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  • July 9, 2021

    Fear Street Part Two: 1978

    Fear Street Part Two: 1978

    A gory and well executed follow up just premiered on Netflix. It has strong characters a deep lore, and wild bloody horror violence. If that sounds like your cup of tea then you might have as much as I did. Picking up immediately following the first film, this sequel follows Deena and her brother Josh…

  • July 3, 2021

    Fear Street: 1994

    The first in a planned Netflix trilogy of horror movies this film has great style and a way over the top filmmaking aesthetic that is a lot of fun if not ever truly scary. Set in the fictional town of Shadyside in 1994, the film follows a group of teens who inadvertently incur the wrath…

  • July 3, 2021

    No Sudden Move

    No Sudden Move

    Don Cheadle stars in this very cool very twisty turns crime thriller that has a good sense of humor and a few too many twists and turns for its own good. Don Cheadle plays Curt Goynes a man just released from prison after a heist gone wrong. He returns to Detroit in 1954 and takes…

  • July 1, 2021

    F9: The Fast Saga

    F9: The Fast Saga

    There’s a scene in the show The Office in which the character Kevin Pours a massive jar of M&M’s into his mouth. That’s what it feels like watching this movie. This movie jams so much crap down the audience’s throats that it just becomes painful and boring. I have a mixed history with the Fast…

  • June 30, 2021

    Marked for Death

    Marked for Death

    Against better judgment, our hosts were persuaded to watch a 2nd Steven Seagal film. With a plot that hasn’t aged well, Marked For Death falls flat because of a weak central pillar – Seagal himself.

  • June 23, 2021

    The Old Guard

    The Old Guard

    We’re updating fantasy. Last week we saw what a fantasy action film from the 80’s looked like. This week we’re taking a look at modern fantasy action. It has a big budget and graphic violence. Listen to discussion to get all our thoughts in this weeks three minute review.

  • June 17, 2021

    Chinatown

    Chinatown

    Well it’s a classic for a reason. I went into this rewatch with an expectation that it wouldn’t be as good as it’s reputation, but I was pleasantly surprised by how well this cynical, slow burn of a movie holds up. Chinatown tells the story of private investigator played by Jake Gittes, played by Jack…

  • June 16, 2021

    Hawk the Slayer

    Hawk the Slayer

    This week we take a look at an 80’s fantasy story involving some great fantasy concepts, fast pacing and a very fun low budget aesthetic. This charming little film won us over. Will it do the same for you? Listen below to find out.

  • June 10, 2021

    Awake

    The latest Netflix release feels like a worse version of a dozen different movies I’ve seen. A charming lead can’t save the movie from the films clunky and awkward execution. The film opens with Jill Adams played by the lovely Gina Rodriguez, as she finishes up her shift and steals some prescription drugs which she…

  • June 9, 2021

    Masters of the Universe (1987)

    Masters of the Universe (1987)

    There’s a lot to love/hate in this bizarre 80’s fantasy action film. It has incredible production value and a glacial. It has an amazing villain performance, and a terrible hero performance. It has great makeup work and some truly terrible makeup work. It’s a mixed bag for us. Listen to all our thoughts below.

  • June 5, 2021

    The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It

    A strong addition to the Conjuring series that doesn’t surpass its predecessors but does offer a lot to enjoy. The film opens with a brutal and intense exorcism of a young boy named David. It took me a second to realize that David was indeed played by the cute kid from Netflix’s The Haunting of…

  • June 4, 2021

    Ted Lasso

    This series truly lives up to the title feel good show. It has an indomitable positivity and a true love for its characters. It made me laugh out loud every episode and brought me close to tears at times. The series follows Ted Lasso a charmingly goofy and relentlessly positive American football coach who is…

  • June 3, 2021

    A Quiet Place Part II

    This is a tense and wonderfully directed horror film. That lives up to its predecessor in spite of never quite matching its high points. This is a sequel to the surprise horror hit of 2018 A Quiet Place. The film begins before the events of the first film as we are shown the arrival of…

  • June 2, 2021

    One from the Heart

    One from the Heart

    Heading into the 1980’s Francis Ford Coppola was at the top of his game with massive critical and commercial successes in films such as The Godfather, and Apocalypse Now. He decided to open his own studio and change the way films would be made. He poured his heart, soul, and money into it. The film…

