Venom: Let There Be Carnage Review: The Comic Book Movies Are Fun Again

Release date: October 1, 2021
Running time: 90 minutes
Directed by: Andy Serkis
Written by: Kelly Marcel and Tom Hardy
Starring: Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Naomie Harris, Reid Scott, Stephen Graham, and Woody Harrelson

Tom Hardy returns to the big screen as the lethal protector Venom, one of MARVEL’s greatest and most complex characters. 

Venom returns to take on his greatest enemy, Carnage and wow is it a good return.  The first film had Eddy Brock (Hardy) getting accustomed to having a living, breathing symbiote that could give him amazing powers but also costs some measure of his sanity.  Well, in the second Venom the two have fully bonded but their disagreements make up a lot of the humor in this film.  It is hilarious to hear Venom and Eddy argue about things, and Venom constantly pushing ideas and actions that would turn Eddy into a mass murderer.  Their playing off each other was much stronger this time around, with the transition from Venom statements to Eddy statements much more seamless.  I loved Tom Hardy as Venom in the first movie, and he does not disappoint in this one either.  He is such a strong actor and fully commits to the Venom role. 

And in this film, Venom is joined by his greatest foe, Carnage.  Woody Harrelson is a great foil for Venom, and his portrayal as Carnage provides the right amount of craziness.  Carnage is a living killing machine, and that comes through right from the start.  And just like how Venom and Eddy have disagreements, Carnage and Cletus Kassidy (Harrelson) fight as well.  The dual nature of the symbiotes is a lot of fun to see on screen and makes for a frantic but enjoyable scenario.  This film also has mostly great special effects, especially when Venom and Carnage start manifesting.  It's fun to see these tentacles reach out and manipulate objects around them, or lash out when they get angry, and credit to the special effects wizards in this film for making that possible.  And these superheros are heavy destruction machines, and the special effects make this all come to life.  I loved seeing Venom tear up walls as he climbed them or topple roof tiles as he moves about the city.  

However, despite the CG being really good, the scenes when Carnage and Venom fight do have a certain claymation feel to them.  I think it's just that the two CG characters move well, but are unnatural enough to be a little distracting.  It isn't bad and you're still drawn in by the spectacle of what is happening, but it is something to keep in mind.  It made this climactic fight less exciting.  However, one thing I really appreciated is just how tight and fun this movie is.  It is hilarious, despite dealing with some heavy subject matter in serial killer Cletus Kassidy.  And it is a tight 90 minute movie without unnecessary filler or tangents.  The story is compact and meaningful and it is great to watch a movie that respects your time.  At the end of the film I left thoroughly enjoyed and excited to see where this went next.

Venom: Let There Be Carnage is a worthy sequel to the first film, with another great performance by Tom Hardy, plenty of humor, and a psychotic foil to the lethal protector.

Watch it.

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Venom: Let There Be Carnage is in theaters and on demand on October 1, 2021.  For showtimes, click here.

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I'm An Electric Lampshade Review: An Entertaining Documentary Narrative About Pursuing Your Dreams

Release date: September 23, 2021
Running time: 92 minutes
Written and Directed By: John Clayton Doyle
Starring: Doug McCorkle, Regina McCorkle, Cesar Valentino, Isra Jeron Ysmael, Darnell Peart, Robin Dunn, Mark Joseph Aquino, Marshall Factora, and Marion McCorkle Beckerman.

Director John Clayton Doyle’s acclaimed documentary-narrative hybrid I’M AN ELECTRIC LAMPSHADE is embarking on a widescale festival run this fall across North America.  Called both “one of the best documentaries of the year” (on-magazine.co.uk), and “One of the best films we’ll see all year” (KQED), the mind-bending music odyssey tells of Doug McCorkle, a buttoned- up, mild-mannered corporate accountant. After retiring at age 60, Doug puts his marriage and life savings on the line to chase his wildest dream.

I'm An Electric Lampshade is a very different type of film.  It is billed as narrative documentary, which seems like an accurate approximation of this strange but ultimately entertaining film.  The movie chronicles the real life retirement push by Doug McCorkle to fulfill his dream of performing on stage, with the work that went into his preparation and the pain that occurred to both him and his relationship.  But the film mixes aspects of true documentary footage with a some manufactured, but no less interesting scenarios.  It is tough to see where the lines blur, because the reality of McCorkle's story is already so ridiculous.  The film is sort of a 50/50 split of documentary and filmed scenarios, but even the filmed scenarios force McCorkle to get outside of his comfort zone.  Since he has never acted before, all of this serves as a vehicle for him to become more outgoing and more of a performer, and the transformation you see on screen is fascinating to watch.

