Mass

By: Andrew Wing

Mass is a 2021 American drama film written and directed by Fran Kranz (known for having prominent acting roles in The Cabin in the Woods and Much Ado About Nothing) in his directorial debut and starring Reed Birney (Morning Glory, The Hunt), Ann Dowd (The Handmaid’s Tale, Hereditary), Jason Isaacs (The Patriot, Harry Potter film series), and Martha Plimpton (The Goonies, The Good Wife).

The film follows two sets of parents: Jay (Isaacs) and Gail Perry (Plimpton) are parents grieving the death of their son, a victim of a school shooting. Richard (Birney) and Linda (Dowd) are the parents of the perpetrator. Six years after the tragedy, both couples agree to meet and talk.

Mass had its world premiere at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival on January 30, 2021, and was released on October 8, 2021, by Bleecker Street.

THE GOOD

The time has finally come! I have been patiently waiting for Mass ever since I saw how well it did at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival! The trailer hooks you right in with its extremely real and emotionally intense story that is all too familiar given the tragic events of the past 20+ years. With that said, I was just eager to see how this story would be brought to the big screen, so keep reading to find out my thoughts!

As I said earlier, this is the debut film from Fran Kranz. Kranz is an actor who has appeared sporadically with supporting roles in movies, but I got a feeling he will be a household name as a director after this. His screenplay here is phenomenal. The story is ultimately about families that are struggling to find some sort of healing in the wake of a school shooting. I loved how the way he went around dealing with the tragedy didn’t feel forced at any point. He never showed flashbacks to the day which was good because that might have pushed things too far. He made it able for the audience to explore the issue in a way that wasn’t too heavy-handed. It’s a drama about the healing process, and the writing was so great that we got to have all four main characters fleshed out so we got to see them all heal in their own unique way. It’s definitely one of the best screenplays of the past couple of years, and it’d be an atrocity if this didn’t get nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards.

Not only is his screenplay deserving of praise, but his overall direction should not be overlooked. I liked how Kranz decided to make this a sort of chamber-piece by having it all take place in one room. Despite it only taking place in one room, it still felt cinematic because you can feel the tension in the room and the details of all the performances. It just felt appropriate and very real. It honestly felt like this had been adapted from a play with the way it is shot, but the editing and cinematography were exceptional, and I can’t say enough for Kranz’s filmmaking here.

Onto the four performances, and I kid you not, they were all extraordinarily strong. I will start with the performances we got from Jason Isaacs and Martha Plimpton who play Jay and Gail Perry, the parents of the victim. They played characters who have experienced the worst loss imaginable, the loss of a child. We really get a deep sense of who they are and how they have dealt with the tragedy in their first few minutes on screen. Plimpton and Isaacs both gave their career-best performances in my eyes, and their scenes are just stunning and they will most certainly make you cry. They do an excellent job and their performances are so real that you feel everything they feel by watching. They are so good in this that they deserve to both be nominated for every award they can be, and I hope this is just the beginning of seeing them in more leading dramatic roles in the future.

Next when it comes to the performances are Reed Birney and Ann Dowd who play Richard and Linda, the parents of the perpetrator. Ann Dowd is probably the most recognizable name in this film from starring in The Handmaid’s Tale, whereas Reed Birney will be unknown to most audiences as he has really only done Broadway plays. They were both superb in this, and I would say that Dowd gave the best performance of the four, but they were all perfect. Dowd dominates every second she is on the screen, and she is quickly becoming one of the best supporting actresses in the business right now. I would say she is the one most likely to be nominated for awards, and if she doesn’t, I will be floored. As for Birney, he plays the most conservative of the bunch and you don’t think he will break down, but when he does, it just gets you. I hope we see him in more films after this, because the man is very talented.

THE BAD

There is absolutely nothing “bad” about this film. The only thing that stuck out was that it was kind of exhausting at times because of how heavy the subject matter is. The movie is just under 2 hours long, and I think it might have been better suited as a 90 minute one. With that said though, every moment in the film was so impactful and valuable, so I wouldn’t want to take away too many moments from it as a whole.

THE VERDICT

Fran Kranz’s Mass is one of the most powerful and precise examinations of grief and forgiveness that I have ever seen. Kranz’s directorial debut is one of the best of the past few years as he approaches an extremely sensitive issue in a careful, and ultimately cathartic way. It also has some of the best writing and acting of 2021 as the four performances from Martha Plimpton, Jason Isaacs, Ann Dowd, and Reed Birney are all awards worthy.

TED TAKES RATING - 9.2/10

Mass is now available for rental and purchase On-Demand. Check out the latest trailer below.

The Lost Daughter

By: Andrew Wing

The Lost Daughter is a 2021 psychological drama film written and directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal (older sister of actor Jake Gyllenhaal) in her feature directorial debut, based on the novel of the same name by Elena Ferrante. The film stars the Academy Award winning Olivia Colman (The Favourite, The Father, The Crown) in the lead role, and also features Dakota Johnson (Fifty Shades film series, The Peanut Butter Falcon), Jessie Buckley (Fargo series, I’m Thinking of Ending Things), Paul Mescal (Normal People), Dagmara Domińczyk (Succession), Jack Farthing (Spencer - see my full review), Oliver Jackson-Cohen (The Haunting of Hill House, The Invisible Man), with Peter Sarsgaard (Dead Man Walking, An Education) whom is married to director Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Ed Harris (Apollo 13, The Truman Show, Westworld) in supporting roles.

In the film, the lead character, Leda (Colman in the present & Buckley in the past), discloses that she is named for the woman in the W. B. Yeats poem “Leda and the Swan”, which Yeats based on the Leda story of Greek mythology.

The Lost Daughter had its world premiere at the 78th Venice International Film Festival on September 3, 2021, where Gyllenhaal won the Golden Osella Award for Best Screenplay. It began a theatrical limited release in the United States on December 17, 2021, prior to streaming on Netflix on December 31, 2021.

THE GOOD

This movie really snuck up on me. 2021 was just jam-packed full of movies and I just totally forgot that this was hitting Netflix on the final day of 2021. The film has been receiving widespread acclaim from critics obviously praising the three lead actresses in it which is expected, but most of the acclaim has gone to Maggie Gyllenhaal in her directorial debut. Everyone knows her brother Jake who is one of the best actors in the industry today, but Maggie is also a very talented actress in her own right. She is definitely most known for playing Rachel Dawes in The Dark Knight opposite Christian Bale, but some other great performances of hers include Secretary, Crazy Heart, Won’t Back Down, and Frank. But now she is in the director’s chair, and keep reading to find out how I think she did in her directorial debut.

I think she did just about as good as a first time director can do. I was very impressed to say the least with every decision she made here. What’s more impressive is the fact that she wrote the screenplay for it too which is adapted from a novel of the same name. As I said earlier, Gyllenhaal won the Golden Osella Award for Best Screenplay at the 78th Venice International Film Festival, and after watching, it made complete sense why she and the film did. The adapted screenplay here is very good. I will discuss more later how I didn't really like the main character, but nonetheless I was impressed that Gyllenhaal was more worried about making the character relatable as opposed to making her likable. There are a ton of films about parenthood out there, but The Lost Daughter is different from anyone I have ever seen. This movie, thanks to its screenplay, tackles the downsides of parenting and the toll that it can take on someone with brutal honesty. It is definitely one of the better screenplays of the year, and I would predict with confidence that Gyllenhaal will get a nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.

A screenplay is nothing without a talented cast, and this film has three of the bigger actresses from the past few years headlining it and they all showed up and showed out by giving some of the best performances of the year. Starting with Colman because she is the star of the show, she continues to deliver at the peak of her game. She is undoubtedly one of the best actresses in the business right now, and she was just superb in this. What’s most impressive about Colman as an actress is that everything she does feels completely natural. That even goes for when she’s contemplating stuff from her character’s past that might have zero relatability to her personal life. She just knows how to present every emotion on her face and she gives us easily one of the best performances of 2021. You can lock her in for a Best Actress nomination and following the recent surprises in this category from other awards bodies, you never know, she could even win. She’s that good!

As for the supporting women, Dakota Johnson gave what I would say is the best performance of her career. She found a way to be both very subtle yet still extremely expressive which is a hard thing to do and I would love to see her get a Best Supporting Actress nomination. It’d be pretty amazing if she did because just a couple years ago she was constantly tabbed as being one of the worst actresses following the Fifty Shades trilogy. It’s just cool to now see how talented an actress she is after being removed from those terrible films that somehow my mom liked. Anyways, the actress probably more likely to get nominated is Jessie Buckley. She brings a lot of pain, anger, and frustration to her character and her performance really surprised me.

I also really liked the look of the film and how it was shot. I loved how Gyllenhaal used a lot of close ups. The close ups were aided by the film’s aspect ratio so the face just took up the entire screen. I don’t know, it just added another level to the film for me as we got to see these women repressing their sadness through these close-ups. The cinematography by Hélène Louvart was really good too, and it was shot in Greece which is one of the most beautiful places in the world, so I’m sure that helped in terms of visuals!

THE BAD

There is no denying that I liked the film overall. However, there were two things that just kept me from loving it. One, I didn’t really like Colman’s character in the end. Don’t get me wrong, I loved her performance, but the character itself was one that I had a hard time rooting for. It’s weird because the film doesn’t really tell us what to think or feel about her, and the ending doesn’t help us answer that question. Speaking of the ending, I wasn’t in love with how the story was resolved. There is one storyline where Colman’s character does something very odd and I thought for how much time they spent on it, we would’ve got a better resolution to why she did what she did. I know the movie is one of those “show-not-tell” kind of films, but I just wanted a better explanation I guess.

Also, while it was very clear what was at the core of this film, I don’t think I grasped every single thing it was going for just given the fact that it is slower and there are a lot of moving parts. For example, there were some other supporting characters that we spend a lot of time with and we do not get anything close to a payoff or even a conclusive moment that wrapped them up. That said, it just makes me want to watch it again to see if I can pick up on anything I might have missed. This is definitely one of those films that could get even better on subsequent viewings.

THE VERDICT

The directorial debut from Maggie Gyllenhaal, The Lost Daughter, did not disappoint as we got three of the year’s best performances from Olivia Colman, Dakota Johnson, and Jessie Buckley. I didn’t think the end was the greatest and there were just some other things I wanted resolved a little better, but it is still an extremely thought provoking psychological drama that grapples with some emotionally complex feelings that will warrant another viewing.

It’s pretty crazy saying this, but Maggie Gyllenhaal has already really put herself on the map as somebody to look out for, and I just can’t wait to see where she goes from here!

TED TAKES RATING - 8.3/10

The Lost Daughter is now streaming on Netflix. Check out the latest trailer below.

The Tragedy of Macbeth

By: Andrew Wing

The Tragedy of Macbeth is a 2021 American historical thriller film written and directed by Joel Coen and based on the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare. It is the first film directed by one of the Coen brothers (Fargo, No Country for Old Men) without the other’s involvement. The film stars Denzel Washington (Malcolm X, Training Day, Fences) in the lead role as the titular Macbeth, Frances McDormand (Fargo, Nomadland) who also produced the film alongside her husband Joel Coen, Bertie Carvel, Alex Hassell (Suburbicon, The Red Sea Diving Resort), Corey Hawkins (Straight Outta Compton, In the Heights), Harry Melling (Harry Potter films, The Old Guard), Kathryn Hunter, and Brendan Gleeson (Harry Potter films, In Bruges).

The Tragedy of Macbeth had its world premiere at the 2021 New York Film Festival on September 24, 2021. It had a limited theatrical release on December 25, 2021, by A24, before hitting streaming on Apple TV+ on January 14, 2022. It also was named one of the top ten films of 2021 by the National Board of Review and American Film Institute.

THE GOOD

Just a little PSA before getting into this review, I am not and will not pretend to be an expert on Shakespeare. Outside of reading Romeo and Juliet in my sophomore English class and doing a quick SparkNotes read on Macbeth, Shakespeare is foreign to me. Nevertheless, this was easily one of my most anticipated films of the year. Why you might ask? The Coen brothers are probably right up there with Denis Villeneuve as my favorite directors, but this specific project was so enticing because it is the first film directed by one of the Coen brothers (Joel) without the other’s (Ethan) involvement. Also, the two headliners for the film are arguably the best actor and actress living today in Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand. So I guess you could say I was pretty pumped for this one, but now let’s find out if it met my high expectations!

There are only one or two Coen brother’s films I have yet to see, but everyone I have seen I have greatly enjoyed. Fargo and No Country of Old Men are two of my all-time favorite movies, and I just love everything they are as filmmakers. It was so crazy to see that the two weren’t going to be working together on this, but with that said, Joel absolutely knocked it out of the park. I loved how he decided to highlight and draw attention to the darker and more surreal aspects of the play unlike other film adaptations I have seen about Macbeth. You could tell instantly by watching that Joel Coen has an immense passion for Shakespeare, so much so that he actually realized Shakespeare’s Macbeth in a more true way than we have ever seen before. Joel Coen just continues to cement his legacy of one of the greatest living filmmakers alive today.

It was very easy to expect greatness from the two big names attached to this in Washington and McDormand, and yes they were great, but their performances were also extremely compelling. Denzel as Lord Macbeth was just very impressive and as an actor, he continues to surpass expectations. He was magnificent here, even in moments I didn’t know exactly what he was saying, I was still compelled by how he was saying things. I really liked how we got to see his character's vulnerability because Macbeth is someone who has a conscience, and we see that after betraying his conscience, it eats him alive. As for McDormand, she was also remarkable in what is her first film role since winning Best Actress for Nomadland (see my full review here). McDormand plays Lady Macbeth as this very down to earth person, but still as fierce as you can imagine. Her screen time wasn’t nearly as much as Washington’s, but she still gives us so much from every little facial expression and every line of dialogue throughout. This movie is definitely a Denzel Washington-Frances McDormand show, and it did not disappoint!

As for the supporting performances, Kathryn Hunter was the one who really stood out as she played the three witches and also an old man. Her voice is just so maniacal and the physicality of her performance was kind of scary. It was just such an odd performance that worked perfectly for this movie and she just steals the show in every scene she is in. Speaking of maniacal voices, Harry Melling was good in this in small bits as he just continues to play characters most viewers aren’t going to like (dating back to Dudley from the Harry Potter films). Corey Hawkins was also good in this as Macduff, but he just doesn’t stand out as much given his limited screen time.

This was one of the most visually stunning films I have ever seen. There was just a lot of cool stuff with the visuals and the film just had its own atmosphere with the flawless black and white cinematography from Bruno Delbonnel. It was absolutely beautiful and the minimalist production design kept me more than engaged from beginning to end. It’s crazy to say that it was minimalist when the set for the film was just massive, but it really is. The lighting also helped the film’s surreal feel and it was just obvious to me as a viewer that this was expertly crafted. I also liked all the use of mist in this movie and how they used mist as transitions into the next scene. Joel Coen and Delbonnel just created their own world in this movie and boy oh boy, was it a beautiful one.

As for this film’s Oscar chances, Denzel Washington is an absolute lock to get nominated for Best Actor, and Frances McDormand could too depending on whether she gets run as lead or supporting. Joel Coen should also get some nominations for both directing and his adapted screenplay given that it is Shakespeare. The cinematography is also locked in to get nominated and I really think it should win. Delbonnel is also very due given his past works that got nominated but came up just short: Amélie, Inside Llewyn Davis, and Darkest Hour. The production design is also quite possible because despite it not being too over the top, it just holds a huge presence in the film and it is the best use of production design I’ve seen this year if I am being honest as it just added so much weight to the film.

The sound in this movie is also brilliant with all the knocking, so maybe it’s possible it could get a sound nomination. Carter Burwell’s score is really good too as they blended the score into the film, but there have just been so many good scores in 2021 that I don’t think it’s possible. In conclusion, I really liked this movie anyway, even in moments where I was kind of lost in what exactly was being said, and I would like to see it sneak in as one of the ten nominees for Best Picture. However, I think it probably misses because Shakespeare isn’t enough people’s “thing” which is unfortunate.

THE BAD

There is nothing “bad” about this movie. It’s got everything from the technical side of things to the biggest names from the film world attached, but at the end of the day, it is hard core Shakespeare. Every line of dialogue in this film is Shakespearean English through and through. A lot of people will have a hard time with that, just as I did, but once you get over that mental block, you will follow the movie very well and realize just how masterful a film it is.

Also, the film is completely shot in black and white, so there is another warning before deciding to check it out. You really should check it out though because it is some of the most incredible cinematography I have ever seen, and that is saying a lot as I have watched way too many movies.

THE VERDICT

Despite the film’s Shakespearean dialogue from start to finish that will come across as a barrier to most viewers, The Tragedy of Macbeth is absolutely worth the trouble! For the first time without the involvement of his brother Ethan, Joel Coen brings Shakespeare’s Macbeth to life in a thrillingly modern and dark way that is a striking cinematic work of art with Bruno Delbonnel’s flawless black & white cinematography.

