Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is a 2023 science fiction action film directed by Steven Caple Jr., written by Joby Harold, Darnell Metayer, Josh Peters, Erich Hoeber, and Jon Hoeber, from a story by Joby Harold. Based on Hasbro's Transformers toy-line and primarily influenced by the Beast Wars storyline, it will be the seventh installment in the live-action Transformers film series and the sequel to Bumblebee (2018).

In 1994, a pair of archaeologists from Brooklyn come into an ancient conflict through a globe-trotting adventure that ties in with three factions of Transformers: the Maximals, the Predacons and the Terrorcons.

The cast includes Anthony Ramos and Dominique Fishback, along with a stellar cast of voice actors including Michelle Yeoh, Ron Perlman, Peter Dinklage, Pete Davidson, Michaela Jaé (MJ) Rodriguez, Peter Cullen, and Cristo Fernández.

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts made its debut in theaters June 9th, courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

THE GOOD

Lets take a trip back to 2007, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots were making history, and Michael Bay was on the cusp of igniting a massive Transformers film franchise. Bay brought his ability to entertain with larger-than-life action sequences together with an engaging storyline and relatable characters. I looked forward to seeing these movies in theaters, and at the end of each movie a Linkin Park song would come through the speakers as the camera panned away and I would be officially ready for the next movie. The Transformers franchise is tailormade for the full theater experience, and Bay made sure that he gave viewers their moneys worth and then some.

The films got a little crazy even for me as they added more action and less storyline, making for an experience that felt like it was missing something even though they were still around 2 1/2 to 3 hours long. The last Michael Bay film in this franchise, Transformers: The Last Night, released in 2017 and to say it was not well received would be an understatement. But, all was not lost as in 2018 the franchise received an official reboot with the origin story of Bumblebee, starring the talented Hailee Steinfeld. The follow-up to that is the shiny and new Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, which attempts to bring the entire Transformers origin story to the forefront. So, is the franchise trending in the right direction or should you stay home and save your money? Keep reading to find out!

In many ways Transformers: Rise of the Beasts felt like a blast from the past, and I mean that in the best way possible. I genuinely enjoyed this movie, and it felt like the Transformers movies that always had me itching to be in the theater on opening day. The smooth balance between story and action is alive and well once again, and the film even found a way to tug at the heart strings a little bit.

I enjoyed the cast lead by Anthony Ramos (In the Heights) as Noah Diaz, and Dominique Fishback as Elena Wallace, who is fantastic in the Apple TV drama series The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey which also stars Samuel L. Jackson. The tandem had solid chemistry and helped to progress the story and keep things interesting. I also thought Dean Scott Vazquez did a really nice job as Noah’s little brother Kris and was a big part of the emotional element of the story. I really liked the mid 90’s era setting that helped to provide a fantastic soundtrack and great overall feel, and I thought director Steven Caple Jr. is worthy of some praise for a movie that begs to be seen in theaters.

I was very pleased with the cast of voice actors which included Peter Cullen, Ron Perlman, Pinker Dinklage, and Michelle Yeoh to name a few, but the star of the show as far as the voice cast was Pete Davidson. Davidson voices Mirage who is the Transformer who becomes connected to Noah through a sequence of unforeseen events, and I thought he was hilarious. Mirage is the cocky member of the group but in a goofy way, and I thought Davidson nailed it with some great one-liners. My guy Cristo Fernández, the Mexican actor better known as Dani Rojas in the hit comedy drama series Ted Lasso, has a small role as the Transformer Wheeljack but I recognized his voice right away and it immediately put a smile on my face.

Obviously you can’t have a Transformers movie without talking about the action sequences, special effects, or soundtrack, and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts brings the heat as expected. This movie has some absolutely gorgeous visuals, and I will likely snag the 4K Blu-ray when it comes out. I thought the action sequences were equally exciting and edge-of-your-seat worthy from start to finish, and one thing this movie will not be accused of being is boring. The soundtrack hits about as hard as a giant pissed off robot colliding face first with a massive building, and it definitely kept my energy level high.

I loved the variety of Transformers we get to see from the traditional vehicle that turns into a giant robot, to what looks like it came straight from a Godzilla vs Kong film. I especially enjoyed Pete Davidson’s Mirage character, who was not only on point with his banter, but also one of the more nimble Transformers making for quite a few high-energy action sequences. The films third act did not disappoint as it had my blood pumping making for a very satisfying finale. Bottom line, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts takes full advantage of the estimated $200,000,000 budget.

THE BAD

I’m sure by now you can tell that ultimately I was very pleased with this film, but it did have its issues. The Transformers films always relied primarily on the action sequences making it so the sometimes goofy dialogue was mostly overlooked, and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is no different. I laughed quite a bit throughout the movie, but some of the jokes did fall flat and sort of made for an awkward silence in a way, at least briefly. I was able to overlook these instances for the most part mainly because the last few Transformers films lowered my expectations, but also because it is far from a deal breaker. I also touched on the cast which I was pleased with, but you won’t be getting top-tier acting, nor should you be expecting it. The main cast is talented and definitely pulled their weight, but oftentimes the supporting cast felt left behind or a bit mediocre in comparison.

THE VERDICT

Following in the footsteps of the successful 2018 film Bumblebee with a heartfelt origin story seamlessly blended with plenty of humor and the intense action sequences we crave, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts exceeded my expectations and has me excited for the future of the franchise. My eyes were so glued to the screen for the entire two hours that I ate way more popcorn than I planned to, but that is a me problem. But in all seriousness, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this movie but it checked all of the boxes that mattered to me. If you ever considered yourself to be a fan of this franchise, you will enjoy it. Don’t wait to watch this at home because Transformers: Rise of the Beasts needs to be seen in theaters to be appreciated. Also be sure to stick around for the post-credit scene because big things are on the horizon.

TED TAKES RATING - 7.3/10

Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

The Boogeyman

The Boogeyman is a 2023 supernatural horror film directed by Rob Savage (Host) from a screenplay by Scott Beck, Bryan Woods (A Quiet Place) and Mark Heyman (Black Swan), based on the 1973 short story of the same name by Stephen King. The film was originally scheduled for a streaming release on Hulu before switching to a theatrical release.

High school student Sadie Harper and her younger sister Sawyer are reeling from the recent death of their mother and aren’t getting much support from their father, Will, a therapist who is dealing with his own pain. When a desperate patient unexpectedly shows up at their home seeking help, he leaves behind a terrifying supernatural entity that preys on families and feeds on the suffering of its victims.

The film stars Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets), Chris Messina (Birds of Prey), Vivien Lyra Blair (Obi-Wan Kenobi), Marin Ireland (The Umbrella Academy, Madison Hu, LisaGay Hamilton (Vice), and David Dastmalchian (Dune).

The Boogeyman made its debut in theaters on June 2nd, courtesy of 20th Century Studios.

THE GOOD

Ever since the original Pet Sematary traumatized me as a child to the point where I genuinely believed my dead pets would eventually come visit me at night, I have had a unique attachment to anything Stephen King. Plus I am also a native of his home state of Maine. Now in the last several years we have had an abundance of King adaptions make their way to the big-screen, some great, some not so great. But there is no denying the fact that he is a horror mastermind and when something of his gets the big-screen treatment, it is worth a look. Now add in the fact that Rob Savage, director of the terrifying under-the-radar horror film Host (streaming on AMC+), is at the helm for The Boogeyman, I was extra intrigued. So, did it satisfy my thirst for horror or send me home disappointed? Keep reading to find out!

I am pleased to report that The Boogeyman was actually really good, especially considering it is a PG-13 horror movie. Right from the outset I loved the tone as it was ominous and dark from the start, and I also really liked that the core of the story is rooted in real-life trauma which helps to make the story have a layer of depth beyond just having a scary monster lurking in the shadows. In The Boogeyman the monster preys on the vulnerability of those dealing with immense grief, and in this story he latches onto a family that is grieving the sudden loss of a wife and mother. As someone who has suffered a similar loss in my life, I was able to relate to the characters particularly Sophie Thatcher’s character Sadie, who finds herself becoming an outcast among her friends as they are unable to understand or grasp what she is dealing with while also proving to be extremely inconsiderate and harsh towards her. I thought the foundation of the story was very well-executed, and I found myself sympathizing and ultimately caring for these characters pretty much right away.

The majority of viewers are coming to see The Boogeyman because of the source material, which is of course a short story from Stephen King originally published way back in 1978. I made it a point to avoid researching the short story prior to seeing the film, and I also avoided watching the trailers to make sure I was surprised when seeing the movie and I was impressed by the story. My favorite thing about The Boogeyman aside from the effective technical elements was the less is more idea as it relates to the monster. Back in 2015, Robert Eggers directed the horror film The Witch (our review here) which was fantastic by the way, and in an interview, Eggers talked about how with horror movies he believed the monster was often scariest in the shadows, and that really resonated with me.

I felt like The Boogeyman took this approach to heart, and although we do get a good look at the monster by the end, the majority of the film it is just quick glimpses and he is quite literally lurking in the shadows often only revealing his eyes. The story in itself is rather simple and stays true to the overall idea of a boogeyman hiding in the closet or under the bed, but the additional layers to the story and how the monster feeds off grief and trauma put it over the top for me. As far as scare factor, the film has lots of jump scares but the scenes that instill real fear and give you chills really did it for me. I can handle scary with ease and still sleep like a baby, and I thought The Boogeyman did enough to make it easy to recommend to horror fans.

Acting is often overlooked in horror films, but I was genuinely impressed with the performances in The Boogeyman. Sophie Thatcher takes on the lead role in the film and I thought she was fantastic. Thatcher has proven herself to be an extremely versatile actress after her breakout role in the Showtime original series Yellowjackets, which is a fantastic show if you haven’t seen it. Similar to that series, Thatcher’s character is required to carry a heavy emotional weight and you can see the pain and despair in her eyes. So much of the film relies on the believability of her character and I never once questioned her authenticity.

Starring alongside Thatcher is young actress Vivien Lyra Blair as her little sister Sawyer. It can be difficult to find talented young actors who can effectively play a substantial role in a film like The Boogeyman that does rely heavily on the cast, and I feel like Blair has a very bright future. She is often the focal point during the film and I thought she did a great job. Chris Messina, former star of The Mindy Project who has taken on several roles since, plays Will Harper the widowed father of two young girls. I really like Messina as an actor and I thought he was absolutely the right choice for this role. Will Harper is a therapist who sees patients from his home, and the fact that he is dealing with a significant trauma of his own and spends his days talking through his patients issues adds a unique element to the film. I also really liked David Dastmalchian and thought that even though he had a limited amount of screen time he still brought a ton of value to the film.

I was impressed with what The Boogeyman brought to the table as far as technical elements, particularly the unique camera work, the score, and the great use of lighting. As far as the camera work is concerned, the film was able to maintain an intimate feel throughout and that is a big reason why. At one point Blair’s character Sawyer looks under her bed and the camera rotates with her to give viewers a sort of POV perspective of what she is seeing which helps to create a level of suspense. I also thought they did a really nice job with several great emphasis shots whether it be holding to see if something is in fact in that dark corner, or just helping to create the feel of helplessness the characters are experiencing. Director Rob Savage clearly has the right feel for the horror genre, and I hope he continues to get more opportunities in the future.

The score was fantastic from start to finish helping to create an uneasy feel throughout, and for me that is a pivotal piece of what makes for a horror movie that is able to really immerse viewers. Lighting was a big part of The Boogeyman as the darkness was the primary strength of this monster that feeds off the trauma of its victims. Light bulbs would constantly blow leaving viewers staring into the fateful darkness, and I really liked the use of the light ball Sawyer’s character would always have with her due to her fear of the dark. She would often roll the ball toward the darkness to ensure nothing was there, and this was something that helped to create tension throughout the film.

THE BAD

The Boogeyman is a really good horror movie but it’s not perfect, and more than anything else it suffers from the usual horror pitfalls, which is story inconsistencies or the “why the heck would you do that” moments during the film. I am a firm believer that it is impossible for everything the characters do to make sense otherwise every scary movie would include the cast getting far away from whatever monster or killer trying to get them as fast as possible, and that would make for a very, very boring movie. This of course allows viewers the opportunity to shake their heads when a character does something that will almost surely end badly, and that does happen more than a few times here.

It was also interesting that Sawyer’s character, who is very young and would likely be more so under the watchful eye of a parent, is involved in quite a few traumatic incidents where it takes quite some time for anyone to come and check on her. And I’m talking lots of loud banging etc to the point where it would be impossible not to be hear it throughout the house. Now I know it is silly to harp on this because clearly it was important for viewers to feel the sense of helplessness from Sawyer’s character especially being the most vulnerable, but it is just one of those things that you overanalyze without even realizing.

THE VERDICT

An effective and unnerving horror thriller that emphasizes chills over jump scares while still offering a good balance, The Boogeyman thrives with a talented cast and a less is more approach bringing the Stephen King short story to life. I genuinely enjoyed this movie and felt like it earned its place as one of the better King adaptations. I will always feel like a horror movie could be scarier just because I am sick in the head, but The Boogeyman gave me chills more than a few times and kept me on the edge of my seat. As I mentioned I have yet to read the short story the film is based on, but I plan on checking it out soon to see just how accurate the film is. Don’t let the PG-13 rating deter you because all it did was force the film to get creative with the scare factor instead of relying on blood and gore, and that is a plus in my book.

TED TAKES RATING - 7.6/10

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

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a 2023 animated action-adventure superhero film directed by Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson, from a script by Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Dave Callaham, based on characters from Stan Lee. It is the sequel to the hit 2018 film, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

After reuniting with Gwen Stacy, Brooklyn’s full-time, friendly neighborhood Spider-Man is catapulted across the Multiverse, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence. But when the heroes clash on how to handle a new threat, Miles finds himself pitted against the other Spiders and must redefine what it means to be a hero so he can save the people he loves most.

The cast includes Shameik Moore, Hailee Steinfeld, Jake Johnson, Issa Rae, Daniel Kaluuya, Jason Schwartzman, Brian Tyree Henry, Luna Lauren Vélez, Greta Lee, Rachel Dratch, Jorma Taccone, Shea Whigham, and Oscar Isaac.

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is set to debut in theaters on June 2, 2023, courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment.

THE GOOD

Things got away from me a bit back in 2018 when Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse hit theaters. I remember I went to see The Mule with Clint Eastwood which came out the same day, but I also just wasn’t quite sure what to expect from this new animated Spider-Man movie. But lo and behold, the movie dominated the box office and created a massive following pretty much immediately. It also had quite a run on Netflix, which yet again I somehow missed, so as we got closer to the sequel releasing in theaters I knew I needed to see this movie.

Instead of renting VOD I decided to buy the 4K Blu-ray and planned a movie night with my wife and two toddlers, and we all loved it! I just couldn’t get enough of the unique animation style, the voice actors were superb, and it was just so action-packed and fun from start to finish. I finally knew why people were next-level excited for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and I was officially on the bandwagon as well. So, does it live up to sky-high expectations after a nearly 5-year wait or should you just hold off until it inevitably becomes available to stream? Keep reading to find out!

Pardon my French, but holy shit was this movie amazing! I’m still trying to gather my thoughts and make sense of it all, but this was without a doubt two and a half hours of audio and video ecstasy. I honestly don’t know how else to explain it. Now I’m not going to sit here and break Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse down from top to bottom, for one because I refuse to spoil anything, but also because I quite simply don’t have the knowledge of the comics or the brainpower to fully comprehend everything that happened in this movie. To say that there was a lot going on would be one heck of an understatement. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse has more Easter Eggs than my kid’s Easter baskets after I spent an hour covering the yard for their egg hunt. From a purely cinematic standpoint, as it relates to what a film has to offer visually for a live-action animated film, this really is as good as it gets.

Right from the opening, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse had my eyes damn near popping out of my head, and my ears were equally engaged. The editing team seriously deserves like 30 Oscars, and the entire crew behind the technical elements of the film is all amazing. While I was watching Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse I just kept thinking about how many hours went into crafting what I was now seeing on screen. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if they started working on this movie as soon as the original was released nearly five years ago. A ton of credit to the directing duo of Joaquim Dos Santos, Kemp Powers, and Justin K. Thompson for all of their efforts to create this work of art, and Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, and Dave Callaham for a masterful screenplay.

I’m going to try my best to keep this review short and sweet so that I can get people out to theaters to experience it for themselves, but I have to touch on the visuals, editing, and the cast of voice actors. I will start with the star of the show for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse which was without a doubt the animation and the editing. If you watched the original film, you had an idea of what to expect as far as some of the most amazing and unique visuals I have ever seen in a film. It all just looks so, so good, and in some ways, the animation dominates the film because you will find yourself in awe from start to finish. Working in tandem with the animation and the incredible visuals is high-level editing that I cannot even begin to fathom as far as the scale of difficulty. Everything is as smooth as butter, and I was having so much fun I wanted the movie to surpass the two-and-a-half-hour runtime, for a few different reasons but I won’t get into that. Bottom line, when Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse releases on 4K Blu-ray, I will be standing in front of Best Buy waiting for the doors to be unlocked and telling them to take my money.

