Reviews

I should preface this by saying I'm a diehard Broken Lizard fan. As always, I was eagerly anticipating this movie. I recently heard Jay Chandrasekhar say on a podcast that they wrote this film maybe 20+ years ago, but hadn't felt like there was a market for it, until the opportunity presented itself through the pandemic. They were able to utilize an existing crew from a little TV show called Tacoma FD (a side project of Kevin Heffernan and Steve Lemme's), and I appreciate it even more for the integrity that went into making it. The fact that they found a way to help their colleagues continue working and make a living in an insecure time is just really awesome. Having said that, the movie itself goes down a different path than what we're used to from the group, but it's absolutely true to form. I find it fascinating how versatile they are, and it is one of the reasons why I love all of the guys together, and apart.

If you're not a Broken Lizard super fan, not to worry. There is plenty of fun to be had as a part timer or even a first timer, so long as you're not opposed to period pieces with silly accents, randomly placed bathroom jokes, and cheesy, absurd and sometimes painful, humor. The influence of Monty Python is definitely a major player here, and if you dig those fine chaps' work, well, you'll certainly dig Quasi.

I was drawn to Welcome to Chippendales right out of the gate. The first half of the season had all the energy and fervor of an actual Chippendales spectacle. Even though I'm much too young to have ever experienced the troupe live in their heyday, you can chalk it up to my fascination with vintage YouTube videos, documentaries and podcasts. Having said that, there is a lot of nonsense to unpack. Creative license is a necessary thing and I don't hate on the writers for taking liberties, I just think they could have done a better job with accurately representing more of the facts. For example, and with no spoilers, the final episode was so sloppily executed that it almost felt like an entirely different and disconnected story. There are many films and shows that do amazing things with true crime sagas and there are some that struggle. Though Welcome to Chippendales did carry itself well in the beginning, I feel like it fell flat. It's no fault of literally the entire cast, as they all delivered sound performances, most notably Murray Bartlett as De Noia and Kumail Nanjiani as Banerjee. There are quite simply some juicy morsels that should have been brought to the table and some unsavory ones that should have been left behind. Still a solid 8/10 though and definitely a fun watch. If you're craving more now that it's over, I encourage you to seek out the true, sordid tale in its entirety. It's sure to satiate.

This is a must watch for any female wanting a fresh perspective into their sexuality. I loved the diversity of the interviewees, supporting animation, and still photographs that accompany the scientific intel, expert opinions and no nonsense presentation that make up the story. As a mini series that is only three episodes, it's the perfect length, with just the right amount of information and humor to make it fun. Though much of what is presented should be common sense, the whole concept of female pleasure and orgasm somehow continues to elude society, and the honesty and realness of this show is what makes it so pertinent in today's ever changing world. I only wish I could have seen something similar when I was a young woman. I am glad we get to see it now, however, and I will share it with my teenaged daughters when the time is right. Sexual awareness equals power, is something that every human should be able to harness without shame or confusion, and is quite frankly the spice of life. This show helps bring awareness to those facts. We need more like it!

I loved The Bear from the moment I started watching. I admit, like most, I was drawn to it because of Jeremy Allen White. It's hard to disassociate him from the character of Lip from Shameless, and the vibes are definitely there, but he has really come into his own; I feel like his dedication to the role of Carmy is almost certainly his niche.

This show is full of raw passion and emotion. I wouldn't personally label it as a comedy but there are some well placed humorous moments which are so important to its development.

It shaped up nicely over eight short episodes, the season finale was basically perfect, and I am eagerly awaiting the next season! I very much hope that our boy might be considered in the runnings for the next awards season as well. 8/10.

I had high hopes for the series finale and unfortunately it somewhat disappointed. I won't spoil it for anyone, even though I desperately want to. That being said, the best thing I can say about it is that there is no shortage of shock and awe.

I have been watching since the beginning and the first three seasons were commanding. Even part one of season four set the conclusion up for greatness. The latter half and inevitable ending, however, were only just acceptable. This seems to be a common trend amongst shows that become too complicated for their own good; it's often impossible to close the loop holes efficiently. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to discredit it because I am such a loyal fan, but I think anyone would agree that the showrunners could have done a better job. Too many questions were left unanswered! It all boils down to high expectations for a high caliber experience that weren't met, although we do eventually have to make peace with it.

The flipside is that I don't think there will ever be another show in the future that can touch Ozark in its greatness, so that definitely proves its prowess. Sad to see it go without the bang it so richly deserved.