  • May 29, 2021

    The Whole Truth

    I was with this one until they ruined at the very end. It’s a pretty standard yet entertaining courtroom drama until the terrible finish. After allegedly murdering his father, legal prodigy Mike Lassiter, played by Gabriel Basso, refuses to speak to anyone including his attorney Richard Ramsey played by Keanu Reeves. Ramsey’s in the legal…

  • May 28, 2021

    Chemical Hearts

    This movie was a really pleasant surprise to discover on Amazon. The movie is a sincere and authentic depiction of young adult life. The film follows Henry Page, played by Austin Abrams, as he embarks on his senior year. He is struggling to find his voice and his perspective on the world as he becomes…

  • May 27, 2021

    The Red Shoes

    Released in 1948, this British classic is well regarded among film lovers for its stunning visuals, but does it hold up? The Red Shoes is a film I’ve avoided watching for years. It’s one of those film student assignments everybody knows they should watch but usually don’t because it’s reputation looms too large. Like Citizen…

  • May 26, 2021

    Waterworld

    Waterworld

    Continuing our series of movies with massive budgets and minimal box office, we look at one of the biggest movies of all time. Is it any good? Is it a fun relic of days gone by? Is it worth a budget bigger than the GDP of a small country? Listen to our discussion below to…

  • May 22, 2021

    Army of the Dead

    This movie has a good opening, and a strong first act. But it gets worse the longer it goes on, and it goes on for a long time. By then end I was just so glad it was finally over. The movie is the latest big budget Netflix offering. Written, directed, produced, and shot by…

  • May 21, 2021

    Those Who Wish me Dead

    This thriller gets an A+ for execution and a C for theme amounting to a masterpiece of execution without much else. The film follows a boy named Connor played by Finn Little who goes on the run with his father after two ruthlessly efficient assassins come after him. Once he gets to Montana he encounters…

  • May 21, 2021

    The Woman in the Window

    If you’re looking for a beautiful looking film with great performances and a pulpy crime story, this is a great choice even if it is a little over-baked. There’s no getting around it, the film is essentially a remake of Alfred Hitchcock’s classic, Rear Window from 1954. The story follows Amy Adams as a woman…

  • May 19, 2021

    Mortal Engines

    Mortal Engines

     Dazzling CGI can’t cover for a weak plot that hits all the pitfalls that lurk for book adaptations. With a large budget and one of the worst rates-of-return in recent movie memory, this week our hosts dive into what exactly went wrong with Mortal Engines.

  • May 12, 2021

    Top 5 Good Bad Movies

    This week we’re doing something a little different. We’ve had a lot of questions about good bad movies and our favorites, so we decided to make lists of our top five good bad movies for you. These are our current favorites. Movies so bad they’re actually good. Check out our lists and share some of…

  • May 7, 2021

    The Platform

    This film is brutal and visceral and one of the best commentaries I’ve seen. It’s worth checking out if you have the stomach for it. This Spanish language film follows Goreng a prisoner in the most inhuman prison imaginable. It’s called the pit by the inmates and a “Vertical Self-Management Center” by those who run…

  • May 5, 2021

    Street Fighter

    An aversion to action, a slow pace, and one of the best villain performances ever almost make this one worth watching, but it doesn’t quite cut it for us. Listen to our three minute review below.

  • May 1, 2021

    The Mitchells vs The Machines

    What happens when a family of odd balls come face to face with a robot uprising while on the worst road trip ever? A heartfelt and frenetic animated movie that I had a lot of fun with. Katie Mitchell is an aspiring filmmaker who is leaving her quirky family to go to film school. After…

  • April 30, 2021

    Things Heard & Seen

    This movie feels like a strike out when all the bases are loaded. You want so badly for a success, but it doesn’t happen. Every element in this movie is poised for a gland slam, but it never happens. This latest Netflix release follows Amanda Seyfried and James Norton as Catherine and George a seemingly…

  • April 28, 2021

    Idle Hands

    This week we took a look at a 1999 stoner horror comedy that neither of us had high hopes for (no pun intended). Surprisingly both Michael and I quite enjoyed it. Check out our three minute review below.

