Kristen Bell Is The Walter White Of Couponing In 'Queenpins' [TRAILER]

From writer-directors Aron Gaudet and Gita Pullapilly, Queenpins is a 2021 comedy inspired by a true story about a bored and frustrated suburban homemaker, Connie (Kristen Bell) and her best pal JoJo (Kirby Howell-Baptiste), a vlogger with dreams, who turn a hobby into a multi-million dollar counterfeit coupon caper. After firing off a letter to the conglomerate behind a box of cereal gone stale, and receiving an apology along with dozens of freebies, the duo hatch an illegal coupon club scheme that scams millions from mega-corporations and delivers deals to legions of fellow coupon clippers.

On the trail to total coupon dominance, a hapless Loss Prevention Officer (Paul Walter Hauser) from the local supermarket chain joins forces with a determined U.S. Postal Inspector (Vince Vaughn) in hot pursuit of these newly-minted “Queenpins” of pink collar crime. Genre: Comedy Cast: Kristen Bell, Kirby Howell - Baptiste, Paul Walter Hauser, Joel McHale, with Bebe Rexha and Vince Vaughn

The film stars Kristen Bell, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Paul Walter Hauser, Vince Vaughn and Bebe Rexha.

Queenpins hits theaters September 10th and will also debut on Paramount+ soon as well. Watch the official trailer below.

No Sudden Move

By: Andrew Wing, Contributing Writer

No Sudden Move is a 2021 American period crime thriller film directed, photographed, and edited by Steven Soderbergh. The film takes place in 1954 Detroit, and the plot follows a group of small-time criminals hired to steal what they think is a simple document, but when their plan goes terribly wrong, they must find a way to deal with the looming dire consequences. The film features an ensemble cast consisting of Don Cheadle (Traffic, Avengers: Infinity War), Benicio del Toro (Sicario, Savages), David Harbour (Stranger Things, Black Widow), Jon Hamm (Mad Men, The Town), Amy Seimetz (The Killing, Family Tree), Brendan Fraser (The Mummy, Journey to the Center of the Earth), Kieran Culkin (Succession, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World), Noah Jupe (A Quiet Place), Julia Fox (Uncut Gems), Bill Duke (Commando, Predator), and Ray Liotta (Goodfellas, Field of Dreams).

No Sudden Move made its official debut at the Tribeca Film Festival on June 18th, 2021, and was subsequently released exclusively on the HBO Max streaming service on July 1st.

THE GOOD

There are very few directors throughout the history of cinema that excel when it comes to crime thriller films like Steven Soderbergh, especially when dealing with such a large and talented cast like this movie has. He struck gold with the Ocean’s trilogy and film franchise of which he received widespread acclaim for, but he has also had great success with other crime films such as Out of Sight (1998), Traffic (2000), and a favorite of mine, Logan Lucky (2017). The reason I and many others find Soderbergh’s films of the past so entertaining is because he always provides an entertaining and intriguing story that will keep you wanting to watch and that is exactly the case when it comes to No Sudden Move.

There is no doubt that the movie is pushed forward by the amazing performances of the cast and I will talk more about that later in the review, but the story is instantly immersive which is usually rare when dealing with ensemble casts like in this movie, but with the help of Soderbergh’s direction, trust me when I say that it will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end wanting to know the fates of all the players involved.

Without further ado, it is time to start discussing the performances of the cast which was by far in my opinion the best part of the film and it was undoubtedly led by Don Cheadle. Cheadle plays a man recently released from prison, Curtis Goynes, who will do whatever it takes to get what is his. From the accent of his character, to the intense banter with other characters throughout the film, Cheadle just killed this role and I was impressed. I also loved the performances of both Benicio del Toro as Ronald Russo, and David Harbour as Matt Wertz, and while I didn’t enjoy them as much as I did in other works (del Toro in Sicario and Harbour in Stranger Things) they still demand your attention in every scene they are in with how good they are.

Also worth noting is the performance of Julia Fox as Vanessa Capelli. Fox is best known for her debut performance in the 2019 crime thriller film Uncut Gems, for which she received a nomination for Breakthrough Actor and her performance in this film only strengthens the fact that she has a very bright future ahead and I cannot wait to see what she does next.

Aside from Soderbergh’s direction and the performances of the cast, there were other elements worth mentioning that I thought helped the film tremendously and they were the music (specifically the score at the start of the film) and the beautifully shot cinematography that is commonplace when dealing with Soderbergh films.

THE BAD

If you haven’t yet been able to tell through reading some of my other reviews, I have a hard time finding something bad with a movie I really liked, but hey I’ll give it a shot. Seriously though, this movie is overall really solid and I think if you decide to watch it, you will be very pleased. I don’t know if you can exactly call these things I’m about to address bad, but I will point out two things that stuck out to me throughout the film. One, like most other Soderbergh films, there are a lot of moving pieces in the movie and No Sudden Move is exactly that. The movie will require your full attention, so if you think you are going to be able to be checking your phone or doing other things, I’d say there is a strong chance that you could be confused at the end of it.

Lastly, and I completely understand that with an ensemble cast that it is hard for all the big players to get the same amount of playing time, but I would have liked to see more from both Kieran Culkin’s character Charley Barnes and Brendan Fraser’s Doug Jones. I was just looking forward to seeing what they brought to the table when I watched the trailer and saw the cast members for the first time and I would be lying if I said I was not a tad upset with that, but overall this movie is great and those two things are very minor in the grand scheme of things.

THE VERDICT

There really is nothing like a good crime thriller and while it may not be on par with some of his best works of the past, No Sudden Move is yet another chapter in Steven Soderbergh’s most impressive directing career as he makes the most of an excellent cast consisting of Don Cheadle, Benicio del Toro, David Harbour, Jon Hamm and many others.

TED TAKES RATING - 8.5/10

No Sudden Move is now streaming exclusively on HBO Max through the month of July. Check out the trailer below.

The Forever Purge

The Forever Purge is a 2021 dystopian action horror film directed by Everardo Gout, and written and co-produced by James DeMonaco, the original writer and creator of The Purge franchise. The film picks up after the events of 2016’s The Purge Election Year (full review here), which deemed The Purge outlawed and no longer an annual event. The premise follows a Mexican couple who flee to Texas on the run from a dangerous drug cartel on the cusp of the annual Purge which has been reinstated. The cartel is the least of their problems as they fight to fend off vicious thugs who decide the annual tradition won’t end this year. The cast includes Ana de la Reguera, Tenoch Huerta, Josh Lucas, Cassidy Freeman, Leven Rambin, Alejandro Edda, and Will Patton.

The original The Purge hit theaters back in 2013, and I remember loving the premise. I mean sure it’s dark and very, very violent, but the overall idea behind the concept of the film made sense. Sort of a forced version of natural selection that took place once a year, and allowed those who wanted to engage the opportunity to return to the old days of the Wild West, but with modern weaponry. I really liked the first film, and felt like The Purge Anarchy was the perfect follow-up with a badass Frank Grillo taking on the role of protector.

That one day of the year gave extra power to those with violent tendencies and the bank account to support their rage, and the films began to get more political as the franchise progressed, which made sense considering this is a Government sanctioned “holiday” after all. Would you engage in a real-life Purge day?! I could see myself riding down the street on my 4-wheeler with a sawed off shotgun looking real cool dressed in all black with a sweet mask, but I’d likely last 30 seconds. But hey, nothing says 4th of July weekend like a new Purge movie, am I right?! Something political that I can get behind. U.S.A!! U.S.A!!!

Delayed from an original July 2020 release date due to that pesky COVID-19 pandemic, The Forever Purge officially hit theaters July 2nd, 2021, courtesy of Universal Pictures.

THE GOOD

The Purge franchise has carved out it’s own unique niche in the action thriller/horror genre with some heavy political undertones, but more than anything else it has always remained relevant, and that continues to be the case with The Forever Purge. Admittedly, I had fairly tempered expectations, but I was pleasantly surprised with this movie - it was an exciting and engaging experience from start to finish. I am very much conservative and to be honest I can’t stand politics, but I have eyes and ears and a functioning brain, so I usually have a pretty good idea what is going on. Now when I say political undertones I’m not talking about that preachy BS we are used to getting force fed, I am talking about the darker side of politics felt by the average citizen of this great nation. The hate and the divide that has reared it’s head as much in the last year or so as ever before thanks in large part to the irresponsible and toxic media. Rich vs poor, black vs white, you name it, we’ve dealt with it. This movie faces it all head on without shoving anything down your throat, because at the end of the day, actions speak louder than words. And as Will Patton’s character emphatically points out, this country has never been more divided. The Forever Purge will test your allegiances and force you to choose hate or unity, and I say bring it on!

