Screening: See Netflix's LEO Early and Free

 

• Netflix is inviting families to free screenings of the upcoming animated musical comedy, LEO, starring Adam Sandler, as part of a one-weekend-only event on November 11th and 12th.
• Netflix will offer 300 showings of LEO at 150 locations across the U.S. To choose from the full list of theaters and showtimes in your area, and to download tickets, visit LeoSneakPeek.com powered by Atom Tickets. Fans can reserve up to 5 free tickets on this site or can download the free Atom Tickets app to search for showtimes in their area.
• LEO Film Synopsis: Actor and comedian Adam Sandler (Hotel Transylvania, The Wedding Singer) delivers signature laughs in this coming-of-age animated musical comedy about the last year of elementary school – as seen through the eyes of a class pet. Jaded 74-year-old lizard Leo (Sandler) has been stuck in the same Florida classroom for decades with his terrarium-mate turtle (Bill Burr). When he learns he only has one year left to live, he plans to escape to experience life on the outside but instead gets caught up in the problems of his anxious students — including an impossibly mean substitute teacher. It ends up being the strangest but most rewarding bucket list ever…
• Premiere on Netflix: November 21, 2023
• Director: Robert Marianetti, Robert Smigel, David Wachtenheim
• Producers: Adam Sandler, Mireille Soria
• Executive Producers: Barry Bernardi, Allen Covert, Paul Sado
• Writers: Robert Smigel, Adam Sandler, Paul Sado
• Original Score by: Geoff Zanelli
• Cast: Adam Sandler, Bill Burr, Cecily Strong, Jason Alexander, Sadie Sandler, Sunny Sandler, Rob Schneider, Jo Koy, Jackie Sandler, Heidi Gardner, Robert Smigel, Nick Swardson, Stephanie Hsu, Nicholas Turturro
• To follow and participate in more fun with Leo, check out @leomovienetflix on Instagram.

The Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness Review: A Fascinating Documentary About A Flawed Investigator

Release date: May 5, 2021
Running time: Four 60 minute episodes
Directed by: Joshua Zeman

The hunt for the “Son of Sam” captivated the world in the late 1970s, but the story behind one of America’s most notorious serial murderers is all but forgotten -- until now. While the arrest and conviction of David Berkowitz brought the nightmare to an end for many New Yorkers, for journalist and Ultimate Evil author Maury Terry, the real mystery was just beginning. Terry, convinced Berkowitz had not acted alone, would go on to spend decades attempting to prove that the web of darkness behind the murders went deeper than anyone imagined – and his pursuit of that elusive truth would eventually cost him everything. Filmmaker Joshua Zeman (CROPSEY, MURDER MOUNTAIN) draws on archival news footage, conversations with the people closest to the investigation, and Terry’s own words and case files to tell a cautionary tale of a man who went down a rabbit hole and never came out. But was Maury Terry just chasing ghosts – or are the true Sons of Sam still out there...

The Sons of Sam weaves an interesting and well researched tale, mostly focusing on the detailed research of Maury Terry, who obsessively pursued this case for his entire life. It consumed him as he tried to prove his theories against a wall of apathy from the NYPD.  The documentary starts with a good primer on the Son of Sam killings, with eyewitness accounts, news articles, and video clips from the time.  The sheer brutality and randomness of the crimes is established early on.  And when the Son of Sam killer is caught, it seems like everything is over and wrapped up.  

But then the documentary goes into the theory of multiple killers, and backs that up with additional evidence, connections, and eye witness accounts.  Although the theory has never been officially acknowledged by the NYPD, Maury Terry and the documentary make a strong case for the idea that there were multiple participants in the Son of Sam killings.  The coincidences, discrepancies in accounts of the shooter, and sheer timing of some of the murders make for a compelling case and any true crime fan will be fascinated by these revelations.  But the documentary also shows how far down the rabbit hole one can go.  It details Maury Terry's obsession with this case and in finding connections and evil in every corner of America.  At some point his theories went from strong to extreme, and that is probably a major reason why we don't have an association of multiple killers. 