Next, I have to touch on this phenomenal cast of voice actors, and everyone was amazing. First I have to talk about Jamaican-born actor Shameik Moore who has been making a name for himself in Hollywood, but undeniably was given a massive opportunity with Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse and he has taken full advantage of it. Moore is the voice of Miles Morales, who goes by the nickname Spin in my kid’s favorite show Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends. Fun Fact, the nickname was given in the show so as to not confuse children as the primary characters are Morales (Spin), Peter (Spidey), and Gwen (Ghost-Spider), who are friends and crime fighters. The nickname was also used earlier in the comics. Moore embodies the role of Morales and I honestly couldn’t imagine anyone else taking it on.

Next, I have to touch on the other main piece of the puzzle which is the gorgeous Hailee Steinfeld who voices Gwendolyne Maxine "Gwen" Stacy, who is also known as either Spider-Woman or Ghost Spider, as my kids know her. My 4-year-old is obsessed with her, but that is a story for another day. Steinfeld, who I have loved since her role in the coming-of-age movie Edge of Seventeen, has proven herself to be a very versatile and talented actress, albeit with questionable taste in men as she is reportedly now dating Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Steinfeld is amazing as Gwen, and she really brought to life some of the more emotional scenes in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse. Jake Johnson aka Nick Miller (New Girl) once again voices Peter Parker, and although he does have a smaller role in this film compared to the original, he is fantastic yet again.

I can’t go on a spiel about everyone who voiced characters in the film got obvious reasons, paramount amongst them my inability to keep a reader’s attention for that long, but this is one of the best casts of voice actors I have ever experienced. Just to go down the list of pure talent, we have Oscar Isaac as Miguel O’Hara, Issa Rae as Jessica Drew, Brian Tyree Henry as Jefferson Davis, Daniel Kaluuya as Hobart ‘Hobie Brown/Spider-Punk (he was so damn awesome in this), Taran Killam as Patrick O’Hara/Webslinger, Andy Samberg as Ben Reilly/Scarlet Spider, Jason Schwartzman as Jonathan Ohnn/The Spot, Karan Soni as Spider-Man India (love this dude), Amandla Stenberg as Margo Kess/Spider-Byte, Jorma Taccone as Adrian Toomes/The Vulture, and Shea Whigham as George Stacy. Now if that doesn’t sound like the guests at a red carpet Hollywood event I don’t know what does, and they are all incredible.

THE BAD

If you have been paying attention it should come as no surprise that this part of the review will be brief. Bottom line, I loved this movie and honestly have no criticisms. But as a parent of kids who love Spider-Man, I do suggest seeing it yourself before bringing the kids because the nearly two-and-a-half-hour runtime will likely be a bit much for young kids and may result in an early departure from the theater. I plan to offer an unlimited supply of popcorn to mine and hope for the best.

THE VERDICT

With jaw-dropping visuals, a spectacularly satisfying soundtrack, some of the best film editing I have ever seen, and an absolute dream team cast of voice actors, Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is everything I wanted it to be and then some. This movie really is that good, and I know for a fact that I will need to see it another few times to fully appreciate everything it has to offer because I know I missed a ton. Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is going to obliterate next year’s Academy Awards, and I cannot wait to celebrate along with everyone who worked on this cinematic masterpiece.

If you want to avoid spoilers I’d suggest seeing this movie in theaters ASAP, and I personally hope to see it again very, very soon. Plus, it will likely be not only the best-animated movie you will see all year but one of the best movies in general. Highly recommended.

TED TAKES RATING - 9.8/10

Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

About My Father

About My Father is a 2023 comedy directed by Laura Terruso and written by Austen Earl and Sebastian Maniscalco.

Sebastian is encouraged by his fiancée to bring his immigrant, hairdresser father, Salvo, to a weekend get-together with her super-rich and exceedingly eccentric family. The weekend develops into what can only be described as a culture clash, leaving Sebastian and Salvo to discover that the great thing about family is everything about family.

Starring Sebastian Maniscalco, Robert De Niro, Leslie Bibb, Anders Holm, David Rasche, Brett Dier, and Kim Cattrall.

About My Father made its debut in theaters on May 26th, courtesy of Lionsgate.

THE GOOD

I am always game for a good comedy, and although I’m not super familiar with Sebastian Maniscalco and his stand-up comedy, having Robert De Niro in a leading role piqued my interest. Interestingly enough one of the first movies I reviewed for this site was the raunchy comedy Dirty Grandpa (our full review here) from back in January 2016 where De Niro starred alongside Zac Efron. I remember several older people walking out during the first 5-minutes of the movie after they realized it wasn’t quite what they expected. Although it was pretty ridiculous and very over-the-top, I still enjoyed it so I was more than willing to give About My Father a fair shake. Was it a solid easy to recommend good-hearted comedy or just another film trying to bank on the talents of its cast without much going for it otherwise? Keep reading to find out!

I actually really enjoyed this movie, more than I thought I would honestly. It had a simple yet effective story, great chemistry from the cast, tons of great comedic moments, and a smooth runtime of just over an hour and 30 minutes. What stood out to me most was the chemistry between De Niro and Maniscalco as father and son, but I enjoyed the entire cast and thought everyone did a great job. About My Father never feels too over the top, and the underlying message of the film is something we can all relate to.

About My Father utilizes comedy to shed some light on the significant disconnect between working-class families and their wealthy counterparts. The screenplay is simple and will likely feel familiar, but I really liked how they added the additional layer of the family history element which helped to solidify the significance of never forgetting where you come from. The film opens by giving the necessary background on Maniscalco’s character and his Italian roots, while also touching on the dramatic differences between his ancestors and those of the family he hopes to become a part of. As a parent, you want more than anything else to raise your children to become the best version of yourself, and About My Father is the perfect depiction of that.

The characters feel authentic and well-intentioned, and although the film still has a big focus on comedy it doesn’t take away from the broader message it is trying to convey and I personally appreciated the great balance. One particular scene that resonated with me was a lunch at the families country club where De Niro’s character was questioning why the menu didn’t have any prices on them. Let’s be honest for a second, people that order without even considering the price have more money than they should have, and those of us working-class folk just like to know what we are getting ourselves into. I’m from New England and when you go to dinner if you want certain items on the seafood menu like a lobster roll for example, you will see the note “MKT Price or Market Price” meaning the price fluctuates and you won’t know what that is until the bill comes. I am always so tempted to ask what the price is before ordering to try and avoid heart palpitations when the bill comes. I wish I was kidding, but the struggle is real ladies and gentlemen.

The cast is an obvious strength for About My Father, and they more than held their own if you ask me. I thought each and every character was cast perfectly. Just like the families refusing to stray from their roots, the characters themselves never veer from their identity which I thought was important. Robert De Niro was fantastic as always playing the strong-willed but overall well-intentioned Italian father, and comedian Sebastian Maniscalco impressed me as the son attempting to forge his own path much to the dismay of his father. Leslie Bibb stars as Maniscalco’s wife and I thought she was fantastic and provided the perfect balance necessary. Aside from De Niro my favorite casting is easily my guy David Rasche who is lights out as always. The veteran actor who also stars in the HBO drama Succession just has the perfect demeanor for this role, and no matter how wacky things get he always remains even-keeled and is believable throughout. Plus, Rasche is one of those actors who can make you laugh with a simple facial expression. Rounding out the cast is Workaholics actor Anders Holm, Brett Dier, and Kim Cattrall, and they were all great. I am a fan of the comedy series Workaholics so I knew going in I would enjoy Holm in this role.

THE BAD

About My Father is not perfect; it feels a bit slow at times, and not all of the jokes land as well as anticipated. But the good news is none of these issues prove detrimental. The film has a very clear identity from the start not relying solely on the comedic element to keep it going, instead allowing the foundation of the film’s success to be the story and the cast. So yeah, as far as feel-good slightly dysfunctional family comedies go this is pretty damn good in my opinion.

THE VERDICT

A well-written feel-good comedy with relatable characters thanks to great chemistry between leads Sebastian Maniscalco and Robert De Niro, About My Father offers plenty of laughs while delivering an impactful underlying message. I really enjoyed this movie and feel like it has plenty of replay value which speaks to the emphasis on the story and characters as opposed to going the route of a potentially throwaway over-the-top comedy. My wife and I bonded over our dysfunctional families and now we have kids of our own that we are trying to not screw up too badly, so admittedly movies like this are extra special for me. Go ahead and grab a crazy family member from each generation and go see About My Father in theaters sooner than later.

TED TAKES RATING - 7.7/10

About My Father is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

Fast X

Fast X (also known as Fast & Furious 10) is a 2023 action film directed by Louis Leterrier (Clash of the Titans, The Incredible Hulk), and written by Justin Lin (F9) and Dan Mazeau. As the tenth film for the extremely successful Fast & Furious Saga which dates back to my freshman year in high school, we are finally approaching the final chapter.

Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto and his family have outsmarted, out-nerved, and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they confront the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced: A terrifying threat emerging from the shadows of the past who’s fueled by blood revenge, and who is determined to shatter this family and destroy everything—and everyone—that Dom loves, forever.

The cast includes Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jordana Brewster, Sung Kang, Jason Statham, John Cena, and Scott Eastwood, with Oscar® winner Helen Mirren and Oscar® winner Charlize Theron. New additions to the already star-studded cast include Oscar® winner Brie Larson, Jason Mamoa, Alan Ritchson (Reacher), Daniela Melchior (The Suicide Squad), and legendary Oscar® winner Rita Moreno.

Fast X made its debut in theaters on May 19th.

THE GOOD

If you called me a Fast and Furious fanboy, you’d be onto something. I talked about it at length during my Fast 9 review so I won’t bore you with the details, but this franchise has held a special place in my heart for over two decades. Now granted the films have become a far cry from street racing on the side streets of Cali, but I’m still here for it. A successful franchise builds a massive fanbase with great characters, edge-of-your-seat action, and if it’s lucky a substantial emotional attachment which has been the case for me with these movies. So, does Fast X keep the fire burning or flame out after such an impressive run? Keep reading to find out!

It certainly didn’t flame out but I do have some mixed thoughts which I will touch on later in the review, but all in all Fast X was the high-octane action thriller we all expected. The action sequences are absolutely bonkers as expected, and although we don’t take a trip to space this time around, the opportunities to defy logic and gravity are still aplenty. Fast X also makes sure to pay homage to the franchise with several scenes that fans will recognize right away, including the opening scene reminiscent of the original 2001 film. Speaking of the original film, the soundtrack is fantastic yet again. This franchise has become synonymous with big-name actors over the years and that is the case yet again, adding another few big players to the mix.

The cast is a big draw yet again and Fast X adds a few new big names to the mix. The biggest addition to the film is Jason Mamoa who plays the film’s primary antagonist. I really like Mamoa a lot as an actor and have always felt he has a unique versatility to him. Not only is he a big and brooding presence, but he also has great on-screen energy and charisma. I will admit I do have mixed thoughts on his character as a whole and I will talk more about that later in the review, but for the most part, I liked his casting and thought he was the man for the job. Following in the footsteps of Jason Statham, Dwayne Johnson, or John Cena is a big hill to climb, but he makes it look easy. Another big addition is the gorgeous and talented Brie Larson, and she is fantastic as always.

I think the argument can be made that 70% of the budget for these films goes to the special effects, but at this point, if you go into a Fast and Furious movie expecting realism you clearly missed the last 5+ movies. The franchise traded street racing and edge-of-your-seat tractor-trailer heists for explosions, cars flying out of skyscrapers, and oh yeah let’s not forget submarines. The action is aplenty yet again in Fast X, and for that reason, I was entertained from start to finish just waiting to see how far they decide to push things this time around. I do think that F9 pushed things a little further considering a character went to space, I mean that is a high bar, but the amount of Dominic Toretto muscle car goodness put a smile on my face.

THE BAD

I really did enjoy Fast X, but certain things either felt off or didn’t quite meet my expectations. First, I have become especially attached to the emotional element of the films ever since Furious 7 which followed the tragic death of the great Paul Walker. The ending of that film hit me hard, and I even did my own sort of review as to why which you can check out here if you are interested. But bottom line, the loss I have suffered in my own life coupled with my own personal attachment to this franchise from a young age has made these movies special to me.

The films have effectively followed up Furious 7 with plenty of hard-hitting emotional moments, but I just felt like Fast X sort of fell flat in comparison. Now it still made sure to honor Walker’s involvement with the franchise, but it just felt minimal in comparison. Maybe it was because of the fact that the film had a cliffhanger and maybe I should reserve judgment for how things close out in the finale.

The other issue I had with the film was what I felt was a strange balance as far as the overall tone and much of that relates to the film’s villain played by Jason Mamoa. I love Mamoa, and overall I did enjoy his character and what he brought to the film, I just thought that the balance for his character in terms of the comedic and psychotic elements felt unbalanced. Maybe I am overthinking it and that was just the core of his overall character, but it felt sort of all over the place for me especially when compared to other villains in the franchise.

THE VERDICT

Embracing the absolute absurdity of the action sequences for better or for worse, Fast X may not surpass prior entries but still delivers for fans of the franchise an experience made for the big screen. It’s not perfect and certainly could have been better, but if you go in expecting more of what this over-the-top franchise has offered as of late it is well worth the price of admission. Plus, a movie like Fast X simply needs to be seen in theaters,

TED TAKES RATING - 7.1/10

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

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is a 2023 science fiction action superhero film written and directed by James Gunn, based on the comics from Dan Abnett, and Andy Lanning. It is the final installment in the Guardians of the Galaxy (GOTG) trilogy.

Our beloved band of misfits are looking a bit different these days. Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him to defend the universe along with protecting one of their own. A mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.

The cast includes Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Bradley Cooper, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki, Sean Gunn, Sylvester Stallone, Will Poulter, Chukwudi Iwuji, Daniela Melchior, Michael Rosenbaum, Maria Bakalova, Nico Santos, Dane DiLiegro, and Sarah Alami.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 made its debut in theaters May 5th.

THE GOOD

I vividly remember back in 2014 seeing the first trailer for the original Guardians of the Galaxy and I had zero knowledge of the comics or the impending franchise that would be based on them. I just remember seeing the characters in that first The Usual Suspects style trailer and I was instantly intrigued. I mean first of all it seemed ridiculous mainly because of Groot’s presence, but it looked like a fun movie worth checking out and I was already a big fan of Chris Pratt.

Plus the idea of my guy Bradley Cooper voicing a CGI raccoon seemed like icing on the cake. I loved the movie of course, and have been a GOTG fan ever since. Jump ahead nearly a decade and we have the latest installment, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, poised to continue Phase 5 of the MCU after recently released Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (our full review here). Does it live up to the hype of what is said to be the final film for the GOTG or did they miss the mark this time around? Keep reading to find out!

Man, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 took me by surprise, and I mean that in the best way possible. I expected the usual comic relief which is always welcome and while it was still present for the majority of the time this movie got me in the feels like nobody’s business. Bringing tissues to a Guardians of the Galaxy movie may seem excessive, but trust me when I say you will need them.

This movie was so good for so many reasons. I admit I was a bit critical of the direction the story was heading initially just because it seemed like it would lack the substance I was hoping for, but I was so wrong. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 brings the heat with an amazing cast, incredible special effects, a fire soundtrack, and a screenplay that honestly blew me away. The film clocks in at just over two and a half hours, and I wish it was even longer.

The story is without a doubt the star of the show for Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. It was everything, and then some. I honestly went in blind not knowing what to expect from the story, and it hit me like a ton of bricks. Initially it feels like the carryover of the drama between Starlord and Gamora was going to be the focus of the film but it quickly becomes just part of the story as Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 transforms into a gut-wrenching origin story for Rocket, voiced by Bradley Cooper. I personally always viewed Rocket as this pessimistic vigilante with a tough exterior, but after peeling back the many layers of his life I quickly realized I couldn’t have been more wrong about him.

As much as I want to break down his story I refuse to give anything away, but let me just say Rocket may be the most misunderstood member of the GOTG (which is saying a lot considering they have a tree person who just says his name over and over again), and his character now has a special place in my heart. I damn near sobbed out loud especially during the final act, so kudos to James Gunn for a powerful screenplay. The film also touches on some additional backstory for Starlord that may leave you a bit wet in the eyes.

I know I am making the movie sound like it is a cry fest from start to finish, but it is still hilarious with a ton of great one-liners, and plenty of opportunities for Drax to make an ass out of himself. Plus Sean Gunn, brother of director James Gunn, is hilarious yet again a Kraglin. I was surprised to learn that he also takes on the voice of young Rocket. With that being said, the balance of intense drama and laugh-out-loud humor was impressive.

The GOTG films have been built around a massively talented cast from the very beginning, and that is of course the case once again with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. Now aside from mainstays Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Bradley Cooper, Karen Gillan, Vin Diesel, and Pom Klementieff just to name a few, the latest entry in the franchise has a few notable additions. First, Chukwudi Iwuji is incredible in the role of The High Evolutionary, a psychotic villain with a God complex who would likely get along quite well with Thanos. His pure talent as an actor made for some terrifying scenes.

