Reviews

Sons of Summer is a poignant and evocative Australian film that delves deep into the themes of youth, camaraderie, and the bittersweet passage of time. Set against the backdrop of Australia's sun-drenched beaches, the film expertly captures the essence of Australian summer - a time of freedom, adventure, and the intense bonds of friendship.

The cinematography is a standout, beautifully capturing the rugged Australian coastline and the vibrant energy of youth. It complements the storytelling, adding an almost tactile sense of heat and the carefree days of summer.

Performances by the young cast are remarkable, bringing authenticity and depth to their roles. The chemistry among the actors is palpable, adding to the film's charm and believability. The script balances humor with moments of introspection, allowing each character to have their moment in the sun, quite literally.

Early on in this film, lead character, Kristina (the wonderful Lindsay Anne Williams) muses about what it means to be normal. It's a question that the film forces audiences to wrestle with throughout as director Doleac and his team fully embrace the weird, bold, outside-the-box, at times, positively wild, both from a story and style perspective. And it totally works because everyone is committed to it fully, especially the game cast, all of whom deliver top-tier performances, with Williams and Jeremy London, as ex-TV icon Erik, whose "star has dimmed" considerably, delivering particularly compelling work. But Doleac as husband, Robert and Elena Sanchez, Emma have great scenes together and excellent chemistry and Yohance Myles shows up late as Erik's agent and nearly steals the show.

Doleac's casting game is strong here, even William Forsythe, as a crusty, wise-cracking police captain (and Emma's dad) is in on the fun. And, yes, it's a musical! But not that kinda musical. The MTV-style music videos that populate the narrative represent Kristina's inner monologue as she struggles to navigate a personal tragedy, unfulfilled childhood dreams, a struggling marriage, a decision to "open" said marriage in hopes of saving it, and her new relationship with Erik, which turns out to complicated. The songs are tongue-in-cheek (but thoroughly catchy, enjoyable, and, on occasion, riotously funny) and the videos embrace that trend of the 80's where every video seems to have been shot in a nebulous void space with lots of fog, the occasional actor in an animal costume and cheesy effects.

The fictional band is made up of the people in Kristina's real life, including Erik, Robert, Emma and more... now clad in copious make-up, wigs, and lots of 80's-inspired vinyl, leather and such. Yes, OPEN is anything but "normal" in cinematic terms and that's what makes it absolutely worth a watch.

This documentary bonus is a rich and fascinating exploration of the legacy of The Red Shoes, a significant work in both theatre and cinema. The setting at The Royal Opera House adds a layer of authenticity and depth, considering its connection to the film and its status as the home of the Royal Ballet Company.

Shannon Davidson and Ashley Shaw's participation brings a unique perspective to the discussion. Davidson, portraying Moira Shearer, and Shaw, who danced in the ballet version of The Red Shoes, offer firsthand insights into the roles and the challenges they faced. Their conversation seems to go beyond mere celebration, linking different eras and interpretations of the story while also shedding light on the complexities and pressures faced by women in the performing arts.

By marking the 75th anniversary of "The Red Shoes," this interview not only pays tribute to a classic but also serves as a meaningful platform to discuss contemporary issues in the industry. The dialogue between Davidson and Shaw, enriched by their experiences and perspectives, offers an introspective look into the world of performing arts, highlighting both historical and current challenges and achievements.

Holiday Twist is literally the holiday movie we all need! It's not just another festive flick. It's this whole journey of, like, different people overcoming their struggles and somehow their lives get all tangled up in the best way. It's super touching and honestly made me think a lot about how we all face stuff but can still find magic in connections with others.

The way the story unfolds is so cool - it's like watching real life but with this extra sprinkle of Christmas magic. The cinematography. Absolutely gorgeous! It feels so Christmassy and magical, but still totally relatable. The actors are amazing! They're so authentic that you feel like you're right there with them, feeling all their highs and lows. They make the whole overcoming adversity thing feel super real.

Holiday Twist 2023 is the kind of movie you want to watch when you need a good mix of feels and fun. It's perfect to watch with your family or when you need a break from real life. It's definitely one of those movies that sticks with you, in a good way. Totally recommend for anyone who loves a good story with heart, plus all the Christmas feels!