The documentary goes in 3 arcs: first detailing the crimes, then expounding on Maury Terry and the multiple shooter theory, and finally going into the major rabbit holes Terry went down in drawing additional connections to the crimes.  This makes sense as the longer you spend with these theories, the more you have to look at Terry and his personal crusade.  But the film is peppered with amazing interviews, news clippings, and news clips from the time and paints a fascinating picture of the theory and the man behind it.  

The Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness details a fascinating theory and the brilliant but flawed proponent of it with amazing clippings, clips, and plenty of research.

Watch it.

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The Sons of Sam: A Descent Into Darkness is available on Netflix on May 5, 2021.

Screening: Jupiter's Legacy Episode 1

We have teamed up with Netflix to invite you to a special screening of the first episode of Jupiter's Legacy.  The screening takes place on May 6th and you can watch the episode anytime from May 6th at 3:00 pm EST to May 7th at 3:00 am EST!

Screening Info:
Jupiter's Legacy Episode 1

May 6th

Anytime from 3:00 pm to May 7th at 3:00 am

To RSVP, register at this link!

Screening registration closes at 6:00 pm EST today (4/30) so fly on over!

Synopsis:

After nearly a century of keeping mankind safe, the world's first generation of superheroes must look to their children to continue the legacy. But tensions rise as the young superheroes, hungry to prove their worth, struggle to live up to their parents' legendary public reputations — and exacting personal standards. Based on the graphic novels by Mark Millar and Frank Quitely, Jupiter's Legacy is an epic superhero drama that spans decades and navigates the complex dynamics of family, power, and loyalty. From executive producers Mark Millar, Frank Quitely, Lorenzo Di Bonaventura, Dan McDermott, Steven S. DeKnight, James Middleton, Sang Kyu Kim. Jupiter’s Legacy stars Josh Duhamel, Leslie Bibb, Ben Daniels, Elena Kampouris, Andrew Horton, Mike Wade, Matt Lanter and Ian Quinlan.

TRAILER

Cast

Josh Duhamel - Sheldon aka "The Utopian"

Leslie Bibb - Grace aka "Lady Liberty"

Ben Daniels - Walter aka "Brainwave"

Andrew Horton - Brandon aka "Paragon"

Elena Kampouris - Chloe Sampson

Matt Lanter - George aka "Sky Fox"

Ian Quinlan - Actor

Mike Wade - Fitz aka "The Flare"

David Julian Hirsh - Richard aka "Blue Bolt"

Tenika Davis - Petra

Things Heard and Seen Review: An Atmospheric Film That Does Not Do Enough To Be Seen Or Heard

Release date: April 29, 2021
Running time: 121 minutes
Directed by: Joe Penna
Written by: Joe Penna and Ryan Morrison
Starring: Amanda Seyfried, James Norton

A Manhattan couple moves to a historic hamlet in the Hudson Valley and come to discover that their marriage has a sinister darkness, one that rivals their new home’s history. Based on the acclaimed novel by Elizabeth Brundage.

Things Heard and Seen's main draw is the stellar cast for this atmospheric haunting film.  It has Amanda Seyfriend and James Norton as a young couple who move to a rural town in the hopes of a better life.  The pair are great in their own respect and do a good job of portraying this couple.  I really liked James Norton's character, as a charismatic teacher who is always smiling and always scheming.  And although Amanda Seyfried's character doesn't portray a lot of emotion, I do think she did a fine job.  The film is set mostly in an old house, with plenty of creaks, electricity issues, and other telltale signs of a haunting.  The story is slow to progress with many ups and downs, and overall this is an interesting film to watch. I really liked the setting and some of the side characters who add some life to this world.