It also features great performances from two living legends of the film industry in Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand. Denzel will most likely be getting his seventh Best Actor nomination as he just commands the screen with anger and torment from start to finish, and McDormand’s fierce portrayal of Lady Macbeth is also nomination-worthy.

TED TAKES RATING - 8.8/10

The Tragedy of Macbeth is now streaming only on Apple TV+. Check out the latest trailer below.

Sing 2

By: Andrew Wing

Sing 2 is a 2021 American computer-animated jukebox musical comedy film produced by Illumination (Despicable Me and The Secret Life of Pets franchises) and distributed by Universal Pictures. It is the sequel to Sing (2016), and the film was written and directed by Garth Jennings, co-directed by Christophe Lourdelet, and stars the ensemble cast consisting of Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Taron Egerton, Tori Kelly, Nick Kroll, Peter Serafinowicz, Jennifer Saunders, Nick Offerman, and also the director, Garth Jennings, reprising their roles from the first film.

The sequel also features new characters voiced by Bobby Cannavale, Pharrell Williams, Halsey, Chelsea Peretti, Letitia Wright, Eric André, Adam Buxton, and Bono. Like the previous film, Sing 2 features songs from many artists, most of which are performed diegetically. The story is set after the events of the previous film, where Buster Moon (McConaughey) and his group put on a show in Redshore City while working to impress an entertainment mogul (Cannavale) and enlist a reclusive rock star (Bono) to perform.

Sing 2 had its world premiere at the AFI Fest on November 14, 2021, and was theatrically released in the United States on December 22, 2021, in RealD 3D, by Universal Pictures.

THE GOOD

Prepare to have your mind blown, but unlike most, I never saw Sing back in 2016. I actually didn’t end up watching it until a few weeks ago just around the time Sing 2 was being released in the U.S.. Nevertheless, I really liked Sing a lot. As anyone who reads my reviews knows, I am a sucker for musicals and Sing had some amazing musical sequences. It also was just a very fun and charming movie with an absolutely loaded cast, so it was just common sense that there would be a sequel considering the original film’s success at the box office and also with critics. With that said, it is now time to find out how the sequel matches up to the original, so keep reading to find out!

Just to get this out of the way, this review isn’t going to be a deep analysis or anything like that because at the end of the day it’s an animated musical comedy film about animals that is trying to put a smile on the faces of all ages. And for me, it did just that! I had a smile on my face throughout the film, and it didn’t take me long to grow attached to all of the characters. All of the main characters are just so easy to root for, and my favorite would probably have to be Johnny the gorilla who is voiced by Taron Egerton. And don’t worry, the film is also a comedy so trust me when I say you will have your fair shares of laughs just as I did while watching. All the characters have numerous funny scenes that will get you, but no character is funnier than Gunter the pig, who is voiced by Nick Kroll. Ask my girlfriend who I saw it with, but literally every line of dialogue Gunter had made me laugh out loud. He is just so funny, and Kroll’s voice just makes the character into a fan favorite.

I was also pretty impressed with the story we get here in the sequel. I don’t think it’s an overall better story than what we got in the original, but it is just about as good a story as you’ll get in a sequel. I really liked how it picks up soon after where we left off in the original, and I was also a big fan of their plan on getting the reclusive rock star to perform again as we get to know more about that character’s emotional past. As for the animation, similar to what I said about Disney’s animation for Encanto (see my full review here), it is just top notch.

Disney has been around much longer than Illumination so they definitely have the edge, but Illumination’s animation hasn’t really missed yet. I was blown away by the animation for Sing 2, in particular the animation of Redshore City (basically comparable to Las Vegas in our world) and just all the vibrant colors that made up the city. Lastly, the music is obviously very good to nobody’s surprise. With it being a jukebox musical, you’ll get a ton of classic songs that you know and love, so those are all great, but the best song I thought was actually an original song, “Your Song Saved My Life”, which should be in contention for an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.

In conclusion, I was very pleased with Sing 2 as it was just a really good time. I would love to see it get nominated for Best Animated Feature, but similar to Sing back in 2016, I think it might just miss out due to the competition which is unfortunate.

THE BAD

I hate to break it to you, but I am not going to be that guy who trashes an animated musical comedy movie ultimately made for kids. I wouldn’t even say there was anything “bad” about it, but I will say that was a little slow at times for me anyway and also I would have to say that the original is still the overall better film in my opinion, but not by much.

THE VERDICT

Despite me finding it to be just a hair below the original in terms of score, Sing 2 is still a very enjoyable second installment in the franchise. If you’re looking for some singing, dancing, and animated fun for the whole family, rest assured this will not disappoint as we get the whole gang back together for another fun adventure that will prove endearing to audiences of all ages.

TED TAKES RATING - 8/10

Sing 2 is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

Scream

Scream (also informally known as Scream 5) is a 2022 horror slasher that serves as the fifth installment of the Scream franchise. It is directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, and written by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick. The film is produced by Vanderbilt, Paul Neinstein, and William Sherak, with original screenwriter Kevin Williamson serving as an executive producer. 

Twenty-five years after a streak of brutal murders shocked the quiet town of Woodsboro, a new killer has donned the Ghostface mask and begins targeting a group of teenagers to resurrect secrets from the town’s deadly past.

Though billed as a relaunch of the franchise, the film is a direct sequel to 2011's Scream 4, and the first in the series not to be directed by Wes Craven, who died in 2015. David Arquette, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, and Roger L. Jackson return to reprise their original roles, while Marley Shelton also reprises her role from the previous film. They are joined by franchise newcomers Melissa Barrera, Mason Gooding, Dylan Minnette, Jenna Ortega, and Jack Quaid.

Scream released in theaters on January 14th, 2022, courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

THE GOOD

First of all, the fact that the last Scream movie came out over a decade ago is pretty crazy in my opinion. The first movie made its debut in the mid-90’s, and it quickly became an iconic franchise. What’s unique about the Scream movies when it comes to slashers is that unlike Friday the 13th or Halloween, the killer is interchangeable. The investment from the audience focuses on the victims and the survivors, as the franchise shifts across generations, which brings us to the 2022 version of Scream.

I could easily get a phone call from one of these fame craving psychos because I am absolutely a horror fanatic. Another interesting element of the Scream franchise is it has always had this quirky trademark feel about it, where it never takes itself too seriously. I mean sure, people are getting murdered left in right in the most gruesome ways, but you can almost always count on a victim using their last breath to crack a joke or unnecessary shout an obscenity. But before I get too far off track all the matters here is whether or not they did things right with this new movie, and don’t worry we get into that next so keep on reading. 

I’ll cut to the chase, Scream was fantastic. I walked in to the theater only to see someone sitting alone wearing all black and donning the Ghostface mask, and at that point I knew I was in for quite an experience. The nostalgia hit me like a freight train, and I honestly enjoyed this movie from start to finish. When a franchise brings a 5th movie to the table, it usually screams (pun intended) desperation and cash grab, but to be honest the slasher genre is damn near immune to that happening. I mean just like Friday the 13th or Halloween, fans flock to the theaters for the abundance of blood, idiotic decision making almost always leading to death, and just something that reminds them of the good ol’ days. I mean, I’m no spring chicken and Ghostface has been pulling the murderous prank call move on beautiful babysitters since back when I was in the 5th grade. And before you even ask, you can bet your lunch money that I was at the movie theater seeing the original in all of its big-screen glory. I am fairly certain my parents brought my brother and I to the theater, purchased our tickets, and sent us on our way. They likely picked us up an hour late as well. Things were just different back then.

I was sucked in from the start, and everyone in the theater damn near started clapping when Gail Weathers and Sidney Prescott appeared on-screen. It was just so much fun seeing all of the original characters back together again. Everything with the movie seemed to come together organically, and even though much of what the Scream franchise does is a bit predictable, it still works. The movie also refers back to the previous films quite a bit, so it will be helpful if you can find a way to re-watch those in advance. I was able to watch Scream 4 at least, which still helped quite a bit. I am thrilled with this unique “Scream Universe” they have been able to create. As a horror lover I just can’t get enough of the talk about what makes a great horror movie, and I also liked how this time around they touched on what is considered to be the next generation of horror, or what they call “elevated horror”. Movies like The Witch, It Follows, The Babadook, The Night House (review and trailer here) and one of my personal favorites, Hereditary (review and trailer here). Horror movies that are often much more rooted in reality, and I mean lets be honest, what is scarier than real life especially these days. Just go to the gas station or the grocery store and look at the prices, you will be scarred for life.

One of the biggest reasons why the latest Scream film works so well and avoids the usual sequel pitfalls is the quality of the overall storyline. Considering this is officially the 5th film in the franchise and a direct sequel to the 2011 film Scream 4, they found a way to make it feel fresh and inventive which is a real credit to writers James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick. I am a horror fan through and through, and have seen all of the Scream movies several times, and this movie has earned its place in the iconic franchise.

Both Vanderbilt and Busick are newcomers to the franchise, expanding on the characters brought to life by Kevin Williamson. Vanderbilt has quite the resume, with writing credits ranging from the hit crime thriller Zodiac, to the Amazing Spider-Man 1 & 2, right on to the hit Netflix comedy Murder Mystery. Busick is a bit wet behind the ears in comparison, but he did deliver us the underrated horror comedy Ready or Not, and is currently in pre-production for the next Final Destination movie. Bottom line, this was an extremely fruitful collaboration and I hope to see these two work together again in the near future.

I have to touch on the acting of course, and if you watched the trailers you know that the majority of the core cast returns for the latest entry. The big three of course consists of Neve Campbell in her role as Sidney Prescott, Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers-Riley, and David Arquette as Dewey Riley. As folk heroes to the small town of Woodsboro in many ways, all three were nothing short of fantastic. They built this franchise from the ground up, and you could tell from the beginning they take pride in making sure they did right by the fans. This is far from a few cameos to collect a paycheck. All of the franchise mainstays are exceptional in their roles.

Now Scream manages to bring on some new additions with some acting talent, most notably 13 Reason Why star Dylan Minnette, and The Boys star Jack Quaid. I like Minnette a lot and he is great here even though he has a more limited role, but Quaid steps in to a lead role and is absolutely deserving of the limelight. I didn’t realize how important it was to bring on someone like Quaid, but it for sure paid off. I thought the entire supporting cast was great from top to bottom, most notably Melissa Barrera, Marley Shelton reprising her role from Scream 4, Jenny Ortega, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Sonia Ammar, Mikey Madison, and Mason Gooding. That is essentially the core of the supporting cast for the film, and they should all be very proud of their collective performances.

On the technical side of things, Scream packs a punch. I would have to say I was most impressed with the cinematography as they made it a point to get some really great shots during some of the more pivotal scenes. This franchise has always felt quirky and borderline goofy, which is fine in the sense that it is an established identity, but they raised the bar a bit here for film fans. A few of the kills had that much needed wow factor and left me satisfied. I also really liked the style points that were earned for the creative kills throughout the film. As expected the soundtrack/score is fantastic and helps to raise the energy level for the film.

THE BAD

Alright so my issues with this 2022 version of Scream are few and far between, believe it or not. I mean this is fan service through and through, and it is so damn good in so many ways for that reason. Some people may complain that it’s not super creative with the storyline, but that’s not really what this franchise does. They stuck with the tried and true formula while still breathing new life into this franchise after a decade long hiatus. I mean lets be honest, few of us expected another movie but I for one am very happy they decided to make one.

THE VERDICT

A fresh and creative approach rooted in a tried-and-true formula, Scream and the iconic Ghostface mask are back with a vengeance giving horror fans everything they didn’t even realize they needed. This is a nostalgic heavy reason to return to the movie theater, and I promise you will be glad you did. Scream does a fantastic job tying in to the previous films, so if you have the time to binge them before heading to the theater, I definitely recommend it. The energy of the opening day crowd was infectious, adding that little extra that you just can’t get from watching a movie at home, and I personally cannot wait to see it again. If fans get their way, we will get yet another sequel and I say bring it on.

TED TAKES RATING - 8.7/10

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

Licorice Pizza

By: Andrew Wing

Licorice Pizza is a 2021 American coming-of-age comedy drama film written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson (Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood, The Master), who also serves as one of the film’s producers and cinematographers. The film stars and introduces first-time actors Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman (son of the late great Philip Seymour Hoffman) in the lead roles and the film follows the two as they grow up, run around and fall in love in the San Fernando Valley in 1973. It also features Sean Penn (Mystic River, Milk), Tom Waits (Seven Psychopaths, The Dead Don’t Die), Benny Safdie (best known for writing and directing Good Time and Uncut Gems with his brother Joshua), and Bradley Cooper (The Hangover, A Star Is Born, Nightmare Alley) in supporting roles.

Licorice Pizza was released in the United States in select theaters on November 26, 2021, and was widely released on December 25, 2021. The film received three awards from the National Board of Review, including Best Film. It was also named one of the best films of 2021 by the American Film Institute and received four nominations at the 79th Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy (lost to West Side Story - see my full review here), along with eight nominations at the 27th Critics’ Choice Awards, including Best Picture.

THE GOOD

Where do I even start? Licorice Pizza has been at the top of my list ever since I heard about it. I mean it is PTA’s (Paul Thomas Anderson) first film since 2017, and PTA is definitely one of my favorite directors as I have seen all of his films. Also, the fact that it features two newcomers to the movie industry in Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman was very exciting and only made me more intrigued. The film has been getting a ton of hype and has received widespread acclaim from critics, so I was very eager to see if my thoughts would fall in line with the rest of the bunch, and boy did they! Keep reading and find out why!

Let’s start with the head of the snake, the director. As I said, PTA is a filmmaker that I admire very much and he really is one of my favorites. His career trajectory has been very interesting to say the least. His past two films Inherent Vice and Phantom Thread were probably two of my least favorites films of his as I thought they were too plot heavy, but he really switched it up for Licorice Pizza and I will just say right now that I think it is definitely a top-3 film of his. This film was just a really damn good time and I had a smile on my face from start to finish. You can tell that this movie was sort of an ode to PTA’s own childhood growing up in California in the 1970s. It was also an ode to just living in the moment and enjoying life I thought too. PTA also writes all of his films and I absolutely loved his original screenplay here. There is just so much heart and soul in every line of dialogue, and trust me when I say there are also numerous lines in the film that will have you cracking up. All in all, I think he has a great shot at being nominated for Best Director, and I also think he has a good chance at not only getting nominated, but winning the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

Not only did PTA write and direct Licorice Pizza, but he also served as one of the film’s cinematographers alongside Michael Bauman, and let me just say, the cinematography in this is really good. It has a very hazy and almost dreamlike quality to it and I liked it a lot. It has this deep contrast look to it and the lighting in every scene is just pitch perfect, and the characters in the shots are always glowing as we get those famous PTA close up shots that we have seen so many times over the years. Every color just pops out of that frame and it is such a vibrant looking movie. The shots of California were just so exquisite that you yourself felt like you were in the 1970s just by watching. The film also has a ton of running scenes and I thought all those were expertly shot. I don’t know if it will get nominated for Best Cinematography just with the level of competition this year, but it was easily some of the best cinematography I’ve seen this year in film.

Don’t get me wrong, PTA was the main attraction here, but now it is time to discuss the incredible performances we got from the first time actors, Alana Haim and Cooper Hoffman. Wow just wow. They were both just excellent in this movie and they both felt really comfortable in these roles, which is all the more impressive considering they’ve never been in a feature film before. Acting is clearly in Cooper Hoffman’s genes, and I just totally bought his character as he somehow balances the line of both being a showman, yet still incredibly authentic.

As for Alana Haim, she stole the show for me. It was remarkable how she was able to hit so many different notes throughout the film. Sometimes she comes off as this sweet and innocent girl from Los Angeles, while some other times she comes across very fierce and intimidating. I would love to see her get nominated for Best Actress, but that category is just stacked right now so who knows. I just can’t wait to see what the both of them do next, and the fact that we were watching these people we haven’t seen on screen before just gave the movie this purity that made me fall in love with it.

There were also some other performances worth mentioning that came from the supporting players, the first being the man himself, Bradley Cooper. Cooper plays Jon Peters, an American film producer and former hairdresser who was actually partners was Barbra Streisand for ten years back in the 70s, and he is just freaking awesome in his limited screen time. His character doesn’t do much in terms of moving the plot or anything, but his performance is so outrageous and hilarious that he just might get nominated for Best Supporting Actor which would just be wild considering how little time he is on screen. No surprise here but I also really liked Sean Penn in his small role that was very weird. I also liked both Benny Safdie and Tom Waits, but the two actors that were responsible for the majority of the laughs were Skyler Gisondo (Vacation, Psych) and John Michael Higgins (Pitch Perfect, America Says), and I promise you they will make you laugh out loud. They were honestly so so funny.