And how about a jacked Will Poulter in the role of Adam Warlock, just a bronzed up beast of a man. And yes it is the same Will Poulter who plays the nerdy teen who gets bit in his man business by a spider in the comedy We’re the Millers. Dude put on some serious muscle and I honestly thought he was fantastic in this role. I have heard some complaints that he didn’t get enough screen time which I don’t necessarily disagree with, but the story was centered on Rocket and the rest of the Guardians. From top to bottom the cast delivered.

Obviously Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 packs a massive punch when it comes to the special effects, but I think they somehow found a way to raise the bar. The variety of characters are as wacky as ever, the environments are vibrant and full of life, and the fight scenes are blast to experience especially during the final act of the film. If it is your dream to see Groot transform into his version of John Wick, look no further.

I was honestly blown away by the quality of the CGI, especially during the flashback scenes related to Rocket’s origin story. You may have a hard time fully appreciating the CGI just because you will be so busy wiping your eyes. Part of why you watch a GOTG movie is the soundtrack, and it does not disappoint. I personally cannot get enough of the 80’s music. James Gunn is a boss, that fact is simply undeniable. As far as writing and directing, Marvel is lucky to have this guy on the payroll and I hope he reminds them every second of every day.

THE BAD

Listen, I loved this movie but it does require some disclaimers. I mean it is slow at times and I was initially skeptical of the overall storyline (unnecessarily I should say), but what viewers need to be warned about is honestly what makes this movie so damn good. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 can be a difficult watch as it is often downright heartbreaking at times, and is especially difficult for the animal lovers of the world. As I mentioned in this review, the movie is by all accounts an origin story for Rocket, and his story is very, very sad, and downright brutal.

Rocket is without a doubt one of my favorite Guardians after watching this movie, but the road he traveled was a brutal one; I will say that. Rocket has dealt with unimaginable trauma, and you will quickly realize that the tough exterior he exhibits throughout this successful franchise may be a front more often than not. CGI or not, adorable and defenseless animals are harmed on-screen in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and you absolutely need to be prepared for that. I say tough it out though because it is so worth it.

THE VERDICT

A truly heartbreaking origin story that still offers up the trademark humor, amazing soundtrack, and groundbreaking special effects the films are known for, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is the epic sendoff this franchise deserves. I knew I was going to enjoy this movie but I never expected it to have such a lasting impact on me, and as I mentioned in the review I will never look at Rocket the same again. James Gunn is a damn godsend, and I can’t wait to watch all of the movies again just so I can see his character in a new light.

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 absolutely needs to be experienced in theaters, so get out there and see it as soon as possible because if you are anything like me, you will see it at least three times before its all said and done. Highly recommended.

TED TAKES RATING - 9.1/10

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

Evil Dead Rise

Evil Dead Rise is a 2023 supernatural horror film written and directed by Lee Cronin. The film serves as the fifth installment in the Evil Dead franchise.

A road-weary Beth pays an overdue visit to her older sister Ellie, who is raising three kids on her own in a cramped L.A. apartment. The sisters' reunion is cut short by the discovery of a mysterious book deep in the bowels of Ellie's building, giving rise to flesh-possessing demons, and thrusting Beth into a primal battle for survival as she is faced with the most nightmarish version of motherhood imaginable.

The film stars Alyssa Sutherland, Lily Sullivan, Gabrielle Echols, Morgan Davies, Nell Fisher, and Mia Challis.

Evil Dead Rise made its debut in theaters on April 21st, courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.

THE GOOD

While I’m not what you would consider to be a hardcore fan of the Evil Dead franchise necessarily, I am a a devoted horror fan and refuse to miss out on anything that brings value to the genre. Now I have enjoyed all of the films in the franchise, I just tend to gravitate towards slashers like Friday the 13th when it comes down to going the extra mile like having replica movie props etc (I have a handmade and wearable Jason mask for example). But, I fully appreciate this franchise and understand its allure so I was excited for Evil Dead Rise to finally debut in theaters. So, did this satisfy the horror lover in me or do you need to be a dedicated fan to fully appreciate it? Keep reading to find out!

Pardon my French but Evil Dead Rise is not fucking around. If you’re reading this review I dare to say you can deal with a little profanity, and you better be able to stomach that and a lot more if you plan on checking this movie out in theaters. Now by no means is that supposed to deter you, quite the opposite honestly. This movie has it all with legitimately terrifying horror elements, a great score and soundtrack, immersive cinematography, great acting, and all the blood and gore you could possibly need or want. I’m pretty sure that at least 25% of the films budget was spent on blood, not even kidding. Right away I was impressed by the pure horror feel of the film, and the fact that it had a great buildup to what was a wild and extremely entertaining finale.

I think what stood out to me most was the overall story because even though it was fairly run-of-the-mill as far as a demonic possession type storyline, it capitalized on what is at the end of the day the bread and butter of this franchise and Lee Cronin deserves his credit for the screenplay. Evil Dead Rise sets the stage with a mysterious and eerie tone from the start, allowing it to branch out to what would become a terrifying chain of events. Even though I sort of knew what to expect I was still on the edge of my seat the entire time just basking in the horror thriller glory of the film.

Similar to most slashers films, Evil Dead Rise hits the credits with a jolt of energy leaving viewers satisfied but still wanting more. I liked how the film started at the end and backtracked in terms of how the events of the opening unfolded, and it kept me guessing right up until the last 60 seconds of the film. I also really liked all of the fan service with the connections to other spin-offs (Ash vs Evil Dead etc) even though most of it surpassed my knowledge of the franchise.

While acting tends to take a backseat when it comes to the horror genre, I was very impressed with the cast of Evil Dead Rise. The entire cast delivered when their name was called. Australian actress Alyssa Sutherland, who for the record I am not familiar with whatsoever, was incredible. She was just so believable and terrifying once her character went full blown psycho demon killer, and even made some of the more outlandish sequences feel grounded. I really liked the scene that took place mostly throw a peephole, allowing Sutherland the opportunity to try and play mind games with the youngest character. I just kept saying to myself “don’t listen to her it’s a trap!! Just look at her grotesque face!”. So yeah I won’t go in depth on the rest of the cast, but I felt like everyone delivered and helped to make Evil Dead Rise one hell of a horror movie and what I feel is an instant classic for the genre.

We need to give the special effects and make-up team a round of applause or standing ovation or something, like holy shit. Evil Dead Rise is not for the faint of heart, and I know people want to praise the overrated mess that is Terrifier 2 mainly because it went so above and beyond with blood and gore, but that is like a D-movie compared to this. It’s like comparing a drawing from an art major in college to a kindergartner, just another level entirely. This is haunt your dreams blood and gore, like what you would imagine a crime scene to look like if you had the pleasure of taking a tour while the crime was still being committed.

I mean we got kitchen knives, a chainsaw, shotgun, glass eating, wood chippers, and just as the icing on the cake a damn cheese grater. Let me just say I won’t be grating any cheese anytime soon that’s for damn sure. As bloody and gory as it was, it never felt like too much. Now maybe that speaks to the sickness deep inside of me, but it all worked so damn well and for sure made the franchise proud. Also kudos to director Lee Cronin for some fantastic camera work and just a great eye for horror in general.

THE BAD

When it comes to horror films, we tend to let certain things slide like average to below average acting, or maybe even a few plot holes here and there because that really isn’t what gets people in the seats. But with that being said, the horror genre is continuing to evolve with hard-hitting horror films like It Follows (2014), and The Dark and the Wicked (2020). Real nightmare fuel type horror. I’m getting off track a bit but what I am trying to get at is that Evil Dead Rise manages to avoid the typical genre pitfalls, offering up a horror film that simply feels like the full package. Now with that being said, this movie is NOT for everyone. It was scary enough to give most people nightmares for weeks especially if you live in an apartment building, and the blood and gore is about a 15 on a 10 scale. You have been warned.

THE VERDICT

Emphasizing and effectively executing raw horror elements as opposed to the campy feel of prior entries in the franchise, Evil Dead Rise is equally as terrifying as it is gut-wrenching and does not hold back on the trademark blood and gore. I was pleasantly impressed with what I already expected to be a fun movie, but this may be my favorite in the highly-successful franchise. As I mentioned in the review all of the fan service employed may have been over my head the majority of the time, but I could still tell that the feel of Evil Dead Rise was true to the franchise and its hardcore fanbase. If you enjoy these films or are just a horror fan in general, this needs to be seen in theaters like yesterday.

TED TAKES RATING - 8.7/10

Evil Dead Rise is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

Renfield

Renfield is a 2023 comedy horror film directed by Chris McKay (The Lego Batman Movie, The Tomorrow War) from a screenplay by Ryan Ridley, based on an original idea by Robert Kirkman, who is best known for creating The Walking Dead and Invincible for Image Comics. It is a reboot of Universal's Dracula series. The film stars Nicholas Hoult (Mad Max: Fury Road, The Menu) as the titular character, alongside Nicolas Cage (Kick-Ass, National Treasure), Awkwafina (Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, The Farwell), Ben Schwartz (Sonic the Hedgehog, Parks and Recreation), and Adrian Martinez (The Amazing Spider-Man 2, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty).

Having grown sick and tired of his centuries as Dracula’s (Cage) lackey, Renfield (Hoult) finds a new lease on life — and maybe even redemption — when he falls for feisty, perennially angry traffic cop Rebecca Quincy (Awkwafina).

Renfield made its debut in theaters on April 14th, courtesy of Universal Pictures.

THE GOOD

Renfield snuck up on me, especially considering the fact that it is a comedy horror that features the great Nicolas Cage as Dracula. I mean, I don’t even need to know who else is in the movie, I’m already in. As we got closer to the release and a full-length trailer dropped, I was pretty damn excited. I loved the What We Do in the Shadows vibe, and I was digging the style of the film. Plus considering the talented Nicholas Hoult was co-starring, my expectations were fairly high. So, was Renfield worth a trip to the theater, or should you just wait for the VOD release? Keep reading to find out!

Renfield was a damn blast, plain and simple. I thought the cast was fantastic, the feel of the film kept the energy level high, it was funny throughout, and more than anything else I could not get enough of the style and the action sequences. They were just so much fun, and I really liked the emphasis on the smooth balance between comedy and horror which somehow played homage to two genres simultaneously. At just over an hour and a half long, Renfield flew by and kept me entertained from start to finish. Plus, Nicolas Cage as Dracula, enough said.

The cast was easily the biggest sell for me originally, mainly because at this point and time I will watch anything Nicolas Cage does. Whether it is the incredible artsy drama Pig (Andrew’s full review here) or the groundbreaking action comedy The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent (our full review here), the legendary actor continues to churn out quality films. So of course the opportunity to experience him as Count Dracula was something I refused to miss out on, and he did not disappoint. Starring alongside Cage is the talented former Warm Bodies actor Nicholas Hoult, and he was fantastic. Hoult plays a perfect emo character who seeks out a support group for people in abusive relationships because Dracula has whittled him down to a shell of himself.

I thought comedian turned-actress Awkwafina was hilarious alongside her equally ridiculous partner played by Adrian Martinez. I was actually surprised by how much I enjoyed Ben Schwartz in the film, who plays the entitled son of a mob family who miraculously gets away with committing every crime in the book thanks to a corrupt police department. I thought his over-the-top character was hilarious and added a ton of value to the film. The entire supporting cast, including everyone in the support group, was great.

Aside from the cast, the special effects and action sequences are the bread and butter of Renfield. The best way I can describe some of these crazy sequences is a John Wick film with a supernatural element blended with a collection of Mortal Kombat finishing move kills. Sounds awesome right?! Trust me, you need to experience it for yourself. Just make sure you don’t have an issue with lots of blood and the constant and brutally violent removal of body parts. I was also blown away by the make-up and costume design in the film, especially Cage early on when he is frail and grotesque as he works his way back to full strength.

The film does such a nice job of establishing a unique identity and running with it, making for a film that is hilarious in a goofy way but not too goofy, and also incredibly violent. That is not an easy balance when you think about effective execution, and to say the kill count is impressive would be an understatement. So yeah, kudos to the special effects team for bringing their A-game, but also a well-deserved shoutout to Marco Beltrami for a banging soundtrack to supplement the non-stop action, and cinematographer Mitchell Amundsen for helping to create this immersive world where Dracula is among us.

Plus for how goofy the film is, they still somehow managed to create a gritty crime thriller vibe which helped to tie everything together. Director Chris McKay, who recently directed the sci-fi action drama The Tomorrow War (2021) (our full review here), deserves his due as well. And even though the overall story is a bit of an afterthought because of the cast and superb special effects, Robert Kirkman of The Walking Dead fame deserves credit for the original idea, along with Ryan Ridley for putting together the screenplay. I mean you can pick and choose what you felt made Renfield as enjoyable as it is, but what matters is it all came together to create a final product that I can’t wait to see again, and again.

THE BAD

I’m not going to sit here and say Renfield is a perfect film, because it is a far cry from anything that you will see taking home an Oscar anytime soon, aside from perhaps make-up and costume design, or special effects of course. The screenplay in itself is ridiculous, feeling in many ways like an extension or spin-off of What We Do in the Shadows, but is that really a bad thing? The story really doesn’t matter here, because if you can’t appreciate the wackiness, over-the-top violence, and blood and gore you will hate the movie either way. Renfield feels like a genre film created to appeal to a fairly specific fanbase while still spreading its genre wings a bit, which is more than okay with me. If you go in expecting anything more, you will be disappointed.

THE VERDICT

An over-the-top action comedy horror that embraces and relishes the absurdity of the great Nicolas Cage as The Prince of Darkness, Renfield is 93 minutes of blood-soaked mayhem and I enjoyed every bit of it. This movie is a ton of fun, simple as that. For me, this is an example of a film that put together a fantastic team, from the director to the cast, right down to the background extras, because at the end of the day, it just works. The action sequences are wild and need to be seen to be appreciated. Renfield is never boring, and I still find myself smiling ear to ear when I think about the movie. Do yourself a favor and check this one out in theaters sooner than later.

TED TAKES RATING - 7.3/10

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

Mafia Mamma

Mafia Mamma is a 2023 action comedy film directed by Catherine Hardwicke (Lords of Dogtown, Twilight, Miss Bala), from a screenplay by Michael J. Feldman and Debbie Jhoon. Is is based on an original story by Amanda Sthers.

While seeing to her long estranged (and now deceased) grandfather’s affairs in Italy, a mild mannered suburban mom unexpectedly inherits his mafia empire and finds herself stuck in the middle of a deadly mob war. Guided by the firm’s trusted consigliere, she hilariously defies everyone’s expectations, including her own, as the new head of the family business.

The cast includes Toni Collette, Monica Bellucci, Giulio Corso, Eduardo Scarpetta, Rob Huebel, and Livia De Paolis.

Mafia Mamma made its debut in theaters April 14th, courtesy of Bleecker Street.

THE GOOD

Needless to say, Mafia Mamma wasn’t exactly circled on my calendar, but I love Toni Collette and the premise intrigued me. If you are a regular reader of my reviews, you’d know that I try and approach a movie with an open mind and with the understanding of what the movie is trying to accomplish. In no way shape or form is a movie like this trying to gain awards consideration or resonate with viewers on a deeper level, it has one goal and that is to entertain. Nothing more, nothing less. So I made my way to the theater with tempered expectations, hoping for a fun hour and a half with lots of laughs. So, was it worth my time? Keep reading to find out!

For the most part Mafia Mamma is as advertised, an easy to enjoy action comedy that has a clear goal from the start. It wasn’t as funny as I hoped it would be and the tone was a little weird, but I will talk more about that later in the review. The premise was simple and well executed, making it feel relatively realistic considering how far-fetched it is and that was certainly a positive in my mind. I thought Collette’s character was fun and relatable, and the goofiness of the film keeps things pretty light although the film can be pretty graphic at times hence the R-rating.

Two things will get people in the seats for Mafia Mamma, Toni Collette, and the overall story. People love a good mafia movie, and the film includes a bunch of references to classics like Goodfellas which I though was pretty cool. The story is simple yet effective in the sense that it is able to quickly set the stage for how Collette’s character finds herself at the head of the table for an Italian Mafia family. I thought they included just enough believable backstory to keep viewers engaged, and I had fun with the comedic twist on the cutthroat mentality of these Mafia families. Mafia Mamma never really takes itself too seriously, which is good and bad which I will talk about more later as well.

Toni Collette is the biggest name attached to the film and I thought she was great in terms of the character she was given. She was believable as this overly emotional pushover suburban mom, which added the much needed level of intrigue in terms of what happens next. I really liked Monica Bellucci in her role, and thought she did a fantastic job alongside Collette. When I envision a woman described as irresistibly sexy in a very intense and exotic way, Bellucci comes to mind, but I will keep my fantasies to myself. The supporting cast was fine, mostly forgettable performances but it was sort of par for the course as far as the screenplay.