Politics and racial tensions aside, The Purge Forever is a damn good movie. The acting is great, the production value is top-notch, and it never once feels slow or boring. It is really just non-stop action, and the hour and 40 minutes or so absolutely flies by. Writer/creator James DeMonaco proves once again just how talented he is, creating an immersive experience that excites and terrifies audiences in equal measure. Every violent interaction feels authentic, and you feel for the characters who are forced to band together to survive. The masks used in the movie are extremely creative and as good as anything you will see in a high quality horror movie, I mean those rabbit masks with the blood red eyes, that is all business. On the technical side, I thought the soundtrack and score was fantastic, and the cinematography played a huge part in the gritty feel of the movie. As I mentioned previously the production value is some of the best you will see, further reinforcing why this franchise is still going strong. It really doesn’t rely too much on CGI, and instead delivers some amazing stunt work for the action sequences.

As I mentioned the acting is great, lead by Will Patton even though he had a more limited role. Ana de la Reguera took on a lead role and did one heck of a job. She may not be a household name at this point, but she was in the recently released Netflix original film Army of the Dead, as well as the Amazon Prime original series Goliath, alongside Billy Bob Thornton. She is talented and will continue to make waves in Hollywood. Veteran actor Josh Lucas, who has been in the game for 30+ years, was fantastic. He was most recently in The Secret: Dare to Dream, Ford v Ferrari, and the drama series Yellowstone. I was very impressed with Tenoch Huerta and Alejandro Edda as well. I also have to give a shout out to my guy Gregory Zaragoza, who was in The Last of the Mohicans way back in the day. From the stars to the supporting cast, I can’t say enough about the acting which is honestly pretty rare for a movie like this that can usually skate by on everything else it has going for it.

THE BAD

Even though I did say I kept my expectations in check as you should with any franchise on it’s 5th movie, I really don’t have much negative to say about The Forever Purge. I know some of the previous films have felt a bit preachy and spent too much time on the politics, but that just isn’t the case here. The premise is already engrained, so DeMonaco is able to create great characters and an immersive storyline and it just works.

THE VERDICT

As intensely violent as it is relevant, James DeMonaco’s The Forever Purge is a non-stop edge-of-your-seat thriller and is easily one of the best films in the franchise. I remember seeing the original in theaters and thinking to myself, what would I do if the annual Purge was a real thing? I mean the idea behind this government sanctioned holiday really doesn’t feel that far fetched, and that is easily the most terrifying thing about these movies. Plus if I am someone who prefers to stay out of harms way during the annual Purge, you better believe I wouldn’t be living in Texas that is for damn sure. I mean, just watch Hell or High Water, literally everybody is armed.

In many ways The Forever Purge feels like part 1 of 2 because of how it ends, so fingers crossed it does well in the box office and DeMonaco can work his magic once again. It’s simple, if you enjoyed any of the Purge movies or just appreciate a really good thriller, grab a friend and get over to the movie theater pronto - you won’t be disappointed.

TED TAKES RATING - 8/10

The Forever Purge is now playing only in theaters. Check out the trailer below.

Read our review for the previous film, 2016’s The Purge: Election Year here.

F9

F9, also known as Fast & Furious 9, is a 2021 action film directed by Justin Lin, who also co-wrote the screenplay with Daniel Casey. It is the sequel to 2017’s The Fate of the Furious , and is the ninth main installment, and the tenth full-length film released overall in the Fast & Furious franchise (Hobbs & Shaw).

It is also the first film since Fast & Furious 6 (2013) to be directed by Lin after James Wan stepped in for Fast 7 and F. Gary Gray for The Fate of the Furious. The incredible cast includes Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris "Ludacris" Bridges, John Cena, Jordana Brewster, Nathalie Emmanuel, Sung Kang, Michael Rooker, Helen Mirren, Kurt Russell, and Charlize Theron.

F9 was originally scheduled for worldwide release in April 2020, but was delayed several times. The first few delays were caused by the releases of Hobbs & Shaw (2019) and No Time to Die (2021), and then the COVID-19 pandemic. F9 finally released internationally on May 19th, 2021, and in the U.S. on June 25th.

THE GOOD

Finally!! After what seemed like never-ending delays, the latest entry in the glorious Fast & Furious franchise is finally in theaters - and I felt like a high school kid without a worry in the world all over again as I walked into the theater. If you can’t tell already, I love this franchise.

Every movie is pedal to the metal especially as of late, and you can rest assured that F9 is no different. Dom and Letty have settled down and are living the family life, but are called into action when they find out that Cypher is once again threatening everything they care about most. We are quickly greeted with the always hilarious humor of Tyrese Gibson’s character, Roman, as the gang gets back together. The opening action sequence alone challenges the previous few films, which is impressive to say the least. Audiences are given a look at some never-before-seen backstory on the history of the Toretto family, and how racing and cars in general became engrained in Dom’s DNA. I enjoyed getting a glimpse of what things were like for him growing up, and really liked how they handled that aspect of the film. F9 almost feels like an origin story in many ways.

As I mentioned the action is a given once again, but the humor is also front and center in the film. Tyrese and Ludacris continue to provide the majority of the comic relief. F9 also serves as a fantastic tie in to the forgotten entry in the franchise, Tokyo Drift, which I thought was very cool. This helps to take the storyline in a new direction that has been hinted at over the last few entries. For that reason, F9 does take a break in the action to focus a bit more on the backstory before things come full circle in the end.

The cast has always been a driving force for this franchise, and that is the case here as well. The core group from Furious 7 and F8 are accounted for, minus Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham. The newest addition to the franchise, John Cena, makes himself right at home. I enjoyed the story arc that puts him on a collision course with the team, and something tells me we haven’t seen the last of him.

In typical Fast & Furious fashion, the CGI and special effects are absolutely top notch. We’ve come to accept the over-the-top impossible stunts at this point, so we can just sit back and enjoy the next jaw-dropping insane feat they throw at us - and a treat it is. With an estimated 200 million budget, which is likely much higher than that with marketing costs etc, no expense is spared yet again. The car chases, if you can even call them that, get crazier and crazier in each movie and the ante is somehow upped yet again. The other thing I cannot get enough of with these movies is the soundtrack, and it is hitting as hard as ever for this movie.

THE BAD

F9 will satisfy it’s loyal fanbase without question, but it isn’t perfect. My biggest issue is the fact that it can feel a little slow at times, specifically during the middle of the film, but luckily that is fairly short lived. I’ve seen every movie in the Fast & Furious franchise several times and own each one on Blu-ray, but decided to re-watch only Furious 7 and The Fate of the Furious (F8) before going to see F9.

For this reason, I did find myself noticing the void left by Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham’s respective characters, both of which played a big part in those two films. Johnson leaves the biggest void with his larger than life personality, so hopefully he comes out of “retirement” in the next film. I also would have preferred to see more of Kurt Russell’s Mr. Nobody character, and his right hand man that we were introduced to in F8 known only as “Little Nobody”, played by Scott Eastwood.

THE VERDICT

Sticking with a tried-and-true formula while adding another big name to the franchise, F9 smoothly shifts gears blending action, humor, and quality storytelling yet again. This serves as an origin story of sorts for Dominic Toretto, and is the perfect transition to the inevitable 10th film - just be sure to stick around for the post credits scene. I also really liked how they made sure to keep Brian’s legacy alive in the final scene, which reminded me why I love this franchise so much. They just get it. F9 is the official introduction to the summer movie season, so do yourself a favor and be sure to see it in theaters, you’ll be glad you did.

TED TAKES RATING - 8/10

F9 is now playing only in theaters. Check out the official trailer below.

Check out our BONUS REVIEW for Furious 7: The Last Ride here.

The Mitchells vs the Machines

By: Andrew Wing, Contributing Writer

The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a 2021 computer-animated science fiction comedy directed by Mike Rianda in his feature directorial debut. It follows Katie Mitchell (voiced by Abbi Jacobson), a quirky and aspiring filmmaker in Kentwood, Michigan who frequently clashes with her nature-obsessed and technophobic father Rick (voiced by Danny McBride). After Katie is accepted into the film school of her dreams in California, her family decides to use this opportunity to drive Katie to school on a cross-country road trip as one last bonding experience. However, when their plans are interrupted by a global robot uprising, the Mitchell family realizes that they must band together to save the world. The rest of the main cast includes Maya Rudolph who voices Katie’s mother, Linda Mitchell, and director Mike Rianda, who voices both Katie’s younger brother Aaron Mitchell and the family dog, Monchi.

