Child's Play

Director Lars Klevberg

Genre Horror

Cast Aubrey Plaza, Brian Tyree Henry, Gabriel Bateman, David Lewis

Rating R

Release Date June 21st, 2019

“A mother gives her 13-year-old son a toy doll for his birthday, unaware of its more sinister nature.”

From director Lars Klevberg, best known for his creepy horror short films, Child’s Play tells the story of a mother who gives her son a toy doll for his birthday, unaware of its more sinister nature. Originally making its debut in 1988, we are all very familiar with the Child’s Play franchise and the potty-mouthed doll known as Chucky (or at least we should be). On the surface this is a very different film for the franchise so hopefully it works out because we can’t have another horror dud, especially not a remake/re-imagining of an iconic franchise.

As I was exiting the theater the couple in front of me were discussing the movie and I overheard one of them say “yeah I mean the kills were really cool, but to me that just wasn’t Child’s Play”. First off let me just say I soon realized they were walking home in the pouring rain so an obvious number of poor life decisions may take away from their credibility. But they do have a point. The 2019 version of Child’s Play is very different for a number of reasons, but what holds the most weight is the simple fact that the crux of the Chucky origin story was completely changed. But I am okay with that. I mean sure overall I prefer the possessed by a serial killer vibe, I mean who wouldn’t?! But this is the Chucky of the future, the doll that is in full control of the very thing that runs all of our lives every single day - technology. If I were you I would practice saying “Alexa, please don’t let Chucky murder me”. Better safe than sorry.

Overall I was genuinely pleased with the new Child’s Play. It was fresh and unafraid to take a few chances, and the acting was generally very good. Most importantly it is horror film that navigates between horror and comedy really well. The film appealed to my twisted sense of humor and had me laughing out loud more than a few times, and I really liked the overall creativity and old school slasher movie feel of the kills. Even though it brings Chucky into the future, it still blends elements of old school horror dating all the way back to the mid 70’s with an epic tribute to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. 

At the end of the day this is a horror movie, but is it scary? I mean not really unless you are a little bi*** (and many of you are, just admit it). No offense of course. But seriously, were the original films actually scary? I mean sure, as a kid my older brother used to chase me around the video store with the case for Child’s Play on VHS in his hand and I would be crying hysterically for my parents, but I probably wet the bed at that time too. In my opinion this new version of Child’s Play is a lot of fun and well worth a trip to the theater for any horror fan, and I honestly hope it does well enough to deliver a sequel. Recommended. 

Pet Sematary

Director Kevin Kölsch, Dennis Widmyer

Genre Horror

Cast Jason Clarke, John Lithgow, Amy Seimetz, Lucas Lavoie

Rating R

Release Date April 5th, 2019

“Louis Creed, his wife Rachel and their two children Gage and Ellie move to a rural home where they are welcomed and enlightened about the eerie ‘Pet Sematary’ located near their home.”

From directors Kevin Kölsch and Dennis Widmyer (Starry Eyes, Holidays), Pet Sematary is a re-imagining of the 1989 Stephen King classic horror film based on King’s novel about a family that moves to Maine and discovers a Pet Sematary out behind their house built on Indian Burial Grounds. The original film scared the crap out of me as a kid, so naturally I consider it to be a fond memory during my childhood. Full disclosure, I remember being home alone and imagining that I would turn the corner and one of my pet cats that had been hit by a car and killed would be standing there covered in dirt - needless to say my parents were used to coming home with every single light in the house on.

Anticipation was high as I arrived at the theater and stocked up on popcorn and Haribo gummy bears, and as the lights dimmed and the movie finally started it did NOT disappoint. The first thing I will say is that the writers made a few significant changes to the film compared to its counterpart, but that’s not a bad thing. I won’t say much about the changes to avoid spoilers even though one of the changes is revealed in the final trailer, but I will say that after seeing the movie and doing a little research as far as why the changes were made I am on board. The biggest thing that they were able to accomplish with this film as a tribute to it’s predecessor is the ominous feel it maintains throughout - this is a horror movie through and through so you won’t be laughing during this one.

The feeling of unease is heavy throughout, and the cast consisting of veteran actor Jason Clarke in the lead role as Dr. Louis Creed fit perfectly. Fans of the original seem split on John Lithgow taking on the pivotal role of Jud, mostly due to the high bar set by the late Fred Gwynne - but rest assured Lithgow is able to hold his own. I would have liked to have seen a bit more of the relationship development between Louis and Jud, but with a runtime of just over an hour and a half it makes sense that you need to have a balance. Overall, even as a remake/re-imagining this is an entry in the horror genre that sits well above the majority of horror releases of late.

The 2019 version of Pet Sematary left this longtime fan satisfied and has me wanting to see it at least one more time to really take in all of the finer wrinkles of the film. Horror fans can feel good about snagging a ticket for this one so be sure to see it in theaters!

Us

Director Jordan Peele

Genre Horror | Thriller

Cast Winston Duke, Lupita Nyong'o, Elisabeth Moss, Anna Diop

Rating R

Release Date March 22nd, 2019

“A family’s serenity turns to chaos when a group of doppelgängers begins to terrorize them.”

Written and directed by Jordan Peele, the comedian/actor turned director who made a huge splash with his horror/thriller Get Out 2017, Us is yet another foray into a similar genre. Us tells the story of a mother and father who take their kids to their beach house expecting to enjoy time with friends, but their serenity turns to tension and chaos when some visitors arrive uninvited. Similar to the vast majority of critics and viewers alike, I really enjoyed Peele’s debut Get Out and couldn’t wait to see what he came up with next. A self-proclaimed horror fanatic, it seems we have yet another gem on our hands from this rising star. Check out our thoughts on Us below and if you did’t catch the trailer you can see that below as well!!

Did Us live up to our sky high expectations?!

I knew that Us had a steep hill to climb after Jordan Peele’s monumental success with his debut film Get Out, but lucky for viewers Peele proved that he has a few more tricks up his sleeve. Us is a tone-setter that once again highlights the talents of a skilled writer and director, a combo that can go quite a long way when combined with vision and ambition. If you’re searching for a film that will have you sitting in the parking lot for 45 minutes after the movie excitedly trying to discuss what you just watched, look no further. One thing Peele does better than anyone is to somehow give his films the general feel that politics are involved without ever feeling political, and that is a HUGE plus in my book because who really cares about politics?! At times I was confused, intrigued, tense, and downright joyful as I laughed out loud in the theater (or LOL’ed as they say). I would have to say Winston Duke, who most will remember as M’Baku in Black Panther/Avengers: Infinity War, played my favorite character overall. This guy is barely 5 years into his acting career and I think we will continue to hear his name quite a lot in the future.

The only thing that left me feeling unfulfilled about Us was the scare factor, and to be honest that is as much on me due to this darkness deep inside me that has left me unable to be scared unless you give me something like Hereditary (damn that movie is MESSED up!). Seriously though, the trailers were genuinely creepy and unnerving and the movie did have that feel often but the balance leaned towards humor more often than you are really able to in a true horror film. Now with that being said, in no way is that a knock on this film - Us is smart, creative, extremely well-written and superbly acted, and more than anything else thanks to the incredible depth within the layers of the story this is a movie you will have to see at least a few times.

Simply put, Us lives up to the sky high critic ratings you have seen plastered all over the interwebs - so what are you waiting for, get out there and see Jordan Peele’s latest hit!! Highly recommended.

Happy Death Day 2U

Director Christopher Landon

Genre Horror | Mystery | Thriller

Cast Jessica Rothe, Israel Broussard, Ruby Modine, Suraj Sharma

Rating PG-13

Release Date February 13th, 2019

“A young woman learns that dying over and over again was surprisingly easier than the dangers that lie ahead.”

Written and directed by Christopher Landon (Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones, Happy Death Day), Happy Death Day 2U is the sequel to the 2017 horror film about a college student who is forced to relive the day she is killed by a maniac over and over again. In the sequel she learns that what she went through before was nothing compared to what lies ahead. The “Groundhog Day” type theme worked well with the original film thanks to some creative writing and directing as well as a good balance between comedy and slasher style horror so I was very much looking forward to seeing this.

Happy Death Day 2U literally picks up right where the original left off, and I can confidently say that is not a bad thing. Finding ways to keep viewers engaged with the intentional use of repetition can be a difficult task, but Happy Death Day 2U sticks with the tried and true formula used by the original film and again finds ways to keep the much needed element of surprise alive and well. The sequel digs deeper into the “why is this happening” element of the story and adds some interesting wrinkles along the way (don’t worry, I will not spoil anything). Giving the writers a bit more to work with was easily my favorite part of Happy Death Day 2U - plus it’s also the perfect length at just over an hour and a half. It is clear from the beginning that everyone involved from the director, to the writers, to the cast, had a genuinely good time working on this film and it shows. Now even though this is “technically” a horror movie, just like the original, it’s far from scary - but that’s okay. When talking to people about this franchise I compare it to the Scream films and the similarities are obvious - a creepy yet sort of comical mask, and a full-fledged infusion of humor throughout. If you have a difficult time with horror movies in general because you are too much of a how should I say this, ahem wuss, rest assured when I say you could see these movies and sleep like a baby that very night.

Overall, Happy Death Day 2U is entertaining and well worth a trip to the theater especially if you’re a fan of the original. If you have yet to see Happy Death Day you absolutely want to see it before checking out the sequel - that should be obvious but sometimes it’s best to point these things out. Also, director Christopher Landon has confirmed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that he already has a 3rd movie in mind and has already pitched the idea to Blumhouse (the production studio behind the films). He says everyone is on board and as long as Happy Death Day 2U is a success we will in fact get another movie - also he says it will be absolutely bonkers compared to the first two films. Considering a solid Box Office turnout so far combined with a relatively meager budget, I think a 3rd film is likely.

Although it may not have the “new car smell” of the original, Happy Death Day 2U still comes recommended by your good friends at Ted Takes…

The Mule

Director Clint Eastwood

Genre Crime | Drama | Mystery

Cast Clint Eastwood, Bradley Cooper, Taissa Farmiga, Michael Peña

Rating R

Release Date December 14th, 2018

“A 90-year-old horticulturist and WWII veteran is caught transporting $3 million worth of cocaine through Michigan for a Mexican drug cartel.”

From accomplished actor turned director Clint Eastwood, The Mule is a crime drama about a 90-year-old horticulturalist and WWII veteran who gets caught transporting $3 million worth of cocaine. Eastwood is unquestionably one of the greatest actors in the history of film, but he has also proven to have a great deal of talent behind the camera with Mystic River, Million Dollar Baby, and Gran Torino, to name a few. The Mule marks Eastwood’s 40th directing credit.

Born in San Francisco in 1930, 88-year-old Dirty Harry actor turned director Clint Eastwood is the epitome of the saying "ageless". I mean just think about that for a second, this guy is on the cusp of 90 and is not only acting and directing, but he is also playing the most important role in the movie. The 6'4 actor has literally done it all in his career since he began acting in 1955 at the young age of 25. Moving into the director's chair in 1971 with the thriller Play Misty for Me, a film he also starred in, he proved his talent well beyond acting. You can basically head to the theater blindly whenever you see Clint Eastwood's name attached to the film (not counting the 2018 disaster The 15:17 to Paris).

The Mule is a true-crime drama that finds Eastwood on both sides of the camera yet again. I tried to avoid the details of the true story and made it a point to see this on opening night, and I was glad I did. At first, I wasn't sure what to think because of the role Eastwood was playing as it is drastically different from the character he portrayed in 2008's Gran Torino, and I think part of me was expecting something similar. At first glance he still has that piercing stare, but this time around he is just a friendly albeit somewhat aloof old man. I genuinely enjoyed his character as he grew on me pretty quickly, and the bizarre yet true story pulled me in right away as well. The Mule is gripping, funny, thoroughly interesting, and above all else just a damn good movie from one of the most talented guys to ever grace the big-screen. Although I wouldn’t mark this down as one of Eastwood’s greatest accomplishments, I have few criticisms. Plus let’s be honest, he set a very high bar for himself. One thing I know for sure, it is bittersweet if this is his final film. Also as a side note, big name actors Bradley Cooper and Michael Pena also star in the film but take a back seat to the real leading man.  