  • April 24, 2021

    Mortal Kombat (2021)

    This is a bad movie, but I did have fun with it. It has a bad story, mediocre characters and truly painful dialogue. But it has inventive action and a great look. I ended up having fun with it. Based on the popular video game franchise, Mortal Kombat follows a group of fighters chosen to…

  • April 23, 2021

    Stowaway

    This excellent space drama from Netflix is so well made that it had me enthralled from beginning until almost the end. I have a habit of pressing on movies without knowing anything about them. I saw that Stowaway was new to Netflix. I saw Anna Kendrick and Daniel Dae Kim were in it. I hit…

  • April 22, 2021

    Synchronic

    This movie plays one of the silliest premises ever in the most serious way possible, and somehow it works. Synchronic is a 2019 film that premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival then had to wait out a pandemic until it could get released on Netflix last week. The movie follows Steve and Dennis played…

  • April 22, 2021

    Malcolm X

    This is one of the most effective and visceral movies I’ve ever seen. It is a vividly realized depiction of a great man’s life anchored by an astonishing performance from Denzel Washington. A little history before we dive into the movie. Malcolm X was one of the primary figures in the Civil Rights movement of…

  • April 21, 2021

    Money Plane

    If you’re looking for a dumb movie that won’t be any fun to watch and will waste your time, then try Money Plane. It’s awful!

  • April 16, 2021

    Spontaneous

    Very dark comedy combines with a heart felt coming of age drama to incredible effect in this surprise and explosive movie. A boring math class in an average high school. Senior Mara, played by Katherine Langford, drops her pencil on the floor. She leans over to pick it up. In that moment the girl sitting…

  • April 15, 2021

    Unhinged

    An all in performance from Russell Crowe helps make this thriller a little less generic, but it can’t save the film entirely. Rachel is a harried mother dealing with a contentious divorce, a failing business, and a teenage son she’s struggling to raise. On top of all that she has to deal with rush hour…

  • April 14, 2021

    Krull

    Are you looking for an 80’s fantasy epic? Well this movie is either the worst film you’ll see all year, or a fundamental classic in the fantasy genre. We’re split on this one, check it out our discussion for all the details.

  • April 10, 2021

    Thunder Force

    This movie was terrible. It’s poorly conceived and executed. It has a big cast of talented people who are wasted. Somehow inspire of its lack of quality, it has a few moments I genuinely enjoyed. The movie has squanders an interesting set up through incompetence. A world in which cosmic rays bombard the earth and…

  • April 7, 2021

    The Lone Ranger

    Do you have almost three hours to spare on an inconsistent reboot of a 1950’s property? This might be the movie for you, but we’d recommend avoiding it.

  • April 3, 2021

    Concrete Cowboy

    I loved this movie. It has fascinating characters. It’s set in a really unique world that I never knew existed. It tells a classic narrative with some nice twists. I really fell for this one. This story might feel familiar, a troubled teen named Cole, played by Stranger Things’ Caleb McLaughlin, gets into a fight…

  • April 2, 2021

    Minari

    This beautiful little family story is full of humor, warmth, and hardship, that stumbles in the end for me. The film follows the Yi family, Korean immigrants who after working for years finally buy their own land Arkansas in the 1980’s. The way this Korean family struggles with the locals, money, and their own dreams…

  • April 1, 2021

    Godzilla vs Kong

    Did you want massive monster fights? You got it along with a lot of dumb stuff that nobody asked for. Thankfully there’s enough spectacle, action, and surprisingly heart to make up for it. This movie mashup is the latest installment in the “monsterverse” an attempt to duplicate Marvel superhero films success. It is the second…

  • March 31, 2021

    Kong: Skull Island

    Are you looking for giant monster mayhem?? Look no further. In honor of Godzilla vs Kong premiering this week we decided to take a look at Kong Skull Island what did we think of this massive monster movie listen below.

