Cindy Prascik's Review of Candy Cane Lane

My dear reader(s): If, like me, you seek a bit of cinematic Christmas cheer, but want to steer clear of holiday-themed horror and romance (some would say they're the same), it can be challenging to find anything that fits the bill. May I invite you, then, to Candy Cane Lane?

Spolier level here will be mild, nothing you wouldn't know from the trailer.

A man obsessed with Christmas goes to imprudent lengths to win a holiday decorating contest in his neighborhood.

Candy Cane Lane is a feel-good family film that doesn't try to reinvent the starlight mint. Eddie Murphy (a favorite in our house since we wore out our VHS copy of Raw!) leads a likeable cast through an adventure that teaches the true meaning of Christmas. The movie features gorgeous and festive sets, cute animation, and some great Christmas tunes. It's more amusing than laugh-out-loud funny, and it even throws proper shade at retailers putting out Valentines before Christmas, one of my particular pet peeves! Candy Cane Lane isn't anything revolutionary, but it's easy, comfortable, and promotes that warm, fuzzy feeling that's perfect for the holiday season.

Candy Cane Lane runs 117 minutes and is rated PG for "language throughout, and some suggestive references."

If you're looking for a fun family movie to close out your holiday break, Candy Cane Lane is just the ticket. Of a possible nine Weasleys, Candy Cane Lane gets seven.

Candy Cane Lane is now streaming on Prime.

Until next time, I wish you all safe celebrations and the happiest of New Years!

MOVIE REVIEW: BIRD BOX

When a mysterious force decimates the population, only one thing is certain -- if you see it, you die. The survivors must now avoid coming face to face with an entity that takes the form of their worst fears. Searching for hope and a new beginning, a woman and her children embark on a dangerous journey through the woods and down a river to find the one place that may offer sanctuary. To make it, they'll have to cover their eyes from the evil that chases them -- and complete the trip blindfolded.

Director: Susanne Bier

Cast: Sandra Bullock,  Trevante Rhodes, Jacki Weaver, Rosa Salazar, Danielle Macdonald, Lil Rel Howery, Tom Hollander, BD Wong, Sarah Paulson, Colson Baker John Malkovich

Rating: R for violence, bloody images, language and brief sexuality

Release Date: December 21, 2018

Genres: Drama, Horror, Sci-Fi

Runtime: 2h 4 min

Review:

Bird Box the film is one of those film's that ultimately suffer from comparisons to another better film from this year, The Quiet Place.  The interesting thing is that the film only shares a handful of conceits with that film instead it feels much closer to a slightly elevated version of M. Night Shyamalan god awful The Happening.  That proximity doesn't do the film any favors especially since both expect you to take people running away from wind seriously and dramatically.  Bird Box, at the very least, gives a passing mention of a more supernatural explanation for the situation but it's clearly not interested in exploring the cause with any depth.  What works for the film is its direction and cast which make the film far more watchable than it should be.  Sandra Bullock carries the film with ease even if her character isn't the most likable character of the group.  Trevante Rhodes character comes off slightly better but his character isn't explored enough to come off as a fully formed character.   The remaining cast is filled with well known names and faces, all of whom elevate what amounts to fodder to get picked off as the film proceeds.  Its a missed opportunity since the cast, had they been given meatier roles, could have made for a more impactful film.  As is, Bird Box is a passable genre entry that will be quickly forgotten the instant it's over.

C 

MOVIE REVIEW: THE PREDATOR

From the outer reaches of space to the small-town streets of suburbia, the hunt comes home. The universe's most lethal hunters are stronger, smarter and deadlier than ever before, having genetically upgraded themselves with DNA from other species. When a boy accidentally triggers their return to Earth, only a ragtag crew of ex-soldiers and an evolutionary biologist can prevent the end of the human race.

Director: Shane Black

Cast: Boyd Holbrook, Trevante Rhodes, Jacob Tremblay, Keegan-Michael Key, Olivia Munn, Thomas Jane, Alfie Allen, Sterling K. Brown

Release Date: September 14, 2018

Genres: Action, Adventure, Horror

Rated R for strong bloody violence, language throughout, and crude sexual references

Runtime: 1h 47min

Review:

The Predators is an odd film that can never figure out what it ultimately wants to be.  Shane Black directs this 6^th screen appearance of the Predator and gives it a strange infusion of comedy.  The violent space hunters face off vs. a ragtag group of misfits who have a quip for every occasion.  The comedy is enjoyable but it feels out of place in the Predator franchise with long sequences veering incredibly close to self parody.  The actors are all fine even though some seems to be hamming it up, like Sterling K. Brown, while others are playing it straight like Boyd Holbrook. It makes for a choppy tone which makes the film just feel off.  It’s a shame because the film has potential particularly if they’d focused on the band of misfits.  The characters are all interesting enough but the film just doesn’t spend much time with them.  Instead we get Oliva Munn who just doesn’t fit in the film; it’s particularly glaring since the film also has Yvonne Strahovski but decides to use her in a throwaway role.  The Predator isn’t the return to form most fans were hoping and with the level of talent assembled you’d be remiss to think if it’s even possible at this point.

C