Whether you are a Clint Eastwood fan or just enjoy engaging true-crime stories, The Mule gets the Ted Takes stamp of approval and is well worth checking out in theaters.  

Hereditary

Director Ari Aster

Genre Drama | Horror | Mystery

Cast Toni Collette, Gabriel Byrne, Alex Wolff, Milly Shapiro

Rating R

Release Date June 8th, 2018

“When the matriarch of the Graham family passes away, her daughter’s family begins to unravel cryptic and increasingly terrifying secrets about their ancestry.”

Written and directed by Ari Aster, Hereditary is a horror drama from the reputable independent film distributor A24, known most recently for horror thrillers such as It Comes at Night and The Witch. The film follows a grieving family who while dealing with the death of their reclusive grandmother, start uncovering dark secrets from their ancestry. The cast includes Toni Collette, Gabriel Byrne, Alex Wolff, and Milly Shapiro.

Extremely well-acted and deeply disturbing, Hereditary is genuine old school horror that will not only give you chills, it will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater. I’ll cut to the chase and say that I absolutely LOVE horror movies, and I have ever since I was a kid. Now any true horror fan has an understanding that not all horror films are created equal, and many really should be considered more along the lines of suspense thrillers- Get Out is a good example. As much as I enjoyed Get Out, and don’t get me wrong it was a really good movie with very little to criticize, it just wasn’t a horror movie. Critics have made comparisons by calling Hereditary this generations Exorcist, and I’ll be the first to say that they really aren’t off track with that comparison. A true horror movie is supposed to make you uneasy and actually give you chills, which don’t get me wrong is a tall order for someone who watches pretty much anything and everything considered to be horror- you basically become numb after a while. Hereditary is the rare horror film that combines all of the necessary components to create an immersive experience that is as horrifying as it is traumatic. You can discredit me all you want but when the first Paranormal Activity hit theaters in 2007, similar to the impact of The Blair Witch Project, I was in my seat at the theater with head to toes chills at times because quite honestly I didn’t know what to expect. Hereditary hit me in much of the same way, and even though this is more slow burn horror with a layered storyline and characters you actually care about, it will overtake you in a similar manner.

I honestly found myself feeling genuine sympathy for this family and the circumstances they found themselves in to the point where everything felt very real to me. Hereditary seamlessly blends the inescapable reality of behind the scenes family dynamics that would be troubling to say the least if put on display for the outside world. Now I never looked away during the movie, but I had a feeling of wanting to look away while having the need to take it all in at the same time. Hereditary also adapts the formula considered to be an absolute necessity by true horror enthusiasts, which is the simple idea that generally speaking the monster is scariest in the shadows. Creating something horrifying without showing the audience too much is a difficult task but it generally pays off if successful. Hereditary is just over 2 hours which admittedly is a bit long for a horror movie, but trust me when I say that the last thing you will be doing is checking the time. The score, the cinematography, the lighting, basically the less talked about building blocks of a great film are all intact and very much prevalent in Hereditary. One of the biggest strengths of the film is the mood that is set and maintained throughout, and that simply isn’t possible without the elements I just mentioned. I would hate myself if I neglected to point out the simple fact that all that I’ve mentioned really is an incredible accomplishment considering this is the directorial debut for Ari Aster. Aster, known for his short films, also wrote the script and as far as I can tell took great pride in bringing this project to fruition, and it shows. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.  I could sit here and rave about this fantastic horror movie for hours and as much as I enjoy hearing myself think (does that make sense?), you just need to experience it for yourself.

The cast for Hereditary is nothing short of phenomenal. Generally speaking you can make a decent horror film with an average to below average cast due to the simple fact that the impact of the film stretches well behind the performances. I’m telling you that Hereditary is not that sort of movie, and the acting in this film is exceptional from top to bottom. The cast is anchored by Toni Collette, who delivers one of her best performances to date. She is exceptional as the misunderstood mother who wants nothing more than to care for her family. Collette is underrated and underappreciated in my personal opinion, and she deserves to be considered a legit Hollywood actress. It seems at this point and time her true talent is valued more in the indie film circuit, and honestly that’s fine with me. The performances she brings to the screen are truly art in every way shape or form, so the personal touch of an independent film seems to suit her just fine. Nat Wolfe plays Collette’s teenage son and he was meant to play this role. The chemistry between the two is incredible, and their ability to exhibit raw emotion is unmatched. Most people will recognize Wolfe from his roles in a few light hearted coming-of-age comedies, but I assure you this is a very different role for him, and to me he proved himself as a legitimate acting talent. I still can't get the pain and suffering he exhibited through facial expressions and body language out of my head, it felt that real. The daughter is played by Milly Shapiro, and she is fantastic as well. Everything about the character she plays gives you an uneasy feeling, and you can tell from the jump that whatever messed up events take place, she is more than likely at the root of it all. Even though he didn’t get as much screen time, veteran actor Gabriel Byrne was perfect as the father, and was essential to the dynamic of the cast. Ann Dowd, known for Justified and The Leftovers, was also very good.

Hereditary is a fantastic horror film and true homage to a struggling genre that could use the boost. This is true horror in the vein of The Exorcist, The Shining, The Conjuring, and It Follows, to name a few. Critics have been ecstatic about Hereditary ever since its debut at The Sundance Film Festival, so after I went to see it I decided to take some time reading audience reactions. I was disappointed to find that a number of viewers unfairly criticized the film citing a weak ending or just a lack of scares in general. My question is this, what movie did these people watch?!

The bottom line is that Hereditary is a film that seamlessly blends horror and reality to the point where you will have a difficult time deciphering between the two, and that, my friends, is one heck of an accomplishment. If you consider yourself to be a true fan of horror and can comprehend the difference between a cash grab littered with jump scares and a horror movie with substance and depth, Hereditary is an experience you won’t soon forget. Go ahead and smash that piggy bank because you need to see this sooner than later- and if you’re anything like me you are already planning your second viewing. Highly recommended.

Hereditary is now streaming on Hulu. Check out the intense trailer below.

Deadpool 2

Director David Leitch

Genre Action | Adventure | Comedy

Cast Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller, Josh Brolin

Rating R

Release Date May 18th, 2018

“Foul-mouthed mutant mercenary Wade Wilson (AKA. Deadpool), brings together a team of fellow mutant rogues to protect a young boy with supernatural abilities from the brutal, time-traveling cyborg, Cable.”

Directed by stuntman turned director David Leitch, who assisted on John Wick and recently directed Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2 is the highly anticipated sequel for Marvel's foul-mouthed "superhero". The trailers were able to shed some light on the film and revealed a few additions to the cast, including Terry Crews and young New Zealand born actor Julian Dennison. Plus, the X-Force is introduced. After a ridiculous marketing campaign beginning with a trailer that was a spoof of the late and great American painter Bob Ross, Deadpool 2 is FINALLY here!! The cast includes Ryan Reynolds, Morena Baccarin, T.J. Miller, Josh Brolin, Julian Dennison, Brianna Hildebrand, Zazie Beetz, Terry Crews, and Karan Soni. 

Hilarious yet surprisingly heartfelt and unpredictable, Deadpool 2 is the well-rounded and violently satisfying sequel fans were hoping for. Deadpool supporters and newcomers alike will absolutely love this movie, simple as that. Ryan Reynolds and Wade Wilson are cut from the same cloth. This time around, Reynolds was more involved and actually co-wrote the script, ensuring viewers are treated to a plethora of hilarious and witty one-liners. Deadpool 2 definitely holds true to the R-rating with enough profanity to corrupt an entire population of do-gooders. The movie took quite a few turns I honestly didn't expect, especially when referring to the emotional depth at the heart of the backstory. For me this was much appreciated and really took things to another level. Sure the first film was dark and very real at times, but Deadpool 2 ups the ante with a difficult subject matter while maintaining its trademark comedic undertone. Wade Wilson relishes in the opportunity to "break the 4th wall" once again, and it happens early and often in Deadpool 2. The film is very much over-the-top and goofy at times, but this is clearly by design and it absolutely works. The cinematography is amazing and is leaps and bounds above the first film, with a number of shots having almost an art house film feel to them- just great attention to detail and camerawork. I talked a lot about the depth of the primary villain Thanos in my Avengers: Infinity War review, and here I am again thoroughly impressed with Cable in Deadpool 2. It's refreshing to have some complex bad guys for a change instead of the run of the mill "I want to take over the world just because" characters we are used to. Bottom line, Deadpool 2 hits the nail on the head in pretty much every category that matters and I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish.

Wade Wilson relishes in the opportunity to "break the 4th wall" once again, and it happens early and often in Deadpool 2. The film is very much over-the-top and goofy at times, but this is clearly by design and it absolutely works. The cinematography is amazing and is leaps and bounds above the first film, with a number of shots having almost an art house film feel to them- just great attention to detail and camerawork. I talked a lot about the depth of the primary villain Thanos in my Avengers: Infinity War review, and here I am again thoroughly impressed with Cable in Deadpool 2. It's refreshing to have some complex bad guys for a change instead of the run of the mill "I want to take over the world just because" characters we are used to. Bottom line, Deadpool 2 hits the nail on the head in pretty much every category that matters and I was thoroughly entertained from start to finish.

I really enjoyed the cast for Deadpool 2 from top to bottom, just a fantastic mix of talent. Make no mistake, star Ryan Reynolds is the biggest reason for the success of both Deadpool films. I can't recall an actor fully immersing himself in such a unique character to this degree, and we are all lucky he signed on to be a part of this franchise. He was literally born to play Wade Wilson, aka Deadpool and you can just feel how much he is enjoying this character. It's gotten to a point now where Ryan Reynolds as an actor is literally a culmination of all of his best comedic performances, and he is putting all of that energy into this character. Reynolds was already one of my favorite actors before he took on the role of Deadpool, but the man who has the gorgeous Blake Lively in bed next to him every night sure seems to have it all. At this point we may have to admit that Josh Brolin has cornered the market for superhero villains. I mean he was incredible in his portrayal of Thanos in Avengers: Infinity War, and without missing a beat he crushes his performance as Cable in Deadpool 2. Brolin has become a top-tier actor throughout his impressive career that began in 1985. Few people know that Brolin's on-screen debut was the cult classic The Goonies, starring alongside Sean Astin and Corey Feldman. He played the role of the tough guy known only as Brand, with his cutoff shirt and red bandana. He has been in a TON of movies since, and one of my favorites in the last 15 years is 2007's No Country for Old Men. Acting is in his blood as he followed in the footsteps of his father James Brolin, an accomplished actor who began his career in 1961 and is still acting today. Similar to his role as Thanos, Brolin adds incredible emotional depth to Cable and is the perfect portrayal of a man dealing with great pain. I really couldn't picture anyone else in this role. Brolin and Reynolds have incredible on-screen chemistry.

I was thrilled when I found out that little known actor Julian Dennison was given a starring role in Deadpool 2. A New Zealand native, Dennison is best known for his role in the coming-of-age drama Hunt for the Wilderpeople. It seems he may have indirectly found himself an in due to the fact that Thor: Ragnarok director Taika Waititi, who is also from New Zealand, directed Hunt for the Wilderpeople back in 2016. I know I keep saying this but if you have yet to see this gem of a movie- get on it! And I'm also fine with the fact that to an extent he played the exact same character in Deadpool 2- it suits him well. They got it right adding Zazie Beetz into the mix as Domino- because as my boy Justin Timberlake would say, she is "bringing sexy back". Not only is she looking damn good in this movie, she adds a much needed female presence to balance out Deadpool's endless running stream of testosterone. Remember her name because this is a female actress to watch in Hollywood, trust me on that. I also need to give a shout out to Karan Soni who plays the role of cab driver Dopinder. He was excellent in the first film so I was pleased to see he was brought back and was given even more screen time in Deadpool 2. He already had great chemistry with Reynolds but it was through the roof this time around. Give the guy an Oscar! (kidding obviously, but man is he funny).

