I can’t seem to remember last time a movie was considered as controversial as this one was. If you don’t know, ever since The Hunt has been announced, it’s been panned as it was the liberals hunting people, not the other way around etc. Then, it got pushed back because of mass shooting, then the pandemic hit… It seems like nothing was going this movie’s way. Which is a shame, as it’s a delightfully charming satire.

I have seen a few movies in my life, and the older I get, the more I appreciate a movie, that can surprise me in any way, shape or form. The Hunt definitely does that and more. Not only the premise is not what you might expect (after all, the liberals are not really the “side” known for loving guns or hunting) it also introduces you couple of big stars in the beginning of the movie (the only one I have recognised was Emma Roberts) just to pull a rug under you and have “gotcha” moment. It’s really hard to talk about this movie without going into the spoiler territory, so let me just say I did enjoy this film and I just wished they would’ve given us a bit more backstory to the very main character, and maybe established what happened right after the end. Having said that…

Beware, SPOILERS are coming!

The element of surprise is definitely the main advantage of this movie. If you watch it the same way I have (not knowing almost anything about the story, or who the main character is) the first 20 minutes or so will be pretty wild for you too, as everybody you get introduced to, dies almost instantly, keeping you on your toes. From then on, the movie still finds a way to tell pretty simple story (not everything is black and white, especially when comes to people and politics, too much of one thing can be bad) in interesting way, where you just go along, hoping to get a bit more of news (but not those fake ones) about what is happening, who is behind all of this and why. Once you discover that, it is pretty funny and also sad, when you think about it.

I have not yet seen The Glow (2017 – 2019) so I had no attachment or prior knowledge of Betty Gilpin, but she can definitely act. Hers was the most intriguing character, as I do believe (and movie even gives you several clues about this) they have picked her up by accident, as you can tell she doesn’t “fit the type”. She is highly trained bad-ass, she’s obviously experienced with war and combat, she’s really smart… Without trying to hint at anything at all, the other people around her are definitely slightly different kind. But maybe that is the point, maybe she was “the correct one”, but they just underestimated her? Maybe her being this smart bad-ass, that is the message of this movie…? I did hope the movie would hint a bit more about who she actually was.

Having said I think this movie brilliantly displays America. Now, more than ever, seemingly 2 large groups of people with very opposing views, believing their group is the correct one and the other group is the devil are always fighting. Which is fine, but then guns enter the debate and this is where it gets slightly scarier. The movie illustrates quite well how that element just complicates everything, and how we (or at least Americans) should try to unlearn seeing other people as certain groups, with one being the correct one, and the other being the wrong one. This two party system sure is fun.

Overall, I did enjoy The Hunt more than I thought I would. The only thing that was missing for me was a bit more information about Betty’s character and I wouldn’t mind knowing what happened to her after she’s boarded the plane. Did she manage to get back home? Did somebody else wait for her at the airport, to make sure she can’t say anything about what she’s just been through? Would anyone believe her…? The more I am thinking about it, the more I believe this might make even better limited series. If you can put your own personal bias aside, I believe you should have a pretty good time with this movie.

That’s all for this one! Did you see it? What did you think about it? Let me know!

Until next time,

Luke

Who would have thought, that DC, who have Batman and Superman in their catalogue (arguably two of the biggest and well known superheroes ever created) would finally figure out how to make a watchable superhero movie with a guy, who’s not that known and kind of Superman’s rip-off…? Shazam! is a surprisingly great movie, that is witty, funny and has a bit of heart to it.

And “only” thing that took to make it was David F. Sandberg who understood the material, perfectly casted Zachary Levi alongside great villain played by Mark Strong, make it about family… well, looking back at it now, there were quite a few things that had to come together. I think that is what makes Shazam! such a nice surprise. I knew this movie was coming out, but at that point, only decent movie DC came out with was Wonder Woman (2017) and it was definitely the best DC movie, but still nothing I would be rushing to re-watch. Whereas this film I can see myself going back to, especially if the sequel(s) will be any good.