Other quick things I want to give some love include the score that comes to us from the man having himself one hell of a year in Jonny Greenwood (Spencer, The Power of the Dog). His score was very nostalgic without going overboard on classic 70s songs and it blended into the unique tone the movie wanted to set in my opinion. The editing too in this is just amazing, and it may seem like this small part of a movie, but the editing makes this movie flow so perfectly and the editor Andy Jurgensen will definitely be getting nominated. Also, I have to shout out the production design. I mean it’s a movie about 1970s Los Angeles County, California, and it just took us back in time in the best possible way.

Lastly, I loved this film. You can lock it in for a Best Picture nomination and I would be overjoyed to see it win. There is just something really special about the film as it is very insightful about relationships and just the way we navigate through life as we are growing up. I just can’t wait to watch it again and again and try to pick up on some of the pieces I may have missed.

THE BAD

Nothing. Honestly nothing. I guess you can critique it for being too long and also you could say it’s a little meandering at times as you don’t know what every scene is going for, but this is an overall fantastic movie at the end of the day.

THE VERDICT

Licorice Pizza is a masterpiece and an instant classic for the coming-of-age genre. The 9th feature film from acclaimed director Paul Thomas Anderson is definitely one his best and is in my opinion, the best film of 2021. PTA’s light and joyful original screenplay was made with so much love and care and it will just capture your heart. The numerous celebrity cameos in this are fun, especially Bradley Cooper’s, but first-time actors Cooper Hoffman and Alana Haim steal the show with their amazing performances and magnetic chemistry.

I would love to see this win Best Picture, and I think it’s got as good a chance as any because we just don’t get films like this anymore. It’s a film devoid of a super strong plot carrying the story forward, and yet you will still be engaged and immersed throughout with how extraordinarily well made it is.

TED TAKES RATING - 9.8/10

Licorice Pizza is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

The 355

The 355 is a 2022 spy action drama film directed by Simon Kinberg, with a screenplay by Theresa Rebeck and Kinberg, from a story by Rebeck.

CIA agent Mason "Mace" Brown joins forces with a rival German agent, a cutting-edge computer specialist and a Colombian psychologist when a top-secret weapon falls into the hands of a group of mercenaries. Together, the four women embark on a breakneck mission to save the world while staying one step ahead of a mysterious figure who's tracking their every move.

The cast includes Jessica Chastain, Lupita Nyong'o, Penélope Cruz, Diane Kruger, and Fan Bingbing, Sebastian Stan, and Édgar Ramírez. The title is derived from Agent 355, a female spy for the Patriots during the American Revolution.

The 355 released in theaters on January 7th, 2022, by Universal Pictures.

THE GOOD

Once The 355 finally broke free of this never-ending pandemic, I made sure to see it on opening day. So, was it worth the wait? The answer is a bit of a mixed bag but lets first talk about what I enjoyed about this movie. When I sit down to watch a movie that is mean to be a spy thriller, I expect either an immersive and engaging storyline or non-stop action, and if I can get both, well that is the recipe for a damn good movie. Now The 355 may not prove to be the standard, but the action is aplenty. From the start we are introduced to some great characters and are treated to quite a wild ride as some of the most beautiful dangerous actresses in Hollywood fight to save the world from WWIII. Does that sound intriguing? It should.

The story is fairly simple, as it focuses on a piece of technology that could decimate the world we know landing in the wrong hands. Two of the most ruthless female agents in the business are recruited to track down this device, leaving an abundance of collateral damage in their wake. This “device”, feels very similar to the AI that is the focus of the hit series Person of Interest, as it takes advantage of our reliance on technology to cause chaos. It is made very clear from the start that a number of unsavory characters will stop at nothing to get it, leading to a thrilling sequence of events including lots of bullets and the icing of betrayal on top. All of the bad guys involved are driven by money or power, or both, and will do anything to get it.

I really liked the fact that they chose to keep the action front and center throughout the film, ensuring that it never once felt boring. You are given some time to focus on a bit of backstory for the characters, but once things get going, they don’t really stop. The 355 will without a doubt be best enjoyed in theaters where the audio element makes a massive difference. I thought the fight sequences and shootouts were intense and very well choreographed. The final big action scene at the end had my eyes glued to the screen. Bottom line, for the most part the action delivers which proves to be the beating heart for The 355.

Without question the cast is one of the biggest draws for this film. I mean, have you seen a better on-screen Hollywood power couple than Jessica Chastain and Sebastian Stan? That is a tough duo to beat, and it is just the tip of the iceberg with the casting of The 355. I remember when I first saw the trailer and thought wow, can you put together better crew of female bad asses?! I think not. Jessica Chastain has been a favorite of mine since she rocked my world with based on true events crime thriller Zero Dark Thirty, otherwise known as the film that chronicled the demise of that POS Osama Bin Laden. She has been in a ton of movies since, and has proven herself to be an A-lister. Her performance in The 355 is top-notch, and without a doubt one of the best performances in the film. She shares a great deal of screen-time with another terrific big name actor, which would be Sebastian Stan, aka The Winter Soldier. Stan and Chastain have great chemistry, and their performances are some of the primary drivers of the film as far as entertainment value.

Lupita Nyong'o is exceptional as always, and I really enjoyed her character. Penélope Cruz will surely be a fan favorite because well, she is so incredibly gorgeous and talented. She is great at playing the “fish out of water” role as she is a psychologist who is forced into the field. The other two aforementioned “female bad asses” would be Diane Kruger and Fan Bingbing. Kruger’s character evolves quite a bit, and I really enjoyed her backstory and overall intensity. Chinese actress Fan Bingbing is quickly becoming a star, and even though the majority of her screen-time is towards the end of the film, she makes her presence known. Édgar Ramírez, who also starred alongside Chastain in Zero Dark Thirty and was fantastic in the recent Disney blockbuster Jungle Cruise (full review here), has a smaller supporting role but is great as usual. I honestly can’t think of any issues I had with the cast from the leads to the smaller supporting roles.

From a technical standpoint The 355 was on point in many ways. I loved the high-energy and hard hitting soundtrack provided by Junkie XL aka Tom Holkenborg, and it blended seamlessly into the film. He has a great feel for films that rely on action scenes as he previously worked on Mad Max: Fury Road, Deadpool, Tomb Raider, and Godzilla vs. Kong, just to name a few. Bottom line, he is a talented guy and you will continue to see his name attached to blockbuster films. I was also impressed with the cinematography, taking full advantage of some amazing filming locations. The ending in particular provided some eye-popping visuals that had me completely engaged.

THE BAD

Admittedly, I had high expectations for this movie when the trailer initially dropped what feels like three years ago now, but the delays certainly tapered expectations a bit which was probably for the best. My biggest and most glaring gripe with The 355 is the writing, which in my opinion failed to take full advantage of such a talented cast. The entire premise felt a bit rudimentary, if I may use such a fancy word, and failed to offer the layers we are accustomed to when it comes to movies like Mission Impossible, or the Bourne films. I mean, we still have a few twists that did catch me by surprise, but you won’t sit back and say “wow, that was crazy!”. Now this surely is not a deal breaker for the film to the point where it is unwatchable, but it does hold it back from being great. Jessica Chastain was the driving force for getting The 355 off the ground with the hopes of starting a female-driven spy thriller franchise, but I would say that odds aren’t great as far as that actually happening.

THE VERDICT

While not quite breaking any new ground in the spy thriller genre, The 355 still packs a punch with a stellar cast and enough non-stop action to keep viewers entertained from the title screen to the end credits. I wish that more than anything that the film had more substance or that “it factor” it seemed to be lacking, but it is what it is. I still had fun with it and that is really all that matters. It isn’t nearly as bad as the majority of critics will lead you to believe, but they are justified in some of their issues as I touched on earlier in the review. I doubt this is the start of a new all-female version of the Jason Bourne films or even a new-era Mission Impossible, but it is still an enjoyable spy thriller that brings together some of the very best actresses working today.

TED TAKES RATING - 6.7/10

The 355 is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

A Journal for Jordan

By: Andrew Wing

A Journal for Jordan is a 2021 American drama film directed by Denzel Washington (also directed films such as Antwone Fisher, The Great Debaters, and Fences) and starring Michael B. Jordan (Creed, Black Panther) and Chanté Adams (Roxanne Roxanne, The Photograph). The film is written by Virgil Williams (was a writer for the TV series 24, and also co-wrote Mudbound), and is based on the memoir A Journal for Jordan: A Story of Love and Honor by Dana Canedy (Adams’ character).

The film was released by Sony Pictures Releasing on December 25, 2021.

THE GOOD

This was definitely one of those films that just snuck up on me. This December has been packed with both blockbusters and awards contenders, so I apologize. Needless to say, once I saw the trailer for this movie that is based on an amazing true story along with the names attached, I knew I had to check it out. And although I had my flaws with it, I am still glad I did get the chance to see it.

I won’t waste any time, the main attraction here is Michael B. Jordan. Both because well he is an attractive fella to say the least, but also because he is one of the biggest names in the industry today. Yes, he has got the looks and the body, but the guy is a supremely gifted actor. Find me someone who hasn’t loved the Creed films that he has starred in. I wish you good luck. But he is also responsible for playing one of the best MCU villains of all time as Killmonger in Black Panther.

Enough of that though, let’s get into his performance in A Journal for Jordan. He plays the late 1st Sergeant Charles Monroe King, who after being deployed in Iraq, keeps a journal of love and advice for his infant son, Jordan. I really liked MBJ’s performance in this. It is nowhere near his best work, but I thought he did an excellent job at embodying this hero of a man in the most authentic and best way possible. He also just knows how to put a smile on the viewer’s face as he just has a way with words as an actor. Just another overall very solid performance from MBJ and there is no denying that his future is very very bright!

I was also impressed with the screenplay we got here from Virgil Williams. With this being based on a true story, the screenplay is obviously based on the memoir written by King’s late partner, and Jordan’s mother, Dana Canedy. It is no easy task to adapt a memoir into a feature film, but Virgil Williams did it in a very well-mannered way that was both sweet and dramatic at times. I still need to check out Mudbound, but now I will definitely be moving it up the list after seeing that he was a co-writer for it because I am now a fan of his!

In conclusion, I liked this movie overall. I will get into my problems with it a little later, but this movie did everything I expected it to. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and it moved me. I just hope more people will check it out because it really is a beautiful story of a man who keeps a journal full of love and advice for his infant son to read as he grows up while he is off fighting in Iraq.

THE BAD

As I said, I liked this movie overall and I hope my readers do go ahead and check it out if they get the chance, but there are just some glaring flaws that this movie has that are tough to ignore as someone with a critical eye. The first being that the movie is way too damn long. I don’t often critique a film’s run time as this year I have watched movies over 150 minutes long, but unlike this movie (131 minutes long), those movies utilized every minute. I mean I didn’t fall asleep, but there were definitely a couple of times where I checked the time.

A big reason for the movie feeling as long as it did in my opinion ties into Denzel Washington’s direction he took this film in. I am probably the last person on earth who should give the Denzel Washington directorial advice, but it just felt from watching that he didn’t know where he wanted to go with this story. At times it was this dramatic film about war that focused more on Michael B. Jordan and how he handles life in the war vs. life back home, while at other times it really felt like I was watching a corny Lifetime romance movie. No offense to Lifetime movies, but if I wanted that I would have stayed at home and watched one with my mom. The good news is Denzel Washington is still arguably the greatest actor of all-time and this is really his first real misfire of his brief directing career, but his filmmaking simply does nothing to elevate the material here.

Lastly, none of the performances outside of Michael B. Jordan really did anything for me. Chanté Adams was okay I guess, but she is still fairly inexperienced when it comes to being a lead actress in feature films and it showed in some of the film’s more climactic scenes unfortunately.

THE VERDICT

While it had its fair share of flaws due to too long of a runtime and also no clear direction, A Journal for Jordan is still a solid enough moving drama with a good performance from Michael B. Jordan. The film will certainly have you tearing up as it tells the beautiful true story of the late 1st Sergeant Charles Monroe King, a soldier who after being deployed in Iraq, keeps a journal of love and advice for his infant son, Jordan, for him to read as he grows up.

TED TAKES RATING - 6.5/10

A Journal for Jordan is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

Swan Song

By: Andrew Wing

Swan Song is a 2021 American science fiction drama film written and directed by Benjamin Cleary (best known for his short-film Stutterer) and produced by Mahershala Ali (first time producing), Rebecca Bourke and Jonathan King.

The film is set in the near future and in it, Ali (Moonlight, Green Book) portrays a husband and father who is diagnosed with a terminal illness but is given a new solution: to replace himself with a clone. The film also stars Naomie Harris (Moonlight, 28 Days Later, James Bond films), Awkwafina (The Farewell, Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings), Glenn Close (Fatal Attraction, 101 Dalmatians, Hillbilly Elegy) and Adam Beach (Flags of Our Fathers, Windtalkers) in supporting roles. 

It was released by and on Apple TV+ on December 17, 2021.

THE GOOD

There is no denying that this film has gone under the radar. For one, it is an Apple TV+ film, and two, it also didn’t premiere at any film festivals. I first heard of it just a month or two ago, but once I saw that Mahershala Ali was starring in it, that was all I needed to be hooked. Unless you have been living under a rock for the past five years, you should know that Ali has emerged as one of the best actors working today after his Academy Award-winning roles in Moonlight and Green Book, but also impressive performances in series such as True Detective and Ramy. Despite his immeasurable success though, was his performance in this enough to carry the film? Well you will just have to keep reading to find out!

The answer to the previous question: Yes. It was. Ali was just awesome in Swan Song. He is definitely worth the price of admission as he portrays the character Cameron Turner, a husband and father who is diagnosed with a terminal illness. But what is better than having Mahershala Ali in a film? Having TWO of him! Yes, that is right, Ali also portrays Cameron Turner’s clone who goes by the name Jack in this film. It was just such a treat getting to watch Ali portray two very different characters despite having the same genetic makeup and memories. His performance was truly gut-wrenching as we see his main character struggle with a very difficult decision that makes not only himself ask tough moral and ethical questions, but also the audience. In a normal year of film, I would say he has a pretty good chance at garnering a Best Actor nomination, and although his performance is great, it really is starting to get crowded in that category. So with that said, I unfortunately think he won’t make the final cut, but he made it known with this performance that his time is coming.

I also want to shout out the writer and director of Swan Song, Benjamin Cleary, who did a fantastic job in what I believe was his feature-film debut (I believe he has only directed shorts, but I could be wrong though). I was really impressed with his script here, and I just really am a sucker for stories that make you ask yourself questions about what you would do if you were in these situations, and this film does exactly that. His direction was also very nice and you could tell that he paid attention to every little detail, and I would go out on a limb and guess he executed his vision with this. Overall just really impressed with Cleary, and I look forward to seeing what he does next!

A few more things worth highlighting when it comes to Swan Song, the first being the overall look of the film. It is set in the near future, and I just absolutely loved all the technological advancements they showed off in this from the A.I. 's delivering food/drink to the holographic facetime/video calls. The cinematography was also really good and there were some beautiful shots of nature too. Simply put, the movie looks pretty damn good. Lastly, I really enjoyed the performances of both Naomie Harris and Awkwafina. Naomie Harris is an extremely talented actress, and it was good to see her get back to form after what I thought was one of her worst performances in Venom: Let There Be Carnage (see Ted’s full review here). As for Awkwafina, I just love her. She doesn’t get a ton of screen time in this one, but just makes her presence felt in a positive way, just like she did in Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (see our full review here).

THE BAD

I won’t spend too much time nitpicking this one as I really enjoyed it from start to finish and was just impressed with how they brought this story to life. What I will say though is that I really felt like this film could have been great. It has one of the most interesting plots a movie can have, and they could have gone anywhere with it, but they just took the easy way out in my opinion. That said, I liked the ending and I was fine with how it wrapped up, but if you look at some of the best science fiction films of the past ten years, most of them have these wild crazy endings that you won’t see coming. With Swan Song though, you will see it coming from a mile away. Maybe that’s because it is also a drama film, but I just felt the film could’ve gone deeper with its very intriguing premise.

THE VERDICT

Despite me just wanting more from this film as I felt it could’ve gone deeper with its premise of what is a very interesting concept, Swan Song is still a thought provoking sci-fi drama film from director Benjamin Cleary that will garner both sympathy and tears from audiences. It will make you ask tough moral and ethical questions about what you would do if you were in this situation, and it also features an astoundingly gut-wrenching performance from Mahershala Ali in a dual role where he plays both human and clone in his first leading role.

TED TAKES RATING - 8.6/10

Swan Song is now streaming exclusively on Apple TV+. Check out the latest trailer below.

Nightmare Alley

By: Andrew Wing

Nightmare Alley is a 2021 American neo-noir psychological thriller film directed by Guillermo del Toro (Pan’s Labyrinth, The Shape of Water) from a screenplay by del Toro and Kim Morgan, based on the 1946 novel of the same name by William Lindsay Gresham. The film features an ensemble cast including Bradley Cooper (A Star Is Born, Silver Linings Playbook), Cate Blanchett (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Blue Jasmine), Toni Collette (Little Miss Sunshine, Hereditary), Willem Dafoe (The Florida Project, The Lighthouse), Richard Jenkins (Step Brothers, The Visitor), Rooney Mara (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Carol, A Ghost Story), Ron Perlman (Hellboy, Sons of Anarchy), Mary Steenburgen (Step Brothers, Happiest Season), and David Strathairn (Good Night, and Good Luck, Nomadland).