I was looking forward to Deadpool 2 for quite some and it met my lofty expectations, and then some. This is an absolute blast and after seeing it for the first time I couldn't wait to go back and see it again (I was back within 48 hours). It is obvious that Ryan Reynolds is truly enjoying his time as Deadpool, and that feeling is passed on to viewers. People are going to try and compare Deadpool 2 and Avengers: Infinity War but that is really not a comparison you can make as these two films stand on their own two feet. I do find it interesting that hardcore Marvel fans who went to see Infinity War 3 times or more seemed okay with waiting a few days after release to see this movie, but I am NOT like them. When it comes to a Deadpool movie with Ryan Reynolds involved I will be there opening night. If you enjoyed the first film and can appreciate raunchy humor with a dash of compassion, Deadpool 2 is a movie you need to see as soon as possible. I heard a rumor that the Blu-ray version may release with an additional 30 minutes of footage so I plan on picking that up on day one as well. Highly recommended.

Avengers: Infinity War

Director Anthony Russo, Joe Russo

Genre Action | Adventure | Fantasy

Cast Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr.

Rating PG-13

Release Date April 27th, 2018

“The Avengers and their allies must be willing to sacrifice all in an attempt to defeat the powerful Thanos before his blitz of devastation and ruin puts an end to the universe.”

Avengers: Infinity War is easily one of the most anticipated films of the decade, and serves as the ultimate culmination for Marvel superheroes to date. Captain America: Civil War directors Anthony and Joe Russo return to the helm with a plethora of talent to work with, so it should come as no surprise that Infinity War broke the pre-sale record set by Black Panther in less than 6 hours. The cast includes Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr., Benedict Cumberbatch, Mark Ruffalo, Chadwick Boseman, Jeremy Renner, and Josh Brolin (to name a few).

Shattering records and blowing up the box office as the biggest movie of the year, Avengers: Infinity War is a powerhouse of a film that will both thoroughly entertain and stun Marvel fans. The anticipation for this movie was palpable- with fans shuffling into their seats all sharing the same level of excitement and nervous energy- fans have been waiting a long time to see all their favorite superheroes on-screen at the same time. Granted Captain America: Civil War helped to scratch that itch, but this was surely the culmination of the Marvel films that have released in the last couple years. I’m not a comic book fanatic but I am a HUGE Marvel guy, and admittedly as of late my allegiances have fallen to Captain America. Nonetheless, I was hyped for Avengers: Infinity War and it did NOT disappoint! This movie may have been the fastest two and a half hours of my life because it absolutely flew by, and I was like a kid in a candy store the entire time. I realize that some people tend to bash the abundance of humor prevalent in the majority of Marvel films as of late, but I honestly feel like the banter keeps the film on an even keel. Even though this is easily one of the more intense Marvel films, the balance between humor and drama is really spot on. I refuse to spoil anything but each and every superhero and group of superheroes in the film deserve a pat on the back, it really was a collective effort.

Chris Hemsworth, better known as Thor, is fresh off the Taiki Waititi directed Thor: Ragnarok and he continues his reign of humor in Avengers: Infinity War. I may be somewhat biased as a huge fan of New Zealand native Waititi and pretty much anything he touches, but I LOVED Thor: Ragnarok and really enjoyed the fun and hilarious tone held throughout. Waititi insisted that Hemsworth had been restricted as far as his comedic abilities and he was right- this guy has perfect comedic timing. Now add in Chris Pratt’s Peter Quill/Star-Lord, and you get banter that easily rivals that of Captain America and Iron Man. Once again, I won’t give anything away but the battle for masculine supremacy between these two is just too good.  Now, moving on to the darker side of Avengers: Infinity War. In my personal opinion, Thanos is easily one of the best movie villains in recent memory, and I’m not just talking about superhero movies. Played by talented actor Josh Brolin, he is much more than your prototypical “I want to take over the world” bad guy. Sure ultimately his goals are similar, but where Thanos separates himself is the incredible depth of his character, which is a credit to the writers as well as Brolin himself. I was conflicted as to my feelings towards Thanos- on one hand it was a simple determination, he is a bad guy and wants to end the lives of all my favorite superheroes, to that end sure I despise him. Things get interesting as his intentions and beliefs are explained, and in some strange way I found his beliefs to be compelling. More than anything else, Thanos has a heart and his ability to show emotion is on the forefront of Avengers: Infinity War. I could go on forever but I don’t want to bore you with my childlike giddiness surrounding Avengers: Infinity War- instead I will reiterate the simple fact that this is entertainment at it’s finest and Marvel fans should feel lucky to experience cinematic brilliance such as this time and time again.

Is it possible to break down the cast for Avengers: Infinity War?! I mean honestly, to say it is stacked with talent would be a severe understatement. Instead of trying to break down each and every actor’s individual performance, I will try and break things down as a group. Similar to Captain America: Civil War, a number of superheroes crossed paths with each other for the first time, and I really relished these moments. We all have our reasons for preferring one actor/superhero over the other, but Avengers: Infinity War places a strong emphasis on the initial interactions between each superhero and they are all AMAZING. My two favorites without question are Iron Man and Doctor Strange crossing paths for the first time. Robert Downey Jr. has been absolutely crushing it as Tony Stark/Iron Man for quite some time and there is a reason why he is the highest paid actor. Benedict Cumberbatch stepped into the role of Doctor Strange not long ago and he fit right in. As two egomaniacs who were/are at the top of their respective “professions”, the interactions between these two are priceless.

Josh Brolin is incredible as Thanos, first making his debut as the muscle bound bad guy in Guardians of the Galaxy. The veteran actor has been making his mark in films since his debut in the 1985 cult classic Goonies, which initially released when I was a year and a half old (Wow, that is crazy!). Brolin has built himself one heck of a career earning himself an Academy Award for his role in the drama Milk (2009). For me one of his best films is the intense crime drama No Country for Old Men, absolutely incredible. Brolin is a force in Hollywood and was undoubtedly the right choice for Thanos. We will be seeing him again soon as Cable in Deadpool 2- man he is a busy guy. Now as I alluded to earlier on, my favorite interaction is between the two Chris’, Hemsworth and Pratt. If you can watch the first interaction between these two with a straight face, you have some serious issues in the sense of humor department. Like really, get that checked out. Seriously though, the cast for Avengers: Infinity War is basically a red carpet rollout at a huge Hollywood premiere, and each and every actor/actress did their part and then some.

Avengers: Infinity War is full of humor, emotion, and an unlimited supply of star power. The Russo brothers are incredible in the director’s chair yet again, with another record breaking addition to the Marvel franchise. Avengers: Infinity War will leave the entire theater speechless after what unfolds in the final moments of the film, but just remember part 2 is only a year away. Plus we have some other fantastic Marvel films to look forward to including Ant Man and The Wasp, Captain Marvel, Deadpool 2, etc. Steer clear of social media and be sure to get to the theater as soon as possible before the big moments of the film are ruined for you. Highly recommended.

Need a refresher? Check out an exclusive preview for Avengers: Infinity War here.

A Quiet Place

Director John Krasinski

Genre Drama | Horror | Thriller

Cast Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Noah Jupe, Millicent Simmonds

Rating PG-13

Release Date April 6th, 2018

“A family lives an isolated existence in utter silence, for fear of an unknown threat that follows and attacks at any sound.”

From actor turned director John Krasinski, who has two directorial credits on his resume thus far, A Quiet Place is a horror thriller about a family forced to live in silence as a way to survive in a very dangerous world. The film is produced by Michael Bay’s company Platinum Dunes. The full cast includes Emily Blunt, John Krasinski, Noah Jupe, and Millicent Simmonds.

Thrilling, beautifully shot, and incredibly immersive, A Quiet Place is a unique experience and one heck of a feature-film debut for actor/director John Krasinski. I arrived at the theater with sky high expectations thanks to early critic impressions, and I am pleased to say that I was not disappointed. Falling more in line with the thriller genre while also including a perfect blend of horror, A Quiet Place invites you into a world where each and every moment could be your last. I loved this movie, and more than anything else it begs to be seen multiple times in order to truly appreciate everything it has to offer. This is what I consider to be outside the box thinking in terms of premise and overall feel for the viewers, something that is rarely seen in films today.

A Quiet Place hits you hard and fast, forcing you to hesitate when reaching for that noisy popcorn or snack (and I paid good money for that popcorn!) But seriously, the tone is set immediately, and viewers find themselves focused on silence almost as much as the characters on screen. I also need to point out the fact that the cinematography and score was a huge contributing factor to the tense mood found throughout the film. The story was originally written by Bryan Woods and Scott Peck, and the duo didn’t expect anywhere near the success that they fell into with it. During an interview, director John Krasinski confirmed that the studio had considered adding A Quiet Place as an extension of the Cloverfield films, but eventually decided otherwise. Krasinski was pleased that the film had an opportunity to pave its own way- and boy did it do just that. Simple yet intriguing at the same time, the premise and overall identity of A Quiet Place will stay with you well beyond the theater.

The cast for A Quiet Place is absolutely perfect, I mean what more could you ask for? Lead by director John Krasinski and the beautiful Emily Blunt, a couple that are married in real-life, the talent is through the roof. I dare to say Krasinski and Blunt are Hollywood’s new power couple- at the very least they stand neck and neck with Ryan Reynolds and the majestically gorgeous Blake Lively. Blunt is extremely talented and has proven she can play a variety of roles throughout her career. I will say that she seems to be selective with the roles she takes on, so far totaling only 42 acting credits, which doesn't seem like a lot. I like pretty much all of her movies but a few of my favorites from her within the past 5 or 6 years would be Looper, Edge of Tomorrow (she is incredibly badass in this), and the cartel thriller Sicario. If Emily Blunt is in a lead role, you can generally rest easy knowing the movie will be worth seeing in theaters.

To say Krasinski has come a long way since The Office would be quite an understatement. Sure, The Office is one of the best sitcoms in recent memory, and his character in the show is the fun loving goofball that everyone hopes gets the girl. Fast forward to his role in 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, and dude has become a legit badass. Now he is trying his hand at directing and acting and finding incredible success on both fronts so far. The supporting cast deserves its kudos including Noah Jupe, who recently starred in the drama Wonder. He is a very talented young man who has a bright future ahead of him. Millicent Simmonds plays the oldest sibling in the film, and she is quite the success story. Simmonds has been deaf since infancy due to a medication overdose, but she is determined to make herself known in Hollywood.  A Quiet Place is only her second role in film, her first being Wonderstruck (2017). I really hope she continues to get opportunities to build on her career.

A Quiet Place is incredibly original and my eyes were glued to the screen from start to finish. This is one of the best edge-of-your-seat thrillers in recent memory, and I am honestly hard pressed to point out anything I didn’t like about it. John Krasinski has proven that not only does he deserve his place in the director's chair, he is a true dual-threat- and I hope he continues to bless us with his abilities. I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next. Now I will leave you with a bit of good news, Paramount has already confirmed a sequel is in the works. So what are you waiting for?! Go see A Quiet Place!! Highly recommended.

Super Troopers 2

Director Jay Chandrasekhar

Genre Comedy | Crime | Mystery

Cast Brian Cox, Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, Steve Lemme

Rating R

Release Date April 20th, 2018

“When a border dispute arises between the U.S. and Canada, the Super Troopers are tasked with establishing a Highway Patrol station in the disputed area.”

Co-written and directed by Jay Chandrasekhar (Super Troopers, Dukes of Hazzard, Beer Fest), who also stars in both films, Super Troopers 2 is the follow-up to the 2001 film that quickly became a cult classic. Super Troopers embraced the goofy over the top mentality and it worked extremely well. Fans have been clamoring for a sequel for what seems like an eternity and the time has finally come. The cast includes Brian Cox, Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, and Steve Lemme, Rob Lowe, and Tyler Labine. 

Gimmicky and severely outdated, Super Troopers 2 relies heavily on nostalgia and under the influence viewers- yet still falls on its face. I did my due diligence and consumed the necessary amount of beer prior to my arrival at the local movie theater, yet I was still disappointed. I was a huge fan of the original Super Troopers- I mean sure it was goofy and over-the-top, but it was fun and entertaining. Let’s face the facts, 2001 was a VERY different time. I was a sophomore in high school jacked up on Code Red Mountain Dew, spending the vast majority of my free time eating chips and dip and playing Madden for hours on end. That was my life, and I thought Super Troopers was EPIC. Fast forward 17 years (Wow, that is crazy to put in perspective!) and needless to say, times have changed a bit. The gags that worked back then are simply played out and really not all that effective anymore. Super Troopers 2 had some funny parts, but they were few and far between, and most of the bargain basement gags were dragged on WAYYYYYYY too long.

