High Stakes, Low Originality There is a specific kind of disappointment that comes with a “pre-release” screening. You walk in hoping to be the first to see a modern classic, especially with a heavy-hitting Don Winslow adaptation and an epic cast like this. Unfortunately, Crime 101 is a movie that spends so much time trying… Continue reading Film Review: Crime 101
Category: Reviews
Fantastic Fest 2025: GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON’T DIE
One of the secret screenings of Fantastic Fest came as a complete surprise to me. I had never heard of the movie, so when the title leaked before the screening, all I could do was shrug. I knew it was the newest movie from director Gore Verbinski, the filmmaker behind the first three Pirates of… Continue reading Fantastic Fest 2025: GOOD LUCK, HAVE FUN, DON’T DIE
CRIME 101: A Solid And Often Intriguing Crime Thriller
Based on the novel of the same name by Don Winslow, Crime 101 comes across as a Michael Mann crime thriller copycat. It is not a bad imitation, but it doesn’t achieve the same level of quality in storytelling and filmmaking that makes its inspirations, like Mann’s Heat, seminal classics. Writer/director Bart Layton and team… Continue reading CRIME 101: A Solid And Often Intriguing Crime Thriller
Solo Mio: warm, funny, sad, and uplifting all at once
I didn’t expect to fall for Solo Mio, but I did. Kevin James is the first reason—it’s hard not to carry the shadow of Paul Blart, and yet he’s fully human, fully charming, and quietly heartbreaking. He plays Matt, a grade school art teacher whose carefully planned wedding in Rome… well, let’s just say life… Continue reading Solo Mio: warm, funny, sad, and uplifting all at once
GOAT: An Animated Underdog Story That Has Visual Flash, But Is Lacking In The Humor Department
In an alternate earth where anthropomorphic animals thrive, a skilled, athletic goat aspires to take the sports world by storm, allowing other smaller-statured athletes to prove themselves. I often enjoy a good underdog story, but the problem is that there have been so many others that have preceded it, with varying degrees of success. This… Continue reading GOAT: An Animated Underdog Story That Has Visual Flash, But Is Lacking In The Humor Department
Pillion – Relationships Have Challenges, No Matter the Individuals
Directed by Harry Lighton, the dramatic (and limited humor) film Pillion is based on the 1975 novel “Box Hill” by Adam Mars-Jones, adapted by the director. It is set in an unnamed city in England, in a later time than the novel. Lighton’s feature-film directorial debut had its world premiere at the 2025 Cannes Film… Continue reading Pillion – Relationships Have Challenges, No Matter the Individuals
Movie Review – The Moment: The Chaos of a Pop Star’s Life Exhausts, Real or Mocked
Charli XCX is a British pop singer-songwriter with a Grammy-winning “Brat” album, her sixth studio album. Of course, her adoring fans know this, but anyone interested in learning more about her by watching the film “The Moment” will likely leave disappointed or not very impressed. It has its moments. The Moment is not a concert… Continue reading Movie Review – The Moment: The Chaos of a Pop Star’s Life Exhausts, Real or Mocked
SEND HELP Is Pure Raimi Craziness In All of His More Enjoyable Ways
Most cinephiles know, more or less, what to expect from a more traditional Sam Raimi movie. Now, it is possible that Raimi’s trademarks and go-to style choices are not everyone’s cup of tea. It is also possible that anyone has already grown tired of the director’s signature choices. However, if you are like me, you… Continue reading SEND HELP Is Pure Raimi Craziness In All of His More Enjoyable Ways
SHELTER Is Escapist Action Cinema That Is Solid Entertainment
Have we as audiences seen this type of movie? Yes! Is it still entertaining? The answer is, without a single doubt. Director Ric Roman Waugh and writer Ward Parry have created an action-thriller that is mostly compelling and fun, offering audiences an escape from the troubles of real life. Did I eat it all up?… Continue reading SHELTER Is Escapist Action Cinema That Is Solid Entertainment
MERCY Is Not Only A Dollar Store MINORITY REPORT, It is so Lame and Imbecilic
Look, I like what Chris Pratt has brought to comedic performances, especially in the Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, but the actor cannot do serious drama. This fact is so starkly evident in a film already plagued by bad writing and direction, but it would have been a lead role that could have been so… Continue reading MERCY Is Not Only A Dollar Store MINORITY REPORT, It is so Lame and Imbecilic