It is the second feature film adaptation of Gresham’s novel, following the 1947 version. The film focuses on Stan Carlisle (Cooper), an ambitious carny who hooks up with corrupt psychiatrist Dr. Lilith Ritter (Blanchett), who proves to be as dangerous as he is.

Del Toro serves as a producer on the film, alongside J. Miles Dale (produced The Shape of Water) and Bradley Cooper (produced, wrote, directed, and starred in A Star Is Born). Del Toro first announced development of the project in December 2017, and this is first film since The Shape of Water (2017). Frequent collaborator Dan Laustsen serves as the film’s cinematographer, while Nathan Johnson (Looper, Knives Out) replaces Alexandre Desplat (The Grand Budapest Hotel, The Shape of Water) as the film’s composer. Principal photography began in January 2020 in Toronto, Ontario, but was shut down in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Production resumed in September 2020 and concluded that December.

Nightmare Alley had its world premiere at Alice Tully Hall in New York City on December 1, 2021, and was theatrically released in the United States on December 17, 2021, by Searchlight Pictures. It was named one of the top ten films of 2021 by the National Board of Review and American Film Institute. It also received eight nominations at the 27th Critics’ Choice Awards including Best Picture and Best Director for Del Toro. Despite the accolades, it was a box-office disappointment in its opening weekend and has grossed a total of $5.6 million worldwide (against a $60 million production budget which is the highest for any Searchlight release), likely resulting in a financial loss.

THE GOOD

To my readers, you have no idea how excited I have been for this movie. Guillermo del Toro is one of my favorite directors and this is his first film since his Best Picture-winning film, The Shape of Water, which I absolutely loved. Also, it has Bradley Cooper in the lead role and I challenge you to find me somebody who doesn’t love Bradley Cooper. I’ll wait. Aside from that, the trailer for this movie was just perfect and it was just oozing those neo-noir vibes that I just wanted to eat up. So yes, as you can tell my expectations were through the roof for this one, so now it is time to find out if it met those expectations!

There are so many things that I loved about this film and I will address all of them, but let’s address the elephant in the room. The elephant in the room being this all-star cast. I mean you got Bradley Cooper, but you also got three of the biggest actresses in the business today in Cate Blanchett, Rooney Mara, and Toni Collette. It also features supporting performances from great actors such as David Strathairn, Willem Dafoe, and one of my favorites, Richard Jenkins, just to name a few. Every performance was great if you ask me, but no surprise here, Bradley Cooper stole the show. I thought it was undeniably one of his best performances of his career, and I was just so dialed into his performance.

The best scenes of his were the ones when his character really starts to fully embody this psychic persona. I found his character, the protagonist, to be very enigmatic and I was always trying to figure out what his character was really like on the inside. It was all the more impressive because Cooper’s performance shifts throughout the film. At first he is just this very blank slate kind of guy, and then he even begins to change his accent (which was a 10/10) as he shifts into the role of the psychic. His character's last shift comes at the very end of the film, and I won’t spoil it, but this movie has a phenomenal ending that features a remarkable moment of acting from Cooper that shows us why he is one of the best in the industry. It was just an incredible performance from Cooper and it is easily one of the year's best. I would love for him to get a nomination for Best Actor, but it is starting to get pretty crowded so who knows.

The next best performance belonged to Cate Blanchett who plays Dr. Lilith Ritter, the corrupt psychiatrist who is very dangerous. There is just something that I love about Cate Blanchett and I don’t know what it is. All her scenes in this are so entertaining. It was such a treat getting to watch Blanchett and Cooper go blow-for-blow with each other as it felt like we were watching a sort of power-play between the two characters as they were trying to dominate each other psychologically. Other performances worth mentioning are Willem Dafoe, who is really only in the film for the first act, but he just had a couple of scenes where he completely utilizes his strengths as an actor. Also, I can’t forget to talk about my guy, Richard Jenkins, whose performance was very surprising as it was unlike anything we have seen from him as an actor. His character became more vulnerable then most in this film, and he really made his presence felt.

Photo Credit, Vanity Fair

As for the man in charge here, Guillermo del Toro continues to deliver. A year ago today, the only films of his that I had seen were both Hellboy films he did, but now, there are only a couple films of his that I have not seen. I just love everything about him as a director. He also just makes some of the best looking movies you will ever see in your life, but I will address that a little later in the review. His craftsmanship here was impeccable if you ask me. The film just felt like his ode to the neo-noir genre that he clearly loves and is obsessed with. It is crazy though when you realize this is one of his only films ever to not include monsters, but with the way paints the picture that is Nightmare Alley, you begin to think that the humans are monsters. In conclusion, I just love everything about him as a director, and I won’t be mad if he collects another nomination for Best Director.

Speaking of del Toro, as I said earlier, every film of his is stunning to look at, and Nightmare Alley was just that. For this, we got del Toro teaming up with the same cinematographer that he did The Shape of Water with, Dan Laustsen. That fact there impresses me all the more because that film was a fantasy film, and this is not, but yet its visual style still feels otherworldly. It has a very expressive look to it which is very similar to older noir films. We got the constantly floating camera and a lot of visual motifs that just gave the film a different visual language. I know it may seem small, but the focus in this film is superb because in every scene, there is never a moment where the person you are focusing on is not absolutely sharp. I just don’t know how they do it. I rest my case, but this better get nominated for Best Cinematography.

Continuing with the look of this picture, the production design was off the charts. I could tell right from the jump that the production design was very entangled with the cinematography from the way that the carnival was set up. Yeah, that’s right I said carnival. They literally built an entire carnival full of crazy stuff for the movie set and that was just for the first part of the film. Every set of every scene is just so detail-oriented and simply put, there is no denying there was a ton of thought put into the production value here. It was just extremely beautiful and meaningfully done and it is very deserving of a nomination for Best Production Design.

Lastly, Nathan Johnson’s score was very good, especially in the very beginning of the film. His musical score just stood out a lot in those key moments which made for an even better experience. The costume design was exquisite, and I also really loved the story we get with this film. I already have the book in my house and I will be reading it very soon. I decided against reading it before seeing the film because with it being a neo-noir, I didn’t want to know what happened and I think I made the right decision. However, with it being a book adaptation that is also a very big awards contender, you might as well go ahead and lock in an Adapted Screenplay nomination for it. I also went ahead and watched the first feature film adaptation of Nightmare Alley that was released in 1947, and I did find del Toro’s version to be the better of the two. Don’t get me wrong, both films are very good, but this 2021 version is just on another level with the performances and the visual style of the film.

You got your answer, this film exceeded my expectations and I ate it all up. I loved everything about it, and I think I loved it even more because we really don’t get films like this that much anymore. It has a star-studded cast, but it is still a mid-budget film. Also, despite being labeled a psychological drama, it really isn’t playing into any genres that are trendy or popular if that makes sense. With that said, that is probably why the film has underperformed at the box office because this movie doesn’t really have a target audience, aside from just the lovers of cinema like myself which is unfortunate. I just wish these movies could get the respect they deserve financially, but people just don’t seem to be attracted to these new and intriguing original stories (although not technically original because it's based on a book, but you know what I mean).

THE BAD

I won’t lie, the film is a long one with its 150 minute runtime, and the fact that it is a slow-burn doesn’t do it any favors. It was actually hard, especially in the first act to see where this film is going and what it’s trying to do, and I definitely think some may get lost in the first half of it. No need to fear, but it does become a lot more clear where things are going throughout the course of the film. For me though, I was just starstruck watching this with how long I’ve been waiting for it, so to me it never felt like the film was wasting any time. Trust me when I say that you will dive right into the story once it gets going, and it will fly by.

Also, if you are going into this film thinking it will be similar to del Toro’s best works such as Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water, you are sadly mistaken. I’m not saying this movie is bad or far inferior to those, but this film just gives you a far more colder experience which makes this film a harder movie to love than those two. I would honestly say that is why critics aren’t connecting with it as much as his previous films, but I still found this movie exceptional and fully engrossing.

Lastly, I would have liked a little bit more from both Toni Collette and Rooney Mara. Now I liked both of their performances and I thought they were good, but these are GREAT actresses and I don’t think we got enough from them. Neither of their characters were really compelling to be honest, but at the end of the day that falls on the writers, not the actors. I really think that this film could have been masterful if it fleshed out their characters a little bit more, but the film was already 2 1/2 hours, so at the end of the day, it is what it is.

THE VERDICT

Nightmare Alley is a slow-burn, psychological neo-noir thriller that comes to us from one of the greatest directors working today in Guillermo del Toro. His craftsmanship here in this picture was simply flawless and awe-inspiring. The film was really a full-course meal as we got remarkable cinematography, a haunting score, and some of the best production design I have ever seen!

The performance we got here from Bradley Cooper was just jaw-dropping and it was definitely one of the best of his illustrious career. His final moments in the film are utterly terrifying as we get the film’s best moment in the final shot. Cate Blanchett also shines as when her character enters the story in the second half, the heat begins to crank up considerably.

This movie deserves all of its flowers as it is easily one of the year's best, and I can’t wait to give it a second watch. I found it to be an improvement over the 1947 version and now it is time to dive into William Lindsay Gresham’s 1946 novel that the film is based on and I couldn’t be more excited to become more engrossed in the world that is Nightmare Alley!

TED TAKES RATING - 9.3/10

Nightmare Alley is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

American Underdog

American Underdog is a 2021 biographical sports drama, originally marketed as American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story. Directed by Andrew and Jon Erwin, who previously directed I Still Believe (2020) and I Can Only Imagine (2018). Based on the book All Things Possible, from authors Kurt Warner and Michael Silver, and a screenplay from David Aaron Cohen, Jon Gunn, and Jon Erwin. The film tells the story of NFL MVP and Hall of Fame quarterback, Kurt Warner, who went from stocking shelves at a supermarket to becoming arguably the greatest undrafted player in NFL history.

The cast includes Zachary Levi as Kurt Warner, Beau Hart as Young Kurt Warner, Anna Paquin as Brenda Warner, Dennis Quaid as Dick Vermeil, Chance Kelly as Mike Martz, Cindy Hogan as Sue Warner, Ser'Darius Blain as Mike Hudnutt, Adam Baldwin as Terry Allen, Bruce McGill as Jim Foster, Danny Vinson as Larry, Hayden Zaller as Zack Warner, Cora Kate Wilkerson as Jesse Jo Warner, OJ Keith Simpson as Marshall Faulk, and Nic Harris as Ray Lewis.

American Underdog released exclusively in theaters on December 25th, courtesy of Lionsgate.

THE GOOD

I should probably start this review by pointing out the fact that I am a huge football guy, and have been since I was a kid. I grew up idolizing Deion Sanders, but I was always drawn to the polarizing excitement of the NFL. My father and uncles invested countless hours watching NFL football, so naturally I needed to immerse myself into it as well. I remember recording the 1997 Super Bowl between the New England Patriots and Green Pay Packers on VHS, and I watched it over and over again. I swear I could see Desmond Howard’s kickoff return for a touchdown in my sleep. I didn’t have any real vested interest in this particular Super Bowl as I was still pretty deep in my Deion Sanders obsession, who was a Dallas Cowboy at the time, but it just made me feel part of something watching it. To this day its hard to explain, but I knew football would forever be a part of my life.

When I first watched the trailer for American Underdog, I honestly thought it looked like something that would land on the Hallmark Network. It just looked corny and forced, and didn’t grab my attention aside from my interest in the subject matter. Lucky for me, and anyone else who decides to make it to the theater, this is one of those situations where the trailer severely undersells a movie. American Underdog is extremely entertaining, heartfelt, well acted, genuinely moving, and more than anything else just a damn good re-telling of one heck of a cool story. NFL MVP / Super Bowl Champion / Hall of Famer Kurt Warner is widely considered the greatest undrafted player in NFL history for good reason.

His road to superstardom was long and grueling, but sometimes it is the struggle that makes the end result worth it. I was in 8th grade when Kurt Warner got his big shot, and I still remember all of the chatter centering around the fact that he went from stocking shelves in a grocery store to leading one of the most prolific offenses in NFL History, aptly known as the “Greatest Show on Turf”. This element of his story turns out to be 100% true, along with the majority of the film as they seemingly relied less on the tendency to spice things up for Hollywood. I won’t focus too much on the other elements as I want people to experience the story for themselves, but it is pretty crazy I will say that. I’ll never look at #13 the same again.

I mean what can I really say about this movie, I left the theater with a big smile on my face and an even bigger appreciation for a guy who I already knew was more than deserving of his Hall of Fame status. American Underdog is a story of tough love, and the support of the people that stick with you in the good times, and the tough times. Even though this is a sports drama based solely on the story of a rising NFL star, it is really more of a family drama and the importance of love and why we need someone special by our side. The relationships formed throughout the film are so powerful that I can easily say in many ways they overshadow the football element.

Now don’t get nervous on me, in no way is that a knock on the film itself, but it is surely a credit to the writing and how convincing the characters are during the telling of such an incredible story. I was completely immersed in the chemistry between Zachary Levi and Hayden Zaller, who plays love interest Brenda Meoni’s legally blind son, Zach. I mean, what a special kid in so many ways, and it was heartwarming to see Zaller, who is legally blind himself, become so immersed in such a pivotal role in the story. This kid will win you over. One specific scene at the end will surely have the tears flowing so be sure to bring tissues.

As far as the acting is concerned, I was extremely impressed by Zachary Levi’s portrayal of Kurt Warner. First of all, of you Google a photo of these two men side by side, the resemblance is uncanny. Because I am such a nice guy, I went ahead and added a photo of the two above. I mean look at that, crazy right?! I mean sure, the resemblance is more to a young Kurt Warner, but he has aged pretty well if I do say so myself. Add in Dennis Quaid as head coach Dick Vermeil, and Chance Kelly as offensive coordinator Mike Martz, and you have quite the crew of doppelgangers. I also thought Bruce McGill was great as Warner’s Arena Football Coach Jim Foster.

Admittedly, True Blood star Anna Paquin wasn’t my first choice to play the love interest and soon-to-be Mrs. Kurt Warner, but I’ll be damned if the two don’t look damn near identical. Could this be the most accurately casted movie in recent memory? Perhaps. Pictured above is Kurt Warner and his wife Brenda at the films premiere. I will also be the first to admit that I was dead wrong as Paquin is fantastic in her role, and the chemistry she develops with Zachary Levi is a big part of why this film works so well. I enjoyed the supporting cast as well right down to Warner’s old high school coach, and really can’t think of any issues I had with the acting.

THE BAD

My issues with this film are few and far between. The argument can be made that American Underdog follows the all too familiar path of feel good sports movies, and it would be difficult to dispute that. But what makes this different is the story itself. I mean, first of all it is entirely based on a true story with much less of the usual Hollywood flare we have come to expect which is impressive if you ask me. I will also point out the primary criticisms of the sports world, which were that Zachary Levi clearly never threw a football in his life before this movie.

Okay well first and foremost, the majority of people who make it big in acting don’t come from an athletic background, barring a few expectations of course, so this is an unfair criticism. Plus, have you seen the Tim Tebow and Kyler Murray commercial? Absolutely BRUTAL as far as acting goes. I mean sure, Tebow can’t really throw a football in the traditional sense either, but you get my point. Bottom line, it is ridiculous to expect a quality actor like Levi to also possess natural QB skills, plus is hardly takes away from the overall impact of the film anyway.

THE VERDICT

An incredible true story of perseverance and relentless determination, American Underdog perfectly encapsulates quarterback Kurt Warner’s improbable journey to Super Bowl champion and Hall of Fame inductee. I won’t even sugar coat it, I was in tears by the end of this movie. This is a powerful story that extends well beyond football in such a way that you won’t be able to avoid an emotional attachment. This is a story of struggle, love, support, friendship, and above all else staying true to yourself. Kurt Warner knew what he wanted in his life, and even though he realized there was more to life than football, he still did what it took to achieve his dream.

American Underdog is a story we can all draw some inspiration from, and I hope you will take the time out to see it in theaters sooner than later. Highly recommended.

TED TAKES RATING - 8.4/10

American Underdog is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

The King's Man

The King's Man is a 2021 action thriller directed by Matthew Vaughn, from a screenplay by Vaughn and Karl Gajdusek, and a story by Vaughn. The third installment in the Kingsman film series, which is based on the comic book The Secret Service by Mark Millar and Dave Gibbons, the film serves as a prequel to 2014's Kingsman: The Secret Service and 2017's Kingsman: The Golden Circle. Vaughn, who previously directed the first two films in the franchise as well as 2010’s Kick-Ass and 2011’s X-Men: First Class, has proven himself a formidable force behind the camera.