And just to give you a clear vision of my Super Troopers 2 experience, the entire theater smelled like they just ran over a skunk (yes, I know what that means), and on the way out of the theater I was impressed by the fact that some of them were still able to navigate their way out even though their eyes were literally completely closed. Now to touch on my next point, the aforementioned “target audience” lost their minds during the dumbest scenes in the film. I mean really?! WTF did they find to be so funny? Full disclosure, I lost some faith in humanity that night. To get back on track, the writing felt painfully lazy and I truly believe I could have put together a better script in 2 hours, maybe 3. Where was all of the controversy?! I expected the film to push the envelope at times considering today’s climate, but that was really non-existent. Sure, they made fun of Canada every chance they got, but who really cares about Canada to the point where it’s groundbreaking to crack a few jokes about how much they love hockey and real maple syrup on their pancakes? I just don’t get it. Perhaps my expectations were too high (I really didn’t expect that much), but honestly all I wanted to see was a continuation of the first film. Super Troopers 2 tried to take things in another direction, and I myself was very disappointed.

The cast for Super Troopers 2 is clearly the biggest strength of the film and the primary reason why fans and casual viewers made their way to the theater. The cast from the original returns for the sequel, including Brian Cox, Jay Chandrasekhar, Kevin Heffernan, and Steve Lemme. A few notable additions include Rob Lowe and Tyler Labine, a veteran actor who has flown mostly under the radar. Now, in no way shape or form do I blame the cast for this disappointing sequel, because I do feel like they were energic and really did their best. The fact of the matter is they simply weren’t given the tools to succeed. I guess that really is a tale as old as time right? Fans will welcome the return of Mac, Rabbit, Thorny, Foster, and last but not least the fat dummy Farva. I just wish we had the chance to see what this crew was really capable of. Rob Lowe was a nice addition and did add to the humor on the Canadian side of things, but when it was all said and done the actors at their disposal simply weren’t used properly.

Super Troopers 2 is absolutely a letdown after a long wait for a sequel that really should have come out years ago, and that fact is simple undeniable. Perhaps viewers that walk into the theater not really expecting much may leave fulfilled, but then again maybe not. So why are we spending gas money and buying overpriced tickets if the film is direct-to-Netflix at best? I watched Game Over, Man! on Netflix recently which is essentially the movie version of Workaholics, and the quality level is pretty much on par. Super Troopers 2 may be worth a trip to the theater for hardcore fans but others should wait for the rental- trust me, you won’t be missing much. When it hits Blu-ray/DVD maybe I will go out on a limb and grab a 12 pack of Code Red and some chips and dip and see what happens, couldn’t hurt right? Uh, on second thought, maybe not. I’ll just end up playing Madden all night instead.

Blockers

Director Kay Cannon

Genre Comedy

Cast Leslie Mann, John Cena, Ike Barinholtz, Kathryn Newton

Rating R

Release Date April 6th, 2018

“Three parents try to stop their daughters from having sex on Prom night.”

The directorial debut for up-and-coming screenwriter Kay Cannon, who wrote all three Pitch Perfect Films, Blockers is a seemingly raunchy comedy about a trio of parents who try to stop their daughters from having sex on Prom night. Boasting a very talented cast along with the excitement around Cannon's debut, the hype train for this film left the station months ago. The cast includes Leslie Mann, John Cena, Ike Barinholtz, Kathryn Newton, Gideon Adlon, Geraldine Viswanathan, and Sarayu Blue.

Packed with hilarious one-liners and ultimately a meaningful conclusion, Blockers is an impressive debut for Pitch Perfect writer Kay Cannon. First and foremost, I respect Cannon’s willingness to push the envelope with the hard to tackle market of R-rated comedies- especially as a debut for a female director. Cannon has made waves with the Pitch Perfect films and her ability is undeniable, but it is nice to have the opportunity for her to really spread her wings and venture out. Blockers will have you laughing right out of the gate and the film feels very much like a Kay Cannon movie, a smooth combination of raunchy humor and creative gags. I was never bored and I enjoyed the fact that you can just sit back and enjoy this movie without feeling like you need an elaborate storyline or meaningful conclusion, even though the film's final act certainly takes a few tugs at the heart strings. A few critics have referred to Blockers as the female American Pie, and although the similarities are obvious, it remains to be seen whether or not it can even come close to the same level of cult status the 1999 comedy was able to achieve. Much like American Pie, Blockers is a coming-of-age story for the parents just as much as it is for the teenagers, and I think they did a fantastic job with that aspect of the film.

Now Blockers isn’t perfect, and it does feel forced at times, especially when it comes to female stereotypes- but I suppose that is par for the course this day and age. As a viewer with what I would consider to be an extremely neutral viewpoint as far as gender roles are concerned, it felt like a bit much at times. I agree females absolutely should choose when, where, and how they "become a woman,” but that’s not exactly groundbreaking news, is it? I mean if anything the females hold the majority of the power when it comes to that, or at least that’s how it was when I was in high school- pretty much just guys following girls around the halls with their tongue's dragging on the floor. Oh and the idea of the girls taking advantage of the guys, yeah that is definitely spot on. What surprised me was the fact that even though Cannon was in the director’s chair, the accomplished writer did not pen the script. Instead, brothers Brian and Jim Kehoe wrote the script. Severely lacking in experience when it comes to scripts for movies from big studios (or movies in general for that matter), I can't help but wonder how far the duo strayed from the vision Cannon had for the film.

The cast for Blockers is pretty great, that I really can’t argue with. Lead by John Cena, Leslie Mann, and Ike Barinholtz, talent is certainly aplenty. Getting his start as a professional wrestler, Cena may catch his fair share of flack in the film industry- but at the end of the day, who is really willing to talk trash to the face of the 6’ 250lb behemoth? Nobody, that’s who. But seriously, Cena has proven himself as a genuinely funny and charismatic actor, after his roles in Trainwreck and Sisters. I felt like he was used properly in Blockers and I look forward to his future roles. Now Leslie Mann is simply amazing, and it is getting to the point that if she is in a prominent role, you know the movie is going to be good. The foul-mouthed strawberry blonde actress is married to comedic mastermind Judd Apatow, who is a jack-of-all-trades himself. One of my favorite Leslie Mann roles would have to be Knocked Up where she starred alongside Paul Rudd and her two daughters in real-life played by their kids. Mann perfectly balances the chemistry, and testosterone, of the cast, and delivers a fantastic performance. I've grown to love actor Ike Barinholtz, who has had to scratch and crawl his way through Hollywood. Most recognize him from his role in long running sitcom The Mindy Project, which he was involved with for 5 years, starting in 2012. His strength as an actor is comedy no question, and I really liked the layers of his character in Blockers. While I really enjoyed the performance from comedian turned actor Hannibal Burress, I do wish he had a bit more screen time. The three daughters were played by Kathryn Newton, Gideon Adlon, and Geraldine Viswanathan, and I thought all of their performances were solid.

Blockers is a genuinely enjoyable comedy that effectively teeters between raunchy and heartfelt, but most importantly it has an identity and sticks with it. I'll admit the fact that I did feel preached to at times, specifically in reference to the fact that the female sex deserves to have the same sort of coming-of-age experiences that guys get to rave about in high school, but Kay Cannon wanted to get a few points across and I understand that. Overall this is a fantastic directorial debut for Cannon, and she proved her worth as a dual threat. I can't wait to see what she comes up with next. Be sure to stick around for the end credits scene as well, it is well worth it especially if you're a John Cena fan.

Ready Player One

Director Steven Spielberg

Genre Action | Sci-Fi | Thriller

Cast Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn, Lena Waithe

Rating PG-13

Release Date March 29th, 2018

“When the creator of a virtual reality world called the OASIS dies, he releases a video in which he challenges all OASIS users to find his Easter Egg, which will give the finder his fortune.”

From accomplished writer director and producer Steven Spielberg, Ready Player One is a highly anticipated sci-fi action adventure film based on the 2011 science fiction novel. The debut novel for American author Ernest Kline, Ready Player One became a New York Times bestseller. The story is set in a dystopian 2044 where amidst the depletion of natural resources the world relies on a virtual-reality world known as the “Oasis,” where players can do anything within the frame of their imaginations as long as they have the currency. The creator of the Oasis dies and leaves behind one final challenge, the search for an Easter egg that will give full ownership of his stake in the company. Wade Watts is sick of his unfulfilling life and he intends to find that Easter egg and change his fortune forever. For those of you who fall into the same category as my girlfriend and thought I was referring to an actual “Easter eggs”, here is the definition from the always reliable source Wikipedia (kidding, sort of).

“In computer software and media, an Easter egg is an intentional inside joke, hidden message or image, or secret feature of a work. It is usually found in a computer program, video game, or DVD/Blu-ray Disc menu screen). The name is used to evoke the idea of a traditional Easter egg hunt. The term was coined to describe a hidden message in a popular Atari video game that encouraged the player to find further hidden messages in later games, leading them on a 'hunt'.”

The cast includes Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn, Lena Waithe, T.J. Miller, Simon Pegg, and Mark Rylance.

Bursting at the seams with enough 80’s and 90’s nostalgia to induce a coma, Steven Spielberg’s Ready Player One is an EPIC visual experience that must be seen in theaters. I read the first quarter or so of the book after a friend recommended it to me, but didn’t finish due to an unproductive combination of distractions and the fact that the library wouldn’t allow a renewal due to other member’s hold requests (yes, I was too cheap to just buy it). Nonetheless, I was still amped about this film after the same buddy told me that it was his all-time favorite book. He is in his late 30’s and stressed the nostalgia the book brings for those of us who grew up in the 80’s and 90’s, eras that continue to be popular for new television shows and movies to this day (Stranger Things anyone?!). And well, he was really onto something!

After watching Ready Player One I felt like I was transported back to my childhood, the days of slasher films like Friday the 13th, Nightmare on Elmstreet, and the demonic doll Chucky. Fun (or not so fun depending on if you were me back then) fact I used to be scared of that little doll to the point where my older brother would chase me around the video store when I was a kid holding the Chucky case and I would cry as I hid behind my parents, begging for them to make him stop- embarrassing I know. I was a huge horror fan back then and I am to this day (slightly less scared of Chucky though) so this was a real treat for me. Ready Player One also has a really cool reference to another classic horror film, but I won’t ruin the surprise. The references to old horror films is just scratching the surface of what we are treated with from a time full of life-altering pop culture, so be sure to brace yourselves.

The real star of Ready Player One is unquestionably the visuals, and boy are we given the top-tier treatment here. Spielberg has proven time and time again that impressive visuals are a strength of his, and he has been a trendsetter in that respect for decades with films like Jaws (1975), Jurassic Park (1993), Minority Report (2002), and The BFG (2016), just to name a few. Bottom line, whether he is digging deep into his CGI bag of tricks or going old school, his skills are unmatched. Ready Player One allows Spielberg to show off the leaps we have taken in the world of computer-generated imagery (CGI), and he creates an incredible experience for viewers. I found myself looking left to right and up and down consistently trying not to miss anything (which was impossible might I add) as epic battles ensued on-screen taking my senses on a wild ride.

I could talk about the incredible visuals for hours and hours, but you need to experience it for yourself to fully appreciate this world that has been created well beyond our greatest imaginations. I kept thinking to myself, “Man, we have come a LONG way with what is possible in film today”- it really is nothing short of incredible. I want to explore the Oasis for myself so bad!! Few films get the 3D treatment in theaters these days but Ready Player One reminds us that the technology is far from a simple gimmick, and this really is the best way to see it. So smash that piggy bank of yours and visit the best theater near you with the biggest 3D capable screen. The writing is a little weak and I didn’t really feel invested in the characters as much as I would have like to have been by the time the film ended, but it really wasn’t a huge issue for me. Spielberg did what he could in the 2 hour and 15 minute runtime and decided that the visuals should take front and center for the majority of the film, and I don’t dislike that decision one bit. You will find yourself looking forward to scenes that take place inside the Oasis as opposed to the alternative, but luckily the balance is weighed heavily in the favor of the virtual world.