Black Friday was everything I expected and didn't, at the same time. Campy, gross comedies are one of my long time loves, and it is no surprise that I would appreciate anything that stars both Bruce Campbell and Devon Sawa, as they are two of my very favorites. I was excited for this when I heard about it some year or so ago. It didn't disappoint.

Having said that, this film might have meant a lot to me, but it could mean nothing to someone else. It doesn't really offer much to the layman. The humor doesn't land like it should, the story is lacking in originality and development, and the acting from most of the cast is mediocre at best. I will say that besides Campbell as Jonathan and Sawa as Ken, Ryan Lee was entertaining to watch in his role as Chris. I also enjoyed the emotion that was thrown in, and the culmination of which, even though it seemed a bit forced.

I give it a 6/10, worthy of appreciation for what it is, as well as additional viewings in the future when the timing is right.

I just started watching and this show is right up my alley. If you appreciate a good murder/mystery thriller with a fresh twist, it will be up your alley too. I cannot say enough good things about Toni Collette and her acting chops. Same for Bella Heathcote, who seems to be fairly new to the Hollywood scene yet is proving herself as a masterclass. It is my opinion that the roles of Laura and Andy Oliver were made for both of them, respectively. As other reviewers have noted, it is fast paced and fast moving, but it's not hard to follow, so that makes it all the more watchable. I found myself grabbing at my face in horror several times and I am only two episodes in. I am HOOKED. Netflix has consistently proven itself to be a major player in quality content and this does not disappoint. I will be binge watching the other six episodes on the weekend and impatiently waiting for more, no question. One of the best originals to come to the platform since Ozark.

Disturbing the Peace is one of those movies that you keep pausing in order to do something else and then come back to, forgetting exactly what went down in the process. Not even Guy Pearce and Devon Sawa could save this train wreck, and I am a huge fan of both of them. From the very beginning, it was nothing short of a slow paced snooze fest. And what is with all the huge breasted, trashy looking females? A rocking body does not a good actor make. It's sad that sexism is still rampant in film production in this day and age. All in all, this film was extremely unrealistic and downright ridiculous, in all aspects. Its one redeeming quality is that it had some decent action sequences but that still does not nullify its mundaneness. Take my advice and skip this one.

I just had the urge to drop this here. Letterkenny is one of my favorite shows and it always gives me the big laughs. Having said that, the opening of this episode was so deadpan hilarious that I almost busted a gut. The creators really know how to lay it down. And whoever that actor is that plays Alexander ought to have more presence. Apparently fans have had mixed opinions on how corny the series has become, especially concerning a very constipated season 7, but in my eyes they have outdone themselves with this one. Season 8 and particularly this episode are on fire!

Let me start by saying this is very much a John Travolta driven vehicle. Without him, it would crash and burn. Not to say that it didn't do that anyway but for such a respected and seasoned actor to jump aboard, we must appreciate the reason why. That is, if we could figure it out! In the event that he simply wanted to try his hand at portraying a mentally handicapped character, he nailed it. Sadly though, that wasn't enough. With a few ridiculous animated sequences and narration that feels out of place, The Fanatic just doesn't work. The way the story is told is terrible, among other things. Also, as a lifelong Devon Sawa fan who could totally picture him as the antagonist in a film like this, somehow he just did not fit in. Suffice it to say I was disappointed. I had been waiting eagerly to have the chance to see this film and in the end, I felt dejected and disgusted. That's really the only way I know how to describe it. I hate to not recommend a film because every piece of art deserves recognition, however don't waste your time with this one.

Hours is unlike any other film of the same genre, in my opinion. The desperation is palpable. What we are presented with is one infallible situation after another that provides us with an element of suspenseful anxiety that cannot be topped. Paul Walker plays Nolan, who looses his wife during childbirth in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. The New Orleans hospital in which the story takes place is abruptly abandoned and he is left alone with his premature daughter who is dependent on a ventilator. The film is raw and real and despite the fact that most of the other acting leaves much to be desired, Walker shines in his role as the protective, albeit unsure, new father. When the hospital's electricity goes out and backup methods fail, the baby's survival is placed solely in his hands and he is forced to test many a limit in a race against time. It is a career defining role and the fact that it was the last film he made before his untimely death makes it all the more relevant. It is definitely worth a watch if you're a fan. Even more so if you can appreciate its simplicity.