In the early years of the 20th century, the Kingsman agency is formed to stand against a cabal plotting a war to wipe out millions.

The cast includes Ralph Fiennes, Gemma Arterton, Rhys Ifans, Matthew Goode, Tom Hollander, Harris Dickinson, Daniel Brühl, Djimon Hounsou, and Charles Dance.

The King's Man released in theaters on December 22nd, courtesy of 20th Century Studios.

THE GOOD

I’m a big fan of The Kingsman franchise, and I remember being blown away by the debut film, Kingsman: The Secret Service, which released in 2014. To be honest I wasn’t quite sure which to expect when I originally watched the trailer for the first film, but it checked off every box for me as far as what I want in a movie theater experience. I was also very pleased with the sequel, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, which released in 2017 and introduced a few new faces. Fast forward a long four years and we finally have the third installment, The King's Man, which is a prequel to the first film. I have been waiting to scratch that Kingsman itch so I knew I had to see this the first day it hit theaters. So, was it worth the wait? Find out below!

I’ll be the first to admit, I had my reservations after sitting down in my seat at the theater for a few reasons. First off the early reactions were very hot and cold, but I tend to take those with a grain of salt for obvious reasons preferring to form my own opinions, and also it can be extremely difficult to make a high quality prequel for such a polarizing franchise. With all of that being said I’ll stop beating around the bush, I absolutely loved this movie. Talented director Matthew Vaughn is back in the drivers seat yet again which is huge for this franchise. Simply put, this is how you do a prequel. The King's Man delivers fans of the franchise everything they were hoping for, and then some.

This franchise is built on stylish and well-executed fight scenes and over-the-top violence, which you can rest assured is aplenty here. This may also be the most vulgar film in the franchise as far as the dialogue, as it is well-deserving of the R-rating. For that reason, The King’s Man is not for the faint of heart, but neither were the first two films if I’m being honest. Because the film is originally based on a comic, scenes often shed the barrier of realism which is part of why it is so much fun to experience. It blurs the line of reality and imagination in such a unique and interesting way. I was also pumped with the satisfying conclusion and the post-credits scene, which has me beyond excited for the next film in the franchise.

The King’s Man is a film that hits hard, and a few scenes in particular left me on the edge of my seat with my mouth wide open thinking “did that really just happen?!”. I attribute this to the fact that viewer investment is top-notch by the time you are roughly half way through the film. The primary storyline itself which takes place in the early 1900’s is heavy as it is rooted in some great historic moments in world history. Ralph Fiennes, who plays the Duke of Oxford, Orlando Oxford, creates a secret spy organization with the intention of protecting the United Kingdom and the British Empire from the surely devastating effects of World War I, also known as the Great War. Orlando is at the mercy of trying to find a way to convince President Woodrow Wilson to join the war, as a way to fuel his efforts which drives the primary storyline.

Because of his fathers allegiances, Dickinson’s character wants nothing more than to join the military to fight for his country, which brings me to my favorite scene in the film without question which felt like it was cut directly from the 2019 war drama 1917 (preview and trailer here) mixed with a little bit of Hacksaw Ridge. I realize that is high praise, but you will see what I mean once you watch The King’s Man. I can’t wait to see this movie again just to watch that incredible scene one more time. I really liked how well they were able to tell the origin story of The Kingsman, a secret organization built on trust and integrity that just happens to be based out of a tailor shop.

Another staple of The Kingsman films is the acting, as the tone was set with 2014’s debut film Kingsman: The Secret Service, headlined by Colin Firth, Taron Egerton, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Caine, and Mark Strong. That cast is a difficult group to follow when putting together a prequel set well before the original, but they did a damn nice job if you ask me. Firth is a tough act to follow, but who better to step into that role than the talented Ralph Fiennes, who is nothing short of fantastic. Aside from Fiennes the other primary role is given to Harris Dickinson, who is a bit of a up-and-coming talent. This is by far his biggest role, previously playing a role in the 2017 indie drama Beach Rats and the 2018 FX drama series Trust, based on the story of John Paul Getty III. He may be far from a recognizable actor, but I was impressed with his performance and more importantly his chemistry with Fiennes, who plays his overbearing father. Dickinson looks the part and definitely won me over. I hope this kid gets more opportunities going forward.

Veteran actor Djimon Hounsou is amazing as usual, and his relationship with Fiennes was a big reason why The King’s Man works so well. He has been in a ton of blockbuster films including Guardians of the Galaxy, The Legend of Tarzan, and Captain Marvel, and even though he always plays supporting roles, his presence is always felt. I really enjoyed Rhys Ifans in his unrecognizable role as the despicable Grigori Rasputin. He is the perfect villain that you will simply love to hate. Fun fact, he is also Dr. Curt Connors / The Lizard in The Amazing Spider-Man as well as the recently released Spider-Man: No Way Home (full review here). Actress Gemma Arterton is fantastic as usual, and Daniel Brühl literally plays his trademark role of Baron Zemo from the MCU, and that is perfectly fine with me. The rest of the supporting cast was great as well with no real issues to speak of.

The technical side of things is where The King’s Man really shines. I mentioned it a bit already, but the fight scenes are glorious throughout the film. They do take advantage of CGI when needed, but the stunts feel as raw and violent as they look which was huge for me. As a fan of the franchise I was sucked in by the signature style of the films as it relates to the action sequences and that element is alive and well for the prequel. I really enjoyed the creative use of slow-motion during certain pivotal scenes which helped maximize their effectiveness. I also have to give praise to the cinematography for The King’s Man, it is simply fantastic and maybe my favorite element of the film, aside from the over-the-top violence and vulgar language of course. Cinematographer Ben Davis may not be a household name for average movie fans, but he should be. A native of London, England, just like director Matthew Vaughn, he received several nominations for his work on the 2017 dark comedy drama Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (full review and trailer here) . He has worked on several standout films including Kick-Ass, Seven Psychopaths, Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Doctor Strange, Captain Marvel, and most recently Marvel’s Eternals (full review here), just to name a few. Bottom line, this guy is a true talent and if his name is attached to a film, it is worth a look. The opening of pretty much every scene is is just so beautiful and immerses in the audience in such a way that is hard to describe. I was also thrilled with the soundtrack and score from Jason Ballantine and Robert Hall, yet another trademark of The Kingsman films.

THE BAD

The King’s Man is not without its drawbacks, but in my opinion they are much less severe than the majority of critics would lead you to believe. it starts off a bit slow and doesn’t really have that true “Kingsman” feel for at least the first half or so of the film, but by the end I felt like this made sense as it is a prequel after all. You have to remain patient and the payoff is absolutely worth it. The writing also feels a bit forced at times which may be the cause of a few decisions in the editing room, which has an impact on the overall character development, but again it is far from detrimental. People often disagree with me on this, but as a lover of movies across all genres, I have the ability to watch a film and understand the overall intention and unique style which has a lasting impact with a film like this. I mean if you can’t handle extreme violence and vulgar dialogue, you will hate The King’s Man. Just like if you don’t like animated films, you should probably avoid Sing 2 . Simple as that. I mean, is this notion really all that complicated?

THE VERDICT

Visually stimulating from start to finish and as violent as ever, The King’s Man is a hard-hitting prequel that will surely satisfy fans as well as newcomers looking for an exciting and immersive theater experience. This franchise is unique in so many ways, and I have been a big fan from day one. It offers a heavy dose of what I look for in a movie, from the riveting action sequences, to the creative and fearless dialogue. I had a ton of fun with this movie, and in many ways it felt like a really cool history lesson. If they had movies like The King’s Man during history class during my high school years, I would’ve taken less naps and probably learned a lot more.

I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but after watching this movie and sticking around for the post-credits scene, I cannot wait for the inevitable sequel. Long live The Kingsman! Bottom line, don’t let these pessimistic critics deter you from seeing The King’s Man in theaters, you’ll thank me later.

TED TAKES RATING - 8.3/10

The King’s Man is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

Spider-Man: No Way Home

By: Ted Trafton & Andrew Wing

From director Jon Watts and writers Chris McKenna & Erik Sommers, Spider-Man: No Way Home is the sequel to Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) and Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019), and is the 27th film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This film marks the first MCU trilogy to be directed by the same director; Jon Watts. All previous film franchises such as Iron Man, Avengers, & Captain America had only two consistent directors throughout their respective trilogies.

For the first time in the cinematic history of Spider-Man, our friendly neighborhood hero is unmasked and no longer able to separate his normal life from the high-stakes of being a Super Hero. When he asks for help from Doctor Strange the stakes become even more dangerous, forcing him to discover what it truly means to be Spider-Man.

Starring Tom Holland, Benedict Cumberbatch, Zendaya, Marisa Tomei, Willem Dafoe, Benedict Wong, J.K. Simmons, and Jon Favreau.

Spider-Man: No Way Home released in theaters and IMAX on December 17th.

THE GOOD

From Ted’s perspective…

Alright listen, when it comes to comic book movies the Marvel Cinematic Universe is an overachiever. They just get it, it’s as simple as that. Now this starts with making the right decisions behind the scenes, and that starts with casting. Let’s take a quick look at that track record, you grab one of the greatest actors of our generation in Robert Downey Jr. as Stark/Iron Man. Huge move. Arguably more impressive you grab Chris Evans as Mr. USA himself, Captain America. You pull in the incredibly talented yet admittedly off his rocker in real-life Mark Ruffalo as David Banner/The Hulk (we leave politics etc out of it around here, I’m not trying to have a drink with the guy I just want him to deliver on-screen). Ruffalo is AMAZING in the HBO limited series I Know This Much Is True (full review and trailer here) if you haven’t seen it already. This brings me to one of the more recent rolls of the dice in the 2015 casting of the newest Peter Parker/Spider-Man, English actor Tom Holland. I mean, it would be an understatement to say this kid was born to play this role. Whether you are focusing on his mannerisms, facial expressions, or just overall on-screen presence, it really couldn’t be better. Whoever made the decision to get Holland, please buy them a Lamborghini and put their kids through college, and their kids through college.

Fast forward 6 years and several huge films later, and we have Spider-Man: No Way Home, and boy oh boy do we have something special with this one. I’m trying really hard not to overstate or oversell this movie, but I’ve come to realize that its pretty much impossible. It is just THAT good. I mean you really can’t gauge what it feels like to be sitting in a sold out theater on opening day with sky high expectations, only to still be blown away. Like really?! How is this even possible.

Let me also apologize for the delayed review as I wanted to see the movie twice, and the difference between the first viewing which was on opening day and the 2nd was truly night and day. Opening day the crowd was alive, reacting to every scene and every line during the entirety of the film. The 2nd viewing things felt a bit stale if I’m being honest, and my reasoning behind this is you basically have the hardcore fanbase vs casual moviegoers who decided to see that movie “everyone is talking about. Bottom line, I absolutely preferred the electric environment of that first viewing, no question. This was the first real cinematic experience that will make you forget March 2020 and on ever existed, and that is quite an accomplishment. Spider-Man: No Way Home picks up right where 2019’s Spider-Man: Far From Home just as Jake Gyllenhaal’s Mysterio reveals his true identity to the entire world. The domino effect turns Peter’s world upside down, sending him to see Doctor Strange for a solution only to make things much, much worse.

Spider-Man: No Way Home is just a blast to experience. I laughed like an idiot during the majority of the film, I cheered for things to go the way I hoped they would, and full disclosure I had tears in my eyes during the more emotional moments. The writing was so good that everything felt natural, adding weight to the characters and the sequence of events throughout the film. The nostalgia that is present in Spider-Man: No Way Home will hit you like Thor’s hammer, and the surprises never stop coming. One of the reasons why the Avengers films are always so successful is star power, which is part of why the unique approach this film takes is so impressive. This is quite simply the Taj Mahal of Spider-Man films, and fans will be digging through their closets for their red spandex as soon as they see it. Plus the impact of this film depends on avoiding spoilers, so those of you waiting to see it, you are flirting with disaster. I love the underlying message of the film which is that of importance of love between family and your closest friends, and the idea of doing the right thing for all involved, not just the right thing for you.

The foundation for success that marvel has constructed as of late is fairly simple; it starts with incredible casting, amazing action sequences, and just the right amount of emotion to tug at the heartstrings and get viewers invested beyond the spectacle of it all. They have done this with a crazy amount of success time and time again, most recently referring back to Avengers: Infinity War followed of course by Avengers: Endgame. Both massively successful films that hit audiences hard and stayed with them long after the credits roll. Spider-Man: No Way Home not only directly follows in the footsteps of those films, it finds a way to capture its own version of raw emotion. We get some very intense and pivotal scenes that in many ways reshape the landscape for the Spider-Man character, and I am excited to see where things go from here.

Do I even need to mention the acting in Spider-Man: No Way Home? Tom Holland is exceptional as expected, and once again proves his range as an actor. The trailer for the upcoming film Uncharted (preview and trailer here) played before the start of the film, reminding me of the fact that Holland is continuing to build on his impressive career. I don’t care what you put him in, this kid has talent. Benedict Cumberbatch is once again a force as Doctor Strange, and I love the on-screen dynamic he shares with Holland. One of the hardest things about losing Robert Downey’s Iron Man was the connection he had with Holland, and I feel like Cumberbatch has been able to retain some of that. I have enjoyed Zendaya in these movies, and this is probably her best performance in my opinion as she has a much bigger role as Spider-man’s love interest M.J. Jon Favreau is great as usual in his supporting role as Happy, along with the always enjoyable Marisa Tomei as Aunt May. Jacob Batalon is as lovable as usual as Peter’s best friend and “guy in the chair” Ned.

From a technical standpoint Spider-Man: No Way Home is exceptional as expected. The action sequences and CGI are glorious from start to finish, blending seamlessly with the hard-hitting soundtrack and score. The cinematography and camera work jump off the screen as well, especially during the CGI-heavy scenes involving Doctor Strange. Spider-Man: No Way Home always maintains a unique and effective balance of heart and humor, and at times things get very intense. In my personal opinion the ability to avoid coming across as corny is a win in itself considering the subject matter, and the 2 1/2 hour runtime just flies by.

I could honestly go on forever with this review because I honestly enjoy this movie that much but the more I write the more I risk spoiling some thing and I just cannot bring myself to do that. Plus the fact that portions of the film that would be considered spoilers are exactly what I would love to rave about. For that reason my goal was to keep this short and sweet and hopefully give you that little nudge to get out there and see Spider-Man: No Way Home sooner than later.

From Andrew’s perspective…

My first words coming out of the theater after seeing No Way Home were wow! Just wow! This movie has been on everyone's radar for the past 18 months or so ever since Marvel announced their movies for Phase Four of the MCU, and boy was it worth the wait! Simply put, this movie was amazing. This movie was fan service to a tee. It went beyond anything I could have imagined and hoped that this movie would be and I can say without hesitation that it was one of the best movie theater experiences of my life as the crowd engagement was unreal. My emotions ran wild from beginning to end and they were honestly all over the place which is one of the things I love most about movies. For me, when a movie can break me down and beat me up emotionally, that just shows you how good the movie is.

A big reason for my emotions being all over the place in this one is the performance we get from Tom Holland. In this movie, not only did Holland solidify in my opinion that he is THE BEST Peter Parker / Spider-Man that we have ever had, he showed us that his name needs to be in the conversation for one of the best young actors working today. His range of emotion is off the charts in this and he is a great actor. Without spoiling anything, the journey he goes on in No Way Home absolutely beats him down. He gets beat to a point of no return, and yet, we see him still get up and keep fighting which really is what makes Spider-Man Spider-Man. That trait and Holland's representation of that, not only makes Spider-Man one of my favorite superheroes but one of everybody's favorites.

Lastly, I have seen on social media this movie being regarded already as one of the best movies ever made with the likes of The Godfather and The Shawshank Redemption, and while I would not go that far with it as the movie is not perfect and not without its flaws. But with what this movie was able to do to me, and my emotions as not only a fan of the MCU but just a fan of film in general, I am blown away by this movie and what Marvel was able to craft here. It is incredible and it really has everything you could ask for. It has emotion, it has humor, the screenplay is fantastic and the score is one of Marvel's best, and some shots we get will make you lose your mind. To me, it is EASILY a Top-5 MCU movie and it is certainly the best Spider-Man film we have gotten in the MCU.

In conclusion, I am just really happy with what this movie is and I cannot wait to see it again probably in the next day or two.

THE BAD

(SECTION LEFT BLANK INTENTIONALLY)

THE VERDICT

An extremely satisfying culmination of everything we have grown to love about the MCU, Spider-Man: No Way Home is nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece. Is that high praise? Yes, yes it is. But this movie is the pre-pandemic blockbuster we have all been waiting for, and Tom Holland and company are just the saviors we needed. Spider-Man: No Way Home is the best Spider-Man movie to date with two great post-credit scenes that will get fans even more excited for what’s to come. Spider-Man: No Way Home is packed chock full of Easter Eggs as well, so fans will want to enjoy a repeat viewing as soon as possible. Do yourself a favor and head over to the theater sooner than later before the spoilers are impossible to avoid.

