of difference. In a story about a road trip taken by two kinds of soldiers who are both in need of rescuing – it’s touching, funny, adorable, and sincere with a deeper message about the consequence of war. Tatum unleashes his charm & his beautiful Belgian Malinois co-star is a scene stealer. Their connection is what makes the movie the best kind of emotional, confirming what dog lovers already know: dogs are purely too good for this world.
THE LAST THING MARY SAW
2.5 out of 5 stars
The horror elements in first time director Vitaletti’s period tale of forbidden love, fear, and oppression are quite scarce; however, when it comes to mood & overall atmosphere – that’s where Vitaletti shows off his strengths. It provides a sense of unrest for most of its short runtime. Between that and the two terrific performances from Scott and Fuhrman, it’s easier to forgive the familiarity and certain constraints that hold this back from being something way more haunting.
THE FALLOUT
3.5 out of 5 stars
Lead by a phenomenal performance from Ortega, this school-shooting drama honestly and delicately depicts the suffering of trauma and its power to paralyze individuals, especially young teens. Handled with sensitivity and empathy – this brave debut from writer/director Park powerfully shows how within minutes your life can change forever. Grappling with grief is different for each of us and it can close you off from everyone you love if you let it. With a gut-punching ending, it’s the dark side of surviving a horrific, unimaginable event that’s hidden behind the headlines.
MOONFALL
2 out of 5 stars
Emmerich is back to destroying the world in another one of his mammoth, mindless disaster flicks where the writing, characters, and story are cut-rate. But at least the CGI is incredible! Just kidding. Bradley is easily the MVP, while Wilson and Berry are so much better than this. Expectations were low to begin with, so what I saw wasn’t actually disappointing? Some form of entertainment exists within, it’s just difficult to locate in such a dark hole of absolute absurdity where LOL, SMH, and WTF are non-stop.
I WANT YOU BACK
3.5 out of 5 stars
Day and Slate are a prizewinning pair in this rom-com done right that on the surface is about sabotaging relationships to get your ex back. However, underneath that is a genuine, heartfelt story of heartbreak and wanting to do more but feeling too stuck in life to actually work up the courage to chase it. Director Orley, along with writers Aptaker and Berger, nail the unblemished balance of sweet romance and big laughs that are produced by well-drawn characters who have sensational charm and chemistry. You may know where this is headed, but how it gets there is a lot of fun with an ideal ending that’s the cherry on top.
CATCH THE FAIR ONE
3 out of 5 stars
Director Wladyka’s fast and furious sex trafficking thriller touches on race and class, though it’s mainly fueled by vengeance after a former fighter’s little sister goes missing. Starring the real life Native boxing champ Reis in her big screen acting debut – she has no problem bringing the truculence and intensity to her vigilante role. Grim and gritty, Wladyka’s sophomore feature may be simple and straightforward, but that doesn’t prevent it from packing a punch by the end. However, the film doesn’t give it it’s all in fully connecting with its intended social messaging.
DEATH ON THE NILE
2.5 out of 5 stars
The classic murder mysteries of Christie return with director and star Branagh as the immaculate Poirot (with his magical mustache) and another all-star cast who are striving to stay alive. Just like in Murder on the Orient Express, Branagh is the savior we cherish, with Mackey & Bateman being the only new suspects that aren’t totally forgettable. Without question, the scenery, production design, and costumes are a thing of beauty; yet, it’s not really the wondrous whodunnit that we crave, though neither was the first detective adventure on the train.
It’s an old-fashioned river ride that takes quite a while to get to the actual murder and finally have Poirot do what he does best. Even if it’s easy to point out who the culprit is – as soon as a dead body shows up, the story’s intrigue begins to rise. That doesn’t mean the inconsistencies just disappear, still Branagh’s adoration for the material and Poirot is what keeps this movie afloat. Now with two under his belt, audiences should now understand he’s the best thing about them while their entertainment value is a modest one at best.
KIMI
3.5 out of 5 stars
Soderbergh’s small-scale, breakneck modern thriller stars a stellar Kravitz as Angela – an employee of a tech company who uncovers a recording of a murder; however, reporting it isn’t so easy, forcing this agoraphobic to leave her apartment to pursue justice. Seeded in the isolation caused by the pandemic, the growing paranoia of technology, and the blatant abuse of power by big businesses, the plot harnesses each of them rather successfully. The terrifically induced suspense never loses its grip, which in return keeps viewers on the edge of their couch. Feeling like another fluid outing for the filmmaker, Soderbergh is implacable just like his leading lady. Together, they’ve made an ultra efficient & entertaining hair-raiser.
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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