Forever Young is a thought-provoking film that delves into the alluring fantasy of reversing the aging process. The story centers around 70-year-old Robyn, who embarks on a transformative journey after taking a formula that reverses aging. Her portrayal is deep and vulnerable, effectively capturing the emotional complexities of reliving life. The film excels in its subtle visual storytelling, focusing more on the human aspect than the science fiction, which enhances its emotional impact. The narrative's exploration of life choices and regrets is both reflective and resonant, encouraging viewers to contemplate their own decisions and life paths.

The pacing can be uneven at times, and some plot points feel underdeveloped. While the film ambitiously tackles philosophical themes, these occasionally overshadow the personal story. Despite these flaws, its core message about the beauty of embracing life at every stage makes it a compelling watch. It's a film that not only entertains but also inspires introspection, making it a valuable experience for those who appreciate cinema that challenges and enlightens.

Romancero delivers a supernatural cinematic experience that, while occasionally succumbing to genre clichés, provides an undeniably entertaining watch. The film's saving grace lies in its stellar cast, whose performances resonate with an authenticity that often transcends the script's limitations. Their ability to bring depth to their characters ensures that, even in the film's less inspired moments, there is something gripping about their portrayals.

Production-wise, the movie excels with its rich visual palette and meticulous attention to atmospheric detail. The set design, special effects, and cinematography work in concert to craft an eerie and immersive world that is both haunting and aesthetically arresting. This visual strength, coupled with a soundtrack that effectively accentuates the film's suspenseful and emotional beats, provides a sensory treat that almost distracts from the narrative's weaker spots.

In conclusion, while Romancero may tread familiar ground at times, it stands as a testament to what can be achieved through a combination of compelling acting and high production values. For those in search of supernatural thrills and a visually captivating journey, this film will likely satisfy, serving up a polished spectacle that makes for an engaging viewing experience.

Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix, the brainchild of producer Adi Shankar, brilliantly resurrects the spirit of '80s and '90s action and sci-fi in a neon-soaked, cyberpunk world. The show's stunning visual aesthetics, engaging characters, and a pulsating synthwave soundtrack whisk viewers into a dystopian future where Captain Laserhawk, voiced brilliantly by Michael B. Jordan, leads the charge against sinister corporations and AI overlords. The series seamlessly melds nostalgia with a contemporary storyline, delivering action-packed sequences that pay homage to classic films while exploring modern themes of technology and power. Despite some minor pacing issues and occasional heavy-handed references, Captain Laserhawk is a thrilling, thought-provoking ride that captivates both fans of retro pop culture and those seeking fresh, immersive storytelling.

In conclusion, Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix is a masterful fusion of past and present, offering a visually dazzling, emotionally resonant series that speaks to the heart of its era while delivering a compelling narrative for today's audience. It's a must-watch for anyone craving an exhilarating journey through a retro-futuristic landscape that leaves a lasting impact.

Till Death Do Us Part "is a compelling thriller that showcases the strength of its lead actress and provides an intense, suspenseful viewing experience. Its exploration of themes such as love, trust, and the limits of human endurance adds depth to the narrative, making it a must-see for fans of psychological thrillers. Despite some minor plot quibbles, the film successfully delivers a thrilling tale of survival that will leave audiences talking long after the credits roll.

However, there are a few moments in the film where the plot stretches the boundaries of believability, and some viewers may find themselves questioning certain character decisions. Additionally, while the film's conclusion is satisfying, it might leave a few unanswered questions lingering.

"The Good Neighbor" delivers a gripping psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. The intricate plot weaves together guilt, secrets, and unexpected alliances, creating a tense atmosphere throughout. Luke Kleintank's portrayal of David is hauntingly convincing, capturing the character's descent into moral turmoil. Jonathan Rhys Meyers adds a chilling dimension to the story with his portrayal of the Enigma tic neighbor. While the ending is satisfyingly intense, a few pacing issues occasionally slow down the momentum. Nevertheless, the film's unique take on friendship and redemption makes it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

If you like suspense, mystery, spooky and creepy mind games then I think you'll enjoy this. I saw Ash & Bone and I guess I kind of expected something similar and I'd say the only things similar was quality camera work., good acting and story and the music was really good! I'm not a fan at how much horror has changed to gross and disturbing effects with ridiculous kill counts has become the trend and so much is now completely void of a coherent story, intrigue and characters you actually care about.. it's a rare breeze of fresh air on what's lately been a stagnant pond of horror. Pro-tip: I saw it on Redbox incase you want to see it "free" since it's not free elsewhere.

