MOVIE REVIEW: CUCKOO

 

Seventeen-year-old Gretchen reluctantly leaves America to live with her father at a resort in the German Alps. Plagued by strange noises and bloody visions, she soon discovers a shocking secret that concerns her own family.

Director: Tilman Singer

Cast: Hunter Schafer, Jan Bluthardt, Marton Csokas, Jessica Henwick, Dan Stevens

Release Date: August 9, 2024

Genre: Horror, Mystery, Thriller

Rated R for violence, bloody images, language and brief teen drug use.

Runtime: 1h 43m

Review:

Tilman Singer's Cuckoo is unabashedly bonkers, almost to a nonsensical degree, but strong turns from Hunter Schafer and Dan Stevens keeps the crazy train on track for large stretches of time.  Writer/Director Tilman Singer has an ability to craft a series of unsettling and disorientating sequences something he does with impressive aplomb throughout.  There's also a darkly, wry sense of humor at play throughout the film's narrative which keeps the whole thing from getting overly oppressively overbearing.  There's a tangible sense that Singer is having a good time twisting the screws on the audience even as the story details continue to make less and less sense.  It’s a fun, intriguing approach which might ultimately prove to be a frustrating experience since the story leaves a boatload of unanswered questions by the time the film ends.  Thankfully, the film is blessed with two strong turns from Hunter Schafer and Dan Stevens who do their best to carry the film over its narrative shortcomings.  Schafer is perfectly suited to play the disaffected teen who immediately senses something is off about the whole situation.  It’s a role that mostly asks her to react to the increasingly dangerous predicament especially as she's beaten and bloodied as the film goes on. There are a few moments, particularly in the final act, that give Schafer an opportunity to give the character more emotional depth and a sense of the underlying trauma that she's been carrying.  Dan Stevens continues his recent string of strong character work with his sly turn as the mysterious doctor running the establishment.  It’s the kind of role that fits his talents perfectly as he gives his character a mischievous charm that's engaging but unnerving at the same time.  Schafer and Stevens are equally entertaining onscreen even after the story runs off the rails.   It only exemplifies the fact that Cuckoo could have been something truly special had it spent more time on a more coherent story with stronger internal logic to deliver a more satisfying experience overall.

B-

MOVIE REVIEW: ABIGAIL

 

A group of would-be criminals kidnaps the 12-year-old daughter of a powerful underworld figure. Holding her for ransom in an isolated mansion, their plan starts to unravel when they discover their young captive is actually a bloodthirsty vampire.

Director: Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett

Cast: Alisha Weir, Melissa Barrera, Dan Stevens, Kathryn Newton, William Catlett, Kevin Durand, Angus Cloud, Giancarlo Esposito

Release Date: April 19, 2024

Genre: Horror, Thriller

Rated R for strong bloody violence and gore throughout, pervasive language and brief drug use.

Runtime:1h 49m

Review:

Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett's Abigail might be a little light on scares but it more than makes up for it with its fun, over the top energy and a game cast that make it one of the funniest horror comedies in recent memory.  The directing duo recapture the energy that worked so well in their 2019 breakout, Ready or Not, with a bloody blend of cartoonish characters and increasingly outrageous dark comedy which plays like a mash up of Reservoir Dogs and From Dusk till Dawn.  Those expecting anything new or terribly deep will be left disappointed since neither the story nor characters are fairly thin and straightforward.  Thankfully, this is the kind of film that doesn't really require much from either, especially with an ensemble cast that's having as much fun as the directors are.  Melissa Barrera is steady in the lead role, playing it straight for the majority of the film even as things get gorier and bloodier.  The supporting cast is made up of familiar faces that are clearly relishing the chance to lean into the characters personas.  Dan Stevens delivers another strong performance as a NY cop turned criminal, further proving his ability to morph into anybody onscreen.  Kathryn Newton, in full Avril Lavigne cosplay, is great fun as the ditzy tech nerd of the group who gets some of the film's best lines.  Kevin Durand brings a goofy likability to his meat head muscle highlighted by some solid chemistry with Newton.  Angus Cloud, in his final screen performance, gets a few moments early on but his screen time is fairly brief, much like Giancarlo Esposito, in the grand scheme of things.  Alisha Weir, who plays the kidnapped tween ballerina, really shines throughout as she shuffles between tween and ancient ghoul with incredible ease.  She possesses a confidence onscreen that makes the film work far better than it would have been in lesser hands.  Abigail stumbles a bit in the final act where you get the sense a few bits could have been excised to make for a leaner experience.  It’s a minor issue and something that's easy to overlook once the film wraps up its goofy, gory trek that's sure to leave plenty of people smiling.  