I really enjoyed the cast for Ready Player One and felt like they made the right decisions, especially when deciding to give the lead roles to Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, and Ben Mendelsohn. I have been a fan of Sheridan for awhile now, although he remains relatively unknown to mass audiences, despite being named one of the Top 10 Actors to watch by Variety. The now 21-year old Texas native got his start at the young age of 14 in the Terrence Malick directed fantasy drama The Tree of Life, alongside a-list talent Brad Pitt, Sean Penn, and Jessica Chastain (that’s good company if you want to build an acting career). Next, he starred in the critically acclaimed drama Mud, alongside Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon- and the rest is history.

In Ready Player One, Sheridan takes on the lead role of Wade/Parzival and I couldn’t have imagined a better actor to play this role. His ability to display raw emotion while presenting his unique personality was impressive. Like Variety said, this kid is an actor to watch, so be sure to check out anything he does in the future. Starring alongside Sheridan is 24-year old UK native Olivia Cooke, taking on the role of Samantha/Art3mis. Cooke is actually more unknown as she continues to try and carve out a place for herself in Hollywood, although fans of the series Bates Motel will recognize her right away. She also had a lead role in the disappointing 2014 horror film Ouija, but I really enjoyed her in one of my favorite coming-of-age films, Me and Earl and the Dying Girl (2015). Cooke is a talented actress and she developed great chemistry alongside Sheridan, which was a huge part of the success of the film.

Mark Rylance is nearly unrecognizable in his role as Oasis creator Halliday, and I really enjoyed the level of emotion he put into a very complex character. A great deal of the weight of the film’s story rested on the shoulders of Rylance and he was great. Rylance also played the lead role in The BFG, so he seems to have a good working relationship with Spielberg. Simon Pegg played a small yet important role, so he also deserves a nod for a fantastic performance. The primary antagonist (bad guy) is played by veteran actor Ben Mendelsohn, an Australian native, who plays the greedy corporate suit Sorrento who is hell bent on controlling the Oasis himself. The supporting cast was solid as well with notable performances from Lena Waithe (Ghostbusters remake) and T.J. Miller, who helped add to the comic relief. As I mentioned previously, the spectacle of it all glazed over the writing a bit, making it difficult for the characters to make a lasting impression on viewers. Even with that considered, rest assured Ready Player One really doesn’t lose any of its juice because of it.

To summarize, Ready Player One is a genuinely immersive experience that looks and sounds incredible, and is another notch in the very full belt of famed director, writer, and producer Steven Spielberg. He is a pioneer in the industry and we should all sit back and really try to appreciate what he has done for the film and television industry. The character development may leave a few things to be desired, but viewers will be much too preoccupied by the roller-caster ride that is Ready Player One, so you won’t really care all that much. Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, and Ben Mendolsohn still put together high-quality performances to ensure nothing is left on the table.

Marvel has been having quite a run with blockbusters like Captain America: Civil war and Black Panther, but the world that Ready Player One creates is so unique and immersive that it sets this film apart at the very least due to the creativity and approach to the source material. Author Ernest Kline has openly discussed how much he enjoyed working with Spielberg and he hopes they can get a sequel greenlit in the future (fingers crossed). Now I feel like I have no choice but to start researching 4K T.V.’s with 3D capability because Ready Player One will make for the perfect addition to my Blu-ray 3D collection in a few months, and I will be sure to finish the book as well. Highly recommended.

Pacific Rim: Uprising

Director Steven S. DeKnight

Genre Action | Adventure | Sci-Fi

Cast John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Cailee Spaeny, Burn Gorman

Rating PG-13

Release Date March 23rd, 2018

“Jake Pentecost, son of Stacker Pentecost, reunites with Mako Mori to lead a new generation of Jaeger pilots, including rival Lambert and 15-year-old hacker Amara, against a new Kaiju threat.”

The feature-film directorial debut for Steven S. DeKnight, Pacific Rim: Uprising is the sequel to the hit 2013 film about huge robots battling giant Kaiju (monsters). The original film was directed by Guillermo del Toro, who was originally planning to direct the sequel but stepped down to direct The Shape of Water instead. This proved to be a smart decision on his part as it won him Oscars for both Best Director and Best Picture.  He is credited as a producer on Pacific Rim: Uprising.  The cast includes John Boyega, Scott Eastwood, Cailee Spaeny, Charlie Day, Burn Gorman, and Tian Jing

A visual powerhouse meant to be experienced in IMAX 3D, Pacific Rim: Uprising is an absolute blast and a more than worthy sequel. I absolutely loved the first film, and I hate the fact that to this day it is underappreciated. When trailers first dropped back in 2013 I knew absolutely nothing about Pacific Rim or the fact that is was based on graphic novels- nonetheless I was intrigued. Sure, on the surface it looks similar to the Transformers films, but the similarities stop there. Pacific Rim had a much more engaging storyline, not to mention a stellar cast that included Idris Elba and Sons of Anarchy’s Charlie Hunnam. I mean let’s be honest with each other, Shia LeBeouf (I can barely spell this dude’s name without looking at the correct spelling multiple times) is no Charlie Hunnam, and he sure as hell isn’t Idris Elba. And don't even get me started on Megan Fox. Once the sequel was announced I was amped up, and when the trailers dropped I was beyond excited. As I exited the theater and dropped my IMAX 3D glasses into the clearly labeled bin, I had a huge smile on my face. I had just watched an extremely entertaining spring release that had the feel of a summer blockbuster.

Was it perfect? Of course not, but after this sequel I feel like this franchise can work its way up to the level of the Fast & Furious franchise if they are able to get extra creative with the writing (although, I think just one more film to close out the franchise would be ideal). Throughout Pacific Rim: Uprising I found myself in awe of each fast-paced action sequence, and this was one of the most impressive visually charged films I’ve seen in quite some time that didn’t have Marvel attached to it. Early on when Jake (Boyega) and Amara (Spaeny) arrive at the military base where all of the Jaegers (giant robots) are stationed, I was wide-eyed taking in the impressive size of these things. That was a very cool scene. As much as I enjoy a deeper meaning or an emotionally relevant storyline, at the end of the day entertainment value remains at the top of my list. The meat of Pacific Rim: Uprising is clearly the CGI and it is nothing short of incredible- my jaw dropped quite a few times. And going hand in hand with the visuals is a powerful and highly effective soundtrack. Pacific Rim: Uprising is not without its flaws, but so many scenes left me completely satisfied to the point where I didn’t focus on what could have or should have been better- and I am fine with that.

Pacific Rim: Uprising may not have the benefit of a cast with the level of talent found in the original, but it still has a few big name up-and-coming actors. Sure, the acting was a bit goofy at times and I didn’t necessarily agree with some of the character arc’s that transitioned from the first film, but overall it worked. The cast is lead by London born actor John Boyega, who made his first big splash in the industry snagging one of the biggest roles in 2015’s Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The British actor took advantage of his opportunities next starring in Star Wars: The Last Jedi, as well as the Kathryn Bigelow crime drama Detroit. I think Boyega is extremely talented and is absolutely an actor to keep an eye on. In Pacific Rim: Uprising he has big shoes to fill taking on the role of legend Stacker Pentecost’s son, played by Idris Elba in the first film. I felt like he was perfect for this role considering his ability to find a balance between humor and drama.

Another actor who is creating a solid career for himself is Scott Eastwood, son of one of the best actors to ever live, Dirty Harry himself Clint Eastwood. He has been given some big roles in the last few years, including Suicide Squad and The Fate of the Furious. Eastwood is more than capable of putting in the work needed, and I enjoyed the backstory between him and Boyega’s character. I was genuinely impressed with 20-year old Cailee Spaeny and the very important role she played in the film. Honestly, I was surprised to learn she is 20 years-old as she does NOT look that old, and if anything I would have guessed 17 at best. Regardless of age, this is her first real role after starring in a short film in 2016. The Springfield, MO native is also a singer, and after watching her in Pacific Rim: Uprising you would swear she had a lot more experience. I hope to see more of her in the future. Returning to reprise their roles from the first film are Charlie Day (It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Horrible Bosses) and Burn Gorman (The Dark Knight Rises, Crimson Peak). Day’s character Dr. Newton Geiszler takes an interesting turn after the first film and I have mixed feelings about it. Aside from that and judging solely from a performance standpoint, Day delivers a solid performance. Overall, I was more pleased with Gorman as Dr. Hermann Gottlieb, as he again proved himself as a fan favorite. As I mentioned, the acting isn’t perfect, but for a visually satisfying sci-fi action adventure flick like this, it is more than enough.  

Pacific Rim: Uprising is more than worth the price of admission, even if you pay for the premium showing which I absolutely recommend. I have talked with a few people who watched it in a standard theater and were still very pleased, so that’s good. Watching giant Jaeger's go toe to toe with Kaijou the size of skyscrapers who are dead set on ending the world as we know it- what’s not to love? The final scene sets things up perfectly for a 3rd film, so I hope the movie makes enough money to make another film a realistic possibility- I know I will see it opening weekend. Quick update, so far it has made $65 million in China alone less than a week after it released, so yeah, I think a sequel is a very real possibility. I absolutely intend to add Pacific Rim: Uprising to my collection of 3D Blu-rays, and I can’t wait to watch it again.

Unsane

Director Steven Soderbergh

Genre Thriller | Horror

Cast Claire Foy, Joshua Leonard, Juno Temple, Jay Pharoah

Rating R

Release Date March 23rd, 2018

“A young woman is involuntarily committed to a mental institution, where she is confronted by her greatest fear—but is it real or a product of her delusion?”

From acclaimed writer and director Steven Soderbergh, the man who brought us Traffic, Ocean’s Eleven, Side Effects, and most recently Logan Lucky, Unsane is a thriller about a young woman who is involuntarily committed to a mental institution and forced to face her greatest fear. Is it real, or a product of her delusion? An accomplished writer, Soderbergh did not pen the script and instead left those duties up to Jonathan Bernstein and James Greer. The cast includes Claire Foy, Joshua Leonard, Juno Temple, Jay Pharoah, Polly McKie, Zach Cherry, Aimee Mullins, and Amy Irving.

A tense thriller shot entirely with an iPhone, Steven Soderbergh's Unsane is unique yet strangely satisfying. I honestly wasn't sure what to expect when I walked in to the theater, but one thing was certain, Steven Soderbergh is extremely talented- that is a fact. I knew the film carried with it a vibe that maybe everything isn’t quite what it seems, so I had that in the back of my mind pretty much the entire time, with interesting results might I add. By the end of the film I was a bit conflicted in terms of my overall “takeaways” from what I just experienced, so I figured I’d give it some time to process my thoughts. The biggest thing for me was the unique way in which the film was shot, which as I mentioned before was solely through an iPhone. Interestingly enough, I felt like this creative filming style actually worked quite well. It added tension to moments that may not have seemed quite as tense with a normal filming technique, and allowed for more close-up shots that were also very effective. As a viewer, you feel like you are limited in terms of what you are allowed to see on the screen, so in a way it makes you feel some of the same feelings the main character may be feeling as she is trapped in this behavioral health facility.

This filming technique is the closest thing to a first-person angle where the viewer feels front and center the entire time. And for those of you who have an issue with shaky camera found footage style films, this isn’t that at all so you won’t have an issue. The storyline itself is simple (at least on the surface), yet interesting and definitely keeps you questioning what is going to happen next. I also felt like much of what was going on is left open to interpretation, especially the ending. Although I am hard pressed to label Unsane as one of the more “entertaining” films I’ve seen as of late, it is extremely well done and has many layers. I commend Soderbergh for his willingness to go out on a limb and take a few chances, and if nothing else his vision absolutely hits home. The somber and claustrophobic mood that was created and retained throughout the film was amazing, and a bit unsettling. It made me feel like I was watching something that may have actually happened, or simply very well could happen- and the events unfolding on-screen held significant weight. You feel for this character and you want things to work out for her, but as the film progresses you are forced to question your loyalties.

