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Reviews
Renfield (2023)
The violent gory comedy we all needed
Nicolas Cage is on a very short list of actors whose work I will watch simply because they are in it. I'm glad I did with Renfield. It's unfortunate that Awkwafina is also in it. Akwafina? Whatever. A brand of water is in it in a lead role, and she may as well have been considering how bad her acting was.
For as much as I enjoyed this movie, I would have enjoyed it more with a lead character that could emote. It has subtle quiet jokes. It has gory gross fighting jokes as part of the sequence. It has a man who is trying his best to reconsider his life as a familiar. That's hard to do when Dracula himself is your master. Overall, the cast is rounded out quite well, and I really enjoyed Ben Scwhartz in this. He carried his attitude really well.
The movie arc is done well, and they really nailed the ending. Renfield's journey as a hero and villain is quite interesting.
And again, there's Dasani.. no... wait.. Poland Spring.. no... Aqua Fina there to gum up the works. If you can ignore her acting and focus on everything else, you'll enjoy this movie. The violence was done in a way that reminded me of some Tarantino flicks. Cartoonish and not taking itself seriously. That will be clear by the number of body parts that fly around in this movie.
It's definitely worth your time. But almost anything Nicolas Cage is in is worth your time! Go for the Renfield. Stay for the bugs! Go to the bathroom when you know who is on the screen. You won't miss anything.
Ride Along (2014)
Terribly underrated movie
One of the keys to enjoying movies is to not have any expectations going in. If you think every movie will be Casablanca, you're in for a letdown. If you think an action featuring a comedian is going to be a laugh fest, you'll be disappointed. There have been a lot of buddy cop movies done with comedians like Eddie Murphy and Chris Tucker. They're generally pretty solid, using a formula that works. Put together an action movie, add some good comic relief, and you've got a shot at a good movie. This is a good movie.
Kevin Hart plays a guy who is an avid gamer and wants to make the best life for himself and the woman he wants to marry. As part of his process, he would like the approval of her brother. Fast forward to the ride along where Kevin's character Ben eventually gets a taste of real police work.
Kevin Hart is fantastic at switching gears. He can be silly and romantic, pompous and blustering, and downright crazy. This works well with Ice Cube as James, who is simple and straightforward. I haven't seen a lot of Kevin Hart movies, but if this is any indication, he should definitely be in more. Is this movie laugh out loud hilarious? No. It's not meant to be. Is it a decent action comedy with a good story? Definitely.
For me, giving this the high rating I did is special. I've seen Die Hard. I've seen Rush Hour. This is right up there with them. Ice Cube plays the bad ass while Kevin Hart gets to really make this movie entertaining. If you like action or buddy cop movies, I think you'll like this.
Call Me Kat (2021)
So much potential ruined by so much unoriginal material
I wanted so much to love this show. Early in the first season I did. I appreciated the dynamics that made it different than Miranda. Then towards the end of the first season they played the "will they won't they" card and it seemed like it was written by twenty somethings who can't relate to actual life.
It was quickly resolved in Season 2, but then it reared its ugly head. Instead of being a quirky show about the lives of some interesting characters it continues to go to the same well over and over, making it nearly unwatchable. It's not friends. It's not a soap opera. It's trying to be. Maybe it's a way to justify keeping on a character who has become less relevant. I have no idea, but it really kills the momentum in the worst way. At its best this show is at least an 8. As they continue to have the main character behave like an angsty teenager, a 5 is generous.
Supermarket Sweep (2020)
What a great reboot!
Ignore every single 1 star review. Leslie Jones is an amazing and energetic host who has breathed new life into a show that was kind of fun but very bland. The puzzles are challenging, the contestants are fun, and there are some big winners! I'm on board!
Muppets Most Wanted (2014)
Wonderful songs! Wonderful Muppets! Wonderful film!
Having read a few strangely critical reviews, I felt compelled to add my own for balance. I am not going to compare this to this Muppet movie or that. I already see too many people doing that.
Having grown up with the original Muppet Show and seeing every movie and many TV specials, I have seen this bunch put together movies and shows with varying success.
The return to the big screen a few years ago was very welcome, and very well done. With this movie, I think they topped that and quite a few others! To me, as a lifelong fan, this easily ranks near the top of the best Muppet movies made.
Once I heard the opening number to the movie, I knew I was in for a treat. Every song in this movie was pure Muppet. Jim Henson always had a way of celebrating the best we all have to offer with a twinkle in his eye and a joke or two along the way. That spirit lives on in this movie. Whether it's doo wop, cheesy 70s music, or just a fun musical number, they cover a lot of ground.
The plot, as you may already be aware, involves some creative switcharoo, which is played off very well. This leads to a number of interesting scenes on both sides.
The movie is paced very well, and does a good job of switching back and forth between story lines. Just as you become reinvested in one, you're switched back to the other. You will most likely see your favorite Muppet at some point, although only a handful have significant parts. I always enjoy the familiar faces in the background scenes.
The human/Muppet ratio was back where it should be. Any proper Muppet movie should always star the muppets, with humans being "around". This delivered that perfectly, but also picked the perfect co-stars. Ty Burrell is fantastic, and his time with Sam the Eagle is wonderful, and something I had been looking forward to. Of course Tina Fey is great as well. She's Tina Fey!
There is a lot of well done will they or won't they at the end. You'll have to see for yourself if they do or if they don't!
And finally, while the matinée I went to wasn't hugely attended, there were a number of kids in the audience, and they all seemed to like the movie very much, even clapping at the end.
I personally enjoyed this movie quite a bit. I laughed A LOT. It's fun. It's silly. It's somewhat absurd at times, and that's what the Muppets are all about. And of course, they remind you how great it is to stick together with your friends and family. And any movie that can get the seal of approval from kids that includes clapping must be doing something right!
Prisoners of the Lost Universe (1983)
If you appreciate movies for what they are, you'll really like this
I've now watched this movie twice. The first time I stumbled across it in one of those packs of DVDs that has 50 obscure movies you've never heard of. I went in fully intending to mock it throughout. I was pretty happy early on watching the main characters all come together. Then as the movie progressed, I realized there was a real plot, and some well thought out ideas. There are colorful characters, and some pretty interesting ideas in this thing. I also have an appreciation for the strong female lead in this movie. It's very welcome.
When you absorb it all, you have to allow for low budget, sometimes odd dialogue, and occasionally slow pacing. If you look at the variety of characters, follow their travels and enjoy the campiness that is built in, you should have a good time. This is an earnest movie throughout, and I love it for that. I have no doubt I'll watch it again in the future.
The story involves (although you may have read this already) a scientist, a reporter, and a guy who just happened to be in the neighborhood. Through a series of events, they all wind up in another dimension. The goal is simple. Find out if there is a way to get home, and if so, go for it. This movie is the tale of their adventures. Aside from some language, it's definitely family friendly. The violence is modest by todays standards and mostly consists of swordplay. Pop in that DVD and enjoy. You'll be glad you did!