TED TAKES RATING - 9.6/10

Spider-Man: No Way Home is now playing in theaters and IMAX. Check out the latest trailer below.

West Side Story

West Side Story is a 2021 American musical film directed and co-produced by Steven Spielberg from a screenplay by Tony Kushner (also collaborated with Spielberg on the films Munich and Lincoln). It is the second feature-length film adaptation of the 1957 stage musical of the same name. It stars Ansel Elgort (The Fault in Our Stars, Baby Driver) and Rachel Zegler (in her feature film debut) in the lead roles with Ariana DeBose (Hamilton, The Prom), David Alvarez (Billy Elliot the Musical), Mike Faist (Panic), and Rita Moreno (who starred in the 1961 film adaptation, and also served as an executive producer alongside Kushner) in supporting roles.

The film entered development in 2014 at 20th Century Fox and Kushner began writing the screenplay in 2017. In January 2018, Spielberg was hired and casting began that September. Justin Peck (Tony Award winner for Best Choreography) choreographed the dance sequences, the music was composed by the late great Leonard Bernstein, with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim who is also no longer with us after passing just weeks ago. Filming began in July 2019 and wrapped up two months later, while principal photography occurred in New York and New Jersey. Also, the film is dedicated to Spielberg’s father, Arnold Spielberg.

West Side Story had its world premiere at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater in New York City on November 29, 2021, and was theatrically distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures through the 20th Century Studios label in the United States on December 10, 2021, after being delayed a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The film has so far been a box-office disappointment after a tough opening weekend and has grossed a total of $27.1 million worldwide against a $100 million budget, likely resulting in a financial loss for Disney.

Despite its lack of box-office success, the film has received acclaim from critics, with some deeming it superior to the 1961 film. It was named one of the top ten films of 2021 by the National Board of Review and the American Film Institute and received four nominations at the 79th Golden Globe Awards, including Best Picture - Musical/Comedy and tied with Belfast for a leading eleven nominations at the 27th Critics’ Choice Awards, including Best Picture.

THE GOOD

This just might have been one of the easiest films to get excited for that I have ever seen. For starters, it is directed by Steven Spielberg. The Steven Spielberg who is arguably the greatest director ever. The man behind countless classics such as Jaws, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Jurassic Park, Schindler’s List, and Saving Private Ryan just to name a few. Second, it is a remake of one of greatest films ever made. So yeah, those two things got me pretty pumped to check this out. Also, it is getting a large amount of Oscar buzz which is something you can come to expect with any movie from Spielberg. However, this one has got a legit shot at winning Best Picture if you ask me, so now you just need to keep reading to find out why I feel that way.

Where to start? I might as well start with the man in charge, the legend himself, Steven Spielberg. Some are saying that Spielberg’s direction isn’t very visible when watching, and also that he should not be getting lauded as the best director with this being a remake, but if you compare this to the original, there are so many things that stick out. One, Spielberg made a ton of creative decisions that differ from the original. For example, when it comes to the big bombastic musical numbers, he changed the locations for where they take place in this film and while that may seem small, I think it went a long way. Two, there is a lot more movement in this film, especially with the camera work. Within the first five minutes of the film, I promise you will be in awe at the true magic of cinema you will be witnessing on the big screen. His direction was just great here, and he checked every box. His direction was so good that he made the film capture both the joy of the old Hollywood musical while still feeling very much like an updated take. It was just some of the most unbelievable filmmaking of the year and you can lock in Spielberg for his umpteenth Best Director nomination.

Speaking of nominations, I would bet a lot of money on at least one performance getting nominated, when really every performance is worthy of a nomination. The ensemble cast was just spectacular and I thought every performance was very authentic. The two that stole the show for me however were the women, Rachel Zegler and Ariana DeBose. For Zegler, it is remarkable to me that this is her first feature film. She made it big on YouTube and now she is starring in a Spielberg film, and after watching her in this, I quickly realized this is only the beginning for what will probably be a pretty great acting career for her. Also, her voice is flat out amazing and she might have a future in not only acting, but also singing.

As for DeBose, she absolutely killed it here. Every second that she is on screen, she just has a magnetic presence. It might be her beauty, but she was just outstanding in this film. She really put all her emotions on display and she just had this indefinable quality that drew me to her and made her such a memorable character. I really think she is this year’s Best Supporting Actress and I would love for her to take home the trophy. Fun fact here, Rita Moreno won the Best Supporting Actress award in 1961 for her portrayal of the same character DeBose plays in the original, and she is back again in this remake as a different character. Despite the different character, she still makes her presence felt nonetheless. She really fits her character in this and she also has a scene that might make you shed a tear, just a heads up!

As for the actors, I loved the big three of Ansel Elgort, Mike Faist, and David Alvarez. I am biased when it comes to Elgort as I just fell in love with him as an actor in middle school when I watched The Fault in Our Stars for the first time, but also again years later in high school when he was the star of Edgar Wright’s Baby Driver. This wasn’t a career best performance from him, but I thought he played his character flawlessly and he was just very good in this if you ask me.

As for Faist, he was definitely a stand out in the film. They really fleshed out his character a ton here, more so than they did in the original, and I loved that. Faist did an excellent job at showing the vulnerability of his character and also his underlying insecurities. Alvarez was also really strong in his role as Maria’s extremely prideful and overprotective brother Bernardo. Alvarez did an excellent job at really expressing his character’s pride for his nationality in a way that was very authentic and true, but not over the top like we see with other movies sometimes. Both Faist and Alvarez are very worthy of nominations for Best Supporting Actor and I would be fine with either as they both bring so much to this picture.

No spoiler here, but this is a musical, and wow oh wow if you think I’m kidding when I say that every song in this is a banger, I am not! Seriously though, there isn’t a single song in this that misses for me. This is all the more impressive considering we are getting the exact same lyrics, the exact same songs and compositions from the original (it really is only the dialogue in between those scenes that is different). I don’t have kids yet, but I’m going to compare asking me to pick a favorite song in this film to asking a parent to pick their favorite child. I JUST CAN’T! I absolutely love both “Maria” and “Tonight”, but my girlfriend would kill me if I didn’t mention her favorite and probably the audience's favorite, “America”. All in all, you won’t be disappointed with the music in this and I have already added the soundtrack to my playlist.

The look of this film is incredible so we might as well next discuss the cinematography that was done by Janusz Kamiński. Every scene is gorgeous, but there were a few scenes that were just absolutely stunning. The scene in the gymnasium when the main characters meet each other for the first time under the bleachers was just a chef’s kiss. The lighting was breathtaking and the shot itself was just pitch perfect. Other scenes that stuck out were both the big fight scene and the “America” song and dance number. Both were exquisitely well done and truly beautiful. You will be blown away by the look of this film from start to finish. The film is just what I would call dazzling. The lighting choices and the colors are so vibrant, and it is more than deserving of a Best Cinematography nomination at the Academy Awards.

Continuing with the look of West Side Story, let’s discuss its production design. The production design in this is just stupid. Stupid in a good way. The set pieces in all of the song and dance numbers are superb. It is a lock for a nomination for Best Production Design. Last but not least, the choreography we got from Justin Peck was just top notch and he showed his expertise in every musical number. Very impressed.

THE BAD

Overall, there is no denying that I loved this film. I’ve said it a hundred times, but I am a sucker for musicals. However, the thing that keeps this from being a perfect 10/10 on my end is just the screenplay. There is a lot about this story that might have passed in the 1961 version that I think could use an update. Now don’t get me wrong, the story is charming, but there is no denying the story feels a little silly for today’s standards. I mean the two characters fall head over heels in love with each other as soon as they lock eyes and the story just expects you to subscribe to that notion. It didn’t take anything away from me as a viewer, but it certainly will be hard for some people to subscribe and connect with that romance at all as it is just so far-fetched.

Continuing on with the screenplay, there are just some things with the story that make you scratch your head. For example, there is a pivotal moment in the film where somebody does something unforgivable, but the other character quickly forgives them and it just is not believable in any way, shape, or form. Also, the end of this story just leaves a bad taste in your mouth. I understand why Spielberg didn’t change it because it could have changed the entire film in the worst way, but it just isn’t the resolution I wanted. All in all, the film is still very enjoyable and easily one of the year's best.

THE VERDICT

West Side Story is a wonderfully extravagant musical film from the legend himself, Steven Spielberg, that is, dare I say, better than the original. I think it is Spielberg’s best film since Saving Private Ryan (1998) as he really directs this film in a new updated way, but yet still pushes the ever so important love-over-hate message that is still very relevant today.

I just loved this movie so much as it has everything you could ever ask for. The performances from the ensemble cast are all astounding, but nobody shines brighter than Ariana DeBose who just has the undeniable magnetic presence that will likely win her Best Supporting Actress. Also, it is one of the most dazzling movies I have ever seen with its exquisite cinematography, out-of-this-world production design, and some remarkable choreography. The 1961 version collected plenty of Oscar nominations, and I think the 2021 version will do just the same and it deserves every one coming its way.

TED TAKES RATING - 9.5/10

West Side Story is now playing in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

The Power of the Dog

By: Andrew Wing

The Power of the Dog is a 2021 Western drama film written and directed by Jane Campion, based on the 1967 novel of the same name by Thomas Savage. The film stars Benedict Cumberbatch (Doctor Strange, The Imitation Game, Sherlock), Kirsten Dunst (Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man trilogy, Melancholia, Fargo), Jesse Plemons (Jungle Cruise, Breaking Bad, Fargo), and Kodi Smit-McPhee (Let Me In, Slow West).

The film was shot mostly across rural Otago (region of New Zealand) by cinematographer Ari Wegner, and the film is an international co-production between New Zealand, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

The Power of the Dog had its world premiere at the 78th Venice International Film Festival on September 2, 2021, where Campion won the Silver Lion for Best Direction. The film had a limited theatrical release in Australia and New Zealand on November 11, 2021, and in the United States and the United Kingdom on November 17, before it was officially released to stream worldwide on Netflix on December 1.

The film has received widespread acclaim from critics, and has also been named one of the best films of 2021 by the American Film Institute. It also received seven nominations (tied for most with Belfast) at the 79th Golden Globe Awards (scheduled for January 9, 2022), including Best Motion Picture - Drama, as well as ten nominations at the 27th Critics’ Choice Awards (also taking place on January 9th of next year), including Best Picture.

THE GOOD

I can’t tell you how excited I have been for this movie. It had one of those awesome yet subtle trailers that just left you on the edge of your seat eager to know more. Also, this is the newest film from Jane Campion, who hasn’t made a film since 2009, which shows she is clearly very careful about which projects she does and that only got me more excited. Campion is someone I’m sure most casuals don’t know. Her magnum opus is definitely The Piano, the 1993 period drama film that won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival. It also won three Academy Awards out of eight total nominations at the 66th Academy Awards in March of 1994. My last reason for why I have been so hyped for this is because it is easily one of the biggest Oscar contenders of the year. So without further ado, let’s find out if it is as true a contender as people are making it out to be, or if it’s just a pretender.

I won’t waste any time, it is definitely not a pretender, it is a legitimate contender. One award it will be contending for is Best Director, and Campion has as good a shot as anyone to win this award. I know I said The Piano is widely regarded as Campion’s best, but I’ve seen that, and I think this is way better. There is no denying this film is way more cinematic as Campion expertly crafted every inch of this film. Her direction is really all over this film, and I just loved her portrait of the west and how she didn’t shy away from shining the light on the brutal systems that we associate with the American west. Systems such as masculinity and class hierarchy. What I admired the most was just how locked in Campion is with her characters and how interested she is in what is going on between them. She just gave this film its own atmosphere that was so enticing and I would love nothing more than to see her win Best Director for what I think is her masterpiece.

Direction is obviously huge when it comes to the success of a film, but no film is successful without some incredible performances and this film has their fair share of them. However, none pack a bigger punch than that of Benedict Cumberbatch. Cumberbatch is simply unbelievable in this film. It was so weird to see him playing an unlikeable character as he is usually the good guy, but I still loved every second of it. He was brilliant at shifting through different subtle expressions in each shot that conveyed different bits of information we needed to digest. I was also impressed by how he conveyed his character’s underlying insecurity which added another layer to an already masterful performance. This might be the best performance of his career, and if you were still questioning whether or not he is one of the best actors of this generation, well you now have your answer. As for his chances at Best Actor, I still think it is Will Smith’s to lose for his performance in King Richard (see my full review here), but if anybody can steal it from him, it has got to be Cumberbatch.

The second best performance undeniably belonged to Kodi Smit-McPhee. Similar to Campion, he is certainly not a household name as he is just 25 years old, but in my opinion, he will be a household name very soon. He is just excellent and he plays a huge part in this film, especially in the second half, and he just knocks it out of the park. Throughout the film, you come to find that his character really has his cards against his chest, and you can see his character start becoming more pivotal to the overall story, and that just made his performance all the more impressive to me. I would say that it’s a lock that he gets nominated for Best Supporting Actor, and although I would love to see Troy Kotsur win for his performance in CODA (see my full review here), I won’t be mad to see Smit-McPhee win because he is ridiculously good in this.

Two more performances that need to be brought up belong to the married couple that is Jesse Plemons and Kirsten Dunst. Plemons is one of my favorites and he has already had himself quite a busy 2021 with Antlers and Jungle Cruise, but this is definitely his best performance of the year. Plemons is great at never overplaying his characters, so I unfortunately don’t see him getting nominated, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that he played his role of the softer and more non-confrontational brother to Benedict Cumberbatch exceptionally well. As for Dunst, she on the other hand is very likely to be getting nominated. I loved what she was doing with her character as she was extremely passive at times, and I just thought she did a great job at expressing how much weight and pain her character is carrying with her throughout the film. She was just super believable and it was extremely easy to tell how uncomfortable her character felt at times with how well she portrayed her.

If there was one award that I had the most faith in The Power of the Dog winning, it would have to be Best Cinematography. The cinematography here is absolutely beautiful. It was shot by cinematographer Ari Wegner, and his depiction of the west is remarkable and it actually reminded me a lot of another drama film that takes place in the west that is a perfect film in my eyes, and that would be Paul Thomas Anderson’s 2007 film There Will Be Blood. The cinematography in every scene was extremely calculated and I loved how all of the shots they chose played a role in conveying the power dynamic between all the four major players. That, and every other decision made when it came to the look of this film went a long way in making things taking place in the film feel more intense. Every choice made from behind the camera was brilliant yet subtle, and it just fit Campion’s style. I would love for this to win Best Cinematography as it is unquestionably one of the most beautiful films of the year.

I kid you not, what was just as good, if not better than the cinematography was the score that was composed by Jonny Greenwood. The film’s score throughout the entire film just carried a haunting tone that makes you feel uneasy from start to finish. Its score just has everything from the ominous sounds of plucky guitars, to the piano, to even whistling, and it is easily one of the best scores of the year. It will undoubtedly get nominated for Best Original Score. Greenwood also scored Spencer (see my full review here), which I predicted will also get nominated, so Greenwood will likely be getting double nominated for his incredible work on both projects.

I did watch this film twice as it is just one of those movies that warrants a second viewing, and it got better on the rewatch. I wasn’t sure what the core of the film was on the first viewing, but for the second watch I was just more on the wavelength and I was absorbing details that I didn’t notice before. It was definitely clear that this is from a more dense novel, but Campion’s screenplay did the book justice in my eyes. You can lock in a Best Adapted Screenplay nomination for Campion along with her directing nomination, because she really brought the book to life in the most impressive way. This movie just really connected with me. I gained more of an appreciation for it on the second watch and I think I could even like it more on a third watch. In conclusion, I would absolutely love to see this film win Best Picture. It won’t be easy, but it definitely has a very good chance as it checks every box in not only my eyes, but clearly others’ as it is collecting tons of nominations from other awards outlets.

THE BAD

I won’t lie, I loved this film. I watched it twice and there is no glaring flaw I feel I need to mention. What I will say though is that this movie fits the description of a “slow burn” perfectly. The film has a ton of symbolism being conveyed throughout which might have people struggling with upon their first watch. It definitely is a challenge to try and cram in a lot of this symbolism and subtext into just a 2 hour movie, but it paid off on my end and Campion did a really good job.

Also, the demographic this film is going for is true lovers of cinema. I just say that because if you are going into this expecting to get your typical Western drama film filled with cool action scenes with everybody slinging guns while riding horses, you will be sorely mistaken.

THE VERDICT

Jane Campion is back with The Power of the Dog, her first film since 2009, and let me just say, she came back with a bang as I think this just might be her masterpiece. Her direction in this film is magnificent and her adapted screenplay she wrote is also superb. It is aided by Benedict Cumberbatch’s imposing performance that will surely earn him a Best Actor nomination as he both frightens and stuns you. It also features three impressive supporting performances that are all Oscar-worthy from Kirsten Dunst, Jesse Plemons, and Kodi Smit-McPhee, who I actually thought was the best of the bunch. More than that, its cinematography is on another level and Greenwood’s score is just so damn good.