The film was produced by Sony Pictures Animation, and just for referencing purposes, some of their other well-known productions you may know include: Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, The Smurfs, Hotel Transylvania, and one of my personal favorites, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. Other notable names worth mentioning attached to this production include both Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who served as producers for The Mitchells vs. the Machines. Lord and Miller are an American filmmaking duo who consistently put out amazingly funny movies such as The Lego Movie, and both 21 Jump Street and its sequel, 22 Jump Street. For me personally, just these names alone was enough to get me to check this out, and as you’ll see in my review, I am glad I did!

THE GOOD

Where do I start? First and foremost, this movie is just flat out really good. I am not exaggerating when I say that just about every scene in this 114 minute movie either put a smile on my face or made me laugh out loud. As I said in the introduction, I had pretty high expectations going into this just based on the track record of Sony Pictures Animation and both Lord and Miller, and I can honestly say that it exceeded my expectations. Before getting more in depth into all the good things that came with The Mitchells vs. the Machines such as its animation, themes, humor, and much more, the one aspect that made me enjoy this so much was just the story itself.

Sometimes in the movie industry nowadays, we can sometimes get bored with the excess of films dealing with the end of the world, in this case with robots. With that said, the reason we get bored with these movies is because they lack originality and we feel like we know how it is going to end because well, we have seen it time and time before. But that is just not the case when it comes to The Mitchells vs. the Machines. Writers Mike Rianda and Jeff Rowe just knocked it out of the park with this screenplay because it is so unique. From the LGBT representation that we get from one of the film’s protagonists, Katie Mitchell, to the dog of all characters who actually plays a vital role in the outcome of this story, it is just a movie unlike anything we have seen before and that is why I found it so entertaining.

Yes, the story is great, but there is so much more that makes The Mitchells vs. the Machines so darn good! First with the animation, the sequences throughout are second to none and that is in large part due to Sony Pictures because as I mentioned before, they have had a fair amount of success in the past when it comes to animation. Most recently with their 2018 computer-animated superhero film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse that actually won the award for Best Animated Feature Film at the 91st Academy Awards. The animation for The Mitchells vs. the Machines is so good that I would not be surprised one bit if Sony Pictures Animation catches lightning in a bottle twice and wins Best Animated Feature Film again for this movie at the 94th Academy Awards in 2022.

Outside of the story itself and the animation, there are two other areas I want to highlight that contribute to my high praise for this film. This ties in with the story, but the themes throughout only add to the greatness that is The Mitchells vs. the Machines. It really checks every box, it has the interesting science fiction elements with the highly intelligent AI PAL robots and eye-catching designs of said robots, it has a lot of energetic action throughout, while at the same time it contains themes of family and drama with the rocky relationship between college-bound daughter Katie Mitchell and her father Rick.

But arguably the best part of The Mitchells vs. the Machines is undoubtedly the humor from start to finish. I was not kidding when I said that every scene made me smile or laugh in this, mostly thanks to the voice roles played by famous comedic actors Danny McBride and Maya Rudolph, who crack me up in anything they are a part of. Believe me when I say that the family dog, Monchi, will be your favorite part of the entire movie because there is no denying that it was for me!

THE BAD

I’ll be honest, there is not a whole lot to hate about this movie. I guess you can say it was too predictable at times in some scenes, but at the end of the day it is a family movie with a unique story that I found extremely enjoyable. 

Also with this being a family movie, I think it is important to note that it does contain numerous action sequences and also contains flashing images and strobing sequences that may affect viewers who are susceptible to photo sensitivities.

THE VERDICT

With the superb performances from an amazing voice cast, The Mitchells vs. the Machines provides a breath of fresh air for all audiences with its funny, feel-good story from the minds that brought us great animation films of the past (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, The Lego Movie, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse) as it aims to showcase that not even a robot uprising is any match for the strong bonds and togetherness of the Mitchell family.

TED TAKES RATING - 8.8/10

The Mitchells vs the Machines is now streaming on Netflix. Check out the trailer below.

Furious 7 - The Last Ride

The fact of the matter is this, you will be hard pressed to find a final scene in a film that holds the emotional weight of The Last Ride. I remember feeling heartbroken the day Paul Walker passed away, not just because he was one of my favorite actors as he helped introduce me to the Fast & Furious films, but also because in some strange way he helped me feel that much more connected to my late brother as we both shared the same admiration for him as an actor.  

I had a heavy heart on the day of Paul Walker’s untimely death because it was the anniversary of my brother’s tragic motorcycle accident at the age of 24, which occurred on November 30th, 2006. Paul Walker’s accident occurred 7 years to the day on November 30th, 2013.  

Perhaps it is a simple coincidence that Paul and my brother left this earth on the same date, or just maybe it’s more than that - either way I know in my heart it was somehow meant to strengthen the connection I have with my brother. After Paul’s death the connection somehow grew stronger as it seemingly carried on into the world beyond the one we know, as well as the fact that his untimely death felt eerily familiar to that of my brothers - great men taken too soon who left a loving family behind. 

On that chilly Friday morning in April of 2015, I carried an emotional weight that entire day knowing that by 7:00 PM that night I would be in the movie theater about to witness the on-screen and real-life farewell to Paul Walker. I knew his death occurred prior to the completion of Furious 7 and they had recruited his brothers, who graciously agreed to help finish the remaining scenes to ensure their brother received the sendoff he deserved - now that’s just what brothers do. 

It was hard watching this film from start to finish, always paying extra attention to Walker’s character Brian O’Connor, the man who started as a cop trying to make a name for himself undercover and became a vital centerpiece to a new family. At the end as everyone gathered together on the beach just watching Brian and Mia play with their daughter at the ocean's edge, I was immediately choked up to the point where I couldn’t speak a word if I wanted to.

As Whiz Khalifa’s “See You Again” started to come through the theaters speakers I felt a chill begin to work its way through my body - seeing the look of genuine sadness on the actors’ faces as they said goodbye to a co-worker who became like family to them was so incredibly captivating and painfully sad at the same time. As Vin Diesel’s character Dominic Toretto walked off and left the others I remember thinking, “Where is he going? He didn't even say goodbye to Brian,” but what comes next was so perfect I was literally in awe of what I had just experienced.  

The camera shifts to Toretto driving down a long highway stopping at an intersection zoomed in on his face, and out of nowhere you hear the sound of another roaring engine. Toretto looks to his left and what does he see none other than his friend, no better yet his brother, Brian aka Paul looking over at him with the biggest and most genuine smile you’ve ever seen. This was Paul Walker saying his final goodbye, but even more than that it was him saying don’t worry about me -  I’m okay.  

The look on Paul Walker’s face at that moment was so eerily similar to the look my brother gave me in a dream I had after he said his final goodbye, and as sad as it was that dream gave me a small piece of closure that I needed more than I will ever truly understand. It was as though he was saying even though I am no longer on this Earth in the physical sense, I am still with you and you will see me again - and that is why the song, "See You Again" rings so true for me and stops me in my tracks each and every time it comes on the radio. No matter what I am doing when it starts playing, it gets my full attention. The incredible Fast & Furious movie montage that came next felt like a flooding of memories because of how important this franchise has been to my life, and although tears were running down my face, I was smiling- this was perfect.

As the engines came roaring to life both men pulled away, taking separate roads to symbolize their future journeys - and instead of the screen fading to black before the credits as we are accustomed to, it faded to white to symbolize the see you later mentality for the late Paul Walker. Incredible. 

Watch the full final scene below as well as the official See You Again music video, and get the tissues ready.

Larry Thomas Trafton Jr | February 1st, 1982 - November 30th, 2006

Paul William Walker IV | September 12th, 1973 - November 30th, 2013

Click here for the preview and official trailers for F9 now playing only in theaters.

The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard

The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard is a 2021 action comedy directed by Patrick Hughes, and written by Tom O'Connor and Brandon and Phillip Murphy. The film is a sequel to the 2017 film The Hitman's Bodyguard. It tells the story of bodyguard Michael Bryce who has finally made peace with leaving his old life behind, until Sonia Kincaid finds him and asks for his help getting her hitman husband Darius back, after he is taken by mobsters. 