  • March 27, 2021

    Nobody

    Anchored by a quirky Bob Odenkirk, this is a really entertaining action movie if you like your action brutally violent and darkly comic. This is the latest entry in what I’m calling the “middle aged men you shouldn’t have messed with” genre. These are violent action thrillers about mild mannered men who are accosted in…

  • March 26, 2021

    Cherry

    Carried by a raw and brilliant Tom Holland performance this movie works in fits and starts. The film is based on a somewhat autobiographical novel of the same name by Nico Walker detailing his time as an Army medic, and his struggles after returning home with PTSD and an opioid addiction. Tom Holland, the current…

  • March 25, 2021

    Good Bad Movies

    There are good movies. There are bad movies. Then there are good bad movies. We watch a lot of this third category. But what you may ask makes for a good bad movie? What is our criteria for this ideal middle ground? Let’s discuss…

  • March 20, 2021

    The Last Blockbuster

    Now streaming on Netflix this highly nostalgic documentary covers the rise and fall of an industry and those who refuse to let it die. In the late 1970’s, VCR’s and VHS tapes revolutionized the way people watched movies. However the cost of a single VHS tape was so exorbitantly expensive that most people couldn’t afford…

  • March 19, 2021

    Zack Snyder’s Justice League

    This movie is an overly long, self indulgent, slog, but it’s also a lot better than the originally released Justice League movie. A little history for those who haven’t been following the Snyder cut saga… Zack Snyder directed Man of Steel and Batman v Superman, and he had a grand plan to complete his superhero…

  • March 18, 2021

    The Father

    This deeply affecting film features powerful performances and nimble, skillful direction that create an empathetic portrait of memory loss. Roger Ebert once said, “movies are like machines that generate empathy.” That could not be more true of this film. It puts us in the shoes of an aging man, played by Anthony Hopkins, suffering from…

  • March 17, 2021

    Rambo 3

    If you’re looking for a massive action extravaganza check out this unbelievable epic with incredible stunt work and some widely dated politics. The movie is as ridiculous as its poster.

  • March 12, 2021

    The United States Vs. Billie Holiday

    This movie is all over the map, but it is anchored by some stunning cinematic flourishes and a truly phenomenal performance by Andra Day. In the 1940’s, the singer Billie Holiday endures drug addiction, abusive men, and a targeted campaign against her by the U.S. government. Andra Day plays Billie Holiday as a defiant woman…

  • March 11, 2021

    The Hurricane Heist

    What do you get when you combine Die Hard and a natural disaster film? You get this action heist thriller a solid addition to the good bad movie repertoire.

  • March 6, 2021

    Moxie

    At times ham-handed, at times wonderfully genuine, this coming if are story is a big old feminist anthem that is pretty good. Directed by Amy Poehler, Moxie tells the story of high school junior Vivian, played by Hadley Robinson, who is struggling to find something she’s passionate about. After witnessing the blatant sexism on display…

  • March 5, 2021

    Coming 2 America

    This is pleasant sequel that tries to do way too many things, but still ends up being a pretty enjoyable comedy. Thirty years after Prince Akeem of Zemunda journeyed to Queens in search of a bride, he’s back, and he has a lot on his plate. He finally takes the throne from his father played…

  • March 5, 2021

    Chaos Walking

    Charming leads and an intriguing premise can’t save this movie from being a rushed somewhat generic young adult adventure. Todd Hewitt, played by current Spider-man Tom Holland, is a young man who lives in a world where people’s thoughts appear floating above their heads in cgi clouds. They call it the noise. Todd is described…

  • March 4, 2021

    gIVE

    This low budget psychological independent film employs a good score and some stellar cinematography to explore grief and loss. Shot in and around Eau Claire WI, the story follows a father named Jay, played by Jason Anderson, as he deals with the unexplained disappearance of his daughter. His wife is overcome with grief, and he…

  • March 3, 2021

    The Happytime Murders

    Oh boy, this was quite a movie. If you ever wanted to see Muppets behaving badly this is going to be your movie. We can’t call it a good movie, but is it a good bad movie worth watching? Check our discussion to find out if it’s your cup of tea.

  • February 27, 2021

    Tom and Jerry

    After the heavy and emotional Pieces of a Woman, I decided it was time for some lighter fair. It just so happened that Warner Bros. released Tom and Jerry yesterday on HBO Max. I figured there couldn’t be a more to ally opposite movie out there, so I gave it a shot. Honestly it’s a…

  • February 26, 2021

    Pieces of a Woman

    If you’re looking for a harrowing emotional experience look no further than this Netflix drama. The film stars Vanessa Kirby and Shia LaBeouf as a couple dealing with a deeply traumatic incident that shakes them and their family to their core. Im being somewhat cagey in my description because I experienced this film without knowing…

  • February 25, 2021

    Zombeavers

    Here’s a movie I never thought I’d talk about again let alone have to debate. It’s Zombeavers, a horror comedy that one of us thought was definitely worth checking out. Hear our debate below or checking us out on Spotify.

