Eddie Murphy, in ‘Candy Cane Lane,’ takes on a role that feels akin to driving a sportscar to the local supermarket—an unnecessary extravagance for a holiday movie aimed at family-friendly audiences on Amazon Prime. With full-on-flashy-smile charisma, Murphy tries to compensate for the film’s lackluster energy but often appears to sleepwalk through the festivities, contrasting… Continue reading Candy Cane Lane: Lacks the Holiday Sparkle
Author: Laurie Coker
Wish: A Nostalgic Misstep
Disney’s centennial celebration takes an unexpected turn with ‘Wish,’ a lackluster animation that leans heavily on nostalgia but falls short of capturing the magic of its predecessors. While the film introduces a promising premise in the magical kingdom of Rosas, ruled by the enigmatic King Magnifico (Chris Pine), it ultimately succumbs to a formulaic plot,… Continue reading Wish: A Nostalgic Misstep
Quiz Lady: A Hilarious Quest of Laughter and Family Ties
The wild and whimsical world of ‘Quiz Lady,’ directed by Jessica Yu, unfolds with a delightful focus on the intricate tapestry of its lead’s fractured family life rather than the traditional pursuit of victory in a game show. Screenwriter Jen D’Angelo (“Hocus Pocus 2”) injects a generous dose of humor into the charades-based final round,… Continue reading Quiz Lady: A Hilarious Quest of Laughter and Family Ties
‘The Killer’: Fincher’s Symphony of Precision in a Soulless World
David Fincher’s ‘The Killer’ offers a chilling glimpse into the mind of an assassin, portrayed with meticulous brilliance by Michael Fassbender. Guided by the mantra of “Stick to the plan, trust no one,” the film unfolds as a brooding action thriller, delving into the neo-noir landscape crafted from the pages of French comic books by… Continue reading ‘The Killer’: Fincher’s Symphony of Precision in a Soulless World
The Burial: Foxx Shines in David and Goliath Legal Drama
In the world of legal dramas, ‘Burial’ stands out as an interesting tale of justice with a David versus Goliath spin. At the forefront is the tenacity of an ostentatious personal injury attorney. Directed by Maggie Betts and available on Prime Video, this based-on-a-true-story film brings to life the courtroom battle between a small-town funeral… Continue reading The Burial: Foxx Shines in David and Goliath Legal Drama
Fantastic Fest: Totally Killer – Totally Fun
Featured as the closing film of Fantastic Fest 2023, ‘Totally Killer’ director Nahnatchka Khan decently combines two fun genres into one delightful Halloween-appropriate movie. Feeling at times like ‘Back to the Future’ and at others, ‘Scream,’ ‘Totally Killer’ is exciting enough for adults and mild enough for older teens. Perhaps missing is a better soundtrack… Continue reading Fantastic Fest: Totally Killer – Totally Fun
‘Reptile’ – A Tense Thriller That Slithers Away from Its Promise
The opening moments of “Reptile” are undeniably riveting, setting the stage for an enticing murder mystery anchored by Benicio del Toro’s character, Detective Tom Nichols. However, before we delve into the film’s merits and drawbacks, it’s necessary to dispel any initial misconceptions about the “reptilian” title. Contrary to what one might assume, ‘Reptile’ is not… Continue reading ‘Reptile’ – A Tense Thriller That Slithers Away from Its Promise
Fantastic Fest 2023 Pet Sematary: Bloodlines – the Idea Should have Stayed Buried
Fans of Stephen King’s eerie novel ‘Pet Sematary’ and those who remember the chilling 1989 adaptation might have once wished for a sequel or a remake. Hollywood granted those wishes, but the results were mixed. Too often, Hollywood attempts to create equally successful prequels or sequels and fails. And we now have ‘Pet Sematary: Bloodlines,’… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2023 Pet Sematary: Bloodlines – the Idea Should have Stayed Buried
Fantastic Fest: The Creator – Intense and Awe-inspiring
Gareth Edwards delivers an epic sci-fi fantasy film at Fantastic Fest 2023 and in theaters nationwide on Friday, September 29th. The Rogue One director has given us an impressively stunning, visually exciting take on AI and humankind in the future with a clear and timely message. Surprisingly, he doesn’t put the United States at the… Continue reading Fantastic Fest: The Creator – Intense and Awe-inspiring
Fantastic Fest: Strange Darling – a Thriller filled with Surprises
True crime, murder porn (as some call it), and serial killers, like train wrecks, mesmerize many. People seem fascinated by podcasts, shows like Dateline and Cold Case Files, and movies depicting the likes of Ted Bundy and Son of Sam and all those who came before and after. In line with public appeal, Strange Darling… Continue reading Fantastic Fest: Strange Darling – a Thriller filled with Surprises