But Things Heard and Seen's story takes a long time to develop.  I feel like this is to set the tone of the film and let you really get to know this young couple, but it seems like it could have been shortened down.  Some of this could have been by removing extraneous plot threads that do help to flesh out the characters but don't contribute much to the overall film. And some of this could have been a quicker pace to get into the more supernatural elements.  Things Heard and Seen takes a very long time to get to anything supernatural, and when it finally does, the effects are not impressive and the overall supernatural elements do not wow you.  The whole film is an exercise in subdued story telling, but this also leads to a climax that does not surprise and that also doesn't feel as shocking as it could have.  And for a film that has so much development, the emotional turns in it seem to happen too quickly.  

Now Things Heard and Seen does have an interesting use of the supernatural to explore a marriage that already had issues.  It uses the supernatural to amplify the existing issues, and to frame the overall haunting.  And it also does get more interesting as it develops and as you learn more about this town and the strange house this couple resides in.  But in the end, the film just does not excite, does not scare, and doesn't cause you to care about the plight of this family.  Things Heard and Seen should not be ignored, but it doesn't scream out to be watched.

Things Heard and Seen has a great cast and a good atmosphere, but the overall pace of the film and the subdued nature make for a not scary horror / drama experience.

Rent it.

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Things Heard and Seen is available on Netflix on April 29, 2021.

Project Power Review: A Stellar Cast And Fantastic Effects

Release date: August 14, 2020
Running time: 111 minutes
Starring:  Jamie Foxx, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dominique Fishback 

Project Power takes us to the city of New Orleans where a new super drug has hit the streets. But with this drug results can go two totally drastically different directions, instant death or superpower. That's because the ability to gain super powers is based on tons of variables including: the drug itself, you the host, and the desired outcome. In success you can obtain super strength, thermoregulation, and much more. Frank (Gordon-Levitt) a New Orleans police officer along with the help of his teenage street informant dealer Robin (Fishback) find themselves on the same trajectory as former soldier Art (Foxx).  Together, they seek to use the drug that they are hoping to take down; they will fight power with power, taking the pill in order to track down and stop the group responsible for creating it.

When the trailer dropped for Project Power there were a few things that instantly grabbed my attention; the star-studded cast, catchy lyrical word play, and the stunning VFX.  Just the concept of a pill that can evolve humans into something more is intriguing.  Throw in Netflix's recent success with action movies (Extraction, The Old Guard, etc) and you instantly have a recipe for success.  With that being said the film just didn't capitalize on the intriguing idea.  I think that this comes down to flaws in the script itself.  There was a lack of depth within the plot and character development.  And when you have a cast like this, I know it wasn't on the actors that caused this.  Nonetheless the movie provide stunning VFX that are complemented by absolutely stellar SFX.  The two work together to really enhance the action and make that quite exciting.  This is really on display during the first phase of the film!

With this film taking place in New Orleans there is always the opportunity to utilize its backdrop to provide a really unique aesthetic. A city known for its culture and arts, it is always a good idea to showcase its city murals.  Robin played by Fishback is a young aspiring musician who throughout this film displays her talent for freestyle rap.  Lyrics for her freestyle were written by down south artist Chika which gives it an added layer of authenticity.  Jamie Foxx and Joseph Gordon-Levitt are both given characters that don't have much to work with and I was surprised that they didn't work their trademark magic.  The dialogue and humor here just fall flat, again a surprise given I love both of these actors.  Thankfully, when they were paired with Fishback, it brought the best out of everyone.  And strangely, this movie is rated R yet feels totally PG-13.  

Overall for an action film this movie has it moments but its truly up it the viewers on willpower to stay invested for the long run.  Come for the star-studded cast, phenomenal visual effects, and stellar sound, but as bitter of a pill as it is to swallow, don't expect an evolution in the genre.

Rent it.

What to Watch This Weekend: July 31, 2020

The Poignant Family Drama: Ice Cream in the Cupboard (Digital)

Ice Cream in the Cupboard ultimately depicts a beautiful relationship, even if you have to view it through a painful lense.  It is touching, beautiful, and brutal and should not be missed.  For more information, check out our review!

The Quarantine Zoom Horror Movie: Host (Shudder)
Host dials in the scares with a clever use of technology, references to the current predicament, and enough jump scares to keep you from dropping out of this zoom meeting.  For more information, check out our review!