The stellar cast includes Ryan Reynolds, Samuel L. Jackson, Salma Hayek, Richard E. Grant, Frank Grillo, Tom Hopper, Antonio Banderas, and Morgan Freeman.

Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard received a wide theatrical release on June 16th, 2021, courtesy of Lionsgate.

THE GOOD

If you watched the 2017 film you already know what to expect from Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard, and in no way is that a negative statement. I really enjoyed this movie as it gave me more of what I got from the original, which is a fantastic cast, and a ton of unapologetic humor and non-stop action. Michael Bryce (Reynolds) and Darius Kincaid (Jackson) are the ultimate odd couple, and I could honestly watch these two all day. Their chemistry is red hot yet again and the one-liners are aplenty, as well as plenty of Jackson’s trademark F-bombs. In the first film we were teased with a little bit of the “complexities”, if you want to call them that, of the relationship between Kincaid and his wife Sonia (Hayek).

That unhealthy yet hilarious relationship is front and center in The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard, and the two remain as devoted to each other as ever - which proves to be very unfortunate for Bryce and his goal of embarking on a peaceful and relaxing life. I admittedly have a soft spot for raunchy humor, but I laughed out loud more times than I can count during this movie right up until the very end. Reynolds character is the victim of many unfortunate “incidents” that leave him battered and bruised, and I cracked up each time.

To say the cast is the bread and butter of The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard would be a severe understatement. Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson are front and center once again and continue to ooze chemistry, and as the title clearly indicates the beautiful Salma Hayek plays a much more prominent role this time around and she is fantastic. There is just something about her overly revealing outfits and exotic accent combined with her propensity for violence.

Frank Grillo and ageless cinematic icon Morgan Freeman are welcome additions to the cast, and Antonio Banderas is great as well. From start to finish it is clear everyone had a blast making this movie, and I love to see that. Everyone seemed energetic and completely invested, and that really stood out for me. I can imagine they went through a ton of great cuts for each scene and I would love to see the outtakes. I just hope the movie does well enough to warrant a sure to be hilarious 3rd movie.

THE BAD

The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard is far from perfect, I’m not disputing that. It has flaws in the writing, CGI that is painfully bad at times, and I could see some of the jokes coming across as tasteless or even cringeworthy for some viewers. But, this is an action comedy that shows its cards early on, and never tries to be something else. If you enjoyed the first film, you will leave the theater with a smile on your face. And at the end of the day that’s what matters, right?

THE VERDICT

Raunchy, over-the-top, and loaded with talent, The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard is a throwback to old-school action comedies willing to take full advantage of a well-deserved R-rating. I mean come on, the fact that uptight critics want to shred a movie that was obviously a blast to work on by all involved and continued to build on the momentum from the first film is BS if you ask me. If you can’t find a way to enjoy this movie, you’re doing it wrong. If you are too easily offended, well I guess this movie just isn’t for you. Is it cinematic gold? Of course not, but for my money this is good old fashioned fun at the movie theater and I am glad I watched it on the big screen. Bring on the sequel!

TED TAKES RATING - 7/10

The Hitman's Wife's Bodyguard is now playing in theaters. Check out the trailer below.

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It is a 2021 horror thriller directed by Michael Chaves, with a screenplay by David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick from a story by Johnson-McGoldrick and James Wan. It serves as the 3rd film after The Conjuring (2013) and The Conjuring 2 (2016), and as the eighth installment in the Conjuring Universe.

Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga reprise their roles as paranormal investigators and authors Ed and Lorraine Warren, and the cast also includes Ruairi O'Connor, Sarah Catherine Hook, and Julian Hilliard also (The Haunting of Hill House). Wan and Peter Safran return to produce the film, which is based on the trial of Arne Cheyenne Johnson, a murder trial that took place in 1981 Connecticut.

The plot picks up in 1981 when demonologists Ed and Lorraine Warren document the exorcism of 8-year-old David Glatzel, attended by his family, his sister Debbie, and her boyfriend Arne Johnson, and Father Gordon in the town of Brookfield, Connecticut. The exorcism was supposed to end the torment for the family but it is just the beginning for Arne, leading us to the first time in U.S. history where demonic possession is claimed as a defense in a highly publicized murder case.

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It hit theaters and HBO Max on June 4th, courtesy of Warner Bros.

THE GOOD

I am a horror movie fanatic, simple is that. Regardless of whether it is big budget or indie, if it seems worthwhile I will watch it. The Conjuring films have been a breath of fresh air since the first film hit theaters in 2013, and I have been hooked ever since. The fact that then films are based on cases worked by real paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren is just icing on the cake for me.

I had high expectations as I always do with these films, and I really enjoyed The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. It included everything this franchise is known for which is stellar acting, great storytelling, and top-notch production value. The storyline was extremely interesting and kept my attention throughout, right up until the films final scenes. I liked how this time around we ventured into the justice system as far as claiming demonic possession as a defense for a murder charge, which is a wild concept. Another great thing about this film is it ties directly back to the Annabelle films within the Conjuring Universe. I won’t give anything away, but just be sure to pay attention otherwise you might miss the direct link which is actually a big part of this films backstory.

As I mentioned the acting is exceptional, lead by Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson as per usual. At this point Ed and Lorraine Warren, played by Farmiga and Wilson, have become a fixture in my cinematic journey. I feel like I have watched their relationship develop through these films and this is by far my favorite portrayal of their bond as both paranormal investigators and partners of 30+ years. I really liked how we were treated with a glimpse of how their relationship came to be, and also saw up close and personal just how much they meant to each other. They were a power couple when it came to the game of evil, that is for damn sure. The addition of Julian Hilliard from The Haunting of Hill House was a great casting decision. Horror movies often struggle to find solid child actors, but the 9-year old Dallas native is the real deal.

I really enjoyed Ruairi O'Connor’s portrayal of Arne Johnson, he played a crucial role in the film I thought he was fantastic. He reminded me of Bill Skarsgård in many ways, especially as his character progressed. They share some similar physical characteristics, but O’Connor also has that same ability to become a character that is a genuinely tortured soul. I’m not saying he is on Skarsgård’s level, but he is showing promise. The transformation was impressive considering the Arne Johnson we are introduced to at the beginning of the film. Eugenie Bondurant was incredible as the films primary antagonist. Just seeing her face made my skin crawl and that is exactly what you want from a role like this. She had a very “The Woman in Black” vibe going and I mean that in the best way possible. With Steve Coulton returning as Father Gordon, Shannon Kook playing the role of The Warren’s right hand man, and John Noble stepping in as a way to connect the film to others in the Conjuring Universe, the supporting cast was all around great.

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It may not be the scariest of the 3 films, that would be the original of course, but it is easily the most balanced. It includes exorcism/demonic possession, witchcraft/cult elements, and a great balance of a quality crime thriller. I’m not saying it isn’t scary because that would be a lie, it just depends on your tolerance. As the introduction points out the film is centered on the most polarizing case the Warren’s took on in their illustrious careers, and it took quite a tole on them personally and professionally. We are treated with a variety of horror elements including the classic jump scares, as well as my personal favorite when viewers are shown something extremely creepy and are left waiting for the inevitable. I loved the addition of the gluttony guy from Se7en, you’ll get it once you see the movie.

The writing is great with everything coming to light slowly and at the right time, I actually watched the movie a second time and was able to appreciate the writing that much more so pay close attention when watching. Director Michael Chavez does a really nice job behind the camera, making sure this entry maintains the same feel of the others. I am impressed with the fact that this is only his 2nd feature film, after his 2019 debut with The Curse of la Llorona, a horror film that received it’s fair share of criticism. I also thought the cinematography was top notch, and loved how integral of a role the score and soundtrack played in the film.

THE BAD

I think I have made it fairly clear so far that I don’t have many issues with The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It. It gave me everything I was hoping for, and then some. I feel like a broken record because I say this when I review pretty much any horror movie, but for my high tolerance it could have been scarier. But the fact is, these films are built around great acting and a quality storyline, so the amount of actual substance is beyond what you get from most horror films. And it really was plenty scary trust me, and just like the reminder during the credits when you hear the actual recordings, it is based on true events after all. That is terrifying any way you slice it.