Mafia Mamma sort of feels like a satire in the way that is pays tribute to old Mafia films, but not in a negative way. Now it could be perceived as mocking them, but it felt to me like it was paying homage while also adding a comedic spin for its own benefit. I enjoyed all of the references, and by the end I was ready to go home and start binge watching some of my favorites, with a recent classic being The Town, but as Mafia Mamma makes clear from the very beginning, Goodfellas will always be one of the best all-time classics of the genre.

THE BAD

Mafia Mamma is a far cry from perfect, and has several issues. One of the primary draws of the movie is obviously Toni Collette, and although I enjoyed her performance, I felt like her abilities as an actress were wasted or overlooked for the most part. I would have loved to have seen more of a Walter White to Heisenberg transformation for Collette especially considering she is more than capable, but the writers instead decided to play it safe keeping the film from reaching its full potential. They also decided to keep the feel more goofy than serious for the majority of the film, but it was also confusing at times thanks to what I felt was a very uneven tone. The acting was fine in general, but not great.

The technical elements of the film were brutal, especially the action scenes, mainly the gunfight at the end. I mean they were bad, the guns sounded like toy guns, and just the action sequences in general looked like the stunt coordinators decided to take the day off. I won’t knock the team in charge of the blood and gore, although it was minimal, because they did a nice job with it. The pacing was a bit slow at times with a few scenes that felt unnecessary adding very little to the film.

THE VERDICT

A flawed but still fun and easy to enjoy goofy action comedy with a talented leading lady, Mafia Mamma is a nice change of pace but suffers from an inconsistent tone and mediocre writing. Could it have been much better? Sure, I wish they would have settled on the tone they were going for and a few more quality laughs would have been nice, but I enjoyed this movie for what was and have no problem recommending it as long as people go in knowing what to expect. But waiting for a release on VOD in a few months would be fine too.

TED TAKES RATING - 5.7/10

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

Air

Air is a 2023 biographical comedy-drama film directed by Ben Affleck, and written by Alex Convery. Convery, whose IMDb bio is basically non-existent, had his original script Air Jordan appear on the film industrie’s Black List. Distributed by Amazon Studios, this is the first film produced by Affleck and Damon's new company, Artists Equity.

The film tells the story of the unbelievable game-changing partnership between a then-rookie Michael Jordan and Nike's fledgling basketball division which revolutionized the world of sports and contemporary culture with the Air Jordan brand. This moving story follows the career-defining gamble of an unconventional team with everything on the line, the uncompromising vision of a mother who knows the worth of her son’s immense talent, and the basketball phenom who would become the greatest of all time.

The cast includes Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Chris Tucker, Viola Davis, Jason Bateman, Marlon Wayans, Chris Messina, and Gustaf Skarsgård.

Air made its debut in theaters on April 5th, 2023, courtesy of Amazon Studios.

THE GOOD

I’ll be honest, somehow Air snuck up on me. I mean had I known about this movie sooner, I would have been looking forward to it for as long as it was in development. The amazing cast is enough to fill the seats, but the story is the big sell here. I was born the year this all unfolded, and we all know the larger-than-life icon that is Michael Jordan. I remember begging my parents for $135 Nike Air Max shoes back in middle school, because well I had to have them. In many ways, it is hard to think about Nike without thinking about Michael Jordan, and that is for a damn good reason. The partnership between Nike and Jordan changed everything, and Air was made just to show us all how it all unfolded. So, does the movie live up to the mystique? Keep reading to find out!

Let me just get this out of the way now, Air is an amazing and damn near flawless movie. From the talented and massively stacked cast, the polarizing true story, and the amazing soundtrack, this movie has it all. We all know the story going in, or at least have a pretty good idea, but the setup is key, and wow do they pull it off. Right away you are rooting for the main characters, primarily Matt Damon’s Sonny Vaccaro and Jason Bateman’s Rob Strasser. These two men feel relatable and from the jump (pun intended) it is clear the magnitude of this make-or-break moment for these two men. At one point Strasser tells Vaccaro a heartbreaking story about how his position at Nike is one of the few things keeping him connected to his young daughter who he rarely sees. In many ways, Vaccaro is searching for purpose and an opportunity to forge a legacy of his own, no matter the risk involved. Part of what is so intriguing about Air is just how intentional and committed Vacarro is to something he believes in, and his refusal to let the doubt of others cast a cloud over what he feels is now his greatest mission in life. The rest of us will be lucky to feel even just a semblance of what he felt back in 1984 because trust me nothing is more exhilarating than a sense of purpose coupled with a fiery passion and put-it-all-on-the-line mentality.

My two favorite elements of Air go hand in hand and you can probably guess that would be the cast and the story. The fact of the matter is this movie does not work without both firing on all cylinders, and just like Dominic Toretto in a street race, failure was never an option. I loved the cast from top to bottom and will watch any movie that stars Damon, Bateman, and Affleck, but their star power is just a piece of why the film works so well. The cast finds a way to harness the energy of the people they are portraying, from the excitement of an opportunity to change the course of history, to the possibility of making a career-ending mistake. Alex Convery’s screenplay is just masterful, and man does this guy who seemingly came out of nowhere deserve a ton of credit. As viewers, we feel connected to these men and even though we know the end result, we still can’t help but experience the full range of emotions and eventual elation. I also really liked how it never seemed like it was all about this amazing achievement for Nike, it really felt like all involved genuinely cared about the mutually beneficial relationship they were seeking, and they truly believed that Michael Jordan was poised to become the greatest basketball player in NBA history, and boy were they right.

I have to talk a bit more about this amazing cast and how they brought new life to the influential people they were portraying. Matt Damon is without question one of the greatest actors of my lifetime, whether you want to talk about Good Will Hunting or his genre-defining Jason Bourne franchise, he really can do it all. So it should come as no surprise that he is off-the-charts good as Sonny Vaccaro, the Nike employee with a slight gambling addition and a very vague job description. As mysterious as Vaccaro’s character appears, one thing is certain from the beginning and that is his willingness to follow his gut no matter the risk. I was rooting for him right away, and being in his corner just felt so damn good.

Next up is Jason Bateman’s Rob Strasser and even though it is hard to not see Bateman as Marty Byrde in the hit series Ozark, I loved his character. The screenplay does such a fantastic job of humanizing these characters, and I immediately felt connected to Strasser and the fact that he was a guy that wanted to succeed in his career but also knew that at the end of the day, nothing mattered more than family, which is a running theme in the film. Ben Affleck is incredible as the enigmatic Nike CEO Phil Knight, Chris Messina was awesome as Jordan’s agent David Falk, Viola Davis was next level as per usual as Jordan’s mom Deloris, Chris Tucker was great as Howard White, Marlon Wayans held it down in a small role as George Raveling, and I really liked Matthew Maher as genius shoe designer Peter Moore. I really liked Julius Tennon in a special and bittersweet performance as the late James Jordan. From Asanté Deshon who is credited only as 7-Eleven Clerk right up the line to Damon, the entire cast was top-notch.

I was born the year this all happened, so needless to say when the movie started and 1984 flashed across the screen followed by an invigorating montage including all of the colorful clothing and incredible music, I was glued to the screen. I love, love, love movies that are set in the 80s, and yes I for sure count the recently released Cocaine Bear (our full review here) which is now streaming on Peacock, and Air has the feel I was hoping for. From the clothes to the cars, right down to the amazing soundtrack, I felt like my adult self was transported back to my birth year and it was so damn satisfying. Although the story and the cast certainly take center stage, the technical elements of the film are still fantastic. The editing was just so good and really helped to bring that 80s feel, and the soundtrack was the icing on the cake for me. Not a single scene felt wasted or unnecessary. I also really liked the creative camera work from Ben Affleck, who was as smooth in the director’s chair as he was on-screen.

THE BAD

The only issue I had with this movie was the fact that eventually, it had to end. Seriously, Air really is THAT good. Even if viewers have zero interest in sports or Nike for that matter, the movie will still resonate and leave a mark on fans of quality cinema.

THE VERDICT

An incredibly immersive and captivating re-telling of a monumental moment in modern history, Air takes full advantage of a stellar cast, a fantastic 80s soundtrack, and a powerful and truly inspiring screenplay. Telling a story that holds so much weight is no easy task, and this was without question one of the most genuinely entertaining experiences I have had at the movie theater in recent memory.

As I made very clear in my review, I loved everything about this movie. I felt energized as soon as the movie ended and I was on Nike.com looking up some fresh new Air Jordans before I even left the theater. Do yourself a favor and get out there and see Air sooner than later, you won’t regret it. I can’t wait to see it again.

TED TAKES RATING - 9.7/10

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

John Wick: Chapter 4

John Wick: Chapter 4 is a 2023 neo-noir action film directed by Chad Stahelski, and written by Shay Hatten and Michael Finch, based on characters created by Derek Kolstad. It is the direct sequel to 2019's John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum, and the fourth installment in the John Wick film series. Filming took place in Berlin, Paris, Osaka, and New York City from June to October 2021.

With the price on his head ever increasing, legendary hitman John Wick takes his fight against the High Table global as he seeks out the most powerful players in the underworld, from New York to Paris to Japan to Berlin.

Starring Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, Bill Skarsgård, Laurence Fishburne, Hiroyuki Sanada, Shamier Anderson, Lance Reddick, Rina Sawayama, Scott Adkins, and Ian McShane.

John Wick: Chapter 4 made its debut in theaters on March 24th, courtesy of Lionsgate.

THE GOOD

Let me just get this out of the way first, I have what many would consider to be an unhealthy obsession with the John Wick franchise. When the first film was released back in 2014, my buddy and I were making John Wick references for months, mostly to the tune of “John Wick would beat your ass for that”. Not very creative I admit, but as a couple of blue-collar guys who enjoy the finer things in life like beers and buffalo wings, we were all in on this magical Keanu Reeves transformation, and the legend of John Wick was born. These movies have it all, a down-to-earth hero that is easy to root for, an immersive and unique world that feels like it could really exist, and just the pure satisfaction of watching bad guys get their asses beat in ways you never thought possible. So yeah, I was pumped for John Wick: Chapter 4 to hit theaters and made sure I was planted firmly in my seat for the very first screening. So, did it match my expectations and do this incredible franchise justice? Keep reading to find out!

I really can’t believe I am saying this, but John Wick: Chapter 4 is the best movie in the franchise to date, simple as that. I am going to do my best to break down and share my experience without writing a novel, which is honestly easier said than done. At the conclusion of John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum (our full review here), we see a battered and bruised John Wick who was the victim of an unfortunate and opportunistic double-crossing. He looks about as bad off as he ever has, which if you have seen the first 3 films, is really saying something.

The latest entry opens with him now back at full strength, and training for what is sure to be his latest revenge tour, this time with members of the High Table in his sights. Living a peaceful life was never really meant to be for the guy they call Baba Yaga, aka the boogeyman. Violence follows him wherever he goes, and for someone who is seemingly indestructible and widely feared across the globe, greedy hitmen can’t help but punch their own ticket to that place six feet under by testing his patience. Some of us like to say we have had a long day, well John Wick has had a long decade, and it isn’t even close to over.

John Wick: Chapter 4 finds the man with the highest bounty on his head yet, and members of the High Table going out of their way to make things extra difficult for John and anyone willing to help him. Chapter 3 was essentially 2-hours of John Wick trying his best to survive, and while they could have taken a similar approach with John Wick: Chapter 4, they instead turned the hunted into the hunter. John is fed up with what he deems to be unfair treatment coming from the High Table, and he intends to make it right. I had a blast with the story, but as fans were hoping, the real star of the show is the action and the seemingly never-ending fight scenes. The John Wick films take the idea of stylistic action thriller to another level, and they ramp things up to a 10 with John Wick: Chapter 4. The more I think about the movie the more blown away I am, and I really just want to see it again immediately. It is that good.

I have heard people say that they bailed on the John Wick franchise during the first movie when his dog was killed, but the entire franchise was built around him seeking revenge for such a heinous act. For those of you who fall in this category, trust me when I say that the John Wick films are very much pro man’s best friend, and John Wick: Chapter 4 actually makes it a point to build on that. A new character known only as the Tracker is introduced, and he has his trusty companion by his side at all times. This dog actually plays a major role in the film, and even partakes in one specific scene during the final act of the film that had the entire theater laughing. The dog may not take out quite as many bad guys as Mr. Wick, but he certainly does his part let me just say that. More about that duo later in the review.

John Wick: Chapter 4 is the equivalent of Disneyland for action movie fans, only better and without the annoying lines. This franchise has been on a tear from the very beginning, but the 4th film finds a way to up the ante in every way that matters. John Wick: Chapter 3 - Parabellum was a nonstop 2-hour thrill ride, so of course Chapter 4 had to add another full hour, for the purposes of building on the story, right? Wrong! Chad Stahelski found a way to add another hour while making the film feel even more action-packed with higher stakes and new characters, and basically refusing to slow down. The stunts and fight scenes in John Wick are simply unmatched, and if I ever have a chance to meet Stahelski in this lifetime, I just want to shake his hand and offer to buy him a beer. This guy gets it. I’d love to be a fly on the wall during one of his creative sessions where he thinks up all of these amazing action sequences.

When you are watching a movie and can’t help but think “wow this scene must have been insane to film”, you know they pulled out all the stops. Considering this movie is 3-hours long, I never once looked at my phone to get an idea of how much longer it was going to be which is pretty damn impressive if you ask me. I was on the edge of my seat from the very beginning, and I am pretty sure I still have marks on my face from the permanent smile I had. Stuntman-turned-director Chad Stahelski is a damn wizard, and anything he touches basically turns to gold. If his name is attached to a project in the future, I will see it without a second thought. Simple as that.

The music and score are pure fire once again thanks to Tyler Bates and Joel J. Richard. An action-packed adrenaline-fueled franchise like this requires a hard-hitting soundtrack, and they are more than up for the challenge. John Wick: Chapter 4 also opens the door for great opportunities with visuals thanks to a number of great filming locations, and cinematographer Dan Laustsen takes full advantage. I can’t even count how many times I found myself just taking in the environment as the camera panned back setting the stage for more excitement.

The cast is phenomenal, which has come to be standard for this franchise. Needless to say, Keanu Reeves is a godsend, a true inspiration, and a reminder that sometimes kindness is the only real legacy we need to leave behind. We have all seen the stories about how he really is just a genuinely good guy who also happens to be one of the best actors of our generation, and I personally refuse to take this guy for granted. Now add all of this together and consider the fact that the well-intentioned stoner from the 1989 cult classic Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure has become one of the most badass film icons in recent memory, it really is incredible.

John Wick: Chapter 4 is easily the most grueling and demanding performance from Reeves in the entire franchise, and he is absolutely amazing. I know I have been saying this for almost a decade now, but I could watch John Wick whoop ass for hours and hours and never get bored. Even though he does build up possibly his highest body count in this film, John Wick also gets in touch with the idea of his own mortality, which is a rare thing for a man who takes a lickin’ and just keeps on tickin’. I know some people like to stay busy during retirement, but damn John at least take a vacation or something.

As far as new characters go, the Tracker is easily my favorite addition to the cast and fits so perfectly within the John Wick universe. In many ways, he fills the void left behind by Common’s Cassian character and serves as a complicated balance between friend and foe. Actor Shamier Anderson takes on the role of the Tracker, and man does he make his mark. This role was a massive opportunity for the Canadian-born Anderson, and to say he took full advantage would be an understatement. He hasn’t been involved with too many notable projects, but he did recently star in the Hulu original indie drama film Bruiser, where he was able to show off his potential. Interestingly enough, I knew he looked familiar but I couldn’t quite place him, speaking to his ability to fully immersive himself in this and showing off an on-screen presence he wasn’t able to hone in on in Bruiser. He was a different guy, simple as that.

Anderson has a unique charisma and the ability to make viewers feel like they understand and can relate to him, even though his entire backstory is a mystery in John Wick: Chapter 4. His first interaction with John Wick makes you wonder if he has been lurking in the shadows all this time. He just feels like he belongs, and even though his allegiances are constantly put into question, you can’t help but like his character. A big reason for that is his trusty companion, a dog that never leaves his side.

Any John Wick fan worth their salt knows how much our canine counterparts mean to the films, and the Tracker’s dog may be the most impactful addition yet. He is always in the middle of the action ripping several bad guys to shreds (oftentimes in their no-no parts), and he also plays a pivotal role in the trajectory of the relationship between the Tracker and John Wick. One particular scene during the final act of the film where the camera zooms in on the Tracker and his dog had the entire theater smiling ear to ear.

The story behind Anderson’s involvement in John Wick: Chapter 4 is very interesting. The 31-year-old actor has a background in martial arts, but he didn’t need to audition for this role in order to prove he had what it took to join such a successful franchise. Anderson played a role in the 2020 Halle Berry film Bruised, where he caught the eye of director Chad Stahelski, who reached out to his agent saying he had a role in mind for him and asked that he take a look at the script got John Wick: Chapter 4. Anderson was quoted in an interview as saying, “you had me at John Wick 4”. Of course, he did. So no audition was needed and the rest is history. The confidence and charisma that Anderson brings to his character is part of the reason why John Wick: Chapter 4 is the cherry on top of an already incredible franchise.