The Modern Political Thriller: The Hater (Netflix)

The Hater explores a timely issue with an amazing performance by Musialowski, stellar sound design, and a dark, engaging story.  Make sure to Like this one!  For more information, check out our review!

The Scary Weekend Getaway: The Beach House (Shudder)

It may not be a perfect time to do a beach trip, but The Beach House is a great way to spend your afternoon with its strong performances and many explanations for this impending threat.  For more information, check out our review!

The Emotional And Violent Family Affair: The Shadow of Violence (Digital)

Shadow of Violence is an emotional tour de force, with great characters, a powerful, impactful soundtrack, and a story that hits you early and hard.  For more information, check out our review!

The Atmospheric Horror Movie: Amulet (Digital)

Amulet tells a strange tale through its amazing sense of dread, unsettling sound effects, and simmering, complex story.  It won't be for everyone but there is plenty here for those looking for an atmospheric horror experience to appreciate.  For more information, check out our review!

The Documentary That Goes On A Rampage: Tread (Netflix)

Tread tells the story of Marvin Heemeyer, a master welder who quietly fortifies a bulldozer and systematically destroys numerous businesses and homes in the small mountain town of Granby, Colorado.  The man basically built himself a tank and went on a rampage.

The Edward Norton Crime Thriller: Motherless Brooklyn (HBO)

Motherless Brooklyn is an experience, with a fantastic setting that captures the lights, sounds, and soul of 1950’s New York and fills it with a cast of interesting characters to meet along the way.  For more information, check out our review!

Scoob! (Redbox)
Scoob! tries to play on the nostalgia for the franchise and if it would have stuck to this, it might have been an entertaining reboot of the Scooby Doo franchise.  For more information, check out our story!

What to Watch This Weekend: July 24, 2020

The Social Justice Drama With Tough Issues And Amazing Acting: Clemency (Digital, Redbox)
An outstanding cast led by Alfre Woodard, Clemency brings tough social issues to the big screen.  Woodard plays a state sanctioned executioner who must confront her own demons that connect her to the men she is authorized to execute. Clemency is available for free at pretty much all major digital retailers so make sure to check this one out!  For more information, check out our story!

The Star Studded Animation Documentary: Spike & Mike: Animation Outlaws (Digital)

Spike & Mike: Animation Outlaws is an animated documentary that highlights some amazing animators and animation, and what these two did for the overall community.  For more information, check out our review!

The Unconventional Musical Drama: Fisherman's Friends (Digital)
Fisherman's Friends reels you in and hits the right notes, with its great music, relatable and likable characters, and heartwarming story.  For more information, check out our review!

The Young Adult Light-Hearted Nostalgia Trip: The Kissing Booth 2 (Netflix)
expect exactly what you expect for all teenage love drama and the two hour runtime will just breeze by.  And even if you are punching your first ticket to the kissing booth and going in blind-folded, you will find an enjoyable teenage romantic dramady.  For more information, check out our review!

The Irreverent Soon To Be Parenting Comedy: The Babysplitters (Digital)

The Babysplitters delivers a hilarious, unconventional comedy with a fantastic cast, frank dialogue, and laugh-out-loud situations.  For more information, check out our review!

The Gritty, Stylish Chinese Crime Noir: The Wild Goose Lake (Digital)

The Wild Goose Lake is a gritty, stylish Chinese crime drama with some beautiful cinematography, strong characters, and a slow burning story.  It won't be for everyone because of this, but there is plenty to admire about this film.  For more information, check out our review!

For The Martial Arts Enthusiast: Ip Man 4: The Finale (Netflix)

Ip Man 4 finishes the epic story of Master Ip Man, with a wonderful love letter to classic martial arts film, with the exaggerated scenarios and amazing fights that you would expect from the Wing Chun master.  For more information, check out our review!

The Historical Action Film About An Important and Fearless Woman: Harriet (HBO, Redbox)

Harriet tells the compelling story of an influential woman with Oscar-worthy acting, an exciting and heartbreaking script, and a stellar score.  For more information, check out our review!