Now with that being said, expectations are always high with these films for obvious reasons and the first viewing is always left open for criticism. We all have an idea of what we expect it will be, and more often than not the film takes a few backroads we didn’t expect. During my second viewing I was able to better appreciate the backstory and how the film tied into the rest of the Conjuring Universe, and I think that helped. The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It is not perfect, it won’t keep you up for weeks and have you covering your eyes every few minutes, but that’s okay. If you can find me a better all-around horror movie from this year with a better cast, backstory, and overall production value, then we can talk. I’ll wait.

THE VERDICT

The most fascinating case yet and a powerful portrayal of the bond shared by the late Ed and Lorraine Warren, The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It is a well-rounded horror film offering something for everyone. The Warrens are the couple that we horror and paranormal fans just can’t get enough of, especially when you add in the 80’s soundtrack and fantastic costume design. The Conjuring films hold weight in title alone, and we will be lucky to see another horror franchise even close to the level of these films. I just hope we get to see more of Ed and Lorraine Warren. If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our review for The Conjuring 2 here. The Conjuring 1 & 2 are now streaming on Netflix.

TED TAKES RATING - 8/10

The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It is now in theaters and streaming on HBO Max. Check out the trailer below.

Karen Gillan Channels John Wick In Stylish Action Thriller 'Gunpowder Milkshake' [TRAILER]

“Sam (KAREN GILLAN) was only 12 years old when her mother Scarlet (LENA HEADEY), an elite assassin, was forced to abandon her. Sam was raised by The Firm, the ruthless crime syndicate her mother worked for. Now, 15 years later, Sam has followed in her mother’s footsteps and grown into a fierce hit-woman. She uses her “talents” to clean up The Firm’s most dangerous messes. She’s as efficient as she is loyal.

But when a high-risk job goes wrong, Sam must choose between serving The Firm and protecting the life of an innocent 8-year-old girl - Emily (CHLOE COLEMAN). With a target on her back, Sam has only one chance to survive: Reunite with her mother and her lethal associates, The Librarians (MICHELLE YEOH, ANGELA BASSETT and CARLA GUGINO).

These three generations of women must now learn to trust each other, stand up to The Firm and their army of henchmen, and raise hell against those who could take everything from them.”

Gunpowder Milkshake is set to hit Netflix July 14th. Watch the official trailer below.

Wrong Turn

Wrong Turn is a 2021 horror thriller from director Mike P. Nelson (The Domestics), based on a screenplay from Alan B. McElroy, who wrote the original 2003 film. The story follows a diverse group of twenty somethings who decide to brave a portion of the vaunted Appalachian Trail (The A-T), in VERY rural Virginia. Unfortunately for them, after ignoring several warnings they cross paths with a dangerous and territorial community of “mountain people” known as The Foundation, living off the grid. After the group of hikers disappears like many before them, the father of one of the hikers played by the determined and seemingly ageless Matthew Modine, goes to investigate.

Wrong Turn received a Blu-ray/DVD and VOD release on February 23rd, courtesy of Lionsgate.

The Good

Wrong Turn is a well-written, and in many ways a refreshing thriller with more depth to the story than you would usually find in a film like this. I went in figuring I knew what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised with how much more it had to offer. It jumps from past to present a few times to set the stage for the backstory and eventual twists, and it all comes together nicely. Alan B. McElroy provides a script that allows us the opportunity to really sink our teeth into this world he created not so far from our own reality. Don’t be surprised if the franchise is given new life even if it is heading in a new direction.

The conclusion is extremely satisfying, and includes easily the best ending credits scene of recent memory. We often start to envision how we would like a movie to end and it rarely happens in the way we hope it will, so it’s nice when it works out. I also thought the score and soundtrack were one of the highlights of the film doing a fantastic job setting the tone.

The Bad

Wrong Turn suffers from what most horror films seem to deal with, which is mediocre acting. The majority of the cast is serviceable, but they are unable to match the intensity of the film making some of the more pivotal scenes a bit less believable.

As I mentioned previously I was impressed with the writing, but it was predictable at times. I also would have preferred the film to follow more of a horror formula, but it tends to fall more in line with the thriller genre. I also thought the kills were a bit lazy and lacking creativity, for the majority of the film anyway.

The Verdict

Wrong Turn is able to avoid the pitfalls that plague most lower budget horror films, offering a surprisingly deep backstory and possibly the best during credits scene you’ll ever see. If you were a fan of the original films or just enjoy a good horror movie, this is worth checking out.

TED TAKES RATING - 7/10

Wrong Turn is now available On-Demand as well as for rental and purchase. Check out the trailer below.

LeBron James Makes His Tune Squad Debut In 'Space Jam: A New Legacy' [TRAILER]

“NBA superstar LeBron James teams up with Bugs Bunny and the rest of the Looney Tunes for this long-awaited sequel.”

From director Malcolm D. Lee and producer Ryan Coogler, Space Jam: A New Legacy picks up where the classic 1996 film left off and paves the way for a new generation. The cast includes LeBron James, Don Cheadle, Cedric Joe, Sonequa Martin-Green, and a ridiculous amount of cameos from current NBA stars.

Space Jam: A New Legacy is set to hit theaters and HBO Max on July 16th. Watch the official trailers below.

Minari

By: Andrew Wing, Contributing Writer

Minari is a 2020 American drama film written and directed by Lee Isaac Chung. The plot follows a family of South Korean immigrants that just moved from the West Coast to rural Arkansas during the 1980s who must adapt to their new surroundings and overcome the challenges that they face along the way. Infact, it also just so happens to be that Minari is a semi-autobiographical story of Chung’s upbringing about him growing up in America with his South Korean family.

The film is helped by some extremely sincere performances from the outstanding cast which includes Steven Yeun in the lead role as Jacob Yi, the father. Yeun is most well-known for his role as Glenn Rhee in the AMC television series The Walking Dead that saw him rise to national prominence as an actor in the industry. The rest of the main cast includes Han Ye-ri as Monica Yi, the mother, Alan Kim as Jacob Yi, the son, Noel Kate Cho as Anne Yi, the daughter, Youn Yuh-jung as Soon-ja, the grandmother (Monica’s mother), and also Will Patton (Remember the Titans, Armageddon) as Paul, Jacob’s farmhand.

THE GOOD

Upon hearing the amount of hype this movie was getting after first premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in January of last year where it won many awards, I have been eagerly waiting to watch this movie, and let me just say, it was well worth the wait. Similar to another movie I reviewed a few months back, Nomadland, Minari is a beautiful story of human beings trying to stay in touch and in peace with the natural world despite the many obstacles they face. From the opening minutes, you will be enthralled into the story of the Yi family and it will keep you that way up until the very last scene before the credits begin to roll.

The reason in my opinion why Minari has received so much widespread acclaim from critics and also why I enjoyed it so much is one reason and one reason only, and that would be the phenomenal performances from the entire cast. Yes, the cinematography and score are both fantastic, but the acting is truly what makes this movie so special. First with Steven Yeun, this was his coming-out party in my opinion in terms of him showing the world that his name deserves to be mentioned when you are discussing the upper echelon of actors in the movie industry today. For all of us who are fans of The Walking Dead like myself, we absolutely loved Glenn during his run on the show and we were heartbroken when he met his demise (sorry if that’s a spoiler but come on, it happened in 2016), but I would say he made the right decision leaving the show because he is now a movie star and I know I am not alone in my thinking because at the 93rd Academy Awards, Yeun earned himself a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actor, becoming the first Asian American actor to receive this honor. 

Speaking of 93rd Academy Awards nominations, there was another member of the cast of Minari that received a nomination for their performance and actually won the award, and that would be Youn Yuh-jung, winning the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal of Soon-ja, the hilarious grandmother who will certainly keep a smile on your face from beginning to end. I didn’t think going into this movie that I would be laughing out loud for good chunks of it but boy I thought wrong. The back and forth banter between Soon-ja and her grandson David Yi (portrayed by the 8-year-old Alan Kim) throughout the movie is simply genius on the part of Lee Isaac Chung’s writing and is worth the price of admission if you ask me. Lastly, the superb performances by Han Ye-ri as Monica Yi, the mother, and Noel Kate Cho as Anne Yi, the daughter, only add to the greatness of the film, and it was also great to see Will Patton who plays Paul back on the big screen simply adding another solid performance to his illustrious filmography.