In so many ways the film plays out like a videogame in the sense of John Wick facing off against several worthy foes or big bosses. Biggest amongst them is the latest thorn in Wick’s side, the Marquis played by the talented and often equally terrifying Bill Skarsgård. Skarsgård is amazing in this role, and his relentless pursuit of eradicating John Wick is a goal he dedicates every possible resource to. I hated his character from the start and so will you, which speaks to how great he is.

The imposing Marko Zaror plays Skarsgård’s right-hand man who has the entire High Table army at his disposal. A Chilean martial arts action star and fight choreographer, Zaror is a beast. I loved him in this role. Another big-time bad guy who stands out for their uniqueness is Scott Adkins, who is absolutely unrecognizable in his role as Killa. The excitement that follows when John Wick decides to pay him a visit is a real treat. Ian McShane is marvelous yet again as Winston, and even though he left things a bit rocky with John after the last film, we knew it was only a matter of time before the two crossed paths again.

Two massive additions to the franchise are Donnie Yen as Caine and Hiroyuki Sanada as Shimazu. Yen has a checkered past with the High Table similar to John Wick, and because of the threat they pose to his family if he fails to honor a formal request, he finds himself on the path of hunting down a man he considers to be a friend. Oh, and did I mention he is blind yet considered to be one of the few men who are a legitimate threat to John Wick, that in itself is wild. The dynamic between Caine and John Wick is very fascinating, as both men live and die by their loyalties but will also protect their families above all else. Caine was easily another one of my favorite characters.

Sanada, who was great in the action thriller Bullet Train (our review here), jumps into the John Wick franchise like he has been here all along, as he takes on the role of Shimazu Koji, the manager of the Osaka Continental Hotel. Koji quickly proves that although Wick has been excommunicado and stripped of all resources and essentially blacklisted with a massive bounty on his head, he is still willing to support the man he considers to be a friend even if it does put him and his family in danger. Koji comes across as the head of the Yakuza, and to that he is fearless would be selling him short. His character is a significant chess piece for John Wick in this film, and they could not have picked a better actor to take on the role.

John Wick: Chapter 4 includes so many scenes that have incredible depth in terms of the characters and their place within the franchise, and that is in large part due to the extremely sad and untimely death of actor Lance Reddick, who passed away unexpectedly just a few days before the red carpet premiere and exactly a week prior to the films theatrical release. The film does include a brief moment of remembrance for Reddick who plays the role of Charon, also known as the Concierge.

John Wick has a unique bond with Charon from the first film, and even though we don’t get quite as much from his character in John Wick: Chapter 4, the weight of his death is felt throughout the film. I have been a fan of Reddick since HBO’s The Wire, and also really enjoyed his role in the Amazon Prime original series Bosch, based on the Michael Connolly books. The outpouring of support over Reddick’s death has been substantial, and the man will be missed as an actor and as a genuinely good person.

THE BAD

Can you have too much of a good thing? Nah. This movie was everything I needed it to be, and then some. Unless you dislike this genre or just hate having fun, John Wick: Chapter 4 is about as good as it gets.

THE VERDICT

An incredibly rare 4th entry in a massively successful franchise that somehow finds a way to raise the bar in every conceivable way, John Wick: Chapter 4 is a guilty pleasure that I hope to indulge in theaters as many times as humanely possible. Director Chad Stahelski and star Keanu Reeves are a match made in heaven, simple as that. This movie is bigger, badder, and well worth the 4-year hiatus. Plus Stahelski and the casting team were masterful as they added new actors and characters to the storied franchise. I just can’t imagine a world without the John Wick films, what a sad and empty place that would be.

If you have any reservations whatsoever about a 3-hour film, you can ignore them because this movie is so exciting and immersive you will feel like it was an hour and 30 minutes max. Do yourself a favor and see John Wick: Chapter 4 in theaters as soon as you can. The film does have a brief post-credits scene so be sure to stick around for that, and keep an eye out for Ballerina, an upcoming John Wick spinoff film starring Ana de Armas.

TED TAKES RATING - 9.7/10

John Wick: Chapter 4 is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

Scream VI

Scream VI is a 2023 slasher film directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, written by James Vanderbilt and Guy Busick, with original franchise writer and creator Kevin Williamson returning as executive producer. It will be the sixth installment in the Scream film series, and will be a direct sequel to Scream (2022).

Four survivors of the Ghostface murders leave Woodsboro behind for a fresh start in New York City. However, they soon find themselves in a fight for their lives when a new killer embarks on a bloody rampage.

The film stars Melissa Barrera, Jenna Ortega, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Hayden Panettiere, Courteney Cox, Dermot Mulroney, Henry Czerny, Samara Weaving, and Tony Revolori. This is the first film in the franchise where Neve Campbell will not appear as Sidney Prescott, reportedly due to a contract disagreement.

Scream VI made its debut in theaters on March 10th, 2023, courtesy of Paramount Pictures.

THE GOOD

It honestly feels like I was just at the theater to see last years Scream (our full review here), also known as Scream 5, and someone in the theater who came alone was in full blown Ghost Face. No joke the mask never came off, it was impressive. We had to wait a decade to get last years movie, and just a short year and a couple months to get the all fresh and new Scream VI. So needless to say it felt a little strange going to see another movie so soon, but as a massive fan of all things slasher and a fan of the Scream franchise since its debut in the mid 90’s, I was pumped.

I’ll admit I was a little concerned in terms of where they were planning to take things with this new film, especially after it was confirmed that Neve Campbell’s Sidney Prescott wouldn’t be involved for the first time. But after I was pleasantly surprised by the fresh approach to the franchise with last years film, I kept an open mind and made my way to the theater at the first chance I got. So, did Scream VI keep the momentum going or send the franchise on another inevitable hiatus? Keep reading to find out!

Let me just say this, they can keep making these movies and I will keep showing up. And if I’m Neve Campbell, I am on the phone trying to work my way back in to the mix. Seriously, Scream VI was everything I hoped it would be and more. Slasher franchises have a fairly simple formula, and more than anything else people want a ton of screen time for the iconic killer, especially if you are on the 6th film. My favorite slasher franchise is Friday the 13th, and when the reboot film came out back in 2009 fans were given a hefty dose of Jason Voorhees in all of his hockey mask wearing glory, and I honestly loved it. I mean sure the acting was subpar and the story was recycled crap, but it didn’t matter because I got to see a ton of the T&A the franchise is known for, as well as some fantastic kills. Back to the film at hand with Scream VI, and we have yet another slasher franchise that sticks to the winning formula, but also brings to the table the other elements that make for a great film.

We get a ton of Ghost Face who is as aggressive and relentless as he has ever been, the cast is on point from top to bottom, the story is full of great twists and turns, and I honestly thought the new big city setting was perfectly fitting within the extended story. Scream VI sticks with the meta approach that was a big focus of last years Scream, which is an absolute treat for slasher fanatics. Listening to the characters grill each other on who is more likely to be the killer is so much fun, especially considering the focus on the key elements of slasher films. My favorite slasher franchise Friday the 13th also gets a few solid shout outs which was the icing on the cake for me. Scream VI is also very funny, and had me laughing out loud several times. The film is also extremely technically sound delivering great cinematography, an immersive score/soundtrack, and more than anything else a clear identity that stays true to the franchise.

The first thing I feel like I need to touch on is the primary element that could make or break the film, which is of course the story. Bottom line, Scream VI gets it right, and essentially picks up right where last years film left off. Before seeing Scream I was expecting more of the same which would have been fine, but the writing team found a way to hit the refresh button for the franchise without alienating fans. The Scream films feel like their own version of a slasher multiverse, mainly because you have this unique layered element with the Stab films, and the intense cult following they have created. Within the Scream franchise you have the Woodsboro murders which rocked a community, but because of our obsession with tragedy and the incessant need to cash in on the pain of others, this fictional Stab franchise was created within the Scream films, first introduced in 1997’s Scream 2.

Now this concept was perfect because it fit within the copycat killer element of the Scream films that has kept us on the edge of our seats for damn near three decades. What makes these films unique is the killers are always somehow intertwined with the primary characters in the film, which adds another level of intrigue as well as a few more great twists that definitely caught me by surprise. I thought the pacing was perfect as the 2-hours absolutely flew by. I also really liked how the movie starts out with an intense and immersive opening, which honestly had my excitement level at about a 10 right from the jump, and it never really slows down. And as usual I won’t give away any spoilers, but the story pays homage to slasher franchises in general, but also serves as the gold standard for the Scream franchise in particular and will have longtime fans giddy. More than anything else, Scream VI is exhilarating, hilarious, fast-paced from start to finish, and undoubtedly sets us up for more movies.

In order for a Scream franchise resurgence to be possible, we needed new foundational characters to build on outside of the core cast from the original films. In steps the next generation. The first person I will talk about is one of the hottest actresses in Hollywood today in Jenna Ortega. The wholesome CA native got her big break in 2016 with the Disney series Stuck in the Middle, after chipping away for several years with one-off roles in various shows. in 2021 she took on a lead role in the HBO original drama film The Fallout (check out Andrew’s review here), where she really showed what she was capable of. A year later she starred in slashers Scream and X (our full review here), and by then it was obvious, a star was born. Ortega is fantastic as Tara Carpenter, the first person to ever have an up close and personal encounter with Ghost Face, and live to tell about it. In Scream VI she picks right up where she left off, and once again serves as a reminder that she is more than capable of carrying this franchise as far as it can possibly go.

Next up is Melissa Barrera, who plays Tara’s sister Sam Carpenter. Apart from being sexy as hell if you don’t mind me saying, Barrera is a straight up badass and sort of reminds me of a young Michelle Rodriguez in terms of her mess with me and see what happens attitude. Her character is a crucial centerpiece of the story with Scream VI after the events in Scream, and she is very much up for the challenge. I liked how throughout the film a certain amount of mystery surrounds her character, and this continued right up to the end credits. Does she have a Dexter-like darkness inside her? Perhaps, only time will tell. For my money Barrera was the perfect addition to the Scream franchise, and I look forward to seeing more from her.

Aside from Ortega and Barrera who are without a doubt the foundation of the film, I was once again very pleased with Mason Gooding and Jasmine Savoy Brown, the other two surviving characters from last years film. Brown is very much the witty character who keeps the fun and immersive meta element of the film alive and well, and Gooding proves to be the protector of the group who will do anything for those closest to him. I also enjoyed the dynamic between Gooding and Ortega’s characters this time around.

The supporting cast was great from top to bottom, with Samara Weaving making a brief but irresistible appearance (she previously starred in Ready or Not), Hayden Panettiere returns like she never left, Dermot Mulroney is awesome in his role as a NYC detective and father of one of the roommates, Tony Revolori (Spider-Man: No Way Home, Servant) plays a small but important role, and I knew Josh Segarra, who played the neighbor and Sam’s love interest, looked familiar and realized it was because of his role in the FBI series. He was a nice addition as well. Oh and I loved Courteney Cox in her return as as the hated Gale Weathers, and she was as tough as ever.

I touched on it briefly already, but I was genuinely impressed with the technical elements of Scream VI. Of course with this latest entry taking place in the Big Apple cinematographer Brett Jutkiewicz had a ton to work with, and he took full advantage. The film was immersive and just the right amount of gritty. Plus with slasher films the score and soundtrack tends to be a big part of what makes the franchise so iconic, and they keep the ball rolling here. The music kept me energized from the opening scene to the end credits. Shoutout to composer Sven Faulconer, who worked in collaboration with uber-talented composer Brian Tyler, who has an absolutely insane resume including last years Scream, Yellowstone, F9: The Fast Saga, Ready or Not, Power Rangers (2017), and Avengers: Age of Ultron, just to name a few.

Of course I have to talk about the kills in Scream VI, and they are just so damn good. Ghost Face was out there murdering people like they owed him money, and even picks up a shotgun at one point - a shotgun! Something about the big city brings out the beast in these slasher icons, I mean look at Jason in Friday the 13th Part VIII: Jason Takes Manhattan when he legit punches that dudes head off of a rooftop. Like damn. In all seriousness, the creativity and intensity of the kills was evident from the first 5-minutes of the film, and you could feel each brutal attack with Ghost Face coming in like Adonis Creed throwing haymakers in Creed III (our full review here).

Kills are supposed to be satisfying in slashers, and satisfying they are. I have to give a ton of credit to directing duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, who are still relatively new in the industry. The duo had their feature film debut with the indie anthology horror V/H/S (2012), and also directed two segments of the anthology horror Southbound (our full review here), which Bettinelli-Olpin also played a role in. They turned heads with the 2019 horror thriller Ready or Not, which likely landed them the opportunity to also direct last years Scream. Remember their names because these two have a very bright future in the industry. Oh and I personally cannot get enough of the “what is your favorite scary movie?” line, absolutely legendary. Keep it coming!

THE BAD

It should come as no surprise after reading this review that my issues with Scream VI were few and far between, with the good far outweighing the bad. Now if you’re familiar with the Scream franchise, you understand the overall tone and feel of the films which is at times brutal slasher, with a mix of quirky humor. In order to fully appreciate the films, it is important you buy into that trademark approach. With that being said, as I pointed out in the review Scream VI is one of the more brutal and intense films in the franchise, and for that reason I do feel like it should have a wider reach as far as fans and newcomers unfamiliar with the franchise. As with all slasher films, the writing often feels infuriating in terms of the “why would you do that!!” or “are you trying to get killed!”, but that is part of the allure of slasher films and something you have to accept. If the characters always made smart decisions and knew how to effectively survive, that would make for a pretty boring movie with Ghost Face roaming the streets. I do wish I would have re-watched Scream, which is now streaming on Paramount+, prior to seeing this just so the story was fresh in my mind.

THE VERDICT

A fast-paced and innovative slasher that is easily one of the more brutally violent entries in the storied franchise, Scream VI continues the impressive resurgence of Ghost Face and is pure gold for longtime fans. Even though I genuinely enjoyed last years Scream, how much fun I had with this movie still caught me off guard. I just love the feeling I get when an iconic franchise like Scream gets the royal treatment it deserves. I mentioned in the opening that if they keep making these movies I will keep showing up, and I meant that. To say that they have re-energized this franchise between last years film and this entry would be an understatement, and if they play their cards right they could make another 4 movies easily, especially considering the new foundation as far as the next generation of characters.

Scream VI is an absolute treat for fans of the franchise and slasher fans in general, and a movie that is very easy to recommend seeing on the big-screen. I can’t wait to see it again. Also, can we accept the fact that slasher films still make bank and get another Friday the 13th movie already, PLEASE!!

TED TAKES RATING - 9.1/10

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

Creed III

Creed III is a 2023 sports drama film directed by Michael B. Jordan in his feature directorial debut, based on a screenplay by Keenan Coogler and Zach Baylin from a story they co-wrote with Ryan Coogler. It is the sequel to Creed II (2018), and the ninth installment in the Rocky franchise. This will be the first film in the franchise without Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa, though he still serves as a producer.

After dominating the boxing world, Adonis has been thriving in his career and family life. When a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy resurfaces, the face off between former friends is more than just a fight.

The cast includes Michael B. Jordan, Tessa Thompson, Jonathan Majors, Wood Harris, Florian Munteanu, Phylicia Rashad, Mila Davis-Kent, Jacob “Stitch” Duran, Jose Benavidez, Selenis Leyva, Thaddeus J. Mixson, and Spencer Moore II.

Creed III made its debut in theaters and IMAX on March 3rd, 2023, courtesy of MGM Studios and United Artists Releasing.

THE GOOD

Back in 2013 I was absolutely blown away by the intense biographical drama film Fruitvale Station, which starred Michael B. Jordan and was the feature film directorial debut for Oakland, CA native, Ryan Coogler. It was clear from the jump, Jordan was on his way to becoming a big name in the industry, and Coogler was a master behind the camera. Fast forward two years, and Coogler teamed up with Jordan yet again, this time with the sports drama extension of the famed Rocky franchise, Creed. Like what?! I was pumped! First of all, who doesn’t love the Rocky movies? Easily one of the most iconic film franchises ever.

Needless to say, Creed was incredible, and the relationship between Coogler and Jordan was for real. They worked together again on Black Panther (2018), but because of that project and how much was required of Coogler, Jordan had to do Creed II with a different director. Luckily, Coogler left his mark and the sequel was great as well. Four years have passed and the third Creed movie is finally here, this time an opportunity for Michael B. Jordan to not only star, but to also make his own debut in the director’s chair. So, did Creed III do the franchise proud or fall flat on its face? Keep reading to find out!

Ding ding ding, Creed III was an absolute knockout!! This movie was just so good for so many reasons, but I am still giddy about that fact that I got to watch Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors together. I mean what an incredible decision to bring Majors in to star alongside Jordan’s Adonis Creed. These two together turned the heat of the theater up 20 degrees, at least. Seriously though, as great as Jordan has been and continues to be in these films, I can’t even begin to imagine an actor coming in and matching the energy and intensity of his character like Majors was able to. As the poster says, you can’t run from your past, and the screenplay from Keenan Coogler, Zach Baylin, and Ryan Coogler, was incredible. I don’t know how else to explain it but to say that I was intoxicated by this new layer to the story of Adonis Creed, and how he came to be. Creed III looks amazing and has such a unique and immersive style which is a testament to the directorial debut for Michael B. Jordan, and of course the soundtrack was just pure fire.