The Kissing Booth 2 Review: A Young Adult Rom Com That Will Evoke High School Nostalgia

Release date: July 24, 2020
Running time: 131 minutes
Starring: Joey King, Jacob Elordi, Joel Courtney 

In a direct sequel of the 2018 film The Kissing Booth, The Kissing Booth 2 is the story of Elle Evans (Joey King)  and her boyfriend Noah Flynn (Jacob Elordi) as they turn the next page in their relationship.  Elle enters her senior year of High School while Noah is off to Harvard for his freshman year of college putting the two to the ultimate test, long distance relationship.  Elle will have to try to balance maintaining her relationship with Noah, following her childhood dream of attending UC Berkeley with her best friend Lee (Joel Courtney), and the complications of a friendship formed with new classmate Marco, a handsome and charismatic artist.  Even with all of that on Elle's plate, she will also have to decide how much she truly trusts Noah and his new college friendships.  This all leaves Elle with the question of who her heart truly belongs to.

This teenage High School film does not lack in the drama department. Picking up immediately from the first installment, which had a ton of success, this film instantly caters to its fans of both the film and the novel as many were left wondering what would be next in Elle and Noah's relationship. Now diving deep on what seems to be multiple love triangles, this film tackles the elements of love and trust in a relationship: from elation to heart breaks and tears high school.  But you don't have to be a fan of the books or the franchise to like this movie, it will appeal to anyone that has an interest in young adult, romance films, or just people looking for feel good stories.  It stays very light-hearted and provides cheesy laughs throughout the film.  And if you haven't seen the first movie don't worry, even without prior knowledge of the first film, the Kissing Booth 2 is easily watchable.  You can quickly become invested in the characters and enjoy the light-hearted story.

Joey King captivated her audience with the first film and she repeats that feat this time with another solid performance.  Not to mention her executive producer credit which makes total sense considering she is the demographic for this film.  Along with her other cast mates, this film truly brings a sense of High School feel and nostalgia to its viewers.  Joey also has some amazing chemistry with her cast mates which electrifies many scenes.  Part of this film takes place during a video game competition, which was so fun and energetic to watch that it made me miss the arcade days of my childhood.  I like how even when the movie could take moments to get really deep or upsetting, it keeps its light-hearted tone and uses its up beat score to keep the mood and tone positive.  Overall, the Kissing Booth 2 is just an enjoyable trip back to High School and one that many will be able to relate to.

So with this film expect exactly what you expect for all teenage love drama and the two hour runtime will just breeze by.  And even if you are punching your first ticket to the kissing booth and going in blind-folded, you will find an enjoyable teenage romantic dramady.  

Watch it.

Nobody Knows I'm Here Review: A Beautiful Eye And Voice Make For An Interesting Isolationist Drama

Release date: June 24, 2020
Running time: 91 minutes
Starring: Jorge Garcia, Millaray Lobos, Luis Gnecco

Memo (Garcia) lives on a remote Chilean sheep farm, hiding a beautiful singing voice from the outside world.  A recluse with a glittery flair, he can't stop dwelling in his past traumas.  However, when someone from the present finally starts to take an interest in him, can he move on from the past he has been dwelling in?  

Nobody Knows I'm Here is beautifully shot, with a lot of well planned, excellent camera work to emphasize Memo's isolation, and also to highlight the beautiful locale.  Filmed in Chile, there are a ton of understated shots of the green landscape and lake which surrounds Memo's house.  Memo lives in a small isolated sheep farm, only seeing a few delivery people a week.  However, when one of these delivery people begins to take an interest in Memo, he has to balance his desire to see others with the fear he has of his past traumas.  The movie has a slow pace, which is not a bad thing.  It sets the scene early on and spends a lot of time building up Memo's character, his current predicament, and the beautiful surrounding he has isolated himself in.  It also slowly reveals Memo's past here and there, and thankfully doesn't reveal too much early on to keep you guessing.