B+

MOVIE REVIEW: GODZILLA X KONG: THE NEW EMPIRE

 

Godzilla and the almighty Kong face a colossal threat hidden deep within the planet, challenging their very existence and the survival of the human race.

Director: Adam Wingard

Cast: Rebecca Hall, Brian Tyree Henry, Dan Stevens, Kaylee Hottle, Alex Ferns, Fala Chen

Release Date: March 29, 2024

Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Rated PG-13 for creature violence and action.

Runtime: 1h 54m

Review:

Adam Wingard's Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire brings a massive amount of kaiju action to the big screen in a big dumb, popcorn film that keeps the focus on the central monsters.  Those looking for any sort of deep story from the human side of the film will likely be disappointed with them serving as little more than afterthoughts primarily used for exposition dumps.  Rebecca Hall, returning from the previous entry, does what she can with her paper thin character.  Hall, to her credit, doesn't phone it in as she clearly enjoying herself throughout regardless of how ridiculous the dialogue or action is while also managing to squeezing out every bit of emotional connection possible with Kaylee Hottle.  Brian Tyree Henry also returns as the chatter box conspiracy podcaster taking care of most of the comic relief along with Dan Stevens.  Stevens brings his charismatic energy from the moment he pops up on screen, chewing up scenery with impressive enthusiasm.  Of course this is all secondary to the monster mayhem Wingard unleashes onscreen as he creates his version of 1968's Destroy All Monsters battle royal.  He delivers a series of expansive and inventive battles for the titan's conflict with a weightless kaiju battle in the film's final act leaving an impression.  This entry is focused more on Kong's side of the story as he searches for a community after his extended isolation.  He's joined by an adopted mini Kong for large spurts of the film and they manage to create a surprisingly enduring relationship even in the mist of all the CGI action.  Those looking for more Godzilla action might be a little disappointed since he's more of a secondary character here even though he gets to dole out his fair share of destruction.  The action isn't concerned with collateral damage in anyway shape or form as cities are destroyed left and right throughout.  Wingard is fully aware of what kind of film he's making with Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire and those looking for epic kaiju battles are sure to leave happy.

B

Cindy Prascik's Review of The Man Who Invented Christmas

 

My dear reader(s): In my attempt to wallow in holiday revelry until they drag me kicking and screaming back to work on Tuesday, on New Year's Eve I checked out an older (but new to me) holiday flick, the Man Who Invented Christmas.

Spoiler level here will be mild.

Charles Dickens juggles family and artistic struggles while writing a Christmas Carol.

The Man Who Invented Christmas intertwines fantasy with reality, as characters from the story Dickens is writing appear in a real world where he's fighting both family and professional difficulties. Downton Abbey's Dan Stevens leads a cast of familiar faces through the serviceable story. The trailer sells the film as a comedy, which it isn't, but it's entertaining enough despite not feeling very Christmasey until the very end.

The Man Who Invented Christmas clocks in at 104 minutes and is rated PG for "thematic elements and some mild language."

It's not the most festive holiday film around, but the Man Who Invented Christmas is an engaging tale that will help you keep the spirit of the season alive. Of a possible nine Weasleys, the Man Who Invented Christmas gets five.

The Man Who Invented Christmas is now streaming on Prime.

Until next time...

MOVIE REVIEW: THE RENTAL

Two couples on an oceanside getaway grow suspicious that the host of their seemingly perfect rental house may be spying on them. Before long, what should have been a celebratory weekend trip turns into something far more sinister.