It is difficult to go too far in depth about the performance of the cast of Unsane as a whole, due to the unique way the film was made. Lead Claire Foy was incredible, that is a fact I can speak to without hesitation. Best known for her role in the television drama series The Crown, which earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress two years in a row (2017 & 2018), Foy is an English actress that has yet to find her big break when it comes to movies. She did star in the 2017 romantic drama Breathe alongside Andrew Garfield, and even though it was the directorial debut for actor Andy Serkis, the film received a limited release and went relatively unnoticed by mainstream viewers. I hope that after seeing Foy flaunt her talents as a real-deal actress in this film she will begin to get more opportunities because I would love to see her in more movies going forward.

Juno Temple steps into an important supporting role and she is absolutely amazing. I feel like she is the perfect example of an underappreciated actress in Hollywood because most people recognize her but will probably have a difficult time recalling what she has been in without looking over her IMDb filmography. A London, England native, she is extremely talented and has played some very complex roles (if you have a strong stomach, check her out in Killer Joe- definitely worth it), and I honestly feel like she can do it all. Even though she plays the PERFECT crazy girl in Unsane, she is an actress more than capable of being the most talented on the screen, not to mention the sexiest- yeah, I said it. I really enjoyed the role comedic actor Jay Phoroah took on, and even though it was a supporting role he was an integral piece to the success of the film. Dabbling in a ton of different projects over the past five years or so, many viewers will feel like he looks familiar but can’t place him. He has had stints on Saturday Night Live, and also played small roles in Ride Along and Top Five. I thought he had a great on-screen presence and I really enjoyed his character. Veteran actor Joshua Leonard is incredible in his role, and even though you can tell right out of the gate something isn't right about this guy he still keeps you guessing. Interesting side note, Leonard's very first role came in the money making cult classic horror film The Blair Witch Project (1999). I genuinely enjoyed the entire cast and felt like the film did a really good job of “spreading the wealth” sort of speak.

Unsane is unique for a variety of reasons, many of which will more than likely leave viewers split on their thoughts and overall impression of the film. For me it comes down to understanding what a specific film is trying to accomplish, and trying to avoid critiquing it with the same parameters I would use with any other run-of-the mill release (most critics are incapable of this). When I take this approach I am finding it difficult to point out very many flaws or shortcomings. Sure it's unorthodox in many ways and certainly doesn’t include the bells and whistles most films do this day and age, but given these facts you have to commend the creativity right? At the end of the day this is yet another impressive Steven Soderbergh film that will keep him in the conversation as one of the better directors out there today. Even though Unsane isn’t necessarily a movie I would consider to have the potential for repeat viewings, (I do need to see it at least once more as I am sure I will notice details I missed the first time around), it is still very much a satisfying experience from a talented director.

Tomb Raider

Director Roar Uthaug

Genre Action | Adventure

Cast Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Walton Goggins, Daniel Wu

Rating PG-13

Release Date March 16th, 2018

“Lara Croft, the fiercely independent daughter of a missing adventurer, must push herself beyond her limits when she finds herself on the island where her father disappeared.”

From Norwegian director Roar Uthaug (Escape, The Wave), Tomb Raider is the latest film adaptation of the extremely popular action adventure videogame. Tomb Raider was always one of my favorite games growing up, and I would be lying if I didn't admit that the sexy main character contributed significantly to the appeal. The videogame version is still alive and well with a new game having come out recently. The first actress to step into the role on the big-screen was Angelina Jolie, and she did pretty well as far as fans were concerned (just don't ask the critics), but now it's Alicia Vikander's chance. Vikander fits the role well if I say so myself, and the trailer had me pumped up! I looked forward to her version of the beautiful Lara Croft. The cast includes Alicia Vikander, Walton Goggins, Hannah John-Kamen, and Dominic West.

Easily the best portrayal of the beautifully confident adventurer Lara Croft yet, Alicia Vikander's Tomb Raider is an effective origin story that will satisfy longtime fans and newcomers. I grew up with the Tomb Raider videogames, and admittedly as a young teen with raging hormones I was always especially intrigued by Lara Croft’s well above average “upper region.” In a world where sex sells (this is a saying I tend to reference often and it holds true to this day) that aspect of the action adventure character was always and continues to be a primary focus. This lead to the casting of Angelina Jolie in the 2001 videogame adaptation Lara Croft Tomb Raider, and even though she fit the role perfectly (at least as far as the look) the film was shredded by critics due to poor writing and emotionless action sequences. The studio took another crack at it in 2003 with Lara Croft Tomb Raider - The Cradle of Life, but were met with disappointingly similar results. The attempts were shelved for roughly 15 years, and after a few successful releases of the Tomb Raider videogames, Warner Brothers, in collaboration with videogame developer Square Enix decided to give it another shot, and I’m glad they did.

Even though I am a longtime fan of Lara Croft and Tomb Raider, the failings of the earlier films tempered my expectations- not to mention the fact that videogame adaptations tend to face an uphill battle. The 2018 version of Tomb Raider brings with it what feels like a new energy and determination to succeed. Alicia Vikander is confident right out of the gate and makes it clear she deserved this opportunity. The training she put in paid off as viewers are treated with a lean and muscular version of the actress we had yet to see. What I enjoyed most about Tomb Raider is the action sequences that pay direct tribute to the videogames, and at times I felt like I was watching a scene cut directly from the 2013 PlayStation 3 Tomb Raider. At the end of the day, Tomb Raider caters to fans of the long-running videogame franchise, and that really is what matters most. The film does feel slow at times, but I attribute that to the attempt at building up a true origin story, especially considering that it becomes clear the hope is to reignite a franchise with at least a few sequels on the horizon- and I am more than okay with that (more Alicia Vikander? Yes please).

As I’ve touched on a few times, I am genuinely pleased with the decision to bring Alicia Vikander on board to play Lara Croft. Sure, Vikander doesn’t have the “attributes” that the character has in the videogames, but she still has the look and is undeniably beautiful. Also, unless you live under a rock you know that the 29-year old Swedish actress nabbed an Oscar in 2016 for her role in The Danish Girl (don’t worry if you didn’t see it, neither did I). Still, winning an Oscar is quite an accomplishment, I mean it took Leo DiCaprio nearly his entire career to finally nab the gold for himself.  Hmm, that actually reminds me, retired NBA star Kobe Bryant just won an Oscar- man 2018 is off to a strange start. Back on topic, it is clear Vikander went through some intense training for this role, and I also read that she did many of her own stunts- so awesome job by her. So just to recap, she is incredibly beautiful, talented, and very fit- she will be more than fine in her career.

An interesting side note, Vikander is married to actor Michael Fassbender, who recently took on the lead role in another videogame adaption, Assassin’s Creed. Vikander gets the majority of the screentime but she has a solid supporting cast as well. Veteran actor Dominic West (The Wire) takes on the pivotal role of Lord Richard Croft, Lara’s father. West is fantastic and I felt like he added the necessary emotional depth to ensure viewers were moved by the close relationship he shared with his daughter and the sacrifices he made. You can’t help but wonder why a man who has so much is willing to lose it all but his selflessness as a human being is expressed very well. Walter Goggins (Justified, Sons of Anarchy, Vice Principals) plays a very important role as well and does well. Every film needs a quality bad guy and he is always willing to fill that void. Goggins may not be a huge star but he is a very talented actor, and his character in the FX series Justified is easily one of my favorite television bad guys. I also really enjoyed the role Daniel Wu played, and felt like the on-screen chemistry he developed with Vikander was crucial to the success of the film. All in all, the cast was very solid.

Tomb Raider may not be the box office blockbuster many hoped it would be, myself included, but it still stands on its own as an impressive adaptation of the classic videogames, and more importantly once again brings Lara Croft to the big-screen. It is also worth pointing out that Alicia Vikander deserves credit for the best portrayal of the classic action adventure character to date, and she earned it. I still feel like Angeline Jolie put forth a great effort in the face of weak writing and uninspired storytelling back when she was given her opportunity, so that blame really can’t be placed on her- but at the end of the day Vikander is the superior Croft. If you consider yourself to be a fan of the Tomb Raider videogames, I am confident you will thoroughly enjoy Tomb Raider- and if you could care less about them, it is still well worth the price of admission. Be sure to stick around for the scene during the end credits, it will get you pumped up for a sequel!

Red Sparrow

Director Francis Lawrence

Genre Thriller

Cast Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Mary-Louise Parker, Matthias Schoenaerts

Rating R

Release Date March 2nd, 2018

“Ballerina Dominika Egorova is recruited to ‘Sparrow School,’ a Russian intelligence service where she is forced to use her body as a weapon. Her first mission, targeting a C.I.A. agent, threatens to unravel the security of both nations.”

From director Francis Lawrence (Constantine, I Am Legend, The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1), Red Sparrow is a spy thriller that takes a hard look at the world of espionage. Dominika Egorova (Jennifer Lawrence) is an extremely talented ballerina, but after an injury ends her dancing career she finds herself enrolled in "Sparrow School" where she is trained to use her looks and psychological warfare to aid the government in any assignment she is given. Her first assignment involves a C.I.A. agent (Joel Edgerton) and the events that unfold next threaten to unravel both nations. The cast includes Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Mary-Louise Parker, and Matthias Schoenaerts.

An edgy espionage thriller willing to push the limits, Red Sparrow is a high risk/high reward outing for Jennifer Lawrence and she delivers a powerful performance. This film is about as raw as it gets, and you will find yourself looking away during certain scenes, and will more than likely find yourself staring at the screen so intently during others your head will hurt (seriously, be prepared). This is the complete opposite of a film teetering on what it is trying to be while concerning itself with not offending viewers, and it is actually very refreshing. Many critics seemed to be split on their opinions of the film, which is genuinely surprising to me- perhaps they are too easily offended or simply cannot handle graphic content? If that is the case I get it, because this is a film that takes pretty much everything a little further than most movies these days would even dare to. Red Sparrow is very lengthy at 2 and a half hours, but I was impressed with the fact that it never actually felt slow. The film is well-written and has a complex backstory that unfolds smoothly, making it clear to viewers what transpired without making it feel dumbed down in any way- and I really liked that aspect. Oftentimes spy or espionage thrillers overcomplicate themselves losing viewers entirely, and significantly lowering the entertainment value of the film- it is a very difficult balance no question.

Prepare for your jaw to be resting on the floor pretty much the entire movie (ladies included), because Jennifer Lawrence looks that good in this role. When I put together reviews I generally struggle with finding images that are up to my quality standard, but with Red Sparrow it was the complete opposite, I struggled with too much of a good thing. I mean really, how can she look so damn good?! I need to slow my role, I’m starting to sweat a little. In all seriousness, the bleak environments are perfect for further highlighting the beauty of Lawrence and the other Sparrows. I really enjoyed the cinematography and camerawork in Red Sparrow, and I felt like director Frances Lawrence really took pride in his work. Lawrence is no stranger to intense action or bleak settings after directing I Am Legend and Constantine, and his experience is put to very good use here. Make no mistake, Red Sparrow is extremely violent and pushes the envelope in many respects so proceed with caution. On a few different occasions Sparrow school is referred to as “wh**e school,” and this isn’t far from the truth. Even if I knew Lawrence's character was a Sparrow, and it was likely her ultimate goal was to seduce me and either kill or blackmail me, I would probably still take my chances. Go big or go home right?

One of the biggest strengths of Red Sparrow is the quality of the acting, which is simply fantastic. Lead by Jennifer Lawrence who is violently gorgeous and seductively dangerous, this is easily her best role since American Hustle. Lawrence commands the screen in a way that is unique to her talents as an actress, and it really is a joy to experience. Joel Edgerton is the perfect actor to star alongside Lawrence, and the two developed excellent chemistry throughout the film. Edgerton is building quite the career for himself, and even jumped in to the director's chair churning out the hit thriller The Gift in 2015, which he also starred in. He actually won me over with his performance in the 2011 drama The Warrior- an amazing yet underappreciated film I've seen at least 10 times. He was great in the Netflix exclusive Bright alongside Will Smith- although he is unrecognizable due to the mutant character he plays. I really enjoyed Matthias Schoenaerts in his role as Dominika's successful, yet extremely dangerous uncle. The believability of his character played a pivotal role in the success of the film and he was spot on. He played the role of Eric Deeds in the crime drama The Drop, a film that also starred Tom Hardy and the late and great James Gandolfini. I honestly couldn’t find a weak spot in the entire cast.