The title of the film says it all. Dungeon. A clever and witty film about a real estate broker who finds himself a victim of an unusual circumstance with a tenant. This is when things get really interesting. From here on the plot intensifies as the detective gets on the case and other situations and findings start to unravel. I'm usually good at guessing what might happen next but this wasn't predictable at all and there's plenty of surprising moments that will have you on the edge of your seat. Tubi hasn't been that great to watch smaller budget films i feel like but Dungeon has restored my faith in independent films.

This was our weekend movie and we were impressed. Plenty of plot twists and lots of surprisingly good dialogue with a solid backstory related to a miscarriage and communicating with the spirits. Without giving anything else away the production looked top notch, the editing and the sound was on point as was the ending. We were all on the edge of our seats to the end as the plot kept taking turns. I thought the female lead who plays Carla has so much talent, she really made this film come alive. This is for sure one of the better thriller, horror films out of late. I highly recommend this if horror type of films is your genre. Well worth it.

I have a lot of admiration for Brooke Lewis Bellas as I have been an avid fan for many years. I will check out anything she acts in as she is an excellent actress in a variety of different roles. I know she has also done voice acting over the years so I had to listen to this podcast. I am not typically a podcast person so I was not sure what to expect but I was blown away. It was really good. I was pleasantly surprised to hear this cast from Brooke Lewis Bellas and Bronson Pinchot? Excellent. I was really impressed with the music and sound effects too. Excellent. I hope Brooke gets to read this as she is just one quality class act.

One of the better comedy films I've seen so far this year. The main character Gilbert is super funny and as the film kept going you really grow to the liking of him as I started cheering for him in certain parts. There are some totally random moments but the plot still maintained a solid storyline had us glued to the screen right to the end. I thought the ending was fitting too and at the end of the day it's really just a feel good comedy flick. They don't make films like they used to so this one for sure is a winner. I hope this does get the recognition it deserves and I'm hoping for even a part 2. Please make it happen!

I didn't really know what to expect but I seen it with a bunch of friends and we all loved it. Lots of plot twists with intense scenes and good dialogue. The storyline was solid and didn't drag out unnecessary. Good talented cast as well that really made this film come alive. Anne Heche was brilliant and was exceptional in her role. This should at least be a 7 on here on honestly. The plot is about a party that Eden goes to hoping for a letter of recommendation for a elite university from her classmates wealthy parents. Things take a serious turn and the plot really thickens from there on in. Totally worth a watching, if your a thriller fan that likes plenty of plot twists this is the one for you.

Loved the way this tv series was done. In a dark comedy documentary style. Solid cast with famous faces and a gritty plot with plenty of twists that had me guessing what might happen next - right to the very end. Steve Stanulis has done it again! I watched the first episode and ended up binge watching the rest till i finished the whole season. The jokes were hilarious and the acting had lots of passion and seemed so real. I was glued to the screen, this is one of those shows on Tubi you must watch. Perfect for a weekend binge watch with friends and family. I'm hoping for new shows like this by the director. Well done to everyone involved.

Stephanie Simbari was such a riot to watch. Great acting lots of entertaining moments with plot twists and a daring storyline that had me on edge wanting more right to the end. I'd classify this film as rom- com and a coming of age story. It's a popular genre that's been done before many times but this one is unique in it's own right. I'm surprised by the rating here, this is at least a 7 or 8. Totally worth a rent if your into these types of films. Brent Craft did a great job directing and writing this film. Lady-Like is exactly as the title says, good comedy, quirky romance and really just a fun film to watch. Well done!