I touched on the cast first for a reason, it really is THAT good. Michael B. Jordan has been incredible ever since he took on the role of Adonis Creed, the son of the late and great Apollo Creed. Jordan has transformed ever since the day he took on the role, and in many ways it feels like the Creed films have helped to propel him as an actor and a serious player in the film industry. Granted rubbing shoulders with the legendary Sylvester Stallone, aka Rocky Balboa, doesn’t hurt either. I mentioned how much of an impact he had on me in Fruitvale Station, but you’ll be surprised to know he became a favorite of mine after his role in the underrated but just so damn good coming-of-age comedy That Awkward Moment (2014), where he stars alongside Zac Efron and Miles Teller.

The first Creed film would release a year later so I was all in on the Michael B. Jordan train at this point. In Creed III, he has built a family and a legacy of his own, and because he has done such an amazing job becoming this character throughout the first two films it all feels very genuine and real. I had zero issue buying into where Adonis Creed was at in this point of his life, and that for me made a big difference in terms of how invested I was in the film from the start. I couldn’t imagine anyone else playing this role, and it without a doubt was a career-defining decision for Jordan to join this franchise.

As the saying goes, behind every strong man is an even stronger woman, and that is without a doubt the case with Creed III. Tessa Thompson is an incredible actress who just happens to share a birthday with me, and although she has been slightly more successful in her career endeavors, we will be forever linked. Thompson has been hustling in Hollywood since 2003, but her role as the strong independent musician, Bianca in the original Creed film without a doubt opened doors for her. A few short years later she would be given the role of Valkyrie in Thor: Ragnarok (2017), thanks to another visionary director in Taika Waititi, and the rest is history. Thompson is the whole package; she is beautiful, sexy, extremely talented, and a legit badass.

She also starred in the underrated indie drama Little Woods (2018, which is now streaming on HBO Max and worth checking out). Thompson of course returned in 2018’s Creed II, and by then was a fixture in the Creed films and had developed incredible chemistry with Jordan’s character. I am confident that Adonis Creed wouldn’t have become the man he became by Creed III without Bianca. Even though Adonis is a proven boxer and one of the best to ever enter the ring, in the Creed household Bianca wears the belt. I loved her character in Creed III, and even though she kept it real with her husband and challenged him to make the difficult life decisions he needed to make, she was also a supportive wife and mother who stood by him no matter what. Bottom line, she is amazing in this movie.

Now, it is time to talk about the newest addition to the Creed films, Jonathan Majors. I am still in awe that the decision was made to cast Majors in Creed III, and I honestly had chills when I watched the first trailer. It was hard to envision a new character making a big enough impact after the first two films, but bringing back an influential figure from Creed’s past was without question the right decision. Majors plays Damian ‘Dame’ Anderson, and he and Adonis were inseparable as kids when they were both struggling and in and out of foster care. I won’t talk too much about his backstory as to avoid spoilers, but the writing team deserves a ton of praise for giving Majors an opportunity to become a big part of such a successful film franchise. What I found to be unique about Majors’ character was the fact that he toed the line of antagonist and protagonist, making it difficult for viewers to decide how they should perceive him.

The balance of love and animosity between Anderson and Creed is incredibly complex and makes for an engaging narrative, and I enjoyed watching how things played out and the tug-of-war I experienced in terms of how I felt about these characters. Majors is incredibly talented and has proven that time and time again, but add in the fact that he is just a physical specimen, the sky really is the limit for him. In many ways Majors’ character reminded me of Tom Hardy in Warrior (2011), just an absolute beast and a bruiser of a fighter with a win at all costs mentality. If they decide to continue with the Creed films, and they really, really, really should, keeping Majors involved would be the right decision. He is quickly becoming one of my favorite actors working today and I will continue to support him no matter what he does. I hope they gave Paul Rudd a raise considering he had to go toe-to-toe with Majors in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (our review here).

I have to also touch on the incredible young actress, Mila Davis-Kent, who is deaf in real-life, as the cute as can be little Amara Creed. She was awesome in this, and after reading a few interviews from star and director Michael B. Jordan, it was clear that the connection between his character and his daughter was intended to be a big big part of the story, which was a great decision in my opinion. The supporting cast was incredible as well, from Wood Harris as trainer Tony “Little Duke Burton, Phylicia Rashad as Momma Creed, Florian Munteanu returning as Viktor Drago, Jacob “Stitch” Duran as Stitch, Jose Benavidez as Felix Chavez, Selenis Leyva as Laura Chaves, and last but certainly not least, Thaddeus J. Mixson (Safety) as young Adonis, and All-American and A.P. Bio star, Spencer Moore II as young Damian.

I thought the story was amazing and I really liked the route they decided to go with this third film. The people I talked to made it very clear they were bummed that Stallone wouldn’t be a part of Creed III, but I felt like the direction they went with the story made that pill a bit easier to swallow as the core of the story pre-dates Stallone’s Rocky character. Because the Creed films are built on such intense themes of love and family, they needed to find a way to come up with something that cut deep enough to threaten everything Adonis Creed was able to build in his life and his career, and they were able to do that perfectly. We don’t do spoilers here of course, but Keenan Coogler, Zach Baylin, and Ryan Coogler deserve the credit for a great story.

How about Michael B. Jordan stepping into the director’s chair for the first time with such a massive project, and boy did he deliver the goods. The fact that he was trusted enough to take on Creed III speaks volumes about his commitment to his craft, and I feel like he deserves all of the credit in the world for what he was able to do. It was clear that his style was influenced by his mentor Ryan Coogler, but Jordan also made sure Creed III felt different and was able to leave his mark. I loved how he stuck with the intimate feel as far as the camera work and the individual shots that do a great job capturing raw emotion, and I won’t give anything away but I LOVED the unique cinematic sequence that was worked in to the final act of the film making the finale feel that much more epic. Bottom line, Michael B. Jordan is a damn swiss army knife, simple as that.

The technical elements of Creed III were on point. I really liked the use of slow-mo during some of the more intense fight scenes as I thought they added another layer of depth for viewers. I felt some of those brutal body blows in my ribcage. I thought the feel of the film stayed true to the franchise even though the family has made California their home. Shoutout to cinematographer Kramer Morgenthau for helping to create such an immersive experience. The fight entrances were incredible and brought me back to my childhood watching the glory days of Iron Mike Tyson. A big reason why the fight entrances were so amazing were thanks to a crazy good soundtrack which included music from Joseph Shirley, as well as a bunch of great tracks. The Creed franchise has always put a premium on the music and how much it means to the overall feel of the films, and that continues to be the case here. Just amazing all around.

THE BAD

Creed III is a fantastic film regardless of whether or not you are a fan of boxing or sports in general. Just like the Rocky films, the Creed franchise is built around family and legacy that extends well beyond the ring. The characters matter, the story matters, and viewers will have several reasons to be invested in what is happening on-screen. I think I made it very clear during the review that I loved this movie, but if I had to point out one thing I would personally have changed, it would be the runtime. I just think they could have easily added 30-45 minutes to the film and expanded on the story, and I would have been more than okay with that. But the fact of the matter is average moviegoers prefer films that aren’t quite as long. I was on the edge of my seat during the entire 2-hours, and I did not want to leave the theater. I also wish I had re-watched the first two films prior to seeing Creed III (all currently streaming on HBO Max), but that is a me problem. But rest assured, I am doing that this weekend before seeing this movie again.

THE VERDICT

A hard-hitting and emotionally charged cinematic journey elevated by powerhouse performances from Michael B. Jordan and Jonathan Majors, Creed III is an intense edge-of-your-seat experience that will leave viewers begging for more. This movie was just awesome and I enjoyed every minute of it, from the cast, to the story, right down to the music and the cinematography. And what a directorial debut for Jordan, who will without a doubt get more opportunities to direct in the future. Quality films are supposed to leave a mark on you, and that is undoubtedly the case here.

If you consider yourself to be a fan of the Creed films or the Rocky franchise dating back to 1976 (wow!!), you need to see this in theaters as soon as possible. I don’t know if we will get another Creed movie or not, but Jordan seems to have left the possibility open, and the inevitable success of Creed III should be a big determining factor. So get out there and support this movie! Plus, if you need motivation to start working out and preparing for beach season, just watch the Creed movies and you will have all the motivation you need. Creed and Creed II are currently streaming on HBO Max and Prime Video, you can thank me later.

TED TAKES RATING - 9.4/10

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

Giants Being Lonely

Giants Being Lonely is a 2019 indie coming-of-age drama directed by Grear Patterson in his directorial debut, and written by Patterson and Sam Stillman. The film premiered at the 76th Venice International Film Festival and was part of the 2020 Official Selection at the Tribeca Film Festival.

In Hillsborough, North Carolina, high school seniors Adam, Bobby, and Caroline experience the ups and downs of sex, loneliness, murder, and baseball during the final year of high school. Star pitcher Bobby is beloved for his athletic talents, but is unmoored from life and neglected by his alcoholic father. Adam, the less skilled player, has a crush on their classmate Caroline but must deal with his abusive father and his closed off mother.[

The cast includes Jack Irving, Ben Irving, Lily Gavin, Amalia Culp, and Gabe Fazio.

Giants Being Lonely made its limited release on September 1st, 2019, courtesy of Gravitas Ventures, prior to a streaming release on Prime Video.

THE GOOD

Every now and then a movie flies completely under my radar until I either come across the poster or the trailer and it happens to catch my eye, and that is exactly what happened with Giants Being Lonely. I pride myself on giving the world of indie filmmaking the respect it deserves so I will always try and give anything that looks a bit indie a second look, and the poster for this definitely looked the part. After a quick look, I confirmed not only was this an indie film, it was a coming-of-age story which if you know me or have kept up on my reviews, you would know that is without question one of my favorite genres. Plus, add in the fact that the story is centered around a high school baseball team from the south, and I knew I needed to check this out immediately. So, was it worth my time, or did I miss it for good reason? Keep reading to find out!

One of the reasons I love indie films so much, especially indie dramas or coming-of-age stories, they don’t feel the need to fill every second with dialogue. In my opinion, it’s part of what is wrong with the world today, like people are afraid to be alone with their own thoughts. Films like Ain’t Them Bodies Saints, Drive, or even The Place Beyond the Pines, all sacrifice dialogue for the ability to feel something and live in the moment. To just watch the look in the eyes of a character and try to figure out what they might be feeling, really is the ultimate way to connect viewers to the experience which at the end of the day is what filmmaking is all about.

Giants Being Lonely takes this approach to heart and slowly gives viewers an intimate look at the film’s characters while leaving breadcrumbs of backstory as the film progresses. It may not always work the way it is intended to and some may find this approach frustrating, but for me and for most fans of indie film, this style is my happy place in so many ways. My advice, strive to be someone who can go to a movie alone, or maybe even to breakfast alone with a good book. At the risk of sounding like a self-help book, the first step towards self-actualization is the ability to be alone with your thoughts and just live in that moment.

Okay so back to talking about the movie, Giants Being Lonely is far from perfect but it did give me plenty to appreciate. I really loved how even though the film was essentially present day, it still felt much older as the teenagers portrayed didn’t have their faces buried in cell phones, and families still at least attempted to sit at a dinner table for a meal together. This added a certain layer of rare authenticity I surely appreciated. From a purely technical standpoint, this is a fantastic film. I mean sure it is still flawed, but as a debut film, it has a ton going for it. I loved the raw and gritty indie feel the film had throughout, making you feel as though you were right there in this small town in North Carolina.

My favorite thing about this film was the overall approach as far as the camera work and the score, making for a true indie feel that often relied on pure emotion and tone to deliver its message. This approach can be risky and doesn’t always work here, but all things considered, I felt like the identity of the film from a technical perspective was without question a big bright spot for the film and worth experiencing. Ben Morsberger serves up the perfect music to match the emotional tone of each and every scene. A perfect example is the film’s closing sequence which is equally chilling and thought-provoking thanks to the score/music and camera work.

THE BAD

The acting and the writing, more specifically a good portion of the dialogue, are the most glaring issues keeping Giants Being Lonely from reaching its full potential. The screenplay from Grear Patterson and Sam Stillman has a clear goal in mind but seems to lose focus somewhere along the way. I’m trying my best to avoid being overly critical of the cast because we are dealing with what is primarily a group of no-name actors. My issue is with the inability to play to your strengths and mask your weaknesses, and I just felt like the cast was left on an island with a script that felt nonsensical at times. The idea was to try and have an abundance of the awkward teenage moments that come along with high school and I get that, I just felt like the execution left a lot to be desired. What we are left with is a bunch of uncomfortable moments with characters that feel like a shell of their true selves. I had a hard time really relating to any of the characters by the end of the film, and just felt like that element of the film lacked substance.

Giants Being Lonely has lofty goals which include the film’s conclusion, and for me, the ending seemingly comes out of nowhere. I really liked how the ending was presented keeping with the stylish element of the film, but it all felt a bit out of left field (pun intended) thanks to the inability to effectively develop characters. The issues I had with how forced and generic the dialogue felt certainly played a part as well. Bottom line, even though the film is very clear in terms of what it is trying to do, the end result is a failure to meet the goal that seemed to be right there for the taking.

THE VERDICT

A coming-of-age indie drama with high aspirations that suffers from poor writing and uninspired dialogue, Giants Being Lonely ultimately squanders its full potential but still serves as a solid debut from director Grear Patterson. There really is a lot to like here and while the broader message is always clear, the film struggles to effectively convey the deeper meaning behind the inner turmoil impacting each character to a varying degree. In my opinion, this has to do with some of the film’s flaws I talked about earlier in the review, which holds the film back, which is unfortunate because it really could have been great.

I still recommend giving Giants Being Lonely a watch even if just for the technical elements alone, and at around an hour and 20 minutes it goes by pretty fast. I plan to give it another viewing to see if it comes together a bit better the second time around.

TED TAKES RATING - 5.9/10

Giants Being Lonely is now streaming on Prime Video. Check out the latest trailer below.

Cocaine Bear

Cocaine Bear is a 2023 black comedy thriller film directed and co-produced by Elizabeth Banks, from a screenplay by Jimmy Warden. Inspired by the 1985 true story of a drug runner's plane crash, missing cocaine, and the black bear that ate it, this wild thriller finds an oddball group of cops, criminals, tourists and teens converging in a Georgia forest where a 500-pound apex predator has ingested a staggering amount of cocaine and gone on a coke-fueled rampage for more blow... and blood.

The film stars Keri Russell, O'Shea Jackson Jr., Alden Ehrenreich, Matthew Rhys, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Kristofer Hivju, Christian Convery, Brooklynn Prince, Margo Martindale, and the legendary Ray Liotta in his final performance.

Cocaine Bear made its debut in theaters on February 24th, courtesy of Universal Pictures.

THE GOOD

Let’s be honest, when they initially announced Cocaine Bear I was sure it had to be some sort of a spoof. But when the first trailer released it was clear that this was in fact a legit movie, as crazy as it seemed. Add in the fact that it is based on a true story and I was counting the days waiting for the release. Luckily the stars aligned and this movie was given a wide release, and you know damn well my ass was firmly planted in that comfy theater seat on opening day. I held off on reading too much about the true story just to keep the mystery of the story in tact for the sake of my enjoyment. So, was Cocaine Bear the wild and hilarious ride the trailer made it out to be or just another example of a project that bites off more than it can chew? Keep reading to find out!

I’ll cut to the chase, Cocaine Bear was everything I needed it to be. The 80’s feel and the tone of the film was made abundantly clear within the first 5-minutes, and I knew right away I was going to enjoy this movie. Not only does it refuse to take itself too seriously and remain entertaining throughout, but we are also spoiled with a great cast that delivers above average acting. In many ways Cocaine Bear reminds me of the 2010 horror comedy Piranha 3D in terms of how the kills are equally hilarious and gruesome, and often more of the latter.

Not a spoiler but one particular scene during the final act of the film involving an ambulance had me laughing my ass off. The film isn’t shy with the gore, but it never feels like too much which speaks to the balance it has. The movie is hilarious and had me laughing out loud a ton, and I liked all of the characters who all seemed to serve a purpose. Even though Cocaine Bear is just loosely based on true events, just the fact that a bear ingested a ton of cocaine back in the mid 80’s is enough of a reason for viewers to buy into this bonkers story and see this movie. Kudos to writer Jimmy Warden for putting together a great screenplay that fully utilized the talented cast.

Cocaine Bear probably could’ve gotten away with a cast of mostly unknowns, but instead they brought in some legit acting talent. The film does a great job spreading the wealth in terms of screen-time making it so the movie really is a collection of characters without any real leads necessarily. To be honest I thought everyone was great and made sure this movie hit as hard as possible. Veteran actress Keri Russell is great as usual. Modern Family actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson is basically unrecognizable and was hilarious in his role, and it was nice seeing Ice Cube’s son O’Shea Jackson Jr. on the big-screen again as he has been MIA for a bit since the underrated 2018 action thriller Den of Thieves (our review here).