There is no questioning why this is the huge awards contender that it is as it is a brilliant and powerful deconstruction of the American West, but I don’t doubt that this film will challenge audiences as it is deeply complex. As much as I think it might challenge viewers, I also think it will enthrall viewers as it did me, and I strongly believe time will be on this film’s side.

All in all, I would love nothing more than to see The Power of the Dog be crowned the next Best Picture winner and I really think it is going to happen.

TED TAKES RATING - 9.6/10

The Power of the Dog is now streaming on Netflix. Check out the latest trailer below.

Don't Look Up

Don’t Look Up is a 2021 science fiction comedy drama written and directed by Adam McKay, from a story by David Sirota. An extremely talented writer/director, McKay’s debut feature film was the 2008 hit Step Brothers, starring Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly, followed by The Other Guys (2010). The original plan was to make the film for Paramount Pictures, but Netflix acquired the rights in April of 2020, just as the pandemic was rearing its head.

Astronomy student Kate Dibiasky discovers the existence of an unidentified comet. Her professor, Dr. Randall Mindy, calculates that the trajectory of the asteroid crosses that of the Earth and that an impact will take place in about six months, killing everyone on Earth in the process.

The star-studded cast includes five, yes five, Oscar winners, in Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, Meryl Streep, Cate Blanchett, and Mark Rylance. Oscar-nominees include Jonah Hill and Timothée Chalamet. The remaining supporting cast is rounded out by Tyler Perry, Rob Morgan, Ariana Grande, Scott Mescudi, Michael Chiklis, Melanie Lynskey, Himesh Patel, Tomer Sisley, Paul Guilfoyle, Robert Joy, and Kid Cudi.

Don’t Look Up arrived in select theaters December 10th, and will debut on Netflix December 24th.

THE GOOD

First and foremost, I LOVE me some Jennifer Lawrence. I’ve been a massive fan since she crushed her performance in the 2010 drama The Winter’s Bone which was a breakout film for her in my opinion. I’d also argue that her best performance was David O. Russel’s 2013 crime drama, American Hustle. Team her up with one of the greatest actors ever in Leonardo DiCaprio and the talented Adam McKay at the helm, and you have something to work with. When I watched the first trailer for Don’t Look Up, I couldn’t wait for it to release which is why I made the trek to the theater in 20 degree weather prior to the Netflix release date. So, was it worth it?

Yes, it absolutely was. Initial reactions have been quite mixed so I was hesitant going in figuring McKay bit off more than he could chew, but that was not the case at all. Don’t Look Up is uniquely entertaining, very relevant, and just downright hilarious for the majority of the time. Sure much of the comedy is dry humor which is fine by me especially when you have such a talented cast. The film includes a ridiculous amount of great one-liners, and it takes jab after jab at our obsession with pop culture, social media, and the missteps of our government. If we can’t laugh at our own stupidity, what are we doing with our lives?! Don’t Look Up is one of those movies that will weed out the people that fall into the “if you aren’t part of the solution, you’re part of the problem” category. Now trust me I am not on my high horse and I am guilty of plenty that the film rips on, but at least I can admit it. Full disclosure, I can’t stand politics and that certainly helped me enjoy Don’t Look Up.

It’s like the classic Ron Burgundy line, but instead of saying “everybody come and see how good I look!” it’s “everybody come and see how stupid WE look”. But in all seriousness, this film is supposed to be a self-reflection, a reminder that as a society our collective IQ is plummeting. We bury our faces in our phones and let social media run our lives. If the Wi-Fi goes out for an hour we go into a panic, it’s pathetic if you really think about it. The negative reviews for Don’t Look Up are telling in the sense that they expose the politically driven critics, those so out of touch with their own inadequacies they lash out at the Adam McKay’s of the world. I’ll bottom line it for you, whether you want to focus on the issue with climate change, our disgusting reliance on technology, or the fact that our government is often a real-life SNL skit, this movie is an accurate albeit slightly exaggerated portrayal of the current state of affairs. To be honest, I applaud McKay for keeping it light while getting his point across. What should scare us is just how close to reality this film really is.

I thought the writing for Don’t Look Up was fantastic. It is one of those movies that includes so many little things that you will have to see it two or three times to fully appreciate the finer details. A great example is something that happens involving snacks at the White House early in the movie, and it ends up becoming something that Jennifer Lawrence’s character can’t seem to let go for the entire movie. It seemed like something simple on the surface, but with this movie everything has a deeper meaning. Adam McKay and David Sirota find a way to intertwine humor and impending doom, and I enjoyed every minute of it.

Okay so the meat and potatoes of Don’t Look Up is the cast, and boy is it stacked. I touched on my girl Jennifer Lawrence early on in the review and she did not disappoint. Her chemistry with Leonardo DiCaprio was just awesome, and I really enjoyed the screen-time these two shared. Lawrence is always entertaining as the outspoken and rough around the edges Astronomy student Kate Dibiasky. DiCaprio is one of the most versatile actors working today, and his transformation into this character Dr. Randall Mindy was fun to watch. He is such a wholesome and likable guy who proves that we all sometimes fall victim to our desires especially when fame comes into play. I am a big Jonah Hill fan as far as his abilities as an actor (he seems a bit odd in real-life), and I loved his character. His troubling relationship with Meryl Streep is just hilarious, and you will love disliking them during this movie. The tension between Hill and Lawrence is hilarious as they both fight like brother and sister for most of the film.

Mark Rylance was the dark horse for me as he took on what felt like a role crafted after Elon Musk. His delivery and mannerisms are very unique, and he is definitely a character that stands out. Who doesn’t love Timothée Chalamet?! The chisel jawed actor who crushed his role in the blockbuster film Dune, which Andrew reviewed recently (full review here), is quickly becoming one of the top actors working today. I was hoping he had more than just a cameo type role in Don’t Look Up, and was very pleased with how he fit into the storyline. Tyler Perry and Cate Blanchett are fantastic as the egotistical talk show hosts who love to keep things light, even when their segment involved an asteroid that will surely destroy all life on Earth.

I have to recognize pop superstar Ariana Grande because I really liked her performance as she played a fictional version of herself. She and Kid Cudi add a nice wrinkle to the film, and she had one specific interaction with DiCaprio that completely caught me by surprise and had me laughing hysterically. She also has a chance to bless us with her amazing voice, which is always appreciated. Ron Perlman was offensive and hilarious in his extremely politically incorrect Clint Eastwood in Gran Torino sort of role, as his character embodies the saying “it was a different generation”, which is repeated several times following a scene with his character.

From a technical standpoint Don’t Look Up is extremely well done in my opinion. Whether it be the cinematography, the score/soundtrack, or the various clips that play throughout the film, the creativity is next level. I was constantly impressed with what at times felt like a documentary style as the pieces fell into place, and we are also treated with a fair amount of quality CGI as well. The soundtrack has some great moments thanks to Ariana Grande’s involvement in the film. This is Adam McKay’s 4th collaboration with composer Nicholas Britell, and I think the two have built a great working relationship and have similar styles. They previously worked together on The Big Short, Vice, and Succession. A film like Don’t Look Up benefits greatly when the score and soundtrack can match up with the overall feel of the film, and that was definitely the case here.

THE BAD

I really enjoyed Don’t Look Up, and my immediate reaction was that it is getting unfairly criticized. I mean sure, it can be slow at times particularly towards the middle of the film, and some of the jokes don’t quite land, but discrediting what Adam McKay did with this film is just ignorant in my opinion. With that being said, the issue here is pretty obvious. You cannot release a film that takes as many shots at the political landscape and the social media generation without ruffling a few feathers. I thought McKay and David Sirota crafted a unique and relevant story, and these sensitive so-called critics are feeling a little offended so they decided to criticize the film as retaliation. It’s fine though, I can laugh at our stupidity, but clearly those who are part of the problem struggle with that.

THE VERDICT

A well-crafted satirical comedy packed with plenty of laugh out loud moments and a bit more heart than expected, Adam McKay’s Don’t Look Up is an entertaining yet fairly harsh reminder of the running joke that is our current state of affairs. Sure, this is one of those “lets laugh at how stupid we are” movies, but that is honestly part of why it works so well. As a country in the past year and a half or so, we have been serving up an endless amount of bulletin board material for people to criticize us. To say that it has been bad would be a severe understatement. It has gone from people wanting to be like us, to them closing their borders to us. I mean, I’d love to visit New Zealand one of these days so I am really hoping we can avoid a lifetime ban. More than anything else, Don’t Look Up is an opportunity to lighten up and all laugh together, but it will leave you with the realization that we need to do better. I hate to say it but if you’re offended by Don’t Look Up, you might want to take a long look in the mirror and begin the journey to self-reflection. Just sayin’.

TED TAKES RATING - 8.2/10

Don’t Look Up is now playing in select theaters, and will debut on Netflix December 24th. Check out the latest trailer below.

House of Gucci

House of Gucci is a 2021 biographical crime drama directed by Ridley Scott, based on the 2001 book The House of Gucci: A Sensational Story of Murder, Madness, Glamour, and Greed by Sara Gay Forden. It tells the shocking true story of the family empire behind the Italian fashion House of Gucci. Spanning three decades of love, betrayal, decadence, revenge, and ultimately murder, we see what a name means, what it’s worth, and how far a family will go for control.

Ridley Scott is an extremely talented director who has helmed some real gems over the years, ranging from the original Alien way back in 1979, to Gladiator, Black Hawk Down, and American Gangster, just to name a few during his impressive run in the early 2000’s. More often than not the trademark of his films are the big names they include. In October his latest larger-than-life film, The Last Duel (full review and trailer here) starring Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Jodie Comer, and Ben Affleck, released in theaters and received abysmal box office numbers. Scott was vocal about his disappointment, and I don’t blame him. This was a fantastic movie which is now available On-Demand, so be sure to check out our review and give it a watch, you won’t regret it. We need more original films like this.

The cast includes Lady Gaga, Adam Driver, Al Pacino, Jared Leto, Salma Hayek, Camille Cottin, Jack Huston, Jeremy Irons, Mãdãlina Ghenea, Reeve Carney, and Youssef Kerkour.

House of Gucci released in theaters on November 24th, courtesy of MGM Studios.

THE GOOD

Just to preface this review, I am a huge fan of Adam Driver, and of course Ridley Scott as I touched on a bit in the intro. I had very high expectations because of Scott and the cast and couldn’t wait to check out House of Gucci after the first full-length trailer dropped. So, what did I think?

As someone who admittedly wasn’t very in the loop as far as the true story the film is based on, I enjoyed House of Gucci. A story of the rise and fall of a tremendously rich family will always have an intriguing factor, but this story is unique in many ways. The Gucci family was careful to protect their wealth early on, but once things started to go bad the train was not returning to the station. The story includes all of the great elements a film like this needs all centered around a love story that proves to be a ticking time bomb. And more than anything else, on some level us regular folk get enjoyment out of watching wealthy people throw it all away. I hope to at some point read Sara Gay Forden’s book that the film is based on to make sure I get all of the juicy details.

Anything Ridley Scott touches has a certain level of flair or “sex appeal”, and that is surely the case with House of Gucci. The film has a certain look and feel that lets audiences know that they better pay attention because things are going to get interesting sooner than later. As with any Scott film, the score and cinematography prove to be a big focus. I especially enjoyed the films soundtrack which helped to achieve the overall feel they were going for. The filming locations offered a ton of opportunity for eye-popping cinematography, and I felt like they took full advantage of it. The majority of filming took place in the Italian Alps, and the mansion that is featured in the film is nothing short of incredible. The stunning 16th-century mansion on Lake Como was once the home of Cardinal Angelo Maria Durini in the 1700s. It is famously known for hosting members of high society, as well as high ranking members of the Catholic Church. What I would give just to stand in the front yard and take in the unbelievable view. I did enjoy the great costume design as well which was of course a given considering this film is based on a fashion empire. I learned a great deal about the Gucci brand as well, which remains on the forefront today as a luxury line.

I have to touch on the cast because the names alone will bring in an audience. The bulk of the screen-time is split between Adam Driver and Lady Gaga, with Jared Leto playing what is arguably my favorite character as the quirky Paolo Gucci. Driver is the cream of the crop right now as far as A-list actors are concerned, and it seems he is building a bit of a professional bromance with Ridley Scott. It will be fun watching that relationship develop. Al Pacino and Jeremy Irons assume the parts of the senior Gucci men, and you really couldn’t have found a better duo to take on their roles reminding us why they are some of the best to ever do it. The supporting cast is somewhat limited as the films primary focus is on the main cast, but I did really enjoy Jack Huston in his role as Domenico De Sole. Huston may not be considered a household name necessarily, but I will always remember him for his incredible performance in the HBO drama series Boardwalk Empire. He is a very intense actor.

THE BAD

Just a reminder I had very high expectations so this part of the review might seem like I hated this movie, but I promise you I didn’t, I just expected more. House of Gucci is very much a mixed bag, and I’ll try to dive into the primary issues I had with the film which I think held it back from being great. First of all, a huge draw for people is the cast for obvious reasons. Adam Driver is proving himself to be an A-list talent, Al Pacino is, well, Al Pacino. Jared Leto is an absolute chameleon of an actor, often unrecognizable in his roles. And musical artist Lady Gaga is proving herself to have a place in the movies after her performance in the Bradley Cooper film, A Star is Born. 

So why am I bringing up this stellar cast in the BAD section? I’m glad you asked. I am a huge Driver fan, and this is probably one of my least favorite films of his, as of late anyway. He does maintain a certain presence for the majority of the film, but he never really sells me on the goods like he usually does and the accent takes some getting used to. Pacino was really good as expected, and Leto was actually one of my favorite characters as there was never a dull moment when he was on-screen. Unfortunately for Gaga and her budding film career, this was a very uninspired performance from her in my opinion. I felt like she started out great overall, but when she transitioned to this “hardened member of the Gucci empire”, I just wasn’t buying it. Her scenes with Selma Hayek were all pretty weird in my opinion. I also felt her chemistry with Driver was shaky at times, which hurt the film. It’s just too bad because a project like this with Ridley Scott at the helm was a great opportunity for her. 

My primary issue with The House of Gucci is the writing and what I felt was wasted potential. The characters didn’t have a chance to develop any sort of substance, all remaining pretty much one-dimensional. The film is built on a pretty crazy story with a ton to work with as far as this rich family turning on each other. Plus a great cast to bring it all together, but it fell flat more often than not. I felt like the characters would go from loving each other to hating each other without much of an explanation or at least some sort of buildup. For a 2 1/2 hour movie I felt like everything was rushed, and they could have cut out a few pointless sequences to really bring the story together. I do think the writing is a big reason why the cast was hung out to dry a bit because they have all proven they can get it done. I think the movie was much better suited as a limited series to really tell the story. It’s all unfortunate because the story of the Gucci family is bananas. 

THE VERDICT

With a talented cast and the great Ridley Scott at the helm, House of Gucci takes full advantage of the breathtaking setting in the Italian Alps while offering audiences a unique glimpse at this absolutely insane true story of power and greed. I talked quite a bit about my issues with the writing, and I honestly think that if we could’ve had someone like Adam McKay involved to make House of Gucci feel more like The Big Short, it might be getting award consideration instead of criticism. But I will reiterate, this isn’t a bad movie and I did really enjoy it, it just could have and should have been so much better. Sometimes high expectations can muddy the waters a bit, especially when a film features some of your favorite actors. I am certain I will enjoy it that much more the 2nd viewing. I do personally believe they should have gone with a limited series instead, and maybe that is still an option at some point.

Please let me know if you agree or disagree with this review in the comments, feedback is always appreciated. Oh and just another reminder to read our review for The Last Duel and rent it On-Demand sooner than later to make sure we get more great original films like this in the near future.

TED TAKES RATING - 7.2/10

House of Gucci is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

Encanto

By: Andrew Wing

Encanto is a 2021 American computer-animated musical fantasy comedy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. It is the 60th film produced by the studio, and it was directed by Jared Bush (co-directed and co-wrote Zootopia, and also wrote the film Moana) and Byron Howard (directed Bolt, Tangled, Zootopia), co-directed by writer Charise Castro Smith (The Haunting of Hill House), and produced by Yvett Merino and Clark Spencer (producer for Lilo & Stitch and Wreck-It Ralph), with original songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton, In the Heights).

The film stars the voices of Stephanie Beatriz (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Short Term 12), María Cecilia Botero, John Leguizamo (Ice Age film series, Bloodline), Mauro Castillo, Jessica Darrow, Angie Cepeda (The Seed of Silence), Carolina Gaitán (Narcos, The Greatest Showman), Diane Guerrero (Jane the Virgin, Doom Patrol), and Wilmer Valderrama (That ‘70s Show). The film follows an extraordinary family, the Madrigals, who live in a magical house in a charmed place called an Encanto. The magic of the Encano has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift except one, Mirabel (voiced by Beatriz). But when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is in danger, Mirabel decides that she, the only ordinary Madrigal, might just be her family’s last hope.