However, although Memo is a tragic figure in this movie due to his past traumas, the film doesn't do a great job of setting up the gravity of what happened.  It is not hidden, but the extent of his trauma and the effect it had on him and those around him is not given enough weight or screen time.  It is sad because the film does a fantastic job of setting up Memo's isolation and current situation, but it is tough to feel a ton of sympathy without any additional information.  Additionally, part of Memo's character is that he daydreams about what could have been.  It is a nice touch when it works, but occasionally I found it difficult to tell if his current situation was a daydream or reality.  However, if you are looking for something different and a little more character focused with beautiful cinematography, you will be in for a treat with this film.  

Nobody Knows I'm Here uses beautiful camera work and cinematography to tell an interesting isolationist drama. 

Rent it.

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The Old Guard Review: The Complete Action Package You Can Watch Into Eternity

Release date: July 10, 2020
Running time: 125 minutes
Starring: Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Marwan Kenzari

The Old Guard is the story of Andy (Theron) also known as Andromache the Scythian, the leader of a group of mercenaries with the mysterious gift / curse of immortality. For many centuries this team has fought to protect the mortal world from the forces of evil. They have been forced to balance the harm that they do with the overall good, taking life when necessary in order to save thousands of others.  But now in the modern day along with the newcomer Nile (Layne), the team has been discovered by an ex-CIA operative who tasks them to eliminate a threat out to discover the source of their powers in their DNA. 

Adapted from the 2017 Image Comics graphic novel, The Old Guard takes its source material with a fresh updated feel. This incredible movie wastes absolutely no time getting you into the action and story, starting off with a literal bang.  And if you are not familiar with the source material or possibly overlooked the trailer, its opening moments will be a complete shock to you.  Even being familiar with the comics, there were still many jaw dropping moments that I was not be prepared for.

The Old Guard did what many action films fail to do: put together a complete film and not just a thinly veiled excuse for fight sequences.  What I truly enjoyed with this film is its ability to cater to all viewers.  Not just the comic book fans or action movie enthusiast but anyone looking for an impressive film to watch.  Netflix has been on fire recently with some stellar action movies (such as Extraction) and The Old Guard follows in this tradition.  The action was astonishing with some of the best sequences I have seen to date.  It even surprised me with stunts and maneuvers I just have not seen in a film.  The fight choreography, whether it was hand-to-hand or gun fights, was simply impressive.  There were so many scenes that made you smile with how amazing it looked and then cringe with how brutal it was.  Charlize Theron has a reputation for impressive fight scenes and you can totally add a few of these to her stellar resume.  Alongside the action, The Old Guard also features a story and plot that will keep viewers invested for the entire journey. The Old Guard is a complete action package, with high quality cinematography and a stellar soundtrack.  Lastly the movie uses a low amount of CG, which gives it a chance to showcase amazing costume and makeup effects, as well as gore and violence for the fight sequences. This lets you enjoy this movie without being pulled out of the experience.  And it even ends with an amazing stinger!

It also should be pointed out that this film goes above and beyond for representation. This film was directed by Gina Prince- Bythewood who is a black female, highlights a LGBTQ romance, and stars two strong female actors.  Alongside the always amazing Charlize Theron, newcomer Kiki Layne has had a versatile career so far and is certainly a future action star! 

The Old Guard is the complete action package with exciting and brutal fight sequences, a meaningful story, and some amazing special effects.  If there is one action movie you have to watch into eternity, this is a pretty great choice. 

Watch it.

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What to Watch Independence Day

This 4th of July, beat the heat and the virus, stay indoors and stream some movies.  We have a collection of patriotic and holiday movies to help keep you entertained.

Jaws (HBO Max)
One of the original movies that shows the consequences of not listening to medical advice and the advice of experts, Jaws is a good reminder that sometimes, it is better to stay indoors and safe.

Hamilton (Disney+)
Celebrate America's independence with the Broadway musical detailing the life of one of the Founding Fathers.  Hamilton is simply one of the best Broadway musicals around and is a great choice for the fourth.  For more information, check out the review!