Director: Dave Franco

Cast: Dan Stevens, Alison Brie, Sheila Vand, Jeremy Allen White, Toby Huss

Release Date: July 24, 2020

Genres: Horror, Thriller

Rated R for violence, language throughout, drug use and some sexuality

Runtime: 1h 29min

Review:

Dave Franco’s debut film is polished but inconsistent.  Franco does a good job of setting up the interpersonal dynamics which gives us a palatable sense of tension from the get go.  He lets it simmer until it comes to boil in the final act with gruesome results.  Unfortunately, most horror fans will see most twist coming a mile away and it’s ultimately a retread of countless home terror type films like The Strangers.  Still a strong cast led by the ever reliable Dan Stevens keeps the whole thing watchable.  He and his cast have great chemistry together which makes these characters feel like living breathing people and not just fodder for the meat grinder.  This gives the film an air of authenticity that makes it easier to overlook some of the story’s shortcomings.  Those horror fans looking for something super gruesome or supernatural will be left wanting because this film is solely focused on the terrible things people do which ultimately might be scarier than anything.

B-

MOVIE REVIEW: EUROVISION SONG CONTEST: THE STORY OF FIRE SAGA

Two small-town singers chase their pop star dreams at a global music competition, where scheming rivals, high stakes and onstage mishaps test their bond.

Director: David Dobkin

Cast: Will Ferrell, Rachel McAdams, Pierce Brosnan, Dan Stevens, Demi Lovato

Release Date: June 26, 2020

Genres: Comedy, Music

Rated PG-13 for crude sexual material including full nude sculptures, some comic violent images, and language

Runtime: 2h 3min

Review:

There are a few things that’ll make you much more disposed to enjoying Will Ferrell’s latest farce.  If you’re a fan of Ferrell’s man child shtick and euro pop music you’ll probably find plenty to love in loving send up of the famed singing contest.  The film radiates some strong Zoolander vibes from the start even if it never quite reaches that film’s heights.  It’s a zany vibe from the start and director David Dobkin embraces the silliness which includes things like elves and a charred protector ghost and those aren’t even major story threads.  Unfortunately the film could have used some trimming here and there; it appears to be an issue with Netflix produced films all around.  There’s zero reason this type of film should be 2 hours long and while it only drag in spots it would have benefited from some savvy edits.  As is the film have some really funny portion like an after party that turns into a Eurovision cameo fest and central performance that goes horribly wrong.  Ferrell and McAdams make for a fun duo and both work off each other really well.  This film is right in Ferrell’s wheelhouse so it’s hardly a surprise but McAdams continues to show off some impressive comedic talents which is kind of hard to believe considering her early rom-com film roles.   Both are obviously have a great time but Dan Stevens nearly steals the show as their friendememy.  Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Sage is kind of escapism lark you need occasionally especially during particular time in history.  It doesn’t bring much new to the table but its funny enough to make for an enjoyable watch.  

B

MOVIE REVIEW: BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

Bill Condon (Dreamgirls) directed this live-action retelling of the Disney animated classic from 1991. As before, this fairy tale centers on a young woman named Belle (Emma Watson), who is forced to live in an enchanted castle with a prince who is cursed to look like a hideous Beast (Dan Stevens). In time, the pair fall in love as Belle learns to see the good man hiding behind the Beast's monstrous exterior. The film co-stars Luke Evans as Gaston, Ewan McGregor as Lumière, Emma Thompson as Mrs. Potts, Ian McKellen as Cosgworth, Kevin Kline as Belle's father, and Josh Gad as Gaston's sidekick LeFou. ~ Jack Rodgers, Rovi

Director: Bill Condon

Cast: Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Luke Evans, Josh Gad, Ewan McGregor

Release Date: Mar 17, 2017

Rated PG for Peril, Frightening Images and Some Action Violence

Runtime: 2 hr. 9 min.

Genres: Family, Music/Performing Arts, Romance, Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Review:

The live action Beauty and The Beast hits all the right notes both figuratively and literally but it still feels like it’s missing something.  Bill Condon does a fine job of directing the film delivering lavish musical numbers and a cornucopia of visual treats.  His cast is excellent with Emma Watson sliding into the Belle role with great easy.  Her voice isn’t quiet as strong as the role needs it to be but she’s still a great choice for the role.  Dan Stevens is solid if uninspired as the Beast which is a shame considering he’s a strong actor.  It doesn’t help that the CGI on the Beast is thoroughly unconvincing.  The rest of the CGI characters are well done which makes the misstep on one of the main characters all the more puzzling.  Ewan McGregor stands our as Lumière as does Emma Thompson.  As for the rest of the live action cast, Luke Evans and Josh Gad make for a great duo which is helped by the fact that they are clearly have a great time.  All in all, the live action version of the film is strong across the board even though it could have used a bit of a trim here there.  Unfortunately, it never really finds itself and it really makes you want to revisit the original animated film.