THE BAD

If you haven’t been able to tell up to this point, I really liked this movie and I had a hard time finding something wrong with it. With that being said though, I won’t beat around the bush, the movie can be slow at some points because a large portion of the movie deals with Jacob working in the fields trying to grow Korean produce that he can sell to vendors to make a living for him and his family. Also, with the story being centered around a family of South Korean immigrants, the movie is heavy in subtitles so if that is not something you can handle, then this might not be the movie for you. Personally, I have never had a problem with subtitles, I actually find it to be helpful for me when watching movies but I know it can be annoying to some so I just wanted to put that out as a warning before you go ahead and decide whether or not to watch the film.

THE VERDICT

Led by triumphant performances from Steven Yeun and Youn Yuh-jung, as well as stellar performances from the rest of the cast, Minari is a heart-wrenching story of the “American Dream”, but also a heart-warming story of family and assimilation in 1980s America that will make you laugh, will make you cry, but most importantly, you will see the undeniable resilience of family and what really makes a home.

TED TAKES RATING - 9/10

Minari is now available for rental and purchase. Check out the trailer below.

Hugh Jackman Stars In Sci-Fi Thriller 'Reminiscence' From Westworld Co-Creator [TRAILER]

From writer/director/producer Lisa Joy comes Warner Bros. Pictures’ action thriller “Reminiscence,” starring Hugh Jackman, Rebecca Ferguson and Thandiwe Newton.

Nick Bannister (Jackman), a private investigator of the mind, navigates the darkly alluring world of the past by helping his clients access lost memories. Living on the fringes of the sunken Miami coast, his life is forever changed when he takes on a new client, Mae (Ferguson). A simple matter of lost and found becomes a dangerous obsession. As Bannister fights to find the truth about Mae's disappearance, he uncovers a violent conspiracy, and must ultimately answer the question: how far would you go to hold on to the ones you love?

Reminiscence will hit theaters and HBO Max August 20th. Watch the official trailer below.

Mark Wahlberg Stars In Antoine Fuqua's 'Infinite' Coming June 10th [TRAILER]

Infinite is a 2021 sci-fi action thriller from director Antoine Fuqua. Ian Shorr adapted the screenplay and Todd Stein wrote the screen story, based on the 2009 novel The Reincarnationist Papers, from author D. Eric Maikranz.

It tells the story of Evan McCauley, a man with skills he has never learned and memories of places he has never visited which haunt his daily life. Self-medicated and on the brink of a mental breakdown, Evan is sought by a secret group that call themselves “Infinites,” revealing to him that his memories may be real—but they are from multiple past lives.

The film stars Mark Wahlberg, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Sophie Cookson, Jason Mantzoukas, Rupert Friend, Liz Carr, Toby Jones, and Dylan O'Brien.

Infinite will be available to stream June 10th exclusively on Paramount+. Watch the official new trailer below.

Cruella

Cruella is a 2021 live-action comedy based on the character Cruella de Vil from Dodie Smith's 1956 novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians, and Walt Disney's 1961 animated film adaptation. The film is directed by Craig Gillespie with a screenplay by Dana Fox and Tony McNamara, It is the third live-action adaptation in the 101 Dalmatians franchise, and serves as a prequel. 

The cast includes Emma Stone, Emma Thompson, Joel Fry, Paul Walter Hauser, Emily Beecham, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, and Mark Strong. Set in London during the punk rock movement of the 1970s, the film revolves around Estella, an aspiring fashion designer, as she explores the path that will lead her to become a notorious up and coming fashion designer known as Cruella de Vil.

Cruella premiered in Los Angeles on May 18th, 2021, the first major red carpet event since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and hit theaters and Disney+ with Premier Access on May 28th.

THE GOOD

I grew up with 101 Dalmations engrained in my childhood even though I never considered it to be essential - it was just always there. If I came across a white dog with black spots, I always thought of the classic Disney film. Plus the character of Cruella de Vil is easily one of the more recognizable characters in the Disney cannon. Either way, I am a sucker for some nostalgia which is why I was very much looking forward to Disney’s live-action remake, and thankfully it was worth the anticipation.

This 2021 adaptation of Cruella is a genuinely enjoyable time at the movie theater for the entire family, with plenty of laughs, incredible costume design, and an engaging origin story for a very complex character. I liked how they had Emma Stone narrating the majority of the film with her nearly unrecognizable accent, and thought the story itself was told seamlessly as we transitioned from the reserved Estella to the outgoing and vengeful Cruella.

I was extremely impressed with Emma Stone’s ability to switch between characters in the way that she did. Viewers who have any interest in fashion design will likely see this at least 5 times as it surely checks all of the boxes in that category. If Cruella doesn’t take home some gold for costume design, the system is rigged that’s all I will say. I also loved the immersive 1970’s London setting during the punk rock movement, offering some amazing opportunities for the cinematography and a hard-hitting soundtrack. It all felt very authentic and alive, and was a huge value add for the film itself.

At times Cruella had a DC Comics feel to it, more specifically the Joker character during the signature scenes when Estella was making her transformation to the famed Cruella de Vil. She had a recognizable over the top attention seeking style minus the propensity for violence, of course. This also added the element of surprise not knowing how far she was willing to go to get what she wanted and fulfill her dream. This portion of the film was the most exciting, and was really the signature stamp for the Cruella character that will surely carry us right on to the sequel.

I’m sure this is a surprise to nobody, but Emma Stone absolutely crushes it as Estella/Cruella. She dives head first into the character and even nails the accent. She was perfect for the role especially as they try and potentially build an all-new franchise. Emma Thompson did not miss a beat as the unpleasant and easy to hate Baroness especially as the rivalry ensued. I really liked the unique chemistry she developed with Stone throughout the film. The supporting cast was fantastic, with Mark Strong making a hugely positive impact as per usual.

I loved Joel Fry and Paul Walter Hauser as Estella’s friends/gang mates, Jasper and Horace. Hauser is responsible for the majority of the comic relief, and was able to get quite a few laughs out of the audience with a few words and his hilarious facial expressions. The accent certainly helped as well. He is most recognizable as Richard Jewell in the 2019 film, but I also thought he was hilarious as the idiotic bodyguard in the 2017 film I, Tonya. I expect we will continue to see more from him going forward. I also really liked John McCrea as Estella’s eccentric “business partner” Artie. Overall the entire cast was great.

THE BAD

Cruella delivers the goods for fans without a doubt, but it’s not perfect. With a film as flashy and stylish as this it can be easy to lose sight of what matters most, which in my opinion is the story itself. In general the writing was great and gave us the origin story we needed, but at times things felt flat and uninspiring when they could have done more to develop the war between Cruella and The Baroness. Just some missed opportunities in my opinion, but who knows maybe they already have a script for the next movie ready to go and didn’t want to overdue things. It’s hard to argue that Cruella gets by on style over substance for the majority of the film anyway.

THE VERDICT

With lots of laughs, exceptional costume design, and a hefty dose of nostalgia, Disney’s Cruella brings plenty to the table and builds towards an inevitable sequel. I really enjoyed this movie, and felt like it was a nice balance between being more for adults and more for kids, it sort of sits right in the middle. If you’re on the fence about seeing this right away, I can happily offer you the nudge you need and can say with certainty you won’t regret it.

You can watch Cruella from the comfort of your couch with $29.99 and a Disney+ subscription, but the opportunity to watch it in a theater while experiencing the laughs from fellow movie lovers is well worth it in my opinion.

TED TAKES RATING - 8/10

Cruella is now playing in theaters and available on Disney+ as a Premier Access rental. Check out the trailer below.

A Quiet Place Part II

Written and directed by John Krasinski, A Quiet Place Part II is a 2021 sci-fi horror thriller, and is the follow-up to the hit 2018 film that excited both audiences and critics. Following the events at home, the Abbott family now face the terrors of the outside world. Forced to venture into the unknown, they realize the creatures that hunt by sound are not the only threats lurking beyond the sand path. The cast includes Emily Blunt, Noah Jupe, Millicent Simmonds, and Cillian Murphy.

Like many movies initially slated for a 2020 release A Quiet Place Part II was delayed several times due to the pandemic. It was eventually given a concrete release date and hit theaters on May 28th courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

THE GOOD

A Quiet Place Part II is a really, really good movie, end of story. Even if we ignore the fact that the gorgeous Emily Blunt who I just cannot get enough of is front and center once again, this is just A+ entertainment. I loved the first movie and felt that it somehow managed to find this niche place within the crowded “end of the world as we know it” type films. I would say these movies are probably most comparable to Will Smith’s I Am Legend in terms of overall setting and feel, but so much more exhilarating. Your eyes will be glued to the screen right from the opening scene, always worried that you might miss something. A Quiet Place Part II is one of those rare sequels that finds a way to seamlessly continue the story from the first film without sacrificing quality.