Band of Brothers (HBO Max)
One of the best war series ever, Band of Brothers tells the stories of soldiers in World War II, with amazing acting and booming special effects.  It is gritty, entertaining, heart wrenching, and inspring. 

Captain America (Disney+)
Celebrate America with America's ass.  All the Captain America movies are available to stream on Disney+, so take your pick.  Many think Winter Soldier is the best, but I'm always a fan of the original.  

Forest Gump (Starz)
Tom Hanks's American epic about a man who runs through much of American history is the perfect film to watch on the Fourth.  I'm sure you've seen it many times already but give it another watch for old times sake.

Air Force One (Netflix)
Harrison Ford as the president fighting terrorists on Air Force One?  Sign me up.  This is a classic action movie that I'm sure you've already seen, but watch it again for the holiday.

Glory (Roku Channel)
A film about the true story of the 54th Massachusetts Regiment, the first all-black military unit that fought in the Civil War.  The movie stars Denzel Washington (who took home an Oscar for best supporting actor) and put him on the map.  

Miracle (Netflix, Disney+)
The story of USA hockey's amazing Olympic run in 1980 is an inspirational sports film that will gt your blood pumping and have you rooting for team USA.  

What to Watch This Weekend: July 3, 2020

Amazing Broadway Musical: Hamilton (Disney+)
Possibly the biggest, most popular Broadway musical of all time comes to the home on Disney+.  Hamilton will entertain you while teaching you about history and social justice.  It is a smart, wonderful, and thoroughly enjoyable experience, made even better in the comfort of your own home.  

Glitter-Filled Kids Movie: Trolls World Tour (Digital)
Trolls World Tour keeps the same style and characters that made the first movie a surprise hit, and adds a bunch of new and interesting music trolls and locations to the band, while also providing an avenue to talk to your kids about diversity and tolerance.  For more information, check out our review!

Serious, Thoughtful Documentary: Athlete A (Netflix)
Athlete A is a thoughtful, thorough look into the worst sports story in recent memory, as well as the failings of USA Gymnastics that led to this scandal.  For more information, check out our review!

Hilarious Girls Trip: Desperados (Netflix)
Desperados's strong cast, hilarious moments, and wonderful personalities will keep you invested and entertained throughout this crazy girls trip.  For more information, check out our review!

Entertaining Genre Film: Becky (Redbox)
Becky wins with its smart casting and gruesome, creative fight sequences.  You have an angsty teen fighting against a gang of Nazis led by Kevin James!  What is not to like.

Shining Sequel: Doctor Sleep (HBO)
Doctor Sleep pairs a stellar cast, with a big score, and enough nostalgia from the original movie to keep you entertained.  Whether you are a fan of the novel or have seen Kubrick's original masterpiece, you will thoroughly enjoy Doctor Sleep.  For more information, check out our review!

Creature Feature: Crawl (Amazon and Hulu)
Crawl is a fun creature feature that goes a little over the top, but will leave you holding your breath as a father and daughter team try to avoid some seriously dangerous predators during a hurricane.  

Anime: Mirai (Netflix)
The Oscar nominated animation film, Mirai is an enchanting tale about family and a child's wonder that should not be missed.

Desperados Review: A Hilarious Trip With A Trio Of Strong Personalities

Release date: July 3, 2020
Running time: 106 minutes
Starring:  Nasim Pedrad, Sarah Burns, Anna Camp, Robbie Amell

Hopeless romantic Wesley (Pedrad) has had a disappointing dating life, that sadly has left her at rock bottom.  But when a random occurrence suddenly positions her with the man of her dreams, Jared (Amell), everything is perfect.  Well that is until he suddenly goes MIA after a month of dating.  Angered and upset, Wes fires off a ferocious email only to find out that he was involved in an accident leaving him stuck hospitalized in Cabo, Mexico. In true desperate fashion, Wes along with her two best friends decide that the only way to save her relationship is to retrieve and delete this email before he has a chance to read it.

