Comedy whodunits have been making something of a comeback in recent years but B.J. Novak spices things up in Vengeance. Ben Manalowitz (B.J. Novak) is writer for the New Yorker and aspires to record a podcast about America. Only his boss, Eloise (Issa Rae), shoots down his initial pitch for American Moment. And then his girlfriend dies–only she was not his girlfriend but her family thinks she was. The two may have hooked up a…
"Vengeance Blends Comedy, Thriller"
Ruby Sparks, starring Paul Dano and Zoe Kazan, recently marked the tenth anniversary since the film’s theatrical release in 2012. “I started seeing her this morning. It’s like that movie Harvey. Except she’s not a giant rabbit.” – Calvin Weir-Fields I meant to get to the rewatch ahead of Monday’s 10th anniversary. With the Hall of Fame inductions and home entertainment releases on Tuesday, I simply ran out of time. In any event, the film…
"Ruby Sparks Marks 10th Anniversary"
If you’ve never given any thought to ridesharing beyond going where you need to go, Stalker is going to make you think twice. I like to think that rideshare companies like Uber and Lyft vet their drivers. A film like this can be terrifying not just for the companies themselves but for riders, too. There’s a few scenes with gore here but it’s more thriller than horror in the general sense of the term. However,…
"Stalker Makes Ridesharing Horrifying"
The Resort is a thrilling comedic mystery series that follows a married couple as they seek to solve an unsolved mystery in the Yucatan. Emma (Cristin Milioti) and Noah Reed (William Jackson Harper) are celebrating their tenth anniversary at the Mayan Rivera. But before they have much time to settle in, a mishap during their ATV ride leads to the discovery of a lifetime. Emma discovers a phone and in asking around, she begins to…
"The Resort: A Thrilling Comedic Mystery Series"
DC League of Super-Pets is a super fun time for superhero fans and the newest worthy addition to the DC cinematic canon. Please do not rush to leave the theater when the credits begin. There is a post-credits scene and a mid-credits scene. The gist of the film is that Krypto the Super-Dog (Dwayne Johnson) and Superman (John Krasinski) are best friends. Krypto has the same superpowers because he also comes from Krypton. There are…
"DC League of Super-Pets Is A Super Fun Time"
Fiddler’s Journey to the Big Screen is now available for audiences to watch at home on Blu-ray, DVD, and via digital retailers. What follows is my original review from earlier this year: Fiddler’s Journey to the Big Screen is a documentary that comes one year after Fiddler on the Roof marked its 50th anniversary. Jeff Goldblum narrates the movie but his contribution is minimal compared to how many cast and crew provide commentary. Filmmaker Daniel…
"Fiddler’s Journey to the Big Screen on Home Video"
Fans now have the opportunity to bring adventure comedy The Lost City home and watch the film on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD. What follows is a modification of my original review from April: After being taken hostage, a romance-adventure novelist and her cover model team up to find The Lost City in this action-adventure comedy. Big-budget action-adventure romantic comedies feel like a thing of the past. I’m so glad that Paramount didn’t unload…
"The Lost City on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD"
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness is now available for audiences to bring home and watch on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD. What follows is my review from May with some modifications: Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness sees Doctor Strange journey further into the Multiverse in order to stop an adversary. As is the custom for Marvel films, there is a mid-credit scene and a post-credit scene. The mid-credit scene is…
"Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness on Home Video"
Thirteen Lives is a gripping thriller about the incredible 2018 Thailand cave rescue of a soccer team trapped in Tham Luang cave network. Ron Howard is no stranger to making films about incredibly true rescues. He did it years ago with Apollo 13 and now he’s back again. Last year saw the premiere of The Rescue during the fall festival season. Where that film is a documentary, the narrative feature goes full thriller, capturing all…
"Thirteen Lives Is A Gripping Real-Life Thriller"
Gulliver Returns is inspired by Jonathan Swift’s classic satire, Gulliver’s Travels, but the film lacks the magic in this unnecessary sequel. Listen, I don’t like panning films. I especially don’t like panning films where a portion of the proceeds will aid Ukraine. Things have changed in Gulliver’s (Wayne Grayson) return to Lilliput. For starters, he does not appear as a giant. It’s like the writers have decided to take what they like and throw out…
"Gulliver Returns Is Missing The Magic"