A Quiet Place Part II had some very intense moments to the point where I felt like I was holding my breath at times. I went to see the first movie in theaters on opening day, and I remember not even wanting to reach for my popcorn because I didn’t want to make a sound. It was a theater experience like no other, and all of that came flooding back with A Quiet Place Part II. The film opens with a flashback to when it all started which could not have been more perfect, and even though it has been quite some time since I watched the original, it made me feel like I just watched it. The way in which we are made to genuinely care about these characters is impressive especially considering the lack of overall personal backstory. You may not be able to relate to the circumstances they find themselves in, but the feeling of protecting your family at all costs is something that resonates with viewers.

Similar to the first film, A Quiet Place Part II utilizes the ability to mute all sound during certain moments as if to experience what is happening from the perspective of the oldest child Regan, who is deaf. This adds tremendous value to the film and makes these scenes that much more intense. That was one of my favorite elements of the first film, and I’m glad they stuck with it. The first movie had the “monsters” essentially hiding in the shadows for the majority of the film only showing themselves towards the end. With A Quiet Place Part II, they are much more visible and on the forefront of the action right from the beginning which is actually a really good thing. This allows for less of a need for buildup and instead shifts the focus towards the action.

The CGI was top-notch throughout delivering an enemy that is next-level terrifying, obliterating victims in a matter of seconds. Tons of credit to the technical crew because coming off corny can easily ruin a film like this, and that was never the case. I also thought the score played a pivotal role throughout ensuring viewers were never comfortable. Just a warning if you are a parent, A Quiet Place Part II will take years off your life. I mean let’s be honest, the idea of having to keep a baby from crying with the threat of instant death if you fail could be a horror movie on its own. But in all seriousness, the tension will somehow enter your body and won’t leave you until you are walking out of the theater. I know that sounds horrible, but I swear it’s a good thing.

The cast is nothing short of amazing. I am admittedly obsessed with Emily Blunt and have been for quite some time, she is just so great at taking on such a strong and commanding role leaving zero room to question her authenticity. She is the epitome of a badass mom, that’s for sure. Millicent Simmonds is incredible. The 18-year old Utah native has been deaf since she was a baby due to a medication overdose, and Krasinski bringing her on board for the first film was easily one of the best decisions he could have made. Not only is she that much more authentic in this role, her abilities as an actress are just inspiring. I look forward to more from her in the future. I am a huge Noah Jupe fan and can say without a doubt he will be one of the next great actors. I also really liked the addition of Cillian Murphy and felt like he did a really great job with his role.

THE BAD

I have thought long and hard about this and I can’t think of anything I didn’t like about A Quiet Place Part II. I mean, you always have that “was a sequel really necessary” thought in the back of your mind when you go and see a sequel to a movie that you really enjoyed, but in this case it was absolutely the right decision. It is the PERFECT continuation of the first film and almost feels like it was part 2 of a 2-part series. The ending is a bit abrupt and sort of a cliffhanger which might bother some people, but I had no issue with it. It is the perfect setup for a 3rd movie if they decide to make another one, and I think they will.

THE VERDICT

An edge-of-your-seat sci-fi horror thriller with a uniquely talented cast, John Krasinski’s A Quiet Place Part II is a rare must-see sequel that demands the theater experience. I hate to put myself in a box here but I think I actually liked this more than the original, crazy I know. I can’t stress this enough, you NEED to see this movie in the theater. Krasinski himself thanks you on-screen for coming to the theater prior to the start of the movie, and you will quickly realize that you made the right decision.

If you wait a few months for the VOD release you will only be hurting yourself. At just an hour and 37 minutes long, the movie flies by and is never boring. So what are you waiting for, get over to the theater and see A Quiet Place Part II as soon as you can - you’ll thank me later.

TED TAKES RATING - 9.5/10

A Quiet Place Part II is now playing only in theaters. Check out the trailer below.

Read our review for the original film, A Quiet Place, here.

Wrath of Man

Wrath of Man is a 2021 crime thriller written and directed by Guy Ritchie, from a script he co-wrote with Ivan Atkinson and Marn Davies. It is based on the 2004 French film Cash Truck, from Nicolas Boukhrief and Éric Besnard. It tells the story of a mysterious and stone faced cash truck security guard who surprised his coworkers during a heist in which he unexpectedly unleashes precision skills. The crew is left wondering who he is and where he came from. Soon, his motive becomes clear as he takes dramatic and deadly steps to settle a score.

The cast includes Jason Statham, Holt McCallany, Jeffrey Donovan, Josh Hartnett, Laz Alonso, Raúl Castillo, Deobia Oparei, Eddie Marsan, and Scott Eastwood. Wrath of Man received a wide theatrical release on May 7th courtesy of MGM Studios.

THE GOOD

One thing is for sure, Guy Ritchie’s trademark style is undeniable. From his gritty in your face camera work, to his no BS and potentially offensive dialogue (some people, anyway), his films always stand out and feel true to his vision. Now since his debut film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998), he has delivered his fair share of even-keeled entertainment, including the 2019 Aladdin remake, but at his core films like Wrath of Man are where his talent truly shines through in my opinion.

Quite frankly, this is a return to old heist thrillers that have been watered down as of late, and that was a great thing for me. The most comparable film in recent memory would have to be Den of Thieves with Gerard Butler and Pablo Schreiber, with a less talented writer/director. They share a similar gritty feel but still have an immersive backstory to accompany the action. Plus plenty of shootouts and intense car chases, just what every heist thriller needs. Movies like this get me excited, which is probably why I’ve seen Den of Thieves at least 20 times, easily. It actually has a sequel in the works which I am excited for.

I really enjoyed all of the planning that went into the heists, sort of reminded me of the Ocean’s movies accounting for every single detail and potential variable. On the technical side of things, the soundtrack, cinematography, and score all work in sync and help drive the story while giving the film its much needed edge. I also liked how it jumped from the present to the past seamlessly as the story unraveled. Statham goes more John Wick in this movie and relies on the tried and true bullet to the face method as opposed to hand to hand combat, and I was more than okay with that. If there was ever a movie that requires you to eat wings and drinks beers, this is it.

The cast for Wrath of Man is similar to the Brooklyn Nets talent wise when it comes to crime thrillers, and that’s saying something. Jason Statham is the face of the film for obvious reasons, and he is amazing as always. Few directors can make a character as badass as Ritchie, and we all know that Statham needs little help in that department. He is the epitome of an alpha male, and if you are dealing with low testosterone levels, they’ll be up significantly after watching him take care of business.

I was very impressed with Scott Eastwood in his role and thought that he absolutely crushed it. It was great to see Josh Hartnett is a supporting role. Holt McCallany, the star of the Netflix series Mindhunter, was the perfect addition to the cast. I also have to give an honorable mention to Jeffrey Donovan, Laz Alonso from The Boys, and swiss army knife actor Eddie Marsan. Everyone came across as stone cold from top to bottom and more than held their own. Oh and needless to say I love a good Post Malone sighting, his scene had me laughing pretty good.

THE BAD

Wrath of Man delivered on what I was hoping for and left me with little to complain about, but that doesn’t mean some people won’t have some issues with the movie. In true Guy Ritchie fashion, the dialogue is often over-the-top insensitive and may offend some people especially considering todays climate. I wasn’t offended at all, which I suppose speaks to my own unresolved issues, but that is a discussion I should be having with my therapist. But seriously, Ritchie is unapologetic and stays true to his old-school filming style and I can’t get enough of it.

THE VERDICT

An unapologetically violent heist thriller that packs a punch and takes full advantage of a stacked cast, Guy Ritchie’s Wrath of Man is more than worth 2 hours of your time. I had an absolute blast watching this movie, and was reminded just how much I have missed watching Jason Statham kick ass during his Transporter days. I don’t care if we are talking about Death Race (which I will admit, I did enjoy), he always means business. With one of the most talented casts in recent memory and enough adrenaline to last you at least another 48 hours after the credits roll, this is a movie that warrants multiple viewings. See Wrath of Man on the big screen with the sound blaring and get your summer started off right.

TED TAKES RATING - 8.5/10

Wrath of Man is now playing in theaters. Check out the trailer below.