I’m having a hard time choosing but I think Margo Martindale honestly may have been my favorite character in her role as the horned up Ranger Liz who had the hots for Ferguson’s character. Martindale is a ridiculously talented and versatile actress, although some of her best roles were in television including the FX series Justified and the HBO drama The Leftovers. It is certainly bittersweet seeing my guy Ray Liotta in his final farewell as he has since departed this cruel world just last year at the young age of 67, but man can you think of a guy who played a dirty cop better? Seriously, I loved him in every role he played, and one of my favorites in the last decade or so would probably be The Place Beyond the Pines alongside Bradley Cooper. He was also in the recently released Apple TV drama series Black Bird (preview and trailer here), which is absolutely worth a watch. He will be missed. So yeah, as far as the cast everyone delivered the goods.

Aside from having a superbly talented cast who clearly had a blast making this movie, the bread and butter of Cocaine Bear is the VFX and use of CGI. More specifically the creativity by which several unfortunate souls meet their demise during the film. Let’s just say quite a few body parts end up in the lost and found. From the opening scene it is clear that this is going to be a blood-soaked roller coaster packed to the brim with R-rated humor, gore, and drugs for days, and it was glorious. A giant bear that ingested an insane amount of cocaine does exactly what you would expect it to do, a bunch of absolutely ridiculous and bizarre shit.

I personally thought the bear looked fantastic, and come to find out Peter Jackson’s company Weta FX, which was also used in Avatar: The Way of Water (our review here), was the reason why. Needless to say the majority of the films budget was a check cut to Jackson’s company, but it was well worth every penny. I was curious about how they planned to go about making sure the centerpiece of the film kept viewers engaged for the hour and 30 minute runtime, and this bear looked great and was so much fun to watch. Forget what you learned about bear survival because Cocaine Bear is a rare breed. Just try and imagine Usain Bolt and Lawrence Taylor had a baby, and that baby went on a cocaine-fueled rampage.

Now I have to talk about actress-turned-director Elizabeth Banks and the job she did here. The Massachusetts native made her big-screen debut in the directors chair back in 2015 with Pitch Perfect 2, and followed that up with the Charlie’s Angels spinoff film in 2019 which sadly was a disaster. Banks invested a ton in that film and shouldered the majority of the blame for its downfall but she kept her head high waiting for her next opportunity. Cocaine Bear is clearly quite different from her first two films, and in an interview with Variety Banks talks about how much of a risk it was for her to take on this project after Charlie’s Angels.

She bought in to the insanity of the premise, and was determined to ensure this genre film gave audiences what they were hoping to see. I personally thought she did a fantastic job here, crafting a film that could easily have felt like a jumbled mess, but instead each and every scene felt intentional and necessary and I also loved the creative camera work. My hope is that Cocaine Bear dominates the box office, not only for her sake, but also so we continue to get more movies like this. So yeah, head to the theater and support this movie!

THE BAD

Alright listen, the movie is called Cocaine Bear and is based on true events, exaggerated no doubt, but still. Can we really sit here and pick it apart? I mean sure, the CGI can be a little much at times and 90% of what happens in the movie is far-fetched and physically impossible even on a ton of quality cocaine, but so what?! With a movie like this you simply need to embrace the ridiculous premise, turn your brain off, grab a few pitchers of your favorite adult beverage, and enjoy. Movies like Cocaine Bear should honestly have their own rating scale for the simple fact that being ridiculous and campy is a good thing.

The more I think about it the more I am reminded that my list of good and bad is far outweighed by the good. The movie is hilarious, the kills are super creative and just the right amount of gory, and the cast is fantastic. The story plays out exactly how I would imagine someone high as a kite on cocaine would tell the true story of Cocaine Bear, who has since been been stuffed, given the nickname Pablo Escobear, and now resides in a Kentucky mall. I mean, the movie basically wrote itself. With that being said, if you’re looking for an elaborate story or any semblance of substance, you should probably look elsewhere.

THE VERDICT

A delightfully gory and hilariously satisfying over-the-top horror comedy with the intoxicating 80’s vibe I just can’t get enough of, Cocaine Bear is an unapologetic drug-infused adventure that lives up to its name. I had a lot of fun with this movie, and I’m sure it will get even better with repeat viewings. Elizabeth Banks was due for a resurgence after the Charlie’s Angels Box Office blunder, and she deserves all the credit in the world for going all in on such a crazy concept. To say the 80’s were wild would be an understatement, I’m just glad Hollywood is finally willing to share some of these legendary stories with the rest of the world. Dig into those couch cushions and show Cocaine Bear your support because we need more movies like this. Last but certainly not least, RIP Ray Liotta. An absolute legend in the film industry.

TED TAKES RATING - 8.1/10

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

Magic Mike's Last Dance

Magic Mike's Last Dance is a 2023 comedy-drama film directed by Steven Soderbergh, written by Reid Carolin, and produced by Channing Tatum. It is the third installment in the Magic Mike trilogy, following Magic Mike (2012) and Magic Mike XXL (2015). Originally intended to be digitally released onto HBO Max, Warner Bros. Pictures opted to give the film a theatrical release following strong test screenings.

Mike takes to the stage again, following a business deal that went bust, leaving him broke and taking bartender gigs in Florida. Mike heads to London with a wealthy socialite who lures him with an offer he can't refuse.

The cast includes Channing Tatum, Salma Hayek, Joe Manganiello, Matt Bomer, Caitlin Gerard, Kevin Nash, Adam Rodriguez, and Kylie Shea.

Magic Mike’s Last Dance made its debut in theaters on February 10th, courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures.

THE GOOD

I feel like the Magic Mike films continue to be misunderstood in terms of what they actually bring to the table. Sure you get the male stripper element which makes it an easy ladies’ night out option, but they are much more than that. Director Steven Soderbergh’s original film hit theaters more than a decade ago, wow that makes me feel old, and I remember being very impressed with it. I told anyone who would listen how good it was and that there was much more than meets the eye as you got a great story, top-tier acting, and lots of great humor. Plus the cast, led by the man himself Channing Tatum, was fantastic. Back in 2015, we got the sequel to the original film in Magic Mike XXL, which even though Soderbergh left the director’s chair was still really good. Now Soderbergh is back with the third and likely final film in the franchise, but does it live up to expectations or pale in comparison to the other films? Keep reading to find out!

Alright, so it turns out that is a bit of a loaded question. Magic Mike's Last Dance does fail to match the expectations put in place by the first two films and I will talk more about that later in the review, but don’t panic because that does not mean all is lost. Even though I can’t stamp this as the perfect sendoff for the franchise, this is still an enjoyable film for several reasons. First and foremost, the cast should and will draw your attention. Channing Tatum is a boss no argument there, and the addition of the tantalizing Salma Hayek is a treat that may or may not send your sugar levels through the roof. The soundtrack and choreography got me fired up, and it was just great to see Tatum as Magic Mike yet again. The film as a whole offers up enough to satisfy audiences on both sides of the aisle, and you surely won’t leave the theater looking for a refund.

It wouldn’t feel right to review Magic Mike’s Last Dance without first talking about the cast. Now first and foremost, we all know that Channing Tatum has earned his place amongst the greats ever since his Step Up days. Tatum is not just a pretty face with a toned body, this dude is talented and he works his ass off. Tatum once again shows up and shows out in Magic Mike’s Last Dance, delivering yet another fantastic performance. New to the franchise and taking on the other lead role is the tantalizing and gorgeous Salma Hayek. I have been a fan of Hayek for as long as I can remember, and I have always applauded her versatility as an actress. Although I do feel she was a bit underutilized here, I still enjoyed her character and thought she delivered yet another great performance. I also really enjoyed Ayub Khan-Din as the personal assistant/driver of Hayek’s character, and Jemelia George as Hayek’s daughter. The supporting cast was fine, and as great as all of the dancers were they didn’t really get to do much actual acting which was fine of course.

What should we talk about next? You guessed it!! The dancing in Magic Mike’s Last Dance is amazing as expected. The choreography is top notch and we are treated to a ton of extremely talented people who were given a great opportunity to showcase their skills. We also get to watch Tatum’s Mike properly introduce himself to Hayek’s character during a steamy and powerful strip tease during the film’s first act. The soundtrack was epic as well, and it wouldn’t have been a Magic Mike movie without a little bit of Ginuwine’s Pony that is for damn sure. No joke, during the final dancing sequence my eyeballs were popping out of my head, and it wasn’t just because of Channing Tatum. Seriously, it was such a cool way to close out the film and send viewers home feeling satisfied with the overall experience. Actress Kylie Shea was incredible, end of discussion.

THE BAD

I enjoyed Magic Mike’s Last Dance but it absolutely left me wanting more, and my biggest issue was the story and the overall direction of the film. The first film is built around Channing Tatum’s character Mike Lane, better known as Magic Mike, and his coming-of-age journey as he struggled to make something of himself. Mike was a relatable character and I enjoyed embarking on his journey of self-discovery. I loved all of the other characters he met along the way as well, and thought they did a fantastic job with casting. The second film felt like a homecoming of sorts, bringing back all of the original characters for another hoorah, and it worked well.

With Magic Mike’s Last Dance Steven Soderbergh and writer Reid Carolin decide to change things up a bit which does work in some aspects, but also makes for an overall anti-climactic experience in my opinion. Carolin has a ton of experience working with Tatum as he wrote the screenplay for all three Magic Mike films, as well as last year’s gem Dog, so he knew what he was working with. Although it was clear that the goal for Magic Mike’s Last Dance was to bring the sole focus back to Tatum’s character and serve as a bit of a full-circle finale, it just felt less inspired and ultimately forgettable in terms of his character. More than anything else I just really just wanted to see the boys, Joe Manganiello, Matt Bomer, Adam Rodriguez, and Kevin Nash, back together again and they had the perfect opportunity to do it, but it just wasn’t meant to be and it really bummed me out.

THE VERDICT

While Steven Soderbergh fails to capture the magic and energy of the original film, Magic Mike's Last Dance is still an enjoyable addition to the franchise with fantastic choreography and a jaw-dropping final act. By no means is this a bad movie, I just found the overall story to be underwhelming and felt like leaving out the original cast was a mistake. The stellar dancing sequences alone are still worth a trip to the theater, and I’m sure wine sales will be up for the foreseeable future.

TED TAKES RATING - 6.9/10

Magic Mike’s Last Dance is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is a 2022 superhero film directed by Peyton Reed, from a screenplay by Jack Kirby and Jeff Loveness. It is based on Marvel Comics featuring the characters Scott Lang / Ant-Man and Hope Pym / Wasp. Produced by Marvel Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures, it is the sequel to Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018), and the 31st film of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).

Scott Lang and Hope Van Dyne, along with Hank Pym and Janet Van Dyne, explore the Quantum Realm, where they interact with strange creatures and embark on an adventure that goes beyond the limits of what they thought was possible.

The cast includes Paul Rudd, Evangeline Lilly, Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer, Kathryn Newton, Jonathan Majors, and Randall Park.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania made its debut in theaters on February 17th, as the first film of Phase Five of the MCU.

THE GOOD

I’m a big fan of the Ant-Man movies, and a big reason which should be obvious is my guy Paul Rudd. Yet another home run as far as casting for Marvel when they brought him in. He brings a unique comedic element that has blended seamlessly within the MCU and is so charismatic as an actor that he seems to make it easier on everyone else. Seriously, find me someone who dislikes Paul Rudd, I’ll wait. I really enjoyed the first two Ant-Man films, and what has stood out to me most with those films is the fact that more than anything else they were fun and always hilarious, with great energy. So after a long and eventful four years, the sequel to Ant-Man and the Wasp (2018) is finally here, but is it the Phase 5 debut we were all hoping for or a rare miss for Marvel? Keep reading to find out!

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania was so much fun, and absolutely met my expectations. The visuals were fantastic as they had this blend of Star Wars meets Strange World, and I was really digging it. The movie is laugh-out-loud hilarious as expected, and the cast, which is loaded with talent, was great. I liked the story as well and it definitely felt like a springboard for Phase 5 which got my juices flowing.

I’ll be honest, I was slightly concerned prior to seeing Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania just because of the early screening feedback from critics, but I made it a point not to read any of the reviews before I could escape parenthood for two hours and see the movie for myself to form my own opinion. What a trendsetter I am! But in all seriousness, it really is such a satisfying feeling when a movie defies all of the criticism, plus full disclosure, I would have been super bummed if this movie was bad. Now it wasn’t perfect and I will talk more about that later, but the good far outweighs the bad and I had a smile on my face from start to finish.

For my money the best part of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania in my humble opinion is the characters and how great they are together. The cast is stacked, from national treasure Paul Rudd to Michael Douglas, Michelle Pfeiffer, Evangeline Lilly, Kathryn Newton, Randall Park, and quite possibly the hottest actor working today in Jonathan Majors, and it really seemed like everyone genuinely had a blast making this movie. The tone of the film is kept fairly light for the most part, making for some opportunities for the writing team to have some fun with the cast and they take full advantage. I personally laughed out loud more times than I can count and thought the film had a ton of great one-liners you will want to share with your friends as soon as you leave the theater. I also thought the chemistry between the characters seemed genuine making it easy for viewers to become immersed in the overall experience.

I’ve heard some criticism in terms of the special effects/CGI for Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, but I honestly did not have an issue with it. Because the film takes place pretty much entirely in the Quantum Realm, the visuals are pretty wacky from the beginning. As I mentioned earlier in the review right away the vibe I was getting was Star Wars meets Strange World in terms of the environments and the characters. I thought the creativity of both was great, and I really liked how these ridiculous characters were able to add so much to the comedic element of the film. I won’t spoil anything, but my favorite antagonist who happens to be a surprise returning character is the epitome of the whacky visuals, and he cracked me up from the start because he was just so damn ridiculous. If you can’t have fun with these characters, you may need to re-evaluate your willingness to just let go and just enjoy the simple things in life. Just saying.

THE BAD

As I said Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania isn’t perfect, and certainly could have been better. First, it felt a bit light on story compared to the first two films, but as the first movie in Phase 5, it is a tricky balance. It just didn’t hit quite as hard as far as the emotional element as it did rely that much more on humor. This is personal preference but I would have liked to have seen more of the movie take place outside of the Quantum Realm, but it is called Quantumania after all. Mainly because it was a bummer not seeing Michael Peña and T.I. who are hilarious in the first two films.

As far as the CGI and the visuals in general, I thought they were great and fit the vibe of the film. For me, they never felt too over the top because they set the tone early on and sort of made it clear that anything goes in the Quantum Realm. I’m not going to talk about the hits or misses as it relates to the comics because well, I have zero familiarity with them, so in no way shape, or form does the movie rub me the wrong way. Some people may have an issue with the fact that Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania definitely relies on humor and lacks any sort of gritty feel, but for me, it worked and made for a very entertaining experience.

THE VERDICT

Visuals that deliver a Star Wars meets Strange World vibe with a hefty dose of laugh-out-loud humor thanks to several great one-liners from the talented cast, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania was just so much fun and absolutely met my expectations. Trashing this movie feels less about the actual film and more about issues surrounding the film and the industry as a whole. As regular guys who just happen to review movies, we strive to remain impartial and do what we can to give our unbiased opinions, and more than anything else we review movies based on what they are trying to accomplish, and whether or not they were successful. Our own personal enjoyment matters too, of course.

Bottom line, after seeing Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania I left the theater smiling and I can’t wait to see it again, so for me, this one is easy to recommend and is well worth the price of admission. Be sure to stick around for BOTH post-credit scenes, one of which is after the conclusion of the credits.

TED TAKES RATING - 8.4/10

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

Infinity Pool

Infinity Pool is a 2022 science fiction thriller film written and directed by Brandon Cronenberg, who previously wrote and directed Possessor (2020). The son of famed director David Cronenberg, the man who brought us Scanners (1981), The Fly (1986), A History of Violence (2005), and most recently Crimes of the Future (Andrew’s full review here), Brandon intends to pave his own way in the industry. The film is an international co-production between Canada, Hungary, and France, and had its world premiere at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival on January 22, 2023.

While staying at an isolated island resort, James (Alexander Skarsgård) and Em (Cleopatra Coleman) are enjoying a perfect vacation of pristine beaches, exceptional staff, and soaking up the sun. But guided by the seductive and mysterious Gabi (Mia Goth), they venture outside the resort grounds and find themselves in a culture filled with violence, hedonism, and untold horror. A tragic accident leaves them facing a zero-tolerance policy for crime: either you’ll be executed, or, if you’re rich enough to afford it, you can watch yourself die instead.

Infinity Pool made its debut in select theaters on January 27th, courtesy of Neon.