This was such an enjoyable experience for me. If your not into the 80- 90's references and more in need of a polished Marvel series then this isn't for you. I'm just getting to know more about the director Adi Shankar. He's the same person behind Dredd (of my favorite films) and Castevania. This series has an unique stylstic storytelling style and a very cool bunch of characters that are all over the place (in a good way). Lots of good fun and action. The first epsidoe was a little slow moving but by the time I got the 3rd and 4th I was hooked. Give it some time and I promise it will grow on you!

Loved it. A man places a a woman under a spell for her to fall in love with him. What could go wrong? Everything! Exciting film with lots of plot twists and unpredictable fun. I think the actors all did their part and considering this isn't a big budget film it's still done with top notch editing, sound and acting. The script is solid too, didn't drag out and with other films like this i could guess what's next but not this one. Kudos to Kenya Cagle, a film worth watching if your into the horror, thriller genre. A weekend movie to watch with friends and family for sure. Grab some popcorn and enjoy the ride.

What an amazing heartfelt film. Lots of emotions and the plot really focuses on the most beautiful feeling a human could have and that is, human connection. Great acting from everyone involved and the ending had me in tears. This was our weekend movie and we were all glued to the screen right to the very end. Not cheesy at all and it didn't drag out like a lot of other drama films I've seen of late. A seriously well done film that's highly entertaining. This is easily a 9 on here, hope this makes the film festival rounds as it deserves awards and more eyes on this. A shattered diamond is such an appropriate name for it to.

Loved the concept of this tv show and I absolutely loved how knowledgeable the host was. A really refreshing new take on this show and for horror fans like me this is a must watch. Lots of movies that I didn't know existed also, plenty of cult classics and a totally new and refreshing spin on things done by the brilliant host had us glued to the screen right to the end. I'm hoping for episodes here and I'm honestly shocked as to how this show doesn't have an even bigger audience. Perhaps I'm early here but it's a perfect series to watch on the weekend with friends and family. Well done to James Currie and everyone involved.

Wow I'm impressed! Great film with a solid storyline and such an intense ending. This is one of those films that really had me on edge and i'm usually guessing what happens next but this one was hard to guess and I was glued to the screen right to the credits. The film isn't a film with lots of explosion and gore but more so depends on the plot itself. Great films like this deserve recognition and i highly recommend this film to friends and family and those who like the thriller, horror genre. It's hard to find such well produced movies like Tethered so i'm hoping for a continuation hopefully from the director.

I have been seeing this web series promoted for a while and figured it would be a typical low budget horror thing. IMDb showed it was releasing so I tracked it and watched. Red Rooms was a welcomed surprise. It completely held my attention with its interesting story and characters. It was not a shallow watch or follow at all, in fact, I watched the series in one sitting, then watched again to make sure I covered and understood all the connecting stories and twists. Creator Joshua Butler did a superb job of creating a complex story weaving all the characters together. Speaking of characters, they are limited to a small cast, but I cannot imagine having a bigger one, as there was so much story and elements to deliver, and this cast did a thorough job. I found everyone to deliver quality acting performances and was impressed with this cast of Brooke Lewis Bellas, David Alpay, Susan Lanier, Ricky Dean Logan, Noah Blake, and will be watching them again as their performances were all layered, and they tackled the script incredibly well. For a low budget virtual production, this cast and crew created a web series with professionalism and smarts. I really do look forward to watching again this weekend, as I feel like I still missed a few things.

Such a creative show. There's so much emotions good and bad and a whole lot of laughs with some surprising twists and turns in each episode. I loved all the actors and the main lead was just one of those characters that was played so went it was hard not to get attached to. A touchy plot but it really grows on you with nothing dramatic or over the top scenes. One of my favorite series this year so far for sure. Hope this gets the attention it rightfully deserves and we get to see more of this show. I'm giving this a 9 because of how well it was made and produced. Congrats to the director and everyone involved in make this a successful show.

A solid action movie with plenty of star power. Not like your typical polished Hollywood film but it's definitely entertaining and fast-moving. Good cast, excellent camera work and nicely edited. Characters are also given an adequate backstory which i thought was great. This film is made on a smaller budget and let's just say they made it work sucessfully. Yes, it's has it's problem just like any other films would but if you can look past a few minor elements you will enjoy it. I hope films like this get more praise just because of how much got done on a small budget. Kudos to everyone involved.