Shrapnel – Jason Patric Can’t Save this Tired Tale

Shrapnel, starring Jason Patric suffers from a stock, overused storyline that is only saved by Patric himself. Director William Kaufman takes a basic missing child story and, along with Patric, creates a decent if not a bit slow and predictable, tale of a father’s determination to find his daughter. While it could be better, Shrapnel… Continue reading Shrapnel – Jason Patric Can’t Save this Tired Tale

Meg 2: The Trench – So Ridiculous, It Entertains!

There are two simple reasons why a film company doesn’t offer critic or fan pre-screenings – the franchise creators feel no need and expect to make millions easily, OR the filmmakers want to sell as many tickets as they can before word gets out that the movie sucks. Ironically, Meg 2: The Trench falls somewhere… Continue reading Meg 2: The Trench – So Ridiculous, It Entertains!

SHORTCOMINGS: CATCHER IN THE RYE meets Relationship Comedy

A still from Shortcomings by Randall Park, an official selection of the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institute

Even though it has been over seventy years since J.D. Salinger’s novel was first published, The Catcher in the Rye continues to influence multiple types of entertainment media today. In the case of Shortcomings, the iconic book has had a noticeable impact on both the comic book of the same name and its film adaptation.… Continue reading SHORTCOMINGS: CATCHER IN THE RYE meets Relationship Comedy

RUB

Filmmaker Christopher Fox makes his feature film debut with the drama titled RUB. He wrote and directed the film about Neal (Micah Spayer), a single guy who lacks social skills at the office (and otherwise), who is bullied there and then set up in an unexpected situation. Once there, he decides to explore what is… Continue reading RUB

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM Offers Fans of the Franchise Great Fun

There is quite a variety of TMNT adaptations in cinema and television. However, only some of these interpretations have entirely captured the heart and spirit of the property. That is, until now. Writers Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Dan Hernandez, Benji Samit, and writer/director Jeff Rowe have come up with a thoroughly entertaining and exciting animated… Continue reading TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: MUTANT MAYHEM Offers Fans of the Franchise Great Fun

TALK TO ME Is the Australian Horror Sensation of the Year

It is safe to say that during their teenage years, most people have toyed with horror at parties and social gatherings, whether it is a house party or a campfire. For whatever reason, kids love to scare each other and test the courage of one another. This exciting Australian horror import attempts to frighten audiences… Continue reading TALK TO ME Is the Australian Horror Sensation of the Year

HAUNTED MANSION Attempts To Offer Audiences Something Deeper

Based on the attractions at Walt Disney parks, Haunted Mansion is not the first attempt at adapting the theme park “ride” for cinema. In 2003, Disney released a movie called The Haunted Mansion, which is moderately entertaining and somewhat fun but needs more great storytelling. Disney has decided to develop and create a reboot with… Continue reading HAUNTED MANSION Attempts To Offer Audiences Something Deeper

THE HAUNTED MANSION – A Bit Dark for the Kids and a Tad Modest for Adults

Chase W. Dillon and Rosario Dawson in Disney's "Haunted Mansion." Disney Studios

Like movies based on children’s books, those based on amusement park rides can be hits (like Pirates of the Caribbean) or misses (like Polar Express). Disney’s new movie Haunted Mansion, based on the well-known Disney attraction of the same name, falls somewhere in between. Geared more toward children, director Justin Simien’s, with a script from… Continue reading THE HAUNTED MANSION – A Bit Dark for the Kids and a Tad Modest for Adults

War Pony – A Stark Telling of Life on a Reservation

The beauty of directors Riley Keough (Elvis’ granddaughter) and Gina Gammell’s debut film War Pony lies in its non-commercial, non-professional cast and the vivid and subtle storytelling. The screenplay, co-written by Keough, Gammell, Bill Reddy, and Franklin Sioux Bob, provides a slow-burn character study that mesmerizes from start to finish. It’s a realistic, bleak, gritty… Continue reading War Pony – A Stark Telling of Life on a Reservation