THE GOOD

Alright so when I first heard about Infinity Pool I was first intrigued by the cast because I am a huge fan of Alexander Skarsgård, and Mia Goth has also been a favorite of mine as of late. Add in the fact that Brandon Cronenberg wrote and directed the film, I knew that at the very least it was going to be a crazy experience, for better or for worse. And admittedly the trailer actually increased my excitement level, mainly because I thought the premise had a chance to be very interesting depending on where they decided to go with it. So as soon as Infinity Pool hit theaters near me I made my way right over. So, was it worth my time or too off the reservation to even be enjoyable? Keep reading to find out!

Wow, what an experience. I just loved this movie for so many different reasons which I will touch on in my review, but for starters, Infinity Pool is easily one of the most immersive films in recent memory. I mean my eyes were glued to the screen, and I was feeling what the characters were feeling within the first 20 minutes of the film, which is no easy task. The acting was incredible, the story is just wild and shocking, yet it somehow feels relatable if that makes any sense at all, and the technical elements were top-notch from start to finish. I feel like writer/director Brandon Cronenberg was incredibly intentional with this original story, and the weight of it hit me like a ton of bricks. I don’t know if my background and general interest in psychology played a part or not, but for me, Infinity Pool felt like a hard look at the dark side of humanity, essentially what we are capable of becoming without judgment or fear of consequences. The story itself is fairly straight forward as crazy as it is, but being able to connect with the characters and the emotions they are feeling takes this film to the next level.

The story in Infinity Pool is everything. It is crucial that viewers are able to connect with Alexander Skarsgård’s character James Foster, which should be easy enough as in the beginning he resembles most of us at some point in our lives. James is a failing writer who is struggling to find his place in the world so he takes this trip with his wife in the hope that he can find inspiration. Not only is he in a bad place in his career, but he is losing touch with who he is as a man, and more importantly as a human being. Bottom line, James is having an identity crisis, and just when he feels like he is destined to live the rest of his life as a failure with a glazed-over look on his face he meets Gabi, an energetic and intriguing woman played by Mia Goth. Needless to say, his world is soon turned upside down.

Now I won’t give anything away of course, but the relationship that develops between James and Gabi is the beating heart of the film. The story gets crazier and crazier with each passing minute, and Cronenberg also utilized some very effective psychedelic sequences which seem to help viewers tap into the intense confusion James must be feeling. He loses himself over and over again, and so much of the story grows with the subtle yet extreme fascination James and Gabi feel for each other. Gabi is often seen observing James and relishing in the chaos she is causing. Bottom line, this story is wild right up until the final scene.

The cast was nothing short of amazing, but the standing ovation should be reserved for Alexander Skarsgård and Mia Goth. I will start with Skarsgård, who has been on an absolute tear since his days on HBO’s True Blood. The 6’4 stud of an actor has been dominating Hollywood along with his brother Bill aka Pennywise, but you have never seen him like this. Infinity Pool feels like an opportunity for Skarsgård to shed his skin a bit and become something entirely different on-screen, and man did he crush it. It feels like it may be a reach saying this is his best performance to date considering his illustrious career, but it is surely one of his best and easily his most unique and captivating.

Alongside Skarsgård is Mia Goth, and all I can hear is Ludacris rapping “move, bitch, get out the way!”. Like seriously, Goth has been in some great films, but she landed on my radar officially with last year’s surprise horror film X (our review here), where she did double duty. She followed that up with an Oscar-worthy performance in the prequel Pearl (our review here) and proved that she is an absolute force. She does seem to really shine when playing absolutely psychotic characters, but hey to each their own, right? She is sooooooo good in Infinity Pool as Gabi, a character that has many, many layers, and seems to be about as crazy as Jeffrey Dahmer after a night at the club, Too much? Perhaps. Her chemistry with Skarsgård jumps off the screen, and even though I thought the entire cast was fantastic, the film does not hit as hard as it does without the performances of these two. Simple as that. Cleopatra Coleman delivered a heck of a performance as well, along with the rest of the supporting cast.

Now to talk about the man behind the camera, Brandon Cronenberg. And boy oh boy, all I can say is like father like son. This dude is super talented and has clearly been paying attention to the storied career his father has put together over the years. From the unique camera work during the opening sequence of the film right up until the end credits, Infinity Pool just feels like a film that mattered to each and every person who worked on it, and I have zero doubt that Cronenberg is beyond pleased with this piece of art he was able to put out into the world. A film like this desperately needs a mesmerizing score and jaw-dropping cinematography, and that is just what we get thanks to Tim Hecker who provided the music for the film, and talented cinematographer Karim Hussain, who also worked with Cronenberg on Possessor. Also a well-deserved shoutout to James Vandewater for his incredible editing.

THE BAD

Infinity Pool is amazing, and you will be doing yourself a disservice if you don’t check it out, at least in my opinion. But, to say it is not for everyone would be an extreme understatement. If you are easily offended by graphic content, you may want to sit this one out. Your willingness to connect fully with and immerse yourself in the film will make all the difference, because if you sit back and just watch it scene by scene checking your phone periodically you will find yourself saying what the fuck, a lot. Brutal violence, check. Lots and lots of blood, check. Sexual depravity and endless orgies, check. Enough emotional and physical abuse to ruin anyone for life, check, check, and check. Similar to the senior Cronenberg, Brandon does not hold back with Infinity Pool. But what makes this film unique in my opinion is that it’s not so much the wild sci-fi element as it usually is with his father’s films, but this experience is much more rooted in reality even if most of us refuse to admit it. It all comes down to a raw and unadulterated look at the human condition, and I hate to be the one to break the bad news, but that is often not as glamorous as we would like it to be. So yeah, consider this our disclaimer for what is a damn good movie.

THE VERDICT

An immersive and harrowing observation of the human condition when cleansed of all inhibitions, Brandon Cronenberg’s Infinity Pool is a powerful and complex viewing experience elevated by incredible performances from Alexander Skarsgård and Mia Goth. I just can’t stop thinking about this movie, and when I try to describe the premise to people they look at me like I have three heads, which is fair of course. It left me with more questions than answers, but that is part of why it is just so damn good. As I said it certainly is not for everyone and is extremely graphic, but if you can appreciate the raw emotion and sheer creativity that goes into making a film like Infinity Pool, it is well worth your time and then some. I’m looking forward to seeing it again.

TED TAKES RATING - 9.3/10

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

Knock at the Cabin

Knock at the Cabin is a 2022 apocalyptic horror film directed and produced by M. Night Shyamalan, from a screenplay he co-wrote with Steve Desmond and Michael Sherman. It is based on the 2018 novel The Cabin at the End of the World by Paul G. Tremblay, making it the first adaptation of one of his works.

While vacationing at a remote cabin, a young girl and her parents are taken hostage by four armed strangers who demand that the family make an unthinkable choice to avert the apocalypse. With limited access to the outside world, the family must decide what they believe before all is lost.

The film stars Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff, Ben Aldridge, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Kristen Cui, Abby Quinn, and Rupert Grint.

Knock at the Cabin made its debut in theaters on February 3rd, courtesy of Universal Pictures.

THE GOOD

As soon as Knock at the Cabin was announced, I was very intrigued. I thought the premise sounded really cool, and I was excited about the fact that it was yet another film from the talented albeit controversial M. Night Shyamalan. You simply cannot argue the fact that this dude belongs in the industry, but he is also far from bulletproof having attached his name to some duds over the years, most notably the live-action version of The Last Airbender from back in 2010, which had fans up in arms for good reason. But the fact remains, the director of the monster 1999 hit The Sixth Sense is more than capable of delivering the goods, including Unbreakable (2000), The Visit (2015), Split (2016), and more recently Old (our review here), which I actually really liked, and the Apple TV horror thriller series Servant, which is very well done. Knock at the Cabin has Shyamalan returning to the director’s chair and co-writing the screenplay, but as I mentioned in the intro, the film is not an original story of his. So, is this a film he can be proud of or just more ammunition for his haters? Keep reading to find out!

Good news ladies and gentlemen, Knock at the Cabin met my expectations and then some. I thought the cast was nothing short of spectacular, the story was extremely immersive and kept me guessing right until the very end, and the technical elements of the film were top-notch. One of Shyamalan’s calling cards is the unique and more often than not unsettling tone of his films, and that is very much present in Knock at the Cabin. The film utilizes several effective storytelling techniques with a patient approach, which really pays off in the end. As a cinephile, you are looking to check off certain boxes before you can feel good about giving a film the old thumbs up, but in my opinion, that is an easy determination here.

First I have to start with the story, which I loved. Now I know this is not an original story from Shyamalan and I have yet to read the book, but the book and the screenplay came together to provide one heck of a wild ride from where I was sitting, albeit more of a slow burn. Now I wouldn’t consider Knock at the Cabin to be in the horror genre necessarily, but in no way is that a criticism of the film. It is still able to effectively utilize certain horror elements, think The Strangers for example which is pretty obvious. This is a doomsday psychological thriller through and through, and without a doubt, it sinks its teeth in you. Bottom line, the story holds weight and really makes you think.

I found myself imagining what it would feel like if I were put in this position, on either side really, and that is impressive if you ask me. Knock at the Cabin is a complex film in a good way, and just when you think you have an idea of what is going on, another wrinkle in the story is revealed that flips what you thought you knew on its head. Just great misdirection storytelling that maintains an effective tone and never feels corny. I had my concerns about the ending for obvious reasons, but I honestly thought it was the perfect culmination and a satisfying conclusion. I’m looking forward to seeing it again. Kudos to Shyamalan, Steve Desmond, and Michael Sherman for their adaptation of Paul Tremblay’s novel, which I do plan on reading.

The cast is a massive bright spot for Knock at the Cabin and a big reason why the film works so well. I love me some Dave Bautista, the former professional wrestler who has become a legit movie star, and in my mind this is without a doubt his best performance yet. His character is so complex in terms of how he will be perceived by viewers, and I just loved his on-screen presence. Bautista’s commitment to his role brought out the best in the rest of the cast and ensured the story felt relatable and immersive. He was easily my favorite part of the movie. As an actor who has been typecast for the majority of his career, it was really cool seeing him get an opportunity to prove he can do more. The performances were fantastic from top to bottom, and it was great to see Jonathan Groff, the star of the Netflix series Mindhunter, in a feature film. As an actor, Groff has a certain demeanor about him, and I thought his character was equally interesting and intriguing.

Starring alongside Groff is Ben Aldridge, and I thought the two had genuine chemistry together which was crucial to the success of the film and the overall story. Harry Potter fans will recognize Ruper Grint, who also played a very impactful role. He plays the wildcard character who still manages to come across as sympathetic as you learn more about him. The performance of a young actor or actress can be the difference in a film like Knock at the Cabin in terms of ensuring the tone and feel remain throughout, and I was very impressed with young Kristen Cui. Cui and Bautista are the first characters viewers are introduced to, and the chemistry between them helps to build this story to its shocking conclusion. Shoutout to Nikki Amuka-Bird and Abby Quinn who were both great in their roles as well.

THE BAD

I do have a few criticisms for Knock at the Cabin but they are relatively minimal in terms of what they take away from the overall viewing experience. First, the pacing is a little slow so you do have to be patient. It is by design in terms of the buildup for the story and it honestly wasn’t an issue for me because I was so blown away by the quality of the acting, but it is something viewers expecting this non-stop crazy experience might have an issue with.

I also felt like the editing choices as it relates to the flashbacks felt a bit out of place, almost like I was supposed to get something from the flashbacks that I didn’t necessarily get. Now, this may be a me problem and could be fixed with a 2nd viewing, but it’s worth mentioning. This also may have been an attempt to involve more from the book. I also wanted to point out the fact that this film is timid in comparison to what we are used to getting from Shyamalan, but I do feel like that was a good thing because viewers tend to either love or hate the crazy twists in his movies. Not to say that we don’t get lots of twists and turns with Knock at the Cabin because we do, they just don’t feel quite as out of left field if that makes sense.

THE VERDICT

A thought-provoking doomsday thriller featuring an incredibly impactful performance from actor Dave Bautista, M. Night Shyamalan’s Knock at the Cabin will keep you guessing right up until its satisfying conclusion. As I mentioned in the review, this is easily one of Shyamalan’s best films in recent memory, and once again reinforces why this guy continues to get studio backing on a variety of projects. He has had some duds over the years, but he works his ass off and is deserving of some praise. Oh and keep an eye out for a great cameo from Shyamalan right around the start of the 2nd act of the film.

TED TAKES RATING - 8.1/10

Knock at the Cabin is now playing only in theaters. Check out the latest trailer below.

Plane

Plane is a 2023 action-thriller film directed by Jean-François Richet, written by Charles Cumming and J. P. Davis. The film was announced in 2016, acquired by Lionsgate Films in 2019, sold to Solstice Studios in 2020, and re-acquired by Lionsgate in 2021. It was shot in Puerto Rico.

Pilot Brodie Torrance saves passengers from a lightning strike by making a risky landing on a war-torn island -- only to find that surviving the landing was just the beginning. When dangerous rebels take most of the passengers hostage, the only person Torrance can count on for help is Louis Gaspare, an accused murderer who was being transported by the FBI.

The main cast includes Gerard Butler, Mike Colter, Yoson An, Daniella Pineda, and Tony Goldwyn.

Plane made its debut in theaters on January 13th, courtesy of Lionsgate.

THE GOOD

I love me some Gerard Butler, end of story. The guy is great, and has been in some of my favorite action thrillers in the last decade or so, including the highly underrated Law Abiding Citizen (2009) which is a favorite of mine, Den of Thieves (our full review here), and most recently the stylish crime thriller Copshop (our full review here). The guy is just one of those actors who has an amazing on-screen presence. Getting back on track, this Plane movie came out of nowhere and I honestly expected it to be a straight to VOD movie but it actually made its way to theaters. Add in Luke Cage himself Mike Colter starring alongside Butler and I was sold. I made my way to the theater genuinely excited even though I had relatively moderate expectations. Was it worth my time? Keep reading to find out!

Well folks, Gerard Butler has done it again! Plane was a ton of fun to experience, and just a good old fashioned action thriller with the always welcome shoot-em-up element making sure it appeals to viewers who can appreciate the throwback 90’s action movie feel. The story is simple enough but still feels grounded in reality which helped to keep me engaged, the character development is fantastic making sure you care about the characters, and I thought it was just entertaining throughout.

I really enjoyed the story for Plane, and as I mentioned it seemed surprisingly realistic instead of over-the-top as you might assume especially considering the premise. From the beginning as we meet Gerard Butler’s character Brodie Torrance, an awesome name by the way, it all felt true to life in terms of my experience flying commercial airlines. I also liked how great the character development was in terms of how each character was introduced with their own unique element of intrigue that progressed throughout the film. Plane also added a strong emotional element to the story that paid dividends by the end, giving viewers a few different characters to root for. I felt like each character had a place in the story, and I also thought the primary antagonists were fantastic and almost had that Captain Phillips ruthlessness to them. The best part though was the private military contractors who show up to provide help, they were so damn badass. It had that 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (our review here) feel to it, and man these dudes meant business. They contributed to so many of those satisfying scenes that make action thrillers so appealing. It damn near had me on my feet shouting “U.S.A!! U.S.A!!”.

The cast was without a doubt a big draw for Plane, and as I mentioned early Gerard Butler was awesome as per usual. Instead of being some ex-military badass, Butler played a pilot who finds himself drawing crap duty due to a situation where he let his temper get the best of him. By all accounts he is a family man who takes his job very seriously, and it was also believable when he was forced to pick up a rifle and fight bad guys because well, he is Gerard Butler after all. Next up is of course Mike Colter, who I thought was great as well. Colter has the most intriguing character who is pretty mysterious, but he becomes a fan favorite pretty quickly. Colter has the military background so he is able to serve as an important albeit unsuspecting piece of the puzzle when it comes to the rescue mission at hand. Colter had genuine chemistry with Butler as well which was huge. As far as the supporting cast, I have to give shoutouts to Daniella Pineda, Yoson An who I really liked as the co-pilot, Tony Goldwyn in a small but impactful role, Paul Ben-Victor, Evan Dane Taylor, Remi Adeleki, and Joey Slotnick.

THE BAD

I honestly have very little to complain about when it comes to Plane in terms of what it offers as a cinematic experience, but it’s not exactly going to win any awards, and that’s okay. This is a real simple example of an easy to appreciate action film that isn’t trying to bite off more than it can chew. It also balances the action nicely allowing for plenty of character development ensuring the film has an impact on its viewers. The hardcore action fans may complain about pacing because it does take a bit before the real fun begins, but as I said I liked the balance. Plane does what it sets out to do, and for me that is more than enough.

THE VERDICT

An action-packed thriller with a satisfying story that somehow feels realistic considering the fairly outlandish premise, Plane is a fun movie that offers up a little something for everyone. The film kept me engaged from start to finish, and is yet another Gerard Butler gem with a ton of replay value. After seeing the chemistry he had with Mike Colter, I hope to see them together on another project in the new future. Sometimes all we need is a few characters that are easy to root for, some bad guys that are easy to hate, and some good old fashioned shoot-em-up action to get the blood flowing. Bottom line, Plane is easy to reccomend and well worth a trip to the theater.

TED TAKES RATING - 8.3/10

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