Red Sparrow is a hard-hitting and admittedly bleak drama that will scratch the espionage thriller itch for viewers, and then some. Jennifer Lawrence yet again, proves she has serious range as an actress and should be included in the conversation as one of the best actresses of this era (she is certainly in my top 10). The plot unfolds nicely and keeps viewers in the loop from start to finish, and I really liked how it starts out with highlighting two separate storylines that will soon intersect. I actually read that the tactics of espionage used in the film are actually pretty authentic to the methods used the world over, which I found to be very interesting. Red Sparrow is a well-crafted spy thriller that I absolutely recommend seeing in theaters- and as I mentioned before, the faint of heart should proceed with caution.

Thoroughbreds

Director Cory Finley

Genre Drama | Thriller

Cast Olivia Cooke, Anya Taylor-Joy, Anton Yelchin, Paul Sparks

Rating R

Release Date March 9th, 2018 (Limited)

“Two upper-class teenage girls in suburban Connecticut rekindle their unlikely friendship after years of growing apart. Together, they hatch a plan to solve both of their problems-no matter what the cost.”

Written and directed by Cory Finley, his writing and directorial debut, Thoroughbreds is a drama thriller about two upper-class teenage girls who decide to take matters into their own hands in an effort to solve all of their problems. The 28-year old Finley is a talented up-and-coming screenwriter, and when his agents sent the script to production companies and theater studios he expected that it would end up as a stage play but was pleasantly surprised by the interest. Oscar-winning writers Nat Faxon and Jim Rash signed on to produce, and they were joined by Alex Saks and her production company June Pictures that recently churned out the Oscar-nominated film The Florida Project. The cast includes Anya Taylor-Joy, Olivia Cooke, Anton Yelchin, and Paul Sparks.

With a uniquely powerful score and soundtrack matched only by its stellar cast, director Cory Finley’s debut Thoroughbreds is a tightly wound drama that will penetrate your subconscious. Finley has a vision and an in-depth understanding of human emotion, and that develops into a very unique and entertaining experience for viewers. Thoroughbreds never once “spoon feeds” viewers, instead it maintains the feeling that if you want to truly understand what is going on, you need to pay very close attention. For me that is the only way a tense drama is successful. I want to feel like it is my responsibility to process and decipher the deeper message a film has to offer, and honestly with many films that have a deeper underlying meaning, it really is the responsibility of each and every individual viewer to determine what that deeper meaning really is. There really isn’t an easy answer. It is worth noting that Thoroughbreds is a “different” sort of movie, and by that I mean it is unique and slower paced in many ways. This is due to the fact that the script was originally envisioned as a play, but thanks to studio interest it became a movie. I really enjoyed this element of the film but some viewers may find themselves put off by it, so keep that in mind if you tend to struggle with certain indie films.

Considered by many critics to be a dark comedy or even a horror thriller, I see Thoroughbreds as more in the realm of a dark and twisted suspense driven thriller due to its many layers, and well to put it in simple terms, lack of true humor (you may still chuckle due to some awkward situational humor). Each scene offers viewers a glimpse further into the minds of very unstable and complex characters, and you WILL feel the tension building. It really is incredible that this is the directorial debut for Cory Finley because of how creative and effective the camerawork was, from the way it followed characters down hallways and entryways, sometimes taking a different route and intersecting with the characters at some other point. You really need to see it for yourself to understand what I am trying to say. As I mentioned before, the score and soundtrack is absolutely amazing, and it goes hand in hand with the unique camerawork. A song that is first introduced during the middle of the film reenters our eardrums just as the end credits appear. It’s difficult to explain but this had a profound effect on me personally, and in some way serves as a culmination of what I took away from the film. I’m not even quite sure what you would call the genre, perhaps it’s in the same realm as Korn’s “Freak on a Leash,” but check out the song “Sila” from A Tribe Called Red. It really sets the tone. Thoroughbreds is one of those rare experiences that stays with you, and slowly begins to resonate with you that much more hours or days after watching it- to me that is the true definition of filmmaking as an art form. I was entertained throughout and found myself trying to make the extra effort to ensure I didn’t miss anything, but it really wasn’t until later the next day when I really started to truly appreciate it. I can’t wait to see it again. 

The cast for Thoroughbreds is fantastic, including a group of very talented young actors. Anya Taylor-Joy continues her run as a rising star after her breakout performance in the critically acclaimed 2015 horror film The Witch. A native of Miami, FL, Taylor-Joy seems to have it all- youth, beauty, and most importantly a knack for taking advantage of her opportunities. The youngest of 6 children, she knew she wanted to be an actress early on and got her first break with a modeling gig. Her complex character in Thoroughbreds epitomizes her talents as an actress and further reinforces the fact that she has earned her rightful place in Hollywood. Taylor-Joy’s co-star Olivia Cooke, known for the series Bates Motel as well as one of my favorite coming-of-age films Me and Earl and the Dying Girl, genuinely impressed me with her ability to play a very serious role. Now granted, Cooke has proven she is most comfortable playing dramatic roles, her character in Thoroughbreds takes things to another level and she really is amazing. Cooke also landed a lead role in the upcoming Steven Spielberg sci-fi novel adaptation Ready Player One. The chemistry that develops between both lead actresses is absolutely top-notch. Paul Sparks (Boardwalk Empire, House of Cards) is great as well, and will make your skin crawl as the clearly entitled and on-edge step-dad who finds who eventually bites off more than he can chew.

Anton Yelchin delivers a chillingly impactful posthumous performance in his final role. The 27-year old St. Petersburg, Russia native passed away tragically on June 19th, 2016, in Studio City, CA. Yelchin was building an impressive career with roles in Star Trek: Beyond, as well as the violent thriller Green Room, alongside Patrick Stewart. In Thoroughbreds, Yelchin plays a misunderstood twenty-something with a checkered past, who ends up meeting his match when he crosses paths with Taylor-Joy’s character at a party. I absolutely loved Yelchin’s performance, and right up until the final scene I felt like this was the perfect sendoff for the talented actor who was taken from us much too soon. It was actually a bit surreal watching his character on-screen who commonly spoke of his future plans and the fact that he was destined to be successful and have a bright future- it’s just sad.  Nonetheless, Thoroughbreds includes stellar acting from top to bottom and provides fans of Yelchin a powerful piece of art that they can hold onto for the foreseeable future. RIP.

Taking full advantage of a screenplay with incredible depth, Thoroughbreds is a tense drama highlighting some fantastic performances. I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect, but the best thing a film can be is a unique experience for viewers, and this is that and then some. Originally written with the expectation that it would become a play, Thoroughbreds may feel a bit too “different” for casual viewers but I urge you to give it a chance- I think it will surprise you. It does feel like a play with each slow developing scene, but it surely isn’t boring. Cory Finley may be a bit of an unknown at this point, but after a debut that started with rave reviews at the Sundance Film Festival, I have a feeling that his name will come up again very soon. The success of the film lives and dies with the overall vision of an ambitious script and a very talented cast, and even though I am truly saddened that this is the last time I will see Anton Yelchin on-screen, this is a worthy sendoff and I intend to add Thoroughbreds to my Blu-ray collection as my way of preserving his memory in some small way. Highly recommended.

Never Hike Alone

Director Vincente DiSanti

Genre Horror | Thriller

Cast Drew Leighty, Vincent DiSante, Kate Schwartz, Thom Mathews

Rating Unrated

Release Date October 13th, 2017 (Friday the 13th)

“A hiker’s survival skills are put to the test, when he stumbles upon the remains of an old abandoned camp and discovers its long dark secrets.”

Written and directed by Vincent DiSanti, his directorial debut for a full-length film, Never Hike Alone is a fan made Friday the 13th film built from the ground up to satisfy a huge fan base. The film follows hiker and survivalist Kyle McLeod as he films a trek through the woods that inadvertently takes him to the infamous Camp Crystal Lake. McLeod heard the stories of Jason Voorhees and his mother Pamela growing up, but as an adult what used to scare him as a kid become more of a curiosity. Released by Womp Stomp Films, a Los Angeles based independent film company, the project was funded by a Kickstarter campaign consisting of 294 backers, raising a total of $18,934 with a goal of $13,000. The cast includes Drew Leighty as Kyle, director Vincent DiSante as Jason Voorhees, Kate Schwartz, Thom Mathews as Tommy Jarvis, and Robert DuBois. 

A Kickstarter backed Friday the 13th fan film that exceeds all expectations, Never Hike Alone is a must watch for any fan of the franchise and holds up as an effective found-footage style horror thriller. Clocking in at just shy of 54 minutes, it does count as “feature-length” as it exceeds the 40 minute threshold. Just to provide a bit of background, I am what most people would consider a hardcore fan of the Friday the 13th franchise. Even though I was born 4 years after the first film released, I grew up watching the movies and I always loved the Jason character, but even as a kid I never considered him a threat. My mindset was always as long as I stay away from Camp Crystal Lake Jason will leave me alone. I own many of the films individually on Blu-ray, as well as the full Blu-ray set and full DVD set, a full size wearable mask that was custom made, as well as a few other Jason masks I collected over the years. Bottom line, this franchise is in my blood. Never Hike Alone is a perfect example of what longtime fans of this amazing franchise deserve, an authentic look at present day Camp Crystal Lake providing a heavy dose of nostalgia (I get goosebumps just thinking about it). I really liked the portrayal of Jason, from the thud sound made by each step he took, to his slow moving yet dangerous ability to strike with extreme strength. As with the franchise from the start, Jason is a resourceful, relentless, and extremely patient killer, and those characteristics are fully intact here. Jason does his trademark head turn that is usually on display when something baffles him, and they also made sure to implement the simple fact that Jason is basically immortal and hitting him just pisses him off even more (just ask the dude from the rooftop in Jason Takes Manhattan who no longer has a head).

The writing is spot on as well with smooth pacing, and the lead character was the perfect choice. Putting a skilled survivalist up against Jason at least feels like a slightly better match compared to a bunch of horny half-baked counselors (although it is fun watching him carve them up). The fact that the director, Vincent DiSanti, also played Jason is pretty cool. He is a talented director and had some great shots and transitions in between scenes, right up to the final scene which closed things out nicely. I also have to commend the make-up/FX team, consisting of Kelsey Berk, because Jason looked great and the wounds were very realistic. Jason looked like a guy who lives in the woods worshipping the head of his deceased mother, and hasn’t showered in about 30 years, and yeah, that fits the bill. So many scenes felt like a genuine tribute to the franchise, like the various shots of Jason observing his surroundings, or when the camera is over Jason’s shoulder seeing things from his perspective. I just can’t say enough about how well shot this film is and it really felt like fans of the franchise poured their hearts and souls into this project. The score and sound effects were amazing and really added a TON of value to the film. Any successful horror movie relies on a quality soundtrack and score in order to emphasize the more intense moments and they did a great job with that. Considering the resources they were afforded and the fact that the project was backed by a Kickstarter campaign, I really can’t think of many criticisms. This is purely based on how I feel a victim would react while being hunted by Jason and fighting for survival. It certainly felt more realistic than the way the characters reacted in the recently released horror film The Strangers: Prey at Night, which had a 5 million dollar budget.

The cast for Never Hike Alone is small but very talented. Drew Leighty, who takes on the lead role, has only been acting since 2016 and has a few small credits on his IMDb filmography, but I really enjoyed his performance. The film is shot in a documentary style, partially using his GoPro camera while also utilizing a few other cameras, and his demeanor feels authentic to what you would expect from someone who films hiking adventures for their social media followers. I think he did a fantastic job especially considering his level of experience. Vincent DiSanti, a multi-talented director and actor, took on the crucial role of killer Jason Voorhees and I was very pleased with his performance. Last but certainly not least, fans are treated with an EPIC cameo appearance by Tommy Jarvis, played by Thom Mathews, the actual Tommy Jarvis from Friday the 13th VI: Jason Lives (1986), who also voiced the character in Friday the 13th The Game. Granted it has been a long time since fans saw Mathews play Jarvis on screen and he has certainly aged, but that voice is unmistakable. He brings with him a few of his trademark lines as well and man it was cool to see him again. It put a big smile on this fan's face- that’s for sure.