Mandy is one hell of a piece of exquisite filmmaking. Combining arthouse with grindhouse has never come together quite as flawlessly as it does in this film. I couldn't help but immediately think Tarantino upon seeing the opening credits and as it progresses, the parallels are definitely there. That's not to say that this is a knockoff, quite the contrary, I think most filmmakers take cues from others and if Tarantino's work is one of Panos Cosmatos' inspirations, I welcome it. Also thrown in are some Charles Manson vibes, a subtle sense of humor, a killer, rock 'n' roll soundtrack and a touch of the supernatural, packaging it all up nicely. Not to mention Nic Cage, I mean, wow! With the exception of Leaving Las Vegas, I've never considered myself a huge fan due to his mediocre acting abilities and slew of less than satisfactory films, but damn if the part of Red wasn't written just for him. This is probably his best performance to date and I've gained a new respect for him that I hope to nurture further. In conclusion, when I first heard about Mandy several months back, I knew I would love it and I was more than right. It's definitely not for everyone due to its subject matter and elevated level of gory violence but even the most hardened critics, or softest hearts, should at least be able to appreciate its vision, artistically and otherwise.

As a lifelong fan of Ryan Dunn, I quite like this film. It's certainly not award worthy, has way too much sexual content and not a lot of depth, but what can you expect? There are several laughable moments, one of which is Bam Margera's cameo appearance, and in spite of yourself, you actually care about what happens to the characters. I also love the indie soundtrack, even though some songs seem out of place at times. It's important to remember this is a goofy comedy that doesn't take itself seriously and despite the fact that some of the situations seem forced and the premise itself is ridiculous, there is real feeling beneath the shallow exterior. As I said, to enjoy this film you should be familiar with Dunn's previous projects and his outlandish acting style. It's clearly not for everyone but if, like me, you appreciate the silly and absurd, Living Will... will definitely tickle your funny bone and makes a nice addition to your memorabilia collection. It's sad Dunn never got to see the finished product before he tragically died. If anything, the film should be revered as his final curtain call.

I've only watched the first two episodes thus far and I am hooked! This is the type of show that will keep you stuck to the couch and forgoing your responsibilities because you simply must know more. As a huge horror fan, I couldn't ask for anything else. It's as much about family dysfunction as it is the preternatural and it doesn't get any better. The writing, the soundtrack, the atmosphere itself, they're all perfect. To me, the one thing that stands out the most is the similarities in physical appearances between the child and adult actors for each character; they are simply astounding. All in all, it's a complicated situation with a lot of ground to cover and even after only two episodes it's coming together gracefully. I can't wait to see what unfolds. If you like creepy stories with depth, this is right up your alley. And just in time for Halloween, too!

I will start this review off by saying I love, love, love the original. I spent weekends at my grandma's as a child with little but a VHS player and a collection of old movies and it was always one of my favorites. That being said, when I first learned about a remake, I was ecstatic! Though it definitely didn't blow my socks off, it certainly didn't disappoint. It also helps that I am quite fond of Anna Faris' unique brand of comedic presence. Her portrayal of overworked, under appreciated Kate who spins a vengeful, yet well intentioned, situation into a mutually beneficial one was very endearing. Eva Longoria, as her friend, was a nice addition to the cast. I also have to praise Eugenio Derbez, whom I have never seen before but definitely plan on familiarizing myself with. His character Leonardo is not easily forgettable and incited most of my laughs. Swoosie Kurtz as Kate's eccentric, disillusioned mother is always a treat to see as well. Long story short, if you are expecting this film to be exactly like its predecessor, your expectations are too high. Here we have a crisp, modern take on the 1987 classic and it is one that should be appreciated and revered, even, especially for lifelong fans. There is humor, humiliation and in the grand scheme of things, a ton of heart that will just make you feel good. Not to mention perfectly placed homages to the original (including costumes and dialogue, among others) and it is just as fun, if not more! All in all, a decent way to waste a couple lazy hours, in this reviewer's opinion.