  • February 20, 2021

    Nomadland

    A woman living out of her van travels the country in search of inner peace in this lovely collection of moments anchored by Frances McDormand’s performance. The film opens with two titles explaining that there was a factory town in Empire Nevada. The factory shut down in 2011, and within six months the town was…

  • February 19, 2021

    I Care A Lot

    Rosamund Pike and Peter Dinklage give great performances in a mediocre that isn’t saying nearly as much as it thinks it is. The movie follows Marla Grayson played by Rosamund Pike. She is a professional care giver and legal guardian to dozens of elderly people. She takes legal guardianship of those with dementia and declining…

  • February 18, 2021

    Palm Springs

    Propelled by explosive energy and a driving pace this movie takes a little bit of every time loop movie that has come before to create a vibrant romantic comedy. Released on Hulu over the summer this movie follows Nyles and Sarah two wedding guests who get stuck in an infinite time loop and relive the…

  • February 18, 2021

    The Map of Tiny Perfect Things

    We all know time loop movies. It’s the Groundhog Day formula. A character is stuck in a time loop repeating the same day over and over until they are able to break free. These movies really need to do something special to distinguish themselves. What distinguishes The Map of Tiny Perfect Things now streaming on…

  • February 17, 2021

    Anaconda

    This was part of my Halloween marathon, but Michael was subjected to this movie as well, and we felt it deserved discussion. Find out what we had to say in this weeks three minute review! https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ihptg-fb0256

  • February 13, 2021

    Judas and the Black Messiah

    Part thriller, part biopic, and part historical tragedy this enthralling film features two unforgettable performances and incredible story telling that has a lot to say about the world then and now. I think it helps to have a little history before stepping into the movie especially if your only experience with the Black Panthers is…

  • February 12, 2021

    The Mystery of DB Cooper

    This fascinating documentary covers the greatest unsolved heist in American history and explores the obsession with uncovering Coopers identity. For those unfamiliar with the case, in November 1971, a man who came to be known as DB Cooper hijacked s plane and demanded $2000,000 in ransom. He got his money and jumped out of the…

  • February 11, 2021

    Soul

    Pixar has crafter a beautiful if completely predictable afterlife adventure that pushes the visuals bounds of animation while adhering to a well trodden formula. The movie follows Joe a middle-aged music teacher with the dreams and skills to be a professional jazz musician. he has lived his life in single-minded pursuit of this goal. One…

  • February 10, 2021

    No Holds Barred

    We love good bad movies These are movies that are so bad they’re good. They’re movies that are made with enthusiasm but without skill. They are movies that are so misguided that they end up being fun to watch despite their failings. Is this action movie from the 80’s a good bad movie or just…

  • February 5, 2021

    Malcolm and Marie

    Now streaming on Netflix, this movie is a well acted, beautifully shot disappointment. It has everything going for it except a script and a story. The film stars John David Washington and Zendaya as Malcolm and Marie respectively. Malcolm is a filmmaker who has just premiered his breakout movie. At the premiere he made a…

  • February 4, 2021

    One Night in Miami

    Four stellar performances, great directing and a thought provoking screenplay turn this stage adaptation into a compelling movie streaming now on Amazon. One Night in Miami is a fictionalized depiction of a real meeting that took place in 1964 between Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown. All four men are in periods…

  • February 4, 2021

    One Night in Miami

    Four stellar performances, great directing and a thought provoking screenplay turn this stage adaptation into a compelling movie streaming now on Amazon. One Night in Miami is a fictionalized depiction of a real meeting that took place in 1964 between Muhammad Ali, Malcolm X, Sam Cooke, and Jim Brown. All four men are in periods…

  • February 3, 2021

    Under Siege

    For this weeks three minute review we cover the 1992 Die Hard ripoff Under Siege starring the bland as cardboard Steven Seagal in what is his highest rated movie. It didn’t do much for us, but you can hear all our thoughts below. Or you can check out our podcast now on Spotify… https://open.spotify.com/show/4htK4WQycD9s6RZYqtyMU7?si=eW4mkbzERpaiZ27b9yVuGA