This girl's trip movie will provide tons of laughs, as its a very silly comedy adventure for love.  And like most films where the lead is looking for their prince charming, it is lighthearted and quirky.  Under no circumstance should you take this film seriously or try to apply rational logic. The film has tons of unrealistic and unbelievable scenes, but this is all in service of the silliness of the story.  Just sit back and enjoy the craziness; if you try to apply reasonableness you might not enjoy it.

The movie starts off strongly and lures its viewers in; the main plot and conflict are revealed early on, leaving the rest of the film for hte viewers to enjoy the distinct characters and silly performances.  Nasim Pedrad along with Anna Camp and Sarah Burns are magical together.  This trio shine individually and as a greater whole throughout the film.  Whether it is through their fashion, their dialogue, or their mannerisms, the trio are able to keep your attention at all times.  Speaking of dialogue, the lines within the movie felt natural and well suited to match each character precisely.  I enjoyed even the drunk adult conversations as well as they were entertaining to say the least.  As good as the lead trio were, the supporting cast were also very entertaining and memorable characters in their own ways.  Robbie Amell is the perfect babyface to balance this already over the top comedy cast.

Desperados's strong cast, hilarious moments, and wonderful personalities will keep you invested and entertained throughout this crazy girls trip.  Sit back and stay entertained through a date night or in a group watch.  

Watch it.

Review: Da 5 Bloods

Release date: June 12, 2020
Running time: 156 minutes
Starring: Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters, Chadwick Boseman 

Spike Lee is back with Da 5 Bloods, a new Spike Lee Joint. This film is the story of four African American vets who return to the jungles of Vietnam on a search to find their fallen Squad Leader Stormin’ Norman​ (Boseman)'s remains and buried treasure. Norman taught these gentleman how to coexist as rebels and patriots, while bonding them into a surrogate family: Da 5 Bloods.  Led by Paul (Lindo),the brotherhood of heroes along with his son David (Majors) are truly tested by the forces of man and nature along with the lasting devastation from the Vietnam War. 

Part of Netflix's Black Lives Matters Collection, Da 5 Bloods delivers an abundance of powerful messages along with educational pieces on African American Culture. The cast does an amazing job across the board but Delroy Lindo makes this a must watch with his performance. This movie highlights the consequences and tragedy of war.  This is most seen through Lindo's character Paul, who is suffering from PTSD, a flawed relationship with with his son David, and refusing to seek therapy for help.  His time in conflict wired him differently and he carries that burden into his civilian and daily life.  And despite the war being over for many years, the war truly is never over for these soldiers and their foes as displayed very early in this film in a powerful scene.

Spike Lee once again displays his strength and skill in being one of the best political filmmakers. And in true Spike Lee fashion, this is done in a heavy yet stylish way.  For example in a few scenes he would make references to events in African American history and display beautiful and original graphic images to compliment it, seemlessly educating the viewers.  I also loved how Spike Lee filmed them movie in different aspect ratios, standard widescreen ratios for modern scenes and the 4:3 aspect ratio at about 16mm for the Vietnam flashback scenes.  It really helps to visually separate these two times and is a striking touch.  

The display of brotherhood and camaraderie amongst these gentleman was powerful. This display spoke to humanity in general and also helped to highlight the significance that African Americans played during the Vietnam War.  They went to fight for a country who didn't believe in them yet they still did it as elite soldiers.  This style of layered storytelling is especially poignant today with our current world events.  Da 5 Bloods speaks to America's history of racism and societies practice of diminishing the contributions of its Black citizens.  Da 5 Bloods hopes to educate its viewers with an amazing film and a call for empathy. 

In a time in which the world is in flux, protesting against social injustice and mourning the murder of George Floyd and many other black citizens, the messages from Da 5 Bloods are well timed and needed to further this fight for freedom.  Spike Lee's latest picture is a poignant reminder of brotherhood and the contribution of black Americans, with a striking visual style that will educate while entertaining.  

Watch it.