Never Hike Alone is a blast to experience, and as a huge fan of Friday the 13th it further reinforced what I already knew - which is the simple fact that we should have a new movie by now! Unfortunately, the reason we don’t comes down to studio politics and issues with rights, etc., which honestly pisses me off. These people need to get their acts together and do right by a fan base that has been supporting this franchise for 35 years at this point! I will gladly open my wallet and I know many others will as well. It is clear from the jump that a ton of time and effort was put into this film, and it all comes together extremely well all things considered. I mean let’s face it, Friday the 13th fans have been begging for another movie for nearly a decade and these guys were able to give us something that will at the very least ease our appetite for a bit longer. The sad reality is it will probably be awhile before we get the elusive 13th film in the franchise. Personally, I have been feeding my cravings with another project that started as a Kickstarter campaign, Friday the 13th: The Game, and I am having an absolute blast with it. I highly recommend giving it a try if you haven’t already. Never Hike Alone is made for Friday the 13th fans by Friday the 13th fans, and for that reason, it is an absolute must-see. It also leaves the door open for a sequel (here’s to hoping). Highly recommended.

Are you a huge Friday the 13th fan?! Do you play the game? Let us know in the comments section. Also for hardcore fans interested in the Blu-ray or DVD version of the film, a limited quantity will be for sale through Indiegogo so you will need to act fast! (Blu-ray is region-free but the DVD is strictly region 1 for those of you outside of the United States.)

Would you like to check out Never Hike Alone for yourself?! Well you're in luck! We have the full-length film below courtesy of Womp Stomp Films. Enjoy!!

Love, Simon

Director Greg Berlanti

Genre Drama

Cast Nick Robinson, Jennifer Garner, Josh Duhamel, Talitha Eliana Bateman

Rating PG-13

Release Date March 16th, 2018

“Everyone deserves a great love story. But for Simon it’s complicated: no-one knows he’s gay and he doesn’t know who the anonymous classmate is that he’s fallen for online. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, scary and life-changing.”

From director Greg Berlanti (Life as We Know It), Love, Simon is a coming-of-age drama about a high school teenager who is struggling with his sexual identity. The film is based on the novel Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda, written by author Becky Albertalli. The book was published in April 2015 and was the American author’s debut novel. The cast includes Nick Robinson, Jennifer Garner, Josh Duhamel, and Talitha Eliana Bateman.

A genuinely heartwarming experience and a true breath of fresh air, Love, Simon is an absolute must see and easily the coming-of-age movie of the year. I’m not embarrassed to admit that I am a sucker for a good coming-of-age film, a few of my favorites that are sadly a bit under the radar include Me and Earl and the Dying Girl and Hunt for the Wilderpeople. This is one of those rare examples that seems to get pretty much everything right. The first thing I noticed was how perfect the cast was, from Simon, to his family, to all of his friends and “sort of” friends. The high school setting is very well done and feels authentic. The balance of comedy and drama is prevalent throughout without sacrificing one or the other. As a follow-up to his comedy drama Life as We Know It, director Greg Berlanti is amazing behind the camera, and I really enjoyed the soundtrack which was the perfect mix of old and new. I have yet to read the book (I know, I’m on it), so I can’t speak from experience as to how close the adaptation is, however I feel pretty confident it is spot on. Two of my favorite book to film adaptations include The Fault in Our Stars and more recently Wonder, and I think this is on par with those.

When a film is successful in adapting a popular novel it always has a creative feel to it that somehow makes you feel like you are watching a book unfold on-screen. From the use of narration to the way each new character is introduced, it all feels very seamless. About a quarter of the way through the movie I felt a closeness to the characters that fully immersed me in what was unfolding on-screen, and that really is a tremendous feeling. Considering the subject matter Love, Simon remains neutral and never feels like it is trying to push an agenda, instead it coveys the opposite massage which is universal acceptance. Watching the relationship between Simon and his father develop throughout the movie is really something special. For me, that aspect felt like a life lesson in the struggles that come with parenting, and how difficult it can be to truly know and understand your kids, especially as they transition into the ever so complicated teen years. I just hope that some of the more closed-minded people give Live, Simon a chance because I really think they will thoroughly enjoy it, and maybe even learn to appreciate people from all walks of life. I also really liked how all of the events that took place felt natural, and I think that was paramount to the success of the film. Now, I’m not trying to preach to you I promise, but I do believe that as human beings nobody is perfect and we all have our flaws, and the sooner we accept that the easier life becomes- that I do believe.

The cast for Love, Simon is absolutely perfect. Even though I have yet to read the book (again, it’s on my list), I can’t imagine a better actor than Nick Robinson to take on the role of Simon. Robinson lights up the screen and portrays a smart, funny, yet very complex character to a tee. Even though I was extremely impressed by Robinson’s performance I couldn’t place him as far as any other movies or shows that I’ve seen him in. When I started working on my review, I discovered that Robinson played the lead role in one of my favorite coming-of-age films, The Kings of Summer (2013). Even though it’s only been 5 years, Robinson hit quite a growth spurt and I didn’t even recognize him. I also learned that after a great performance in The Kings of Summer, he was next able to snag a role in the film Jurassic World. The future is bright for this kid.

Jennifer Garner and Josh Duhamel team up as Simon’s parents, and they are AMAZING together. I love Garner (I mean who doesn’t?!) and Duhamel has always been a favorite of mine, even though he is generally a supporting role type actor. I was first exposed to him in the T.V. series Las Vegas, which ran from 2003-2008, and he was great in that series. Talitha Eliana Bateman plays Simon’s younger sister and even though she has limited screen time she does a fantastic job. One of the most recognizable faces in the cast who should be fresh in viewers’ minds is the star of the hit Netflix drama series 13 Reasons Why, Katherine Langford. Langford doesn’t miss a beat as Simon’s longtime best friend and I really enjoyed her role and the chemistry she shared with Robinson. Veteran actor Tony Hale (Arrested Development, Veep) is absolutely hilarious as the vice principal, Mr. Worth. I really enjoyed his character, and he is credited with a large chunk of the laughs generated throughout the film. I could honestly go on and on talking about how much I enjoyed the cast because of the amazing chemistry, so kudos to them.

Love, Simon is a feel good movie the entire family will enjoy, and it also teaches a few valuable life lessons along the way. Oh, and don’t be surprised if the theater you are in claps at least 2 or 3 times during the movie because mine did, and I was fine with it. More than anything else this movie is a perfect example of what I would consider to be an effortlessly refreshing experience. As soon as I left the theater I wanted to see Love, Simon again, and that is a very good sign. This isn’t a tear jerker but for those of you with a soft spot for emotional moments, be sure to keep a tissue or two nearby just in case (my girlfriend definitely shed a few tears). Do yourself a favor and check this one out while it’s in theaters, you’ll be glad you did. I hope to see it again soon, and I will be adding Love, Simon to my Blu-ray collection of coming-of-age favorites. Highly recommended.

Check out the official trailer below.

The Strangers: Prey at Night

Director Johannes Roberts

Genre Horror

Cast Christina Hendricks, Bailey Madison, Martin Henderson, Emma Bellomy

Rating R

Release Date March 9th, 2018

“A family staying in a secluded mobile home park for the night are visited by three masked psychopaths, to test their every limit.”

From director Johannes Roberts (The Other Side of the Door, 47 Meters Down), Strangers: Prey at Night is the sequel to the 2008 horror thriller The Strangers that became a cult classic. The original film wasn’t all that well received by critics but I think they got it wrong. The cast includes Christina Hendricks, Bailey Madison, Martin Henderson, and Lewis Pullman.

Poorly written and at times painfully predictable, The Strangers: Prey at Night has potential, but inevitably falls well short of its predecessor. I’ll be honest, I had relatively high expectations for this film because I really enjoyed the original. I felt like it was a genuinely disturbing horror thriller that felt real making it that much more authentic, and in the process more terrifying. I felt like the decisions the characters made during the worst night of their lives made sense, or at the very least seemed like the decisions people that were fighting for their lives would make. Yet, for reasons that I can’t figure out for the life of me, instead of bringing back the original screenwriter the studio brings in Ben Ketai to write the script, which is supposed to draw inspiration from Bryan Bertino’s screenplay from the original (which he also directed). Instead, Ketai decided he would dumb things down significantly for Prey at Night to the point where the audience is either bored, annoyed, or both. I mean how many times can you shake your head due to so many inconsistencies and still enjoy a movie? The plot is simple and the stage is set, just have fun with it and make the characters feel real. I did read an interview where the question was asked whether this film is really based on true events, and apparently Ketai drew the inspiration from a time where some strange girl knocked on his door, but beyond that the film is inspired by the Manson murders. I think this guy needs some inspiration, badly. Perhaps it had something to do with cast limitations or studio pressure, or even just rewrites that absolutely butchered what started as a quality script.

I hate to say it but I do blame the writing, and I think this falls on the shoulders of Ketai considering he is in fact one of the writers responsible for yet another horror film that failed to meet expectations, the Natalie Dormer horror The Forest (2016). That film shared many of the same “are you f’ing kidding me” moments making it nearly impossible for it to be scary or all that enjoyable. I mean talk about the perfect setting for a horror film, the suicide forest is a real place and it is seriously messed up, yet the script made it feel so unscary half the people who saw The Forest decided to make visiting the suicide forest a bucket list item simply out of spite (this is an exaggeration but probably not that far from the truth). Another big issue, why is this movie rated R?! I mean really, this could have been given a PG-13 rating easily. Boy, do I miss the good old days of 80’s slasher movies, simple and effective. Such a waste. Now I will commend director Johannes Roberts because I honestly think he did a fantastic job, and I also really liked the cinematography, score, and soundtrack, which is another reason why I am so annoyed - this movie could have and should have been really good!! I could go on and on shredding the things the characters did in Prey at Night that made zero sense, but I need to keep this review spoiler free - I mean after all my word is my bond. Damn you Ketai, damn you, damn you, damn you.

The casting decisions for The Strangers: Prey at Night didn’t dig too deep into the talent pool of Hollywood, but that isn’t really atypical of a horror movie. The beautifully redheaded and former Mad Men actress Christina Hendricks leads the way and she is great, I have nothing bad to say about her performance. It is clear from the beginning she is the most talented actress in the group and I can’t knock her for lack of effort. But again, she is handed limited resources. Now I come to Bailee Madison who is given the majority of the screen time in the film even though she is primarily a T.V. actress. She has played a few pivotal supporting roles, including a role in the drama Brothers alongside Natalie Portman, but the fact remains, she is an average actress at best. In Prey for Night she is put on the forefront which combined with poor writing is NOT a good thing. I’m not saying she was absolutely horrible in her role, but she wasn’t great and certainly didn’t deserve to be the main focus. But to be fair Ben Ketai’s writing did make Natalie Dormer come across like a D-list actress in The Forest, so who knows. But hey, Madison is cute so that’s a plus. The cast is rounded out by Martin Henderson and Lewis Pullman, both of which are average at best which is again in large part due to the script. I’m not even going to bother talking too much about the three psychopaths Dollface, Pin-Up Girl, or Man in the Mask (as they are credited on IMDb), because let’s be honest they didn’t have to dig all that deep into their bag of acting talents for their respective roles. Just to reiterate, the blame does not fall entirely on the cast. A better script with this same cast could produce a very good movie, I have zero doubt.

The Strangers: Prey at Night fails to be an effective horror thriller for a number of reasons, but the potential it had coming out of the gate is undeniable. The fact that it has been a decade since the original film made its debut, providing ample time to get things right, makes it that much more disappointing that we were still delivered this lackluster excuse of a movie. I really enjoyed director Johannes Roberts shark attack thriller 47 Meters Down, as well as his horror film The Other Side of the Door which I suggest people check out, so I will do my best not to hold this film against him. According to his IMDb filmography he is working on the sequel, 48 Meters Down, set to release sometime in 2019 so I am looking forward to that. I will on the other hand hold this against Ben Ketai and I will be extra careful about any future horror films he has his name attached to. The Strangers: Prey at Night isn’t unwatchable, and honestly if you went in with low expectations and the understanding that the writing is just bad, you may really enjoy it for the ironic music and generally great horror movie setting (I mean really, what’s scarier than an abandoned trailer park?). Either way, you would be wise to wait and check this one out when it becomes available On-Demand and for rental.