Those Who Wish Me Dead

From director Taylor Sheridan, the man behind Sicario, Hell or High Water, Wind River, and Yellowstone, Those Who Wish Me Dead is a 2021 crime thriller that tells the story of a teenage murder witness who finds himself pursued by twin assassins in the Montana wilderness with a survival expert tasked with protecting him -- and a forest fire threatening to consume them all. The film is based on the novel from Michael Koryta. The cast includes Angelina Jolie, Jon Bernthal, Nicholas Hoult, Tyler Perry, Aidan Gillen, and Finn Little. The film is scheduled for a theatrical and HBO Max release on May 14th, 2021 from Warner Bros. Pictures.

THE GOOD

Taylor Sheridan is the man, end of story. Whether we are talking about Sicario, Hell or High Water, or Wind River, the former Son’s of Anarchy actor is easily one of my favorite writer/directors. If he is involved with a film you can rest assured it will pack a punch, and that is certainly the case here. Those Who Wish Me Dead is an exciting crime thriller set in the beautiful state of Montana.

I really enjoyed the story and thought it was paced well with plenty of depth. In true Taylor Sheridan fashion, the film has a gritty feel throughout and characters that you genuinely care about. I was on the edge of my seat and couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. The score and cinematography are incredible as well, bringing rural Montana roaring to life.

The acting is next level from top to bottom, with fantastic performances from Angelina Jolie and Jon Bernthal. Bernthal has been a favorite of mine since his Walking Dead days and continues with the perfect role here. I also really enjoyed the complex characters Nicholas Hoult and Aidan Gillen played as the films primary antagonists. Young Australian actor Finn Little impressed me as well, and likely has a bright future ahead of him.

THE BAD

I don’t have much negative to say about Those Who Wish Me Dead, but if I wanted to nitpick I suppose I would point out the fact that after the conclusion viewers still have some questions about the backstory that drives the films narrative. I get that some people need all of the details and a nice little bow tied on at the end of a movie, but it doesn’t bother me that much. With that being said, this is based on a book and it is extremely difficult to fit everything in the movie version - one more reason to read the book, right? I will be picking it up soon myself.

THE VERDICT

Top-tier acting matched only by the incredible scenery and engaging storyline, Those Who Wish Me Dead is a crime thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. I still need to read the book, but I am a Taylor Sheridan Guy through and through. He just gets it when it comes to crime thrillers and always seems to work with the best actors.

You can catch Those Who Wish Me Dead on HBO Max, but if you are like and prefer the theater experience, it is well worth the price of admission.

TED TAKES RATING - 8/10

Those Who Wish Me Dead is now playing in theaters and available on HBO Max. Check out the trailer below.

Netflix To Debut Horror Film Series 'Fear Street' This Summer [TRAILER]

Three Movies. Three Weeks. One Killer Story.

In 1994, a group of teenagers discovers that the terrifying events that have haunted their town for generations ​may all be connected — and that they may be the next targets. Based on R.L. Stine’s best selling horror series, the trilogy follows the nightmare through Shadyside’s sinister history.

Watch the Fear Street Trilogy only on Netflix this July. Official teaser trailer below.

• Fear Street Part One: 1994 - July 2nd

• Fear Street Part Two: 1978 - July 9th

• Fear Street Part Three: 1666 - July 16th

Spiral

From director Darren Lynn Bousman, the man behind Saw II, III, and IV, Spiral is a 2021 horror thriller described as a re-imaging of the popular Saw franchise. The film tells the story of detective Zeke Banks and his rookie partner who take charge of an investigation into grisly murders that are eerily reminiscent of the city's gruesome past. Living in the shadow of his father and dealing with a checkered past, Zeke finds himself at the center of the killer's morbid game. The film stars Chris Rock, Samuel L. Jackson, Marisol Nichols, and Max Minghella. Spiral made it’s theatrical debut on May 14th courtesy of Lionsgate.

The Saw franchise entered our lives 17 years ago from a script by James Wan and Leigh Whannel, with Wan directing. A year later Darren Lynn Bousman took over the directors chair with Saw II, based on a script he co-wrote along with Whannel. Bousman went on to direct Saw III (2006) and Saw IV (2007), but stepped away from the franchise after that. He has returned with the newest entry Spiral, originally titled Spiral: From the Book of Saw, written by Josh Stolberg and Pete Goldfinger, the two behind 2017’s Jigsaw.

THE GOOD

Love it or hate it, the Saw franchise always makes it a point to stick to its roots and I respect that. I have been a fan of the franchise since the original, and even though some of the sequels were a bit repetitive and started to lack backstory, I still enjoyed them. Now here we are in 2021, 5+ months removed from the nightmare year that was 2020 and we have another saw movie - perfect timing if you ask me. Spiral more or less starts from scratch within the same Saw Universe with the memory of the infamous serial killer John Kramer, known as The Jigsaw Killer, fresh in the minds of the public and law enforcement.

Before I get off track, I really enjoyed Spiral. It was packed full of nostalgia for fans of the franchise from the signature murder traps to the unique directing style thanks to Bousman’s return. The film carves out a brand new backstory with lots of depth and twists and turns which has been a trademark of the franchise for the earlier films, as well as the most recent entry Jigsaw. The cast has plenty of talent and recognizable faces, most notably Samuel L. Jackson and comedian/actor Chris Rock.

Jackson is great as always, and I actually thought they did a great job with Rock’s character. Once the film and the cast were announced I know we all had questions about the decision to put comedian first actor second Chris Rock in a lead role in a film like this, myself included, but I was pleased with the end result. He is not some stone cold Shaft like character in the detective world, and he retains his skillful delivery of hilarious one-liners. He had me laughing quite a bit especially earlier on. His character is actually a bright spot in the movie, and I for one am glad he was a part of it. Oh and Marisol Nichols (24, Riverdale) who plays Captain Angie Garza, is absolutely gorgeous. I also really liked Max Minghella from The Handmaid’s Tale who had a prominent role.

Hardcore Saw fans care about the trademark kills, and they can rest assured that they worked hard to make these feel fresh and new. First of all, they aren’t shy with the blood and gore that’s for damn sure. I won’t give anything away of course, but if you watched the trailer you’ll know that the mess on the train tracks is just the beginning. What I always enjoyed most about the Saw movies ever since the original were the predicaments the victims find themselves in. I mean I’d rather not find myself in a situation where I either cut off my own arm or die, but it did happen to James Franco in 127 Hours so I guess crazier things have happened. The thrill is on full display in Spiral and I was definitely on the edge of my seat and feeling real nervous at the right times. Either way, don’t piss off Jigsaw or anyone who idolizes him because you’ll end up having a really, really bad day.

I enjoyed the score and soundtrack which gave Spiral a hard-hitting feel right from the start, with an original song from 21 Savage and the music and score from Charlie Clouser, who also worked on Jigsaw. It had a concrete jungle feel to it which fit with the setting and premise of the film. The score and soundtrack are too often overlooked these days if you ask me, so it is always something I can appreciate.

THE BAD

All things considered I don’t have a ton of complaints about Spiral, but it certainly wasn’t perfect. With that being said, unlike many of the naïve and oblivious critics, I knew what to expect. Criticizing a Saw movie for having too much gore is like giving The Conjuring a bad rating for being too scary, it makes zero sense. Although the acting was easily one of the films strengths, it still proved to be a weakness at times. I really liked Chris Rock’s character but his delivery in some of the more dramatic scenes left something to be desired. His bread and butter is toeing the line of someone with thick skin and a propensity for vulgar humor, and they did stray from that more often than I would have preferred although it was necessary to drive the story. I also felt like most of the supporting cast was hit or miss.  

The story was absolutely a strength of the film as well, but I did feel like they missed out on a few opportunities to dig deeper into a fairly complex backstory. The twist is worth it in the end, but you can’t help but feel like certain aspects were rushed or not fully unpacked.

THE VERDICT

With a killer soundtrack, plenty of great one-liners thanks to Chris Rock, and enough gore to satisfy it’s loyal fanbase, Spiral is a more than worthy revival for a storied franchise. Whether you are a fan of the original films or not, as long as you can stomach the blood and gore I suggest you see this in theaters - it packs a punch. It brings enough for those looking for a good crime thriller, and the “predicaments” the victims found themselves in gave me chills more than a few times. I’m looking forward to the inevitable sequel.

TED TAKES RATING - 7/10

Spiral is now playing only in theaters. Check out the trailer below.