Movie review: Tremors: Shrieker Island

 A rich playboy illegally relocates some Graboids to a private island for trophy hunting. When the Graboids get loose Burt shows up only to find an old flame complicating things and an annoying new assistant he doesn't want.

Michael Gross (Burt), Jackie Cruz (Freddie), Jon Heder (Jimmy), Richard Brake (Bill), Caroline Langrishe (Jas), Cassie Clare (Anna), Sahajak Boonthanakit (Mr. Bowtie), Bear Williams (Mohawk), Ron Smoorenburg (Hunter).

Tremors: Shrieker Island launches as we have come to expect from this franchise; with brief linking to previous episodes and a refresher on characters. With Burt now on his way to a private island infested with Graboids, we are treated to a bit of character depth. Add some explosions, monsters, a laugh or two, and a touch of emotional drama and the rest of the film is fairly predictable through the end. Sadly, this franchise seems to be losing what little energy it had left.

Acting was decent with Gross delivering his usual. Cruz was a surprising and enjoyable addition and delivered well. Heder was okay but didn’t feel authentic. Brake delivered as always, and the remainder of the supporting cast was enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good with nice use of scenery and a realistic feel. The CGI however was a bit overdone with Graboids seeming to have learned new gymnastics moves. Physical action was good. Dialogue as expected was corny and campy, though a bit toned down. Sound and soundtrack are fitting.

In the end, Tremors: Shrieker Island is a decent entry in the franchise, but probably not the best. Most of the components from previous films are here, they just aren't used well and don't really develop the energy or comedy we have come to expect.

With some foul language, creature violence, gore, and mild adult situations, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2020
Reviewed: 10.26.20
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action Thriller, Action & Adventure, Action Sci-Fi, Adventure

copyright ©2020 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Hubie Halloween

 Lifelong Salem resident Hubie Dubois is a huge fan of Halloween and Salem, devoting much of his time to the protection and enjoyment of both despite being a focus of mockery by townsfolk. But this year things are getting weird and it may be up to Hubie to save both.

Adam Sandler (Hubie), Kevin James (Sgt. Downey), Julie Bowen (Violet), Ray Liotta (Mr. Landolfa), Steve Buscemi (Lambert), Rob Schneider (Richie), Maya Rudolph (Mrs. Hennessey), Tim Meadows (Lester).

Hubie Halloween launches as we follow Hubie through a normal day and realize, Hubie's not quite normal himself. From there the thin plot revolving around an escaped mental patient, with a side of romance, shows up and things get slightly more interesting. From there the rest of the film is the usual late night humor and slapstick comedy.

Acting from this well known cast was good. Sandler delivered his usual with an added accent that was almost understandable. James was solid and fun as always. Buscemi and Schneider were fun as usual. Bowen added nicely, as did Liotta who was a lot of laughs. Acting from the remainder of the star-studded cast did nicely and brought some good chuckles.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds appear natural and are fairly mild. Physical effects were fun, as they usually are in Sandler flicks. Dialogue was okay but just didn't bring the laughs we expected. Sound and soundtrack are well done.

Overall, this is a typical Sandler teen flick. Thin plot with a dose of humor and physical comedy. With a bit less late night comedy than we usually see in Sandler films, this one seems aimed at a younger audience which might be why the energy and comedy felt light.

With some mild sexuality and adult humor, a bit of comedy violence, and foul language, this should be fine for preens and above.

Released: 2020
Reviewed: 10.26.20
Star rating: 2 out of 5
Genre: Fantasy, Comedy, Mystery, Slapstick

copyright ©2020 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Jumanji: The Next Level

 Jumanji: The Next Level is launched when Spencer heads back into Jumanji despite knowing better. As the rest of the gang returns to save him they all find the game has changed. From scorching deserts to dangerous wildlife the theme is clear; welcome to the next level of Jumanji!

Dwayne Johnson (Bravestone), Kevin Hart (Mouse), Jack Black (Oberon), Karen Gillan (Ruby), Awkwafina (Ming), Nick Jonas (Seaplane), Alex Wolff (Spencer), Morgan Turner (Martha), Madison Iseman (Bethany), Ser'Darius Blain (Fridge), Danny DeVito (Eddie), Danny Glover (Milo), Rhys Darby (Nigel), Colin Hanks (Alex).

Jumanji: The Next Level wastes little time bringing the gang back into Jumanji. Set on saving Spencer, the gang sets out full of confidence knowing they have played, and beaten, the game before. Their quest now underway, they soon begin to realize this is not the Jumanji they played before. The game has tossed in some new twists to compliment new adventures and before long the story achieves a brisk pace. While the fun and adventure still exists, the humor is a bit soft in this one.

Acting was solid with Johnson delivering a great imitation of DeVito/Eddie. Hart was fun as always in a role that seems to suit him well. Black once again delivered a surprising physical performance while delivering nicely. Gillan is always nice to see, and does well. Awkwafina was a nice addition and did very well. The remainder of the supporting cast was solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good but of course, CGI takes center stage. Effects were nicely done with good detail and reasonable movement. Creatures and backgrounds fit the film well throughout. Dialogue was good though as mentioned, the humor seemed to be more subdued in this one. Sound and soundtrack are nicely done.

Overall Jumanji: The Next Level isn't quite as good as previous films in the franchise. The plot remains enjoyable, and technical work is good all around, but this one didn't quite nail the humor. Surprising given additions to the cast. Those who enjoy the franchise should enjoy this one.

With some mild sexuality, action violence, mild foul language and some disturbing scenes, teens and above should be fine with this one.

Released: 2019
Reviewed: 10.19.20
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Sci-Fi Fantasy, Sci-Fi Adventure, Sci-Fi Action, Action Comedy, Adventure

copyright ©2020 Dave Riedel