Toy Story 5

Toy Story 5; How many Toy Storys are too many? Turns out 5. Coasting on nostalgia & introducing new characters that don’t have the likability of previous films, the formula is tired & no longer inspired. Franchise has been lifted by sum total of toys, but there’s little for most toys to do here; B-

Outcome

Outcome; Sold as comedy, but truly an introspective drama, it seems made for & more in tune w/Hollywood types than an average viewer. Casting Reeves is clear choice for character’s conundrum, as his real life goodness counters the role. Great cast but story fizzles while promoting daily decency; B-

Ready or Not 2

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come; The surprise and suspense of the first is lost in this attempt to up the ante w/more families of hunters. Sister character arc eliminates the original’s haunting aspect of the bride’s solitary state. Still, the actors are having a blast and it is slightly infectious; B-

Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie

Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie; Parts Wayne’s World, Ferris Bueller, & the obvious Back to the Future, w/less humour than those three. Wears its influences openly & might wear thin for those who aren’t along for low budget hijinx, street level Canadian filmmaking. Peers will find joy in it; B-
 

TRON: Ares

TRON: Ares; Maintains cool aesthetic lighting and killer soundtrack that makes the franchise appealing in the first place. New plot angles are interesting enough to fill a full two hours and Lee is a great leading actor to root for. Unfortunate casting of Leto detracts but it’s still watchable; B-
 

A Very Jonas Christmas Movie

A Very Jonas Christmas Movie; It’s hard to not enjoy the JoJo Bros. when they know they’re the joke. Their fame, music, family is all up for spoofs in what they clearly know is a ridiculous movie to be making. Cinema, this is definitely not, but a silly little passage of time around the holidays; B-

Wicked: For Good

Wicked: For Good; Similar to its source material, this 2nd act fails to enthral like the 1st, despite continued inspiring musical performances. The direction seems less interested in giving us spectacle & grandeur, opting for dark close ups & gloomy two shots. It feels like the magic fizzled out; B-

Becoming Led Zeppelin

Becoming Led Zeppelin; There’s not much insight shared about the evolution of Zeppelin, as the film fails to convey the magic of its legendary riffs. It comes off pedestrianly ordinary, for music that moves like no other. The film wraps up way ahead of what we want to hear, hoping for a follow up; B-

Jurassic World: Rebirth

Jurassic World: Rebirth; Like Jaws, essentially B-movies done well, this instalment of Dinosaurs come to dinner can’t decide between family or scientists in peril, so does both. Uses water danger to a greater degree. Still doesn’t have much to offer beyond the original. Solid, standard frights; B-

Captain America: Brave New World

Captain America: Brave New World; Has the opportunity to cover new ground but seems to rehash old themes and topics. Film feels like a sad victim to real life circumstances overshadowing the release and timing of this movie. At least it finally acknowledges the events of Eternals. VFX seem off; B-

Havoc

Havoc; If a bullets and blood orgy is your thing, you’re going to like this film. But if the actors are the draw, you’ll soon find they’re there to elevate a stylistic action film by lending their names for added prestige. Unfortunately, none of the characters are worth rooting to keep alive; B-

Thief

Thief; Stylish heist thriller gives Caan ample space to chew scenery as a loner pro thief who gets in trouble for making connections in his life. Tangerine Dream’s cringe inducing score seriously dates the movie, with the post 70s film character study aesthetic colliding with 80s production; B-
 

Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy

Buy Now! The Shopping Conspiracy; A clear summary of how overproduction is part & parcel of capitalist driving of overconsumption resulting in insurmountable levels of waste. The documentary follows the cycle from start to finish, revealing many effects that are often detached from one another; B-

The Hunger Games:The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes; Better than expected, yet still suffers from trying to find sympathy in an irredeemable character. It’s neat to see earlier versions of the Games, with fun takes from new cast members. Still grossly centered around child slaughter for sport; B-

Slap Shot

Slap Shot; A relic of a bygone era that oddly has echoes of influence in our time. Sexism, homophobia, and rampant misogyny aside, the film certainly informed future comedies like Anchorman and Dodgeball. Difficulty distinguishing what’s parody and what’s sincere makes it a fascinating watch; B-

Jurassic World Dominion

Jurassic World Dominion; Return to form for the franchise, delivering a greatest hits of the typical thrills of dinosaur inflicted peril. Howard continues to be a drag on the series, while the rest are admirably recreating the guilty delight for what should be the final time. Suitable diversion; B-

The Haunted Mansion

The Haunted Mansion; A bit of Frighteners level scares that are creepy but balanced off for family fare through Murphy’s comic presence. Some fun scenes for parks fans plus some great practical effects and makeup for the ghouls. Stamp is a perfect casting choice to convey the concocted story; B-

Ultraman: Rising

Ultraman: Rising; Takes story beats we’ve seen before on a trajectory that’s somewhat predictable but has enough of its own flavour & design that it is enjoyable to watch, partly on account of the exquisite animation. For family fare, it’s definitely serviceable and worth the time spent for most; B-
 

Bodies Bodies Bodies

Bodies Bodies Bodies; Enticing cast goes overboard in increasingly ridiculous ways which makes me wonder what was in those drugs they did. Playing werewolf at a party is interesting but the face slapping is a questionable choice. Mood & energy over actual intrigue & suspense. Ludicrous yet fun; B-

The SpongeBob Musical: Live on Stage!

The SpongeBob Musical: Live on Stage; Apart from sheer joy in the lunatic absurd show/songs, this filmed Broadway musical is a let down, as cuts to great songs & moments are made to fit a runtime instead of highlighting the best bits fully. Poorly shot on a budget does not do justice to the show; B-