B-

Cindy Prascik's Review of Beauty and the Beast

Dearest Blog: Today it was off to Marquee Cinemas for the live-action remake of Disney's classic, Beauty and the Beast.

 

Spoiler level here will be...oh, who am I kidding? Everybody knows how this turns out.

 

A selfish prince is turned into a hideous beast by a curse that can only be lifted by his learning to love and be loved.

 

Dear Reader(s), other than Pirates of the Caribbean and that awesome old Robin Hood cartoon, I'm not really a Disney super-fan. If you want to know how the current imagining of Beauty and the Beast stacks up against the much-loved animated version (which I failed to revisit, despite my best intentions), you're going to have to look elsewhere. That out of the way...

 

The new Beauty and the Beast gets just about everything right. Emma Watson is a delight in the lead. She hasn't got the strongest singing voice, but she's gifted with numbers that aren't much beyond your average shower performer, getting by on her natural charm, beauty, and ever-growing acting chops. As for the Beast, well, casting a handsome devil like Dan Stevens in a role where you hardly see his face has to be a black mark on a film's permanent record, but Stevens' charisma is never hidden by his beastly facade. The cast's true gems are in its supporting players. Luke Evans, Josh Gad, and the divine Audra McDonald use their musical theater cred to steal the show, and the number "Gaston" (featuring Evans and Gad) is easily the highlight of the picture. Some interior scenes are a bit too dark (a by-product of seeing a 3D product in 2D), but the movie's glorious sets are otherwise on full, stunning display. Costumes are also top notch. Seeing Emma in that iconic yellow dress tugged at even my Grinch-sized heart. For my money, the movie's only serious flaws are bland tunes (I daresay most don't share that opinion) and the fact it could use about a 20-minute trim, but a good--if predictable--story, fun action, and solid humor more than compensate for these minor quibbles.

 

Disney's Beauty and the Beast runs 129 minutes and is rated PG for "some action violence, peril, and frightening images."

 

The live-action remake of Beauty and the Beast is magic for old and new fans alike. 

 

Of a possible nine Weasleys, Beauty and the Beast gets seven and a half.

 

Fangirl points: The Goddess Audra! My beloved Luke Evans!

 

Until next time... 

 

Cindy Prascik's Review of A Walk Among the Tombstones

Dearest Blog, yesterday it was off to the pictures for my first double-header in awhile. Before a final screening of summer's most fun flick, Guardians of the Galaxy, I had a look at Liam Neeson's latest, A Walk Among the Tombstones.

Spoiler level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailers.

An ex-cop working as an unlicensed P.I. hunts a woman's killers.

A Walk Among the Tombstones looks a lot like an old TV cop show. It's set against the harshest, ugliest parts of New York, in that gloomy bit of the year when the leaves have dropped but the snow hasn't yet fallen. Though the lack of color sets an appropriately morose tone, the movie is not without its lighter moments, most of which hit the right mark, lifting the mood without derailing it.

Liam Neeson does what Liam Neeson does best, ensuring you leave the theatre thinking you never, EVER want to face a crisis without him. The solid supporting cast features Downton Abbey heartthrob Dan Stevens in a VERY different role from Matthew Crawley, Sebastian Roche (who will ever be Law & Order's C-Square to me!), and the precocious Brian "Astro" Bradley. The story has enough twists and turns to keep you interested, without being so long or overly complicated that it bogs down.

A Walk Among the Tombstones clocks in at 113 minutes and is rated R for "strong violence, disturbing images, language, and brief nudity." It may not be especially memorable, but it's an entertaining, well-crafted thriller that easily holds your attention.

Of a possible nine Weasleys, A Walk Among the Tombstones gets seven.

Until next time.

Where's Carson when ya need him??