  • January 30, 2021

    The Little Things

    This movie is okay. In fact it’s one of the okay-est movies I’ve seen. Denzel Washington is great as a haunted man. Jared Leto is surprisingly good as an unhinged creeper. The story is gritty and cynical, but it all amounts to an okay night at the movies. The Little Things is a neo-noir crime…

  • January 29, 2021

    The Dig

    Brand new to Netflix, this film features lovely landscapes, equally lovely performances, and an interesting meditation on death. It’s a film that flirts with being a great movie, but doesn’t quite get there. The Dig is a fictional adaptation of a novel that was inspired by the true story of the 1939 excavation at the…

  • January 28, 2021

    Sylvie’s Love

    This was an absolutely entrancing film that totally captured my heart with excellent performances, some of the most stunning cinematography of the year, and a simple story of love and loss. The film is a lush romantic melodrama in the classic old Hollywood style that is perfectly updated for the modern age. It takes place…

  • January 27, 2021

    Deep Blue Sea

    What happens when three genetically engineered super sharks are set loose on a slowly sinking aquatic lab? It turns out not much. Hear all our thoughts in this weeks three minute review.

  • January 23, 2021

    Class Action Park

    Class Action Park

    Streaming on HBO Max, this documentary tells the story of a world without rules a world that is wild and fun and resulted in the deaths of five people. The movie is full of unbelievable stories. Memorable anecdotes and an interesting perspective on growing up. Action Park was an amusement park located in New Jersey.…

  • January 22, 2021

    Sound of Metal

    A deceptively simple story leads to one of the most powerful films of the year. With stunning performances, immersive sound design, and excellent direction this movie is a true piece of art. The film tells the story of Ruben played by Riz Ahmed. He and his girlfriend Lou make up the metal band Blackgammon. They…

  • January 20, 2021

    Demolition Man

    A big 90’s action film without much action and a lot of world building. Neither of us enjoyed the film very much. We didn’t find much to recommend. Give our three minute review a listen…

  • January 16, 2021

    Promising Young Woman

    This brilliantly made social commentary features an exquisite cast, excellent filmmaking, and a plot that consistently pulls the rug out from under your expectations. I don’t want to give away anything. This movie is at its most fun when you let it surprise you. I will merely relay the information given in the films own…

  • January 15, 2021

    News of the World

    The Tom Hanks western is a typical road movie that often rises above its predictable genre and occasionally soars. It is rich with period detail and left me with a real emotional impact. The story follows a Civil War Veteran named Captain Jefferson Kyle Kidd, played by Tom Hanks. He makes a living traveling from…

  • January 13, 2021

    Battleship

    For episode two of our podcast, we selected the 2012 action film, Battleship. If you’re looking for a big dumb action movie with lots of explosions, Battleship just might be the movie for you. 

  • January 9, 2021

    Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom

    A ferocious new film from Netflix boasts stellar performances and a great film adaptation of a play. This is a full throated roar of a movie that bursts with energy and fervor. It is absolutely worth your time and attention. Based on the play by August Wilson, Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom follows the eponymous blues…

  • January 9, 2021

    Wonder Woman 1984

    This movie is like a meal consisting of delicious elements that don’t work well together, like steak and cotton candy. The movie is a bit of a tonal mess. It has an overly complicated plot. It has some uninspired action, but it also has Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, and some truly great moments. All in…

  • January 6, 2021

    Reindeer Games

    My friend Michael and I have been watching bad movies for years. We’ve decided to share a few of them with you and discuss the highs and lows and let you know if there is anything worth watching in these movies. We recorded our discussion and present it here for you. We keep it brief.…

  • December 6, 2020

    Mank

    An alcoholic writes a masterpiece while reminiscing about his past in this pastiche/love letter to old Hollywood. It looks great and has all the elements in place, it’s just not that great. The film follows Herman Mankiewicz, played by Gary Oldman, as he is sequestered in a remote desert ranch in order to write a…

  • December 5, 2020

    The Queen’s Gambit

    A compelling story, exquisite period detail, and a wonderful lead performance make this Netflix series a deeply engaging show anyone can get into. It also might inspire you to add chess set to your Christmas list this year. The Queen’s Gambit is a miniseries released this year on Netflix. It is based on the 1983…