As a big fan of both Allison Janney and Susan Sarandon, this film was a must-watch for me. It's one of those ones that slips the mind when it first comes out, however, and I did not get a chance to view it until today. The plot was slightly thin, the characters slightly predictable, and I felt like there was a ton of filler material that should have been avoided, but all in all, it was a lot of fun. We all know that Hollywood pumps out a ton of cheap humor these days, and to some, (probably most), Tammy is no exception. However, there are times when cheap humor is acceptable and times when it's not. This is one of those times when it is. I mean, come on, this film was never meant to be an Oscar winner or even on the lips or fingertips of some high ranking critic. Even with its mix of dirty jokes, uncomfortable moments and cliché-ridden situations, there is so much more beneath the surface. The two aforementioned actresses completely nailed their roles (especially Sarandon as the hard drinking, no expenses spared grandma) and I must also give props to Kathy Bates and Sandra Oh. It's not every day that a plethora of big name actors lend their talent to lesser-known productions and I think it's highly admirable of all these fine women, as they clearly wanted to make a film that really spoke to their souls. Melissa McCarthy deserves the biggest mention of all, as she co-wrote the film with her husband, (who also directed it), and if you know anything about McCarthy, she is nothing if not feisty and fun loving in a commanding way. I give it 6 stars. It's definitely not anything special but if you want to relax, escape from the daily grind of life and enjoy a real silly film with real heart, Tammy is a pretty great choice.

This was yet another powerful episode. Everyone is saying it and it's true-- At the very least Elisabeth Moss deserves an Emmy nod. The way she composes herself, her body language, even the way her chin twitches and her eyes glaze over when confronted with impossible situations or choices as Offred, her acting abilities are beyond brilliant. Let us not forget the supporting cast and the crew as well, every single individual involved with every episode of this show deserves recognition. And can I just say, this is one of those rare times where we see Serena Joy's humanity truly outshine her wickedness and I am of the opinion that there's so much more depth to her than we have seen thus far. I also can't wait to see what happens with the eccentric new Commander and his troubled charge. All in all, another superb, yet surprising, episode that just keeps tugging those heart strings. I am saddened that next week is the season finale but I look forward to a strong, inventive third season.

I will preface this by saying I have been extremely underwhelmed by the second season, until now. Season 1 was weird, insane and amazing and I could barely get through one day without thinking about it. Don't get me wrong, this is a beautifully crafted show, the story gets more entrancing with every passing episode and I have been enthralled throughout the whole series. Season 2 has just been moving a little slow in my opinion and I didn't expect it to take this long to pick back up. I'm not a fan of spoilers so I won't give any here, what I will say is that this has been the most scathing episode thus far and it was well worth the wait. Perhaps there's a strategy to this? I'm sure there is. Reel in the masses with the debut season then keep them guessing and wondering throughout the second, so they crave more and more, and are eventually rewarded for their patience. Needless to say, I am one of those patient cravers and I am swollen with emotion after this episode. You will be too.

The best films are the ones that haunt you, that make you scratch your head in oblivious confusion and leave you reaching for even a minuscule inkling of an answer. Enemy is one of those films. Describing it is a daunting task, as it's in a class of its own. You need to have an appreciation for this sort of artistry in order to enjoy it. And by "this sort of artistry" I mean that it is psychologically complex, self manipulative and borderline demented. Our main character is struggling with a sense of disillusioned longing and once he starts to nurture it, (and his environment begins to reflect the true nature of it), he can no longer be sure of who he even is. Jake Gyllenhaal delivers one of his finest performances and the supporting cast is stunning. The film achieves it all: a perfectly written script, convincing acting, gorgeous, (albeit creepy), cinematography and a good old fashioned element of suspenseful anticipation that will keep your eyes glued to the screen and your butt glued to the chair.

Take my word for it. Watch Enemy with an open mind and savor its seductive facade. Then revisit it once you've reflected on its intended meaning, which you no doubt will do. Upon subsequent viewings it will engage you all over again in a different way and you will appreciate its initial purposeful misdirection. It is one of my all time favorites and has been since the first time I was graced by its presence. Whenever I feel like getting weird, Enemy is my starting point. A must see for Gyllenhaal fans and a true experience for those who are into the macabre.

I was really excited for this show when I first heard about it and saw the trailer. The premier was decent but I feel like it has fallen flat on its face, even after only two episodes. The premise is unique enough, and I usually always enjoy shows or films that tackle women's liberation, especially from an era before our own. But sadly, American Woman is just that- sad. The acting leaves much to be desired, the pace is too slow and despite its handful of semi charming moments, it quite frankly doesn't hold my interest. I will probably keep watching to see if it improves as it goes along but I am not optimistic. Perhaps if they gave Mena Suvari (whom I adore) more screen time I might feel differently, although she alone probably could not redeem the credibility of this hot mess. If the production team were a little league baseball team, I'd present them with a lame participation trophy and then call it a night.