THE UNBEARABLE WEIGHT OF MASSIVE TALENT
3.5 out of 5 stars
It’s meta galore in this ridiculously smart, hilarious, & entertaining action comedy where Cage plays Cage sensationally. The plot involving kidnappings & crime families is unoriginal but can easily be ignored when the blue-chip bromance between Cage & Pascal is in full effect. With their creative juices flowing, you never get tired of seeing these two guys gush over one another. It’s a terrific tribute to the greatest gonzo actor of our time. If this doesn’t instantly put you in the mood to re-watch some Cage classics – I don’t know what will!
PETITE MAMAN
3 out of 5 stars
The latest from Sciamma, the writer-director of Portrait of a Lady on Fire, slowly reveals itself as a gentle fairy tale that’s told through the lens of a little girl w/ a wonderful imagination. Twin sisters Joséphine & Gabrielle Sanz are fantastic, representing the past & present of childhood innocence. Their fast forming friendship undoubtedly leaves a lasting effect. For such a small film, its themes are substantial. Howbeit, there are some strained scenes that hold us back from being totally immersed in what’s unfolding on screen, & consequently what Sciamma whips up falls a little short in achieving the emotional reaction she’s hoping for in the end. But that’s not to say her rendering of the bittersweet beauty discovered in loss, saying goodbye, & the love shared between a mother & daughter is lost, because Sciamma’s affection for her characters makes that next to impossible.
Disneynature Polar Bear
3.5 out of 5 stars
Disneynature continues to astonish w/ what their docs are able to capture in the wild. Now it returns w/ a story about a polar bear mother remembering all she’s learned from her mom & using it to show her own daughter how to survive in a home that’s melting away. Narrated by Keener, directors Fothergill & Wilson take viewers on an exciting, strenuous, & heart rendering journey w/ these magnificent ice bears where their lives have gone through a drastic shift due to climate change. Their hunt for food becomes more difficult, their hunger grows worse. The message hits hard as the physical proof is right in front of us when places that once were ice-covered paradises are now all dried up. It’s a sad sight to see. However, there’s also a sweet theme of motherhood included that’s quite meaningful. And as usual w/ these docs – there’s cuteness & so much beauty & stunning scenery throughout. It’s an engrossing showcase of polar bears’ tremendous tenacity through virtually unbearable circumstances that must change.
EVERYTHING EVERYWHERE ALL AT ONCE
4.5 out of 5 stars
Exploding w/ extraordinary creativity & style, this is an innovative, incomparable Daniels film that’s equally absurd & awe-inspiring. At the core of this lovely genre-bending, funny, & mind-blowing journey through a multiverse is true emotional depth. It’s a spectacular salute to the human condition. And there are so many great performances, but it doesn’t get any better than Yeoh. Trust me, nothing will prepare you for this outstanding original creation that only the madcap minds behind Swiss Army Man could bring into existence. Movie lovers are assuredly all the better for it.
FANTASTIC BEASTS: THE SECRETS OF DUMBLEDORE
2.5 out 5 stars
Law & Mikkelsen are aces in this third installment that musters up more magic than the previous one. Unfortunately, that’s not really saying much. It’s overstuffed, should have a shorter runtime,& just gets tougher to care for so many of the assorted characters that lack intrigue. But luckily there’s still enough fun to be had in their fantastical adventures. This Wizarding World franchise’s wand gets back a small yet glowing spark, but it’s fading fast.
AMBULANCE
3.5 out of 5 stars
Not without its scenes of stupidity, this action thrill ride hits the gas & never slows down. While the premise of two brothers just trying to get home after a bank heist goes astray is simple, Abdul-Mateen II & Gyllenhaal’s electric performances more than make up for it. Feeling like Bay of the 90’s, he hits us w/ a fun, full throttle flick w/ exciting action sequences that are intense & immersive. Bullets flying, huge wreckage & explosions, & cool drone camerawork. It’s Bayhem at its best.
SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2
3 out of 5 stars
For families & fans alike, this is a satisfying sequel w/ an energy that can’t be slowed down. With the fun new addition of Tails & Knuckles, director Fowler gives us a ton more of what’s enjoyed when playing the video games. And judging by the mid-credits scene – he’s not done yet! Being 2 hours is a bit crazy, but as far as entertainment goes, it may actually surpass the first one. Not so much the case when it comes to heart, although we are once again blessed by the presence of a mirthfully maniacal Carrey. There’s no passing that up.
WE’RE ALL GOING TO THE WORLD’S FAIR
2.5 out of 5 stars
This is one crazy coming-of-age film in which the darkest & most disturbing corner of teenage isolation is put on display w/ mixed results through a fucked up internet challenge. There are scenes in writer-director Schoenbrun’s feature debut that are mysterious & haunting. Additionally, newcomer Cobb’s luring portrayal as Casey takes vulnerability & twists it into something frightening. Yet the horror/drama blend isn’t as effective as Schoenbrun had hoped. It feels as though it’s continuously interrupting our investment in what’s truly transpiring in front of us. Along with that, too much is either ambiguous or unaddressed. We recognize the fragile, emotional state of Casey but getting to the point of genuinely caring is challenging when what we’re watching, while assuredly ambitious, feels relatively incomplete.
HATCHING
1.5 out of 5 stars
In her feature debut, Finnish director Bergholm crafts a hideous creature feature, but when brooded becomes a satirical coming-of-age tale that’s a good deal birdbrained. While the horror elements are unavailing, the family drama involving motherhood, perfectionism, puberty & identity are involving. Even so, the film as a whole falls flat as the fusion of horror & humor is out of whack, & no amount of grotesqueness can hide the familiarity that’s flying high.
THE BAD GUYS
3 out of 5 days
The latest from DreamWorks Animation comes barreling in w/ a thrilling opening sequence – driving w/ rowdy energy & visual flair. And even though it can’t keep that same sort of momentum throughout, that doesn’t prevent this crime caper animation from stealing your heart. There’s a huge appreciation for heist flicks that director Perifel brings to his first feature. We’re pretty much watching a furry & scaly Ocean’s movie. A nice touch for sure, yet what we see is still rather predictable on top of the story constantly trying to recapture the vigor that was set early on. At least the effort is there. Perifel also gathers a stellar voice cast who are living it up while delivering messages about being misunderstood & second chances to all ages. Something the entire family can enjoy, this doesn’t come up empty handed, delivering sufficient goods w/ fun, wit, & lustrous animation w/ a style all its own. (Full Review)
Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association and the Southeastern 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.
Check out the SoBros Shop. Become a Patron. Give us money for no reason. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork. Watch on YouTube.