And I'm An Electric Lampshade is a very entertaining journey, showing this strangely charismatic character's path to his dream of rock stardom.  I liked McCorkle's willingness to work and the roundabout way that he went fulfilling his dream.  His music is quirky, much like he is, but he definitely goes all out for his performances, dawning some unique, exotic, and uncomfortable outfits for this rock premiere.  And although the film is about McCorkle following his dreams, it also shows the very human cost that it had on him. It highlights his own struggles and pain during this endeavor, but it also shows the struggles and pain his relationships went through.  It is an eye opening journey, and one that should inspire all of use to pursue our dreams.  And most importantly, the journey--although strange--is ultimately entertaining with some ridiculous performances and scenarios by McCorkle.

I'm An Electric Lampshade is a quirky and thoroughly entertaining documentary / mockumentary hybrid, with a no holds barred performance by McCorkle in a look at the joy and cost of pursuing your dreams. 

Watch it.

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I'm An Electric Lampshade is currently touring the festival circuit.  Keep your eyes peeled for its eventual wide release.

No Time To Die Review: Daniel Craig's Bond Has A Strong And Fitting Farewell

Release date: October 8, 2021
Running time: 163 minutes
Directed by: Cary Joji Fukunaga
Starring: Daniel Craig, Rami Malek, Léa Seydoux, Lashana Lynch, Ben Whishaw, Naomie Harris, Ana de Armas, with Jeffrey Wright, with Christoph Waltz and Ralph Fiennes as "M"

In No Time To Die, Bond has left active service and is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica. His peace is short-lived when his old friend Felix Leiter from the CIA turns up asking for help. The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology.

No Time To Die continued to wait until movie theaters had opened, with the justification that this is a movie you should see in theaters.  And they were right about that.  Right from the start, No Time To Die grabs you with its intense action, amazing sound, and Daniel Craig as 007.  The film is a worthy return to the theaters and if you are comfortable being back, it is a good reason to return.  the story has Daniel Craig coming out of retirement to save the world, your typical Bond story except he is a little more rebellious in his older age.  But the world of 007 has evolved and so have the entities involved.  I liked the intrigue between the various organizations as they both tried to stop this disaster from happening without really working well together.  And the film also lets you revisit some old plot lines and characters that we know and love.  

And speaking of characters you know and love, No Time To Die reunites us with some old ones and introduces us to some fresh faces.  Daniel Craig is the perfect bond, with his good looks and quiet confidence.  You also have Jeffrey Wright returning as Felix, Ben Whishaw returning as Q, Ralph Fiennes as M, and Naomie Harris as Moneypenny.  But you also have the introduction of some new characters, most enjoyable of which was Ana de Armas as a young agent that helps Bond during an earlier part of the mission.  She had a disarming mentality and a fun oblivious confidence that was a great start to this film.  And Seydoux returns as Madeleine for a more substantial role in the Bond saga. 

But you’re coming to Bond for the action and No Time To Die has that in spades.  From the car chases, to the gunfights, to the hand to hand combat, this is the Bond that you’re waiting for.  The action is intense and varied, but this also has the new aspects of Daniel Craig feeling his age.  This was introduced in Skyfall (I think) but as this film also has aspects of Bond coming out of retirement, you’ve also got him taking bad hits and trying to shake it off.  And the sound, wow this movie has some amazing sound.  You’ve got explosions, sounds that are muffled because of explosions, gunfire, and some really great scenes in various vehicles.  The soundscape is amazing and something that you really should see in theaters.  Maybe it has just been a while, but hearing the muffled sounds from inside a cockpit really reminded me what it was like to be back in theaters.  

But whereas the action and sound and characters are all great, the story is where Bond is let down.  It’s not terrible, but it has some plot holes that feel like they should have been addressed.  The main villain just doesn’t feel like much of a menace, and his connection to the story is too tenuous.  And his actions progress the story but it also feels like some aspects are bolted on for the overall film.  I imagine some of this is due to editing as the film is already a very long one, but it was just something that felt noticeable.  At the end there were certain motivations that I was unclear about, and aspects of the villain and character's past that were left unanswered.  

No Time To Die is a solid return to the theaters, with intense action, amazing sound, and the Daniel Craig Bond you know and love.  

Watch it.

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No Time To Die is in theaters on October 8, 2021.  For showtimes, click here.

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Ted Lasso S2E10 "No Weddings And A Funeral" Review: A Tragic Scenario Brings The Tears and Smiles

  

Release date: September 24, 2021
Running time: 46 minutes

Rebecca is stunned by a sudden loss. The team rallies to show their support, but Ted finds himself grappling with a piece of his past.

I know I have been complaining about a general lack of soccer action in Ted Lasso, but S2E10 has no soccer action and I still loved it.  This episode starts with an emotional bang as Rebecca gets some horrible news, but then uses that to explore some character traumas, providing a nice avenue for additional character development.  If the last episode was a chance for Beard to shine (very loosely used), then this one is a chance for Rebecca and Ted to dig into some of the issues that we have been seeing throughout this season.  Rebecca especially gets a lot of screen time and has to deal with some upsetting situations and realizations.  But through this all you get the drama that we have come to love from Ted Lasso, and the random encounters and revelations.