  • December 1, 2020

    Jungle Fever

    Getting back into Spike Lee’s filmography we return with Jungle Fever. This is a movie with moments of transcendent greatness that falls short in its execution. Spike Lee followed up Mo’ Better Blues with Jungle Fever. Mo’ Better Blues was not a big hit at the box office and received mixed response from critics. Most…

  • December 1, 2020

    Happiest Season

    This is a movie that is occasionally brilliant, but it adheres too closely to holiday rom com feel good formula to really transcend the genre in the way that it clearly wants to. Happiest Season is a holiday movie that follows Abby and Harper played by Kirsten Stewart and Mackenzie Davis respectively. They are two…

  • November 20, 2020

    The Devil All the Time

    Streaming on Netflix, this film is punishingly dark. It is a deep dive into the horrors we inflict on one another. It boasts some incredible performances and an aesthetic that seeps under the skin. However, it feels like it’s missing an essential element in its exploration of evil. The film follows a series of loosely…

  • November 19, 2020

    Rebecca (2020)

    Recently released to Netflix, this adaptation of Rebecca looks fantastic and contains wonderful actors doing their best, but it leaves out the heart, soul, romance, and mystery of the story. Rebecca is based on the novel of the same name by Daphne du Maurier. It follows an unnamed protagonist who meets and falls in love…

  • November 7, 2020

    The Trial of the Chicago 7

    Now streaming on Netflix, this is one of the great courtroom dramas. Written and directed by Aaron Sorkin, this film is powerful, thought provoking, and wildly entertaining. For those who don’t know about the Chicago 7, here’s a brief history lesson. During the 1968 Democratic National Convention, a series of anti Vietnam War protests turned…

  • November 1, 2020

    Psycho (1960)

    Ending Halloween month strong with the big one. Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho. Not the crappy remake. None of the crappy sequels. The original. The great movie. How does it hold up? Doe sit have the thrill it used to? Is it dated? Let’s find out. For those who don’t know, Psycho is a 1960 film directed…

  • October 31, 2020

    The Silence of the Lambs

    It’s so much fun to watch good movies. This is a very good movie. It’s great as a movie. It’s also a great example of an unsettling and frightening film that lingers long after the credits roll. Released in 1990 and directed by Jonathan Demme, this film follows FBI trainee Clarice Starling, played by Jodie…

  • October 30, 2020

    The Babadook

    Oh boy, what an absolutely terrifying movie. This one truly rattled me. It’s incredible filmmaking that can eek unease, dread, and terror out of even the most mundane moments. The film can be described in a number of ways all of which would be technically accurate. Amelia, played by Essie Davis, is a single mother…

  • October 29, 2020

    Black Christmas (all three versions)

    Black Christmas is a 1974 classic slasher film that has been remade twice. These three movies could not be more different. They share a location and a title, and that’s about it. We’re going to compare all three in this old vs new vs… newer. We’ll take them each one at a time then do…

  • October 28, 2020

    Sinister

    The setup is standard, and there are a few obvious jump scares, but the performances, the cinematography, and the sound design are stellar. It all adds up to a solidly scary movie. Ethan Hawke plays Ellison, a true crime writer who moves his family into a house where an entire family was killed in the…

  • October 27, 2020

    John Carpenter’s The Thing

    A classic for a reason, this 1980’s horror film boasts some of the best and most gruesome practical effects in cinema. It also has a wonderfully tense atmosphere of mistrust and suspicion that feels oddly prescient. Not to mention an ending that will keep you thinking long after the movie is over. Kurt Russel stars…

  • October 26, 2020

    You’re Next

    Are you in there mood for insane violence, pitch black comedy, excellent setup and payoff, truly chilly horror and a fantastic heroine? Then You’re Next is the movie for you. Released in 2011, You’re Next is a darkly comic take on the slasher genre. It follows a family that has gathered at a remote estate…

  • October 25, 2020

    Midsommar

    Who’s ready to feel deeply disturbed and unsettled by an expert filmmaker and a truly fantastic performance from a young actress? Midsommar is a 2019 folk horror film written and directed by Ari Aster. This is only his second feature after the terrifically horrifying Hereditary. This film follows Dani, played by Florence Pugh, a young…

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