The film premiered at the El Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles on November 3, 2021, and was theatrically released in the United States on November 24.

THE GOOD

It is truly remarkable that this is the 60th motion picture Walt Disney Animation Studios have delivered to us, and there is no doubt in my mind that I have seen at least 50 of them. What’s arguably more impressive is how they are still able to bring us as an audience new and enticing stories that still revolve around what’s most important, family. Upon seeing the trailer for Encanto, I was instantly hooked. A magical house that gives everyone special abilities, what’s not like about that? And oh yeah, it’s a musical film that had its original songs written by none other than Lin-Manuel Miranda (just reviewed his directorial debut film, tick, tick… BOOM!), so they were in pretty good hands from the start. But where does it rank compared to some of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ other masterpieces? You’ll have to keep reading to find out!

Encanto had some talented filmmakers for this one with Jared Bush and Byron Howard who have put out their fair share of successful Disney films (Tangled, Zootopia). I think what impressed me and stuck out to me the most with their direction for this film were the messages they were trying to convey. First, I really loved how the film’s main character does not have powers, while everyone in her family does and most Disney films’ protagonists have. For most of the movie, the main character Mirabel feels like she isn’t special and she feels like she does not belong because everyone else was given a purpose (their powers).

However in the end (without giving too much away) we see that she does belong. I just found this to be a very big step forward for Disney because regular people deserve to have the light shined on them too, it doesn’t always need to be superheroes or magical princesses even though I enjoy those too. Also, the film has a very clever way of subverting expectations when it comes to a couple characters in the movie. These characters are presented as one thing (beautiful, strong, confident, etc.) and then we see that that's not how it always is for the character. In this movie, even people with superpowers can struggle with self-esteem and other related issues, and I just loved how the film included that because everybody in today’s world deals with those things.

The movie is a musical, and when the movie's songs are written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, it’s just a fact that they are going to be a good time, and that was just the case here. So far this year Miranda has had In the Heights that he produced and wrote songs for and also tick, tick… BOOM! which was his directorial debut, but his songs in Encanto are in my opinion the best. Literally every song is marvelous, but the best one of the bunch would have to be “Dos Oruguitas” which is very likely getting nominated at the Academy Awards for Best Original Song. If you end up taking my recommendation and go see this, I challenge you to not have the biggest smile on your face during the musical numbers because you just can’t help it, they are so fun!

As for this movie’s animation, and I know it might get redundant after a while, but Disney just continues to outdo their past work when it comes to animation. This movie is one of the most colorfully vibrant films Disney has ever put out. The amount of color on display is dazzling at times. There is so much depth to every image and it was just an overall beautiful film. I just don’t know where they go from here with their animation, like how can it get any better than this?

All the voice performances in this were amazing as you might have guessed. Stephanie Beatriz shines in the lead role as she voices Mirabel, and she did a wonderful job at bringing that character to life by expressing all of her emotions just through her voice. I also really enjoyed John Leguizamo as Bruno Madrigal, Mirabel’s uncle, as he was responsible for a number of laughs. Speaking of laughs, my favorite character was by far Luisa Madrigal (voiced by Jessica Darrow) who has superhuman strength and the biggest biceps in Disney history. Luisa’s big musical number “Surface Pressure” was one of the better songs and it had me smiling throughout its entirety with how funny Luisa’s character is.

Encanto was just a blast. I really loved the film’s message and I just think this film will resonate with a lot of young kids. It’s important to have a film like this out there that shines a light on just a regular person that kids can look up to rather than a larger-than-life fictional superhero. It is also the perfect time for a story like this with how rough the past couple years have been. Also, like most other Disney films, I did get a little emotional towards the end with its beautiful story coming to a close. In conclusion, Encanto is a great addition to Disney’s catalog and I would love for this to win Best Animated Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards and I predict that it will!

THE BAD

When you clicked on this review, if you thought that I was going to bash the newest Disney film Encanto, well you were sorely mistaken. Once again, I just have such a hard time finding something to critique about this film. The only minor thing that came to mind was that, and it might have just been for me, there were a lot of moving parts in the first third of the film as we get introduced to the characters, the Encanto, all of the character’s powers, and just why the Encanto’s magic is dying. Like I said, it might have just been that way for me, but definitely come prepared to pay attention.

All in all, once the movie settles in and you know everything you need to know, you’ll get sucked right into the wonderfully moving story, and I can’t see anybody not enjoying this.

THE VERDICT

From the minds that brought us past successful Disney films like Zootopia and Moana, comes the likely winner for Best Animated Feature Film at the 94th Academy Awards, Encanto. It is just a blast from start to finish with its vibrant animation, lovely characters, wildly entertaining musical numbers, and also its great messages it conveys to the audience. This really is the perfect family movie and I would suggest checking it out in theaters as soon as possible! If you can’t make it to the theaters, don’t worry because it will be streaming on Disney+ on December 24.

TED TAKES RATING - 8.9/10

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

C'mon C'mon

By: Andrew Wing

C’mon C’mon is a 2021 American black-and-white drama film written and directed by Mike Mills (also directed Beginners and 20th Century Women). It stars Joaquin Phoenix (The Master, Joker), Gaby Hoffmann (Transparent, Girls), Scoot McNairy (12 Years a Slave, Gone Girl), Molly Webster, Jaboukie Young-White (Rough Night), and Woody Norman.

The film follows Johnny (played by Phoenix), who takes care of his nephew (Norman) while his family is going through some challenging times. The film had its world premiere at the 48th Telluride Film Festival on September 2, 2021, and was released in limited theatres on November 19, 2021, by A24.

THE GOOD

I was very pumped for this film for two reasons. First, it’s an A24 film and I literally just can’t get enough of their movies as I love pretty much everything they put out. Second, this is Joaquin Phoenix’s first feature film since winning Best Actor for his performance as Arthur Fleck / Joker in the 2019 psychological thriller Joker.

I won’t waste any time so let’s get right into it, Joaquin Phoenix does a brilliant job in this. It is easily one of my favorite performances of his as he completely blends himself into the film and his character to the point where you don’t even see him anymore as an actor, you just see the character. He just is what the movie needs him to be and it was remarkable to say the least. It’s wild that this is his first film since Joker and also that his role in this could not be any more different from his role in Joker. And while I don’t think he will win Best Actor again for this, I strongly think he is worthy of a nomination and I would love to see him nominated for this performance.

I was also extremely impressed with the performance of Gaby Hoffmann, who plays Johnny’s sister and also Jesse’s mother Viv. Apparently she was in Sleepless in Seattle way back in the 90s, but this was the first I’ve ever seen of her as an adult actress and I was pleasantly surprised. She is really good in this and she brought a lot of personality and humor to her character. She gave a really honest portrayal of what a mother is that is deeply central to the film as a whole and I just connected with her performance very much.

There is no denying that Joaquin was the star of the show, but Woody Norman might’ve stolen the show. He plays the child, Jesse, in this film and he is truly incredible. So many times we get performances from child actors that just don’t feel real or authentic, but that is absolutely not the case here. I can really say that Woody Norman was just as good as Joaquin Phoenix in this which is very high praise for a child. He is just a wonder to watch on screen and his performance just made me lock into the film. Also, I will riot if he doesn’t get nominated for Best Supporting Actor. Just saying.

Director Mike Mills did a great job with this. I have yet to check out his earlier film Beginners (2010), but I really enjoyed 20th Century Women (2016). With that said, this has got to be his best film to date. Mills just has a knack for making tender, honest, and very funny films and to be honest, this film has a very New York, dialogue-heavy, naturalistic style that is similar to other great directors like Woody Allen and Noah Baumbach, so I would say he is destined for greatness. His direction was so evident in this, and it was clear that Mills trusted Phoenix as he gave us maybe his most emotional performance since Her (2013).

Not only did Mills direct this, but he also wrote this film. The writing was just fantastic, but what impressed me the most was just how intelligently all the characters were written, especially Jesse. This film just really touched me as I was able to understand the film so deeply thanks to Mills’ writing. You could tell that Mills wanted every character to have intention in every scene. With his screenplay, he made it clear to the audience that the essence of this film is the relationship between these two characters and it is just so heartwarming, charming, and funny. Mills just checked every box when it came to this screenplay and I have a hard time seeing him not get nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Oscars.

Also worth mentioning, Joaquin Phoenix’s character Johnny is a radio journalist traveling the country with his producing partners, interviewing children about their lives and their thoughts on the future. The children they interview are not actors, and throughout the film we get to listen in on some of the interviews and get some very insightful and moving answers from the younger generation. I just thought this was a very nice touch to the film that Mills decided to add to show us his loving perspective of the world. It gave me a very clear take away from the film, and that is that no matter how messy life can get sometimes, we just have to keep moving forward and rely on those around us which I really admired.

Lastly, the score for this film that was done by Bryce and Aaron Dessner is very good and I found it to be ethereal as it features a lot of unique sounds and arrangements that just felt very soft and nice. Also the cinematography was fabulous and I’m just a sucker for some great black-and-white cinematography.

THE BAD

Walking out of the theater, I was trying to think of things I didn’t like about it and I couldn’t come up with any. Now, having had a couple of days to let this film digest, I still have nothing bad to say. I loved every part of this movie and it will undoubtedly be on my year-end top 10. I just found this to be such an easy movie to sink into and connect with, and I think you will too.

One thing I will put out there as just a warning/heads up to anyone considering checking this out. The entire film is in black-and-white, so just be prepared. If you’re one of those people who needs color in their movies, this might not be the movie for you…but you should still try it out because it’s that good.

THE VERDICT

From director Mike Mills, C’mon C’mon is a beautiful and tender drama film that will just make you appreciate life. The film features yet another masterful performance from Joaquin Phoenix, this being his first since Joker, and he quickly reminds us why he is one of the very best. We also get Woody Norman, the 11 year-old kid who goes toe-to-toe with Phoenix as he gives one of the most spectacular performances I’ve seen for his age group.

Everything in this film from the dialogue, the ethereal score, the stunning black-and-white cinematography, to the characters and the performances was so expertly crafted and makes this hands-down one of my favorites of the year (currently #3 behind Dune and King Richard)!

TED TAKES RATING - 9.5/10

C’mon C’mon is now playing in select theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City

Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City is a 2021 survival horror film written and directed by Johannes Roberts, the man who brought us 47 Meters Down, and The Other Side of the Door. Adapted from the stories of the first and second games by Capcom, it serves as a reboot of the Resident Evil film series and will be the seventh film overall, which was loosely based on the video game series of the same name.

Once the booming home of pharmaceutical giant Umbrella Corporation, Raccoon City is now a dying Midwestern town. The company's exodus left the city a wasteland... with great evil brewing below the surface. When that evil is unleashed, the townspeople are forever... changed... and a small group of survivors must work together to uncover the truth behind Umbrella and make it through the night.

The film stars Kaya Scodelario, Hannah John-Kamen, Robbie Amell, Tom Hopper, Avan Jogia, Donal Logue, and Neal McDonough.

Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City released in theaters on November 24th, courtesy of Sony Pictures Releasing.

THE GOOD

I grew up playing the video games, so Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City is more than just a movie to me. During my formidable years way back in 1996, Capcom released the first game on the original PlayStation, and it was glorious. This was true survival horror, and seemed to jumpstart our fascination with anything and everything zombies. It scared the crap out of me at every turn, and I loved every minute of it. Soon my younger brother would share my appreciation for the franchise as he would sit and watch me play the original game for hours. I was 12 years old, and he was just 5 at the time. I still remember the look on his face during that pivotal scene in the original game where you encounter a zombie going to town on some flesh. He was equally horrified and amazed. Needless to say, parental supervision was a loose term in our household. I have been anxiously awaiting this movie for months, so did it live up to my expectations?

First and foremost, I genuinely enjoyed Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City. With that being said, I do feel like a disclaimer is necessary. This movie is fan service from start to finish, and I am more than okay with that. This is just under two-hours of zombie survival horror, complete with some great CGI and special effects to ensure that everything stays fast paced and never boring. Die-hard fans of the games, like my brother who I did see it with, will find the urge to whisper to each other each time you see something cool that you remember from the games. Go ahead and check out the very thorough trailer breakdown he did prior to seeing the movie on his YouTube channel here. If you’re a fan of the franchise, you will appreciate his dedication to the small details.

They also packed the film with little Easter eggs that have me wanting to watch it again sooner than later. It wasn’t easy combining the events of the first two games and they definitely had to get creative with that at times, but overall you can watch Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City and easily follow along as it related to the events that took place in the games. Admittedly I have enjoyed the other Resident Evil movies from Paul W.S. Anderson, who is credited here as an executive producer, but they were much more action-packed and less horror. Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City gets us back to the roots of the franchise, offering up some solid jump scares and much more of a horror movie feel.

As I talked about briefly, the film is structured as a sort of reboot that combines the first two original games in the franchise, and we are treated to most of the pivotal defining moments that fans of the game will never forget. Whether it be the zombie scene I referenced earlier, the truck or helicopter crash, or just the overall look of the Raccoon City Police Department or the Spencer Mansion, everything came together to create the world that is Resident Evil. The abandoned city felt claustrophobic as it should, and the feel of dread was present throughout. You are made to feel a bit uneasy and confused at times, just like you did in the games, and everything is pretty creepy for a good majority of the film. It also provides plenty of blood and gore as well, but never seems to push the envelope too much. You also have an opportunity to try and get to know the characters, and I felt like they all shared decent chemistry.

As far as the acting is concerned, I don’t think they will be rolling out the red carpet at this years Academy Awards, but thats okay. What the fans cared most about was making sure they put the right people in the right roles as it relates to the games, and I thought they did a pretty good job with that. Kaya Scodelario, who some will recognize from the Maze Runner movies or the recent horror thriller crawl, did a great job in the role of Claire Redfield. She had that intimidating no BS presence to her just like the character in the games. Her counterpart, brother Chris Redfield, is played by Upload and The DUFF actor Robbie Amell, and I thought he did a nice job as well. The two of them felt like siblings which was crucial to the story. Tom Hopper was impressive as the brooding and difficult to trust Wesker, and helps to give some fans a bit more insight into this important character. Hannah John-Kamen handles her duties as the shoot first and ask questions later Jill Valentine. I really liked the decision to cast veteran actor Neal McDonough as William Berkin, as he played the role perfectly. Avan Jogia was great as Leon S. Kennedy, the poor sap who gets thrown into a zombie apocalypse after just a few days on the job. We’ve all been there. Another veteran actor, Donal Logue, is solid as the scandalous Chief Brian Irons.

On the technical side of things I was impressed with Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City in terms of what they were able to accomplish. The CGI and special effects felt true to the games, and to be honest they were better than I expected. The CGI element is much more prevalent towards the end of the film as the characters engage in the iconic “boss battle”, which involves a rocket launcher as yet another nod to the videogames. The cinematography was actually pretty good as well, offering some cool scenic views of Raccoon City. I really enjoyed the soundtrack which was a nice trek back to the 90’s. I mean, if you aren’t jamming out to the hit 1998 tune Crush by Jennifer Paige during Leon’s slacking at the front desk scene, what are you even doing with your life?! Go ahead and have Alexa put it on for you, you can thank me later. The score also helped to ensure some of the creepier scenes hit hard, and helped to keep the tension going as well.

THE BAD

If you go ahead and critique Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City like you would any other movie, you can easily pick it apart until the sun comes up. I mean where do I start; the corny acting and cheesy one-liners that rears its head more often than you would like, the writing that might make viewers feel like idiots, or just the over-the-top and sometimes ridiculous storyline and special effects. I get why critics are shredding this movie, but they also lack the ability to judge a film based on its overall identity. I mean listen, this is a videogame adaptation that cares about one thing, and one thing only, and that is satisfying its fanbase. And as part of the aforementioned fanbase, they accomplish that goal, and then some.

The ultimate goal here is to generate enough excitement and box office revenue to reboot this franchise, and I can’t blame them for doing everything in their power to make that happen. If you focus on turning this into a great movie, you risk alienating fans. Am I saying this isn’t a “great movie?”, no I’m not. Its about expectations, and knowing your audience. I mean, how good do you think the writing and voice acting was for a zombie horror videogame that came out in 1996? We get the characters we know and love, the memorable cut-scenes in beautiful cinematic form on the big screen, and enough nostalgia to last us weeks. That’s more than enough for me.

THE VERDICT

Bringing to life the characters we know and love while treating fans to some of the most memorable scenes from the earlier games, Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City is unapologetic fan service from start to finish. As a longtime fan of the videogames I may be a biased, but for my money Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City reboots an iconic franchise while giving fans plenty to get excited about. The film is certainly not without its flaws as is the case with most videogame adaptations, but it creates an identity and sticks with it. If you enjoyed the games you will have a ton of fun with this movie, and more than likely as soon as you get home from the theater, you will be itching to start playing the games again. Be sure to stick around for the great post-credit scene as well.

TED TAKES RATING - 7.3/10

Resident Evil: Welcome to Raccoon City is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.