But what is great about this episode is that it really allows some old wounds to be explored. You leave with a better understanding of some of our favorite characters from the show.  And it also causes some plot threads that have been developing to come to a head, paving the way for some future exploration in the finale.  But what I loved most about this episode is that it highlights how this Richmond club has become both a team and a family without needing any sports.  You get to see the characters in a very different scenario, with just as much heart, love, and camaraderie as in any match.  And you will leave this episode with a smile, a tear, and a warm feeling in your heart.  

Watch it.

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Ted Lasso is available to stream on Apple TV+ with Season 2 Episode 10 "No Weddings And A Funeral" available on September 24, 2021.

The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain Review: A Horrible But All Too Common Scenario

Release date: September 17, 2021
Running time: 85 minutes
Written and Directed By: David Midell
Starring: Frankie Faison, Steve O'Connell, Enrico Natale
Executive Producers: Morgan Freeman, Lori McCreary, Gary Lucchesi, Sharad Chib, Chris Paladino, and Milan Chakraborty

Based on the true story of the events that led to the death of Kenneth Chamberlain Sr, an elderly African American veteran with bipolar disorder, who was killed during a conflict with police officers who were dispatched to check on him.

The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain is a relatively simple movie that deals with some very complex societal issues.  The film is self contained, taking place inside and just outside Mr. Chamberlain's apartment on that fateful night.  And the film documents the one and a half hour ordeal that led to Mr. Chamberlain's ridiculous death at the hands of an overly aggressive group of police officers.  The film has a nice pace and a good escalation of the situation, which started off routine but then led to a series of increasingly insane events and assumptions.

But the horrible and important part about this movie is just how it escalates.  The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain shows how a routine situation can escalate when some individuals involved just can't let go.  The film definitely has an agenda, that is clear from the start, but the agenda is one that should be seen to be believed.  The fact that this man could be murdered in his own home for simply refusing to open his door during a false alarm is horrible.  And Faison does a good job of portraying Mr. Chamberlain, showing the bipolar nature of the man and the fear in his eyes and voice when the police refused to leave him.  He has to carry much of the film on his own and does so in a compelling and gripping way.  The film is not an overly tense one, but it has an oppressive feeling to it that is highlighted by the way that the police constantly demand that Mr. Chamberlain comply and do not let him simply go back to bed.  The knocking on his steel door is a constantly jarring experience, and one that must have been all the more terrifying to the man who experienced it. 

The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain is not a perfect movie though.  It feels like an indie film, with a limited set and some lower production values that give it this look.  And the film also has a clear message, with some characters seeming to be very one-sided.  But that can all be forgiven due to the underlying insanity of the situation.  This is a story that deserves to be told, and the escalation that occurred in that hour and a half is horrendous and something that has become far too common in America.

The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain highlights a horrible, but all too common encounter with police, with a strong performance by Faison and a tense, gripping story. 

Watch it.

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The Killing of Kenneth Chamberlain is available in theaters, digitally, and on demand on September 17, 2021.  For showtimes, click here.

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Last Man Standing Review: Some New Revelations In An Interesting But Not Well Organized Hip-Hop Documentary

 

Release date: August 20, 2021
Running time: 90 minutes
Written and Directed By: Nick Broomfield

Suge Knight the former CEO of legendary rap music label Death Row Records was recently sentenced to 28 years imprisonment for manslaughter and other violent crimes not typically associated with a highly successful record executive. This film takes a look at Death Row and how L.A.’s street gang culture had come to dominate its business workings.  The film also looks at the allegation of former LAPD detective Russel Poole that the reprisal killing of Biggie Smalls, a retaliation to the murder of Tupac, was commissioned by Suge Knight with the help of corrupt LAPD officers who were moonlighting at Death Row Records. These police officers were also members of Suge’s criminal gang the Mob Piru’s and with their resources helped orchestrate the hit on Biggie Smalls. The film produces new evidence and witnesses who actually saw these LAPD officers present on the night of Biggie’s murder, and who also testify that critical information had been deliberately withheld and concealed by the LAPD.

Last Man Standing provides a look back at a pivotal time in hip hop, when gangster rap was becoming to dominate and the East Coast / West Coast rivalry was coming to a head.  The film is a follow up to an earlier Nick Broomfield documentary that introduces new information about the Biggie / Tupac beef, murder, and the involvement of Suge Knight in this whole endeavor.  And the film also features plenty of information about the iconic artists, including clips and interviews of those who knew them.  I loved seeing Biggie and Tupac again, and hearing about their careers.  However, the connection to Suge and the overall knowledge that they were destined to die made this a bittersweet reunion.  However, I did like seeing