I think the main difference is the tone – DC seem to finally understand, that just because they have the more serious superheroes, not every movie needs to be dark, serious and deal with some serious topics. This movie is almost dancing on the line of making fun of the genre, but at the same time understanding it, so it never goes beyond that line. It never becomes annoying and in hands of somebody, who doesn’t understand the material, I could have easily see that happening. Shazam could have easily been really annoying superhero. But maybe it was the script, maybe it was the focus on the themes of what family means (it’s not the people who brought you to this world, but the people who are there for you, who actually care) maybe it was the perfect casting of Zachary, or maybe it was a mix of all of the above, it just never got annoying.

The only “issue” I had with this movie is – it’s not as clever as it think it is. And let me explain – the movie is doing more or less the same thing as Deadpool (2016). It is very much aware of what it is, even though it won’t break any fourth walls, it is still very self-aware, while at the same time, still playing by the same “comic book” rules. And Deadpool managed to surprise me along the way several times, where the was always an extra joke I wasn’t expecting, or scene that pushed it over the top for me and made it highly enjoyable. Shazam! doesn’t have that element of surprise, everything is lined-up and going exactly where you think it’s going. Which is fine, as it serves the story, but there is nothing extra. At least there wasn’t for me.

But that is very minor detail, as don’t get me wrong, this is highly enjoyable film and unlike this movie, where I knew it was coming out, I just didn’t care about it as I knew little about it, I will be looking out for the sequel, hoping it’s going to deliver, expand on the world and stays true to what’s been lined up here. I would be disappointed, if the sequel(s) suddenly went dark and serious. Let us have something lighter, DC, just for once. Also, plus points for foster family, who actually weren’t terrible people and having a disabled step-brother, who doesn’t feel like he’s there to fill in a quota, but actually serves the story!

That’s all for this one! Did you see it? What did you think about it? Let me know!

Until next time,

Luke

Ok, right from the start I need to address something – I know the inspiration behind this movie is the TV show Fantasy Island (1977 – 1984) and that is where, to a certain extent, the TV show Lost (2004 – 2010) borrowed some elements from. But I haven’t seen the original TV show, and the movie really reminds you Lost, except really boring double episode, that wants to be a bit of everything, that results in… nothing much. Some might say “Hey, that’s exactly like Lost!” but I am not one of them (I do need to re-watch it and write about it at some point…)

Fantasy Island starts up promisingly, a group of random (OR ARE THEY?!) people are brought to an island, where everything is possible, so you get to act out any fantasy you might have. So far so good, as the name of the movie is the premise, nice and simple, brilliant. And with such an intriguing premise, you might spin it in variety of ways. The way people behind this film decided to spin this one… well, doesn’t make sense to me and feels almost wasted. Especially the longer you think about all the different twists and turns that this movie tries to justify (but does it though?) the more it doesn’t make sense, on the potential re-watch. Yes, this is one of those twisty movies that lives (or dies) on how strong those twists and turns hold up upon re-visiting the movie and I don’t have to re-visit it to know it wouldn’t hold that well. But of course, we need to go to the spoiler territory, so…

Beware, SPOILERS are coming!

I really liked the idea that there is something connecting all these random people and that even though they think they are acting out their fantasies, they are actually a part of a bigger, revenge fantasy. But, once you get to know the actual story behind that revenge fantasy (a girl, who had ONE date with a guy, who dies in a fire, is pissed off and wants all people involved either directly or not directly to die and pay) it just seems like a bigger stretch than winning a lottery while, at the same time, getting massaged by Kate Upton. First of all, she’s had one date with the guy and she’s ready to kill for/because of him? I know we are supposed to believe she’s got issues, but that seems a bit far. Also, how did she discover everybody involved? How did she discover (for example) the police man, who, just for the record, isn’t a fireman, therefore was he really to blame for not running to a burning building…? That logic seems a bit murky to me…

I think that is what is the most infuriating thing about Fantasy Island, the potential was there. The cast was solid, even though I only knew a couple of people prior (which usually is a good thing, as you don’t have such attachment to actors from their previous movies, so you can focus on the mystery at hand) the location was beautiful and until we learn the truth behind this movie, the story was intriguing enough.

What also doesn’t help this film out is tonally, it’s trying to do a bit of everything. It starts out as almost a comedy mixed with a fantasy genre, slowly touches on some action, drama and thriller notes, just so we can go to wannabe horror genre at the very end…? Which, don’t get me wrong, I don’t need movies to be one singular thing, but if you decide your movie will cover several different genres, maybe think about how they enhance the experience…? This didn’t seem to flow naturally, so the horror element for example is almost non-existent, except for couple of really cheap and not effective jump scares. The same with the drama, there is some, but it’s not done effectively, so the moment you think we might have something here, it moves to the thriller part of the story. It’s like trying to bake a cake, that has bit of strawberries, bananas, lemon, raspberries and for a good measure, you sprinkle some chillies on top. Now I am not saying that combination can’t work, but it takes somebody with a clear vision to execute it properly.

What could have been a potentially decent start to a franchise (or possibly a TV show, the same like the original, or the before mentioned Lost) has unfortunately turned out to be a subpar movie, that doesn’t know what it wants to be first and foremost, so it’s a mix & match of a few things, where it doesn’t shine enough in either category/genre to stand out in between other movies. Which would be bad enough in a normal year, but in 2020, where this film had next to zero competition because of COVID-19, that’s even worse and quite sad, to be perfectly honest. You won’t be too bored and some ideas are pretty good, but overall, you will forget this movie in about a week’s time.

That’s all for this one! Did you see it? What did you think about it? Let me know!

Until next time,

Luke

Bloodshot is a great movie, until it reveals its hand, which happens about 10/15 minutes into it. Ever since then, it just gets over the same old same old of the genre, that seen this kind of material done way better and in more interesting way not that long ago (did somebody say Edge of Tomorrow (2014) mixed with Universal Soldier (1992) and a couple of other movies?)

This film is quite frankly, all over the place and is trying really hard to be everything – cool, touching, really cool, fresh, really really cool, dynamic… did I mention really cool? You think I am being funny, but I am not trying to be funny, as much as this movie is really trying to pretend how it’s innovative, cool and while doing that, it takes itself way too seriously. I could forgive a movie that doesn’t really bring anything new to the table, after all, the already mentioned Edge of Tomorrow wasn’t anything revolutionary in a sense that they took the idea of repetition and put it into a war scenario. But it was done cheekily, focused bit more on the story rather than actors taking themselves too seriously and that is why it worked and Bloodshot didn’t.

Look, I will be brutally honest here, I like Vin Diesel and have nothing but deep, genuine respect for everything he’s done throughout his career and the kind of success he’s had. That said, I think he was miscast in this film. He was sticking out like a sore thumb for some reason. He usually plays the action characters well, but I honestly think this movie needed somebody who has got bit more… acting chops? And I know Vin can sometimes act, but he hasn’t showed that side of him in a while, as the type of movies he makes, don’t require him to “act”. And I think this one needed somebody, who can kick ass and, at the same time, show a bit more of acting. Especially now, when six-pack is almost mandatory “condition” for any younger actors, you could throw a stone in Hollywood and hit 52 different actors, who would be more suitable for this role and had the same, maybe even bigger star pull than Vin Diesel has.

That would be my main thing against this movie but unfortunately, everything else kind of goes from here, as if you have a problem with the main character, the rest of the movie can be the most original thing you’ve ever seen (which this movie isn’t by a long shot) and you would still not enjoy yourself. There were cool sequences that are enjoyable, there a few different twist to this story, some of them I didn’t see coming that I liked and I really enjoyed Eiza González (but Jesus, give her something to do, not just one really cool scene) and Lamorne Morris was really welcomed entertainment in otherwise really serious movie, that shouldn’t have been as serious.

It’s been couple of weeks since I have seen this movie and I except of the premise (which I only remember because I have seen it done so many times prior), the one cool scene featuring Eiza and the occasional funny scene with Lamorne, I can’t recall anything of entertainment value. Bloodshot comic books (which this movie was based on) might be great, I have never read them. But this movie is as original as forgery and is as memorable as the lunch you had that one time, at that one place… you know which one I am talking about, right?

That’s all for this one! Did you see it? What did you think about it? Let me know!

Until next time,

Luke

Practical Magic is the perfect example of a movie, that has everything going for it. From the story/outline (witches exist and live among us) to casting (always had a weak spot for both Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman) everything seems to be where it needs to in order for this film to be a great one. Except there is one tiny thing this movie didn’t do properly – establish any rules! Which, if your main selling point is witches and magic, is kinda important.

What frustrated me with this movie more than anything, is I am not even talking about re-writing the entire thing, or saying the movie overall is not watchable, as it is. Literally only thing that would help out this movie massively, would be inserting two, three lines maximum about the actual powers these witches posses! What can they do? What can’t they do? Is there a limit to their powers?

The reason I am asking these questions, is quite simple. Throughout this movie, our main duo finds themselves in a few situations, where, I don’t know, maybe a bit of magic could help them sort it out within a second, yet they don’t use it…? Or if they use it, they only do minor things…? The problem with any magic being in your movie is you need to spend some time on rules, otherwise the audience can just say something like “Hey, how come they can’t magic their way out of this situation? Oh, they can’t? Because they don’t have that kind of power, huh? Ok, one more question, HOW am I supposed to know that?!”

What hurts even more with this movie is if only those rules were established, Practical Magic could have been one of those movie I would love to go back to, every once in a while, as everything else is great. The cast is great, the story is fairly compelling, but the longer it goes, the more questions you have and the end… ok, let’s talk about the ending here, because Jesus on a pogo stick, that was confusing.

Beware, SPOILERS are coming!

The entire film we see how all people in this small town are afraid of this family, how it’s “public secret” this family are witches and how some of them even hate them because of it. Yet, when they need “help” to create a coven of witches, so the last spell would work, suddenly, plenty of those same women are only one phone call away to help them out…? First of all, what?! How? How did the family manage to persuade them to suddenly help them out? Also, does that mean all the women that came out to help out are also witches, therefore were hating their own kind? And if not, if they are just “regular ass women”, would they posses any power to actually help out the witches with their spell in the first place? So many questions. I know the movie is trying to have this all empowering message about unity, womanhood and all that, which is great and all, but not in this instance, as it doesn’t feel earned. It feels like somebody cut out a good hour or so of the movie that explained everything, just for the fun of it, with no real reason behind it.

Practical Magic to me is a flawed movie, that had potential and all the elements of being a pretty great film in it, just the people making it didn’t fully grasp the potential. To me, these are the movies we should remake (I mean, if the studios really can’t come up with something original and we have to have remakes of movies in the first place) – the movies that had potential, that had good stories, that could have done with somebody different going over the material and making it better. Don’t tamper with well beloved films people already managed to make great, give chance to movies like this! I could easily imagine this today, as the story doesn’t need any changing, just again, give it to somebody, who would establish some rules within the universe and you are almost there. All the “hard work” has been done, we just need to iron out the details.

If you aren’t a fan of either Sandra or Nicole, first of all, why? Second, and most importantly of all, deduct one star from my final rating, as those two working so well together is the only reason my rating is as high as it is. Sometimes, my brain says one thing, but my heart and soul can’t fully hate a movie with two of them in it. 🙂

That’s all for this one! Did you see it? What did you think about it? Let me know!

Until next time,

Luke