Movie review: The Christmas Chronicles 2

 The gang is back for another round of Christmas in The Christmas Chronicles 2. Kate is now a teenager, but when rebellious elf Belsnickel tries to cancel Christmas she is reunited with Santa for a new adventure.

Kurt Russell (Santa), Goldie Hawn (Mrs. Claus), Darby Camp (Kate), Julian Dennison (Belsnickel), Jahzir Bruno (Jack), Darlene Love (Grace), Tyrese Gibson (Bob), Sunny Suljic (Doug), Judah Lewis (Teddy), Malcolm McDowell (Hakan).

The Christmas Chronicles 2 begins with plot setup as Belsnickel develops a plan to cancel Christmas. From there, we are reunited with familiar characters and their new lives. Before long, the film brings everyone back together and the adventure begins. The rest of the film is a mild family adventure of laughs and light drama with the necessary moral lesson tossed in for reality.

Acting was enjoyable with Russell and Hawn both reprising their roles nicely. Camp delivered well once again, as did Gibson and Williams-Paisley. Dennison delivered very nicely and fit his role perfectly. The remainder of the supporting cast was solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are good with nice use of natural scenery. CGI and effects are good with a nice fit and contribution to the film. Dialogue was decent with a few laughs and reasonable drama focus. Sound and soundtrack are fun.

Overall The Christmas Chronicles 2 is a nice continuation of the story. Technical work and acting are good, pace is good, and there are some nice laughs. Preens and young viewers should enjoy this one.

Nothing here to limit audience age, though younger viewers may believe Kurt Russell is Santa Claus after viewing which could require explanation, particularly if they have already seen Escape from New York.

Released: 2020
Reviewed: 1.14.21
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Family, Adventure, Fantasy

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie reviews: History of Swear Words

 Nicolas Cage brings us an education on expletives. History of Swear Words explores the origins, usage, and impact of curse words in a most profane way.

Nicolas Cage (Host), Nikki Glaser, London Hughes, Elvis Mitchell, Nick Offerman, Sarah Silverman, Jim Jefferies, DeRay Davis, Melissa Mohr, Kory Stamper.

History of Swear Words begins with some profanity, adds some more profanity, finds it enjoys profanity, and quickly becomes addicted. Each episode of the series focuses on a specific word exploring origins, pop-culture usage, and impact on society. Along the way there is plenty of profane humor and interesting stories about the words in focus.

Cage was interesting as the Host, seemed to enjoy what he was doing, and delivered fairly well. Aside from Cage, acting here was in the form of interviews about the word being considered. Glaser was absolutely hysterical, and Hughes was a close second. Silverman was also quite funny and delivered nicely, as did Offerman and Jefferies. The remainder of the cast was enjoyable as well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are mild given the interview theme, but good. Use of movie clips and animation was nicely done. Dialogue was funny and informative throughout. Sound and soundtrack are solid.

Overall History of Swear Words is a profane exploration of profanity with quite a few nice laughs. If you are offended by profanity I don't know why you are even reading this. If instead you can find humor in profanity park this one toward the top of your Must See list.

With a lot of profanity, go figure, decide for yourself if this one is okay for kids. The series is marketed with a TV-MA rating, however some may feel it inappropriate for younger viewers.

Released: 2021
Reviewed: 1.14.21
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Documentary

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Catch Me If You Can

 At only 21 years old, Frank is already skilled at forging documents and changing his identity from doctor to lawyer to pilot. And when FBI agent Carl makes it his mission to take him down, Frank realizes he enjoys the pursuit as much as he does changing his identity.

Leonardo DiCaprio (Frank Abagnale Jr.), Tom Hanks (Hanratty), Christopher Walken (Frank, Dad), Martin Sheen (Roger), Amy Adams (Brenda), James Brolin (Jack), Brian Howe (Amdursky), Jennifer Garner (Cheryl).

Catch Me If You Can starts at the end, goes back to the beginning, then bounces around between the two until meeting in the middle. While this can be a bit confusing at times trying to understand where we are in the timeline, the story moves along well.
The story of con-man turned security consultant Frank Abagnale Jr. is fairly well known true story retold by others and Frank himself over the years. Catch Me If You Can does a nice job of bringing the story to life on screen. The film moves along at a good pace and it is enjoyable to see how Frank developed emotionally and how he behaved as a con man.

Acting was very good with both Walked and DiCaprio delivering exceptionally well throughout. Hanks was solid as well and fit nicely in the film. Sheen, Brolin, and Garner were also well cast and added nicely to the film. Adams, Howe, and the remainder of the supporting cast delivered well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are all nicely done with a solid, authentic feel. Mild action scenes are good and fitting. Dialogue was varied, moved at a good pace, and was engaging throughout. Sound and soundtrack are managed well.

Catch Me If You Can is a nicely done retelling of Frank's life as a con man. Technical work is solid, but acting really makes this one shine. Those who enjoy real life crime drama should enjoy this one quite a bit.

With some sexuality, violence, gore, and foul language, this one is fine for teens and above.

Released: 2002
Reviewed: 1.14.21
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Crime, Drama, Biography, Stories based on Real Life

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Stranger Than Fiction

 IRS auditor Harold Crick suddenly starts hearing a voice narrating his life. Even more disturbing; the voice is planning to kill him! As Harold attempts to understand what is happening and prevent his death he finds love, humanity, forgiveness and a host of other things.

Will Ferrel (Harold), Maggie Gyllenhaal (Ana), Emma Thompson (Karen), Dustin Hoffman (Hilbert), Queen Latifah (Penny), Tony Hale (Dave), Tom Hulce (Dr. Cayly), Linda Hunt (Dr. Leffler).

Stranger than Fiction begins with Harold's realization he is hearing a voice in his head which is narrating his life. Trying to understand what is happening he realizes the voice may be plotting his death! The voice begins affecting his entire life, including a newly discovered love interest.

I am not usually a Ferrel fan as I find most of his comedy overly simple and juvenile but I loved him as Harold in this movie. I was quite impressed that he could play a more serious role with class. Thompson also did a great job as the chain-smoking neurotic author, generating pity and sympathy almost in the same breath. Queen Latifah also did well as Penny Escher, Eiffel’s assistant, but I kept waiting for her to crack a joke or drop into slang talk throughout the movie. Gyllenhaal as Ana Pascal was the real star in my opinion. She was funny, cute, serious in parts and sexy as heck throughout.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are simply done and fitting for the film setting. Action scenes are mild but good. Dialogue is interesting with a mix of drama and subtle comedy that at times feels a bit dry and emotionless. Sound and soundtrack are good.

Overall a mildly entertaining film with quality acting and camera work that delivers a humbling message of self-awareness without going over the top. Those who enjoy a solid drama with tidbits of comedy should enjoy this one.

With some sexuality, violence, gore, and foul language, all of which are mild, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2006
Reviewed: 3.3.08
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Romance, Comedy, Dark Comedy

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Mile 22

 A top team of American intelligence officers attempts to smuggle a sensitive political prisoner with important information out of Indonesia. Instead, their own struggle for survival becomes the mission.

Mark Wahlberg (Silva), Lauren Cohan (Alice), Iko Uwais (Li), John Malkovich (Bishop), Ronda Rousey (Snow), Carlo Alban (William), Natasha Goubskaya (Vera), Sam Medina (Axel), Keith Bolden (King).

Mile 22 begins by quickly showing us what Silva and his team do for a living. Fast forward a bit and we find Silva and his team being sent to Indonesia to extract a witness with sensitive information. The witness however is more than he seems, and apparently worth more than he pretends as Silva and team are now on the defensive and fighting to survive. Along the way there are a few diversions, some drama, and a lot of Wahlberg with too much caffeine.

Acting was good with Wahlberg delivering a fast paced performance for which he has become known. Cohan was a solid choice and delivered nicely. Uwais was also well cast and fit his role well. Malkovich, Rousey, and the remainder of the supporting cast were solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were well done with a realistic look and feel. Use of natural scenery was good as well. Physical effects were well done with good detail and impact. Dialogue was good with nice depth and movement. Sound and soundtrack are on point.

In the end, Mile 22 is another solid action thriller from Wahlberg and Director Peter Berg. The film quickly develops energy and engagement before taking a beat to develop depth, holding attention fairly well the entire time.

With some mild sexuality, plenty of brutal violence and gore, and a small ton of foul language, good luck keeping this one away from younger teens, though they should be fine.

Released: 2018
Reviewed: 12.31.20
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action, Thriller, Spy films, Espionage, Military

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Me, Myself & Irene

 Mild mannered cop Charlie is tasked with escorting Irene back to her hometown and protecting her from her corrupt ex-boyfriend. Along the way Charlie loses the medication he takes for split personality disorder, leading both of his personalities to fall in love with Irene.

Jim Carrey (Charlie/Hank), Renee Zellweger (Irene), Anthony Anderson (Jamaal), Mongo Borwnlee (Lee Harvey), Jerod Mixon (Shonte Jr), Chris Cooper (Gerke), Michael Bowman (Whitey), Richard Jenkins (Boshane), Robert Forster (Partington).

Me, Myself & Irene begins by introducing us to Charlie and his life. Irene and the main plot show up quickly at about the same time as Charlie's personality disorder is revealed. Add in an ex-boyfriend antagonist and things get more interesting. But when Charlie and his other personality, Hank, both fall in love with Irene and the bad guys step up their game, the film really gets moving through the Happily Ever After ending.

Acting was good with both Carrey and Zellweger doing very well and seeming to work well together. Anderson, Harvey, and Mixon also delivered nicely with some good chuckles. Bowman was solid while Jenkins and Forster both delivered as usual. The remainder of the cast was enjoyable as well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are nicely done with good use of apparent natural scenery. Action was managed well. Dialogue was solid with some good laughs. Sound and soundtrack are fitting.

Overall Me, Myself & Irene is a fun romantic comedy with good acting, technical work, and some laughs. Those who enjoy a lighthearted romcom should enjoy this one.

With more than a few sexual references, violence, gore, and foul language, this should be fine for older teens and above.

Released: 2000
Reviewed: 12.30.20
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Romance, Late Night Comedy, Drama

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: American Ultra

 

Mike is a small-town stoner whose life is upended when he realizes he is an awakened foreign sleeper agent targeted for elimination by CIA operatives.

Jesse Eisenberg (Mike), Kristen Stewart (Phoebe), Topher Grace (Yates), Connie Britton (Lasseter), Walton Goggins (Laugher), John Leguizamo (Rose), Bill Pullman (Krueger), Tony Hale (Petey), Stuart Greer (Watts).

American Ultra begins with some background on Mike's life and a few character introductions. The spy theme quickly becomes apparent and it isn't long before Mike and girlfriend Phoebe are on the run and the bullets are flying. The story moves along at a good pace and includes some twists and turns along with the action and bits of drama.

Acting was solid here with Eisenberg and Stewart both delivering well and seeming to work well together. Grace was okay but felt like he was pushing his skills. Britton, Pullman, and Leguizamo delivered as usual. Goggins was perfectly cast and once again brings a disturbing energy to a disturbing character. The remainder of the cast was solid and enjoyable.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds are fairly well done with a realistic feel throughout. CGI, effects, and physical stunt work were nicely done and fit the film well. Dialogue was good with nice depth and movement. Sound and soundtrack are mild but good.

Overall American Ultra is a fun action spy film with a few laughs. The film develops surprising depth and engagement and holds interest well through the end. Those who enjoy a lighter action film should enjoy this one.

With some mild sexuality, violence, gore, plenty of foul language, and some intense scenes, this should be fine for teens and above. The film actually feels like it was targeted for teens.

Released: 2015
Reviewed: 12.30.20
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Action, Comedy, Adventure, Spy movies

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: 7 Guardians of the Tomb

 A team of scientists is sent into an ancient cave in search of a colleague who disappeared after discovering the 2000 year old burial chamber of a Chinese Emperor. What they don't know is the discovery released a threat nobody expected.

Bingbing Li (Jia), Kellan Lutz (Jack), Kelsey Grammer (Mason), Chun Wu (Luke), Shane Jacobson (Gary), Stef Dawson (Piper), Jason Chong (Chen), Ryan Johnson (Ethan), Yasmin Kassim (Lisa), Tim Draxl (Andrew).

7 Guardians of the Tomb launches with scientists in an ancient cave discovering a 2000 year old tomb, awakening evil by accident, and then disappearing. Next a team of scientists is sent in to find the original missing scientists. From there the film is your basic action horror as the scientists realize there is something evil in the cave; man-eating spiders. The remainder of the film follows the group as they struggle to innovate a defense against the spiders and survive.

Acting was mediocre here. Li was okay, as was Lutz, and both seemed to work well with others. Grammer was an interesting choice and did pretty good but he wasn't enough to carry the film. Wu, Jacobson, Dawson and the remainder of the cast were okay. Overall it felt like the cast didn't have a lot of energy.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good and surprisingly most scenes were clear despite being in a dark cave. Effects and CGI were good for the most part with a few overdone scenes. Dialogue was often repetitive and mundane. Sound and soundtrack are okay.

Overall this is a mild action horror flick that feels like a poor copy of better done flicks with the same theme. The film lacks energy and depth beyond being a cookie-cutter monster film.

With violence, gore, and disturbing images, this should be fine for teens and above.

Released: 2018
Reviewed: 12.30.20
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Action, Horror, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Action Horror

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: Death to 2020

 A satirical look back at the insanity of the year 2020 by an all-star cast. From the creators of "Black Mirror"; a story that couldn't be told until now, because it was still happening.

Samuel Jackson (Dash), Hugh Grant (Foss), Lisa Kudrow (Jeanetta), Kumail Nanjiani (Bark), Tracey Ullman (Queen), Samson Kayo (Flask), Leslie Jones (Gravel), Diane Morgan (Gemma),Cristin Milioti (Kathy), Laurence Fishburne (Narrator).

Death to 2020 begins with credits and a few comments before finding footing as an apparent documentary. Reviewing the dumpster fire of 2020, it is quickly apparent the supposed experts speaking are famous actors delivering a heavy dose of sarcasm and satire. The disturbing part is trying to understand if the humor is due to the accurate descriptions of the year, or if the descriptions are so accurately disturbing all we can do is laugh. Either way, Death to 2020 is full of good laughs.

Acting was good and fun throughout. Jackson was in-type and delivered as usual. Grant was silly fun, as was Kudrow and both brought the energy well. Kayo was hysterical, as were Morgan and Milioti. Ullman and Jones rounded things out well.

Camera work, sets, and backgrounds were good but really a small part of the film. Much of the film is news clips with narration, which is nicely done. Dialogue is very funny both directly and as sarcasm or satire. Sound is managed very well.

Overall Death to 2020 is quite funny if you are able to find the humor in 2020 or are ready to laugh about it and move on. Those who enjoy late-night comedy should enjoy this one.

With plenty of foul language, save this one for older teens and above.

Released: 2020
Reviewed: 12.29.20
Star rating: 4 out of 5
Genre: Comedy, Dark Comedy, Mockumentaries, Satire

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel

Movie review: The Midnight Sky

 Augustine, an ailing arctic astronomer, believes he is the last human on post-apocalyptic Earth quickly becoming inhabitable. Upon discovering he is not alone on the planet, he also makes contact with a group of astronauts returning home from an extended voyage.

George Clooney (Augustine), Felicity Jones (Sully), David Oyelowo (Adewole), Caoilinn Springall (Iris), Kyle Chandler (Mitchell), Demian Bichir (Sanchez), Tiffany Boone (Maya), Sophie Rundle (Jean).

The world is dying so a group of astronauts is sent to scout new homes in the galaxy, but the expected end comes while they are gone. Augustine, an ailing astronomer in the arctic, believes he is the last human on Earth. The Midnight Sky is the story of what happens when Augustine finds there is another human besides himself, and the astronauts find they have no home to which they can return. The story has enough action and mystery to move along well and a nice twist at the end that is both well done and disturbing.

Acting was very good with Clooney and Jones both delivering very well. Oyelowo, Springall, Chandler, Bichir and the remainder of the supporting cast were enjoyable and did nicely.

Camera work and visual effects were both well done throughout the film with nicely done space scenes and landscapes. Sets and backgrounds were good as well with a solid feel. Dialogue was good with nice depth and movement. Sound and soundtrack are fitting and well managed.

Overall The Midnight Sky is a subtle but enjoyable sci-fi drama with good technical work and acting. The storyline is entertaining, fairly solid, and moves along at a nice pace. Those who enjoy a solid drama with a bit of sci-fi should enjoy this one.

With some mild violence and intense action, this should be fine for preens and above.

Released: 2020
Reviewed: 12.29.20
Star rating: 3 out of 5
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi Drama

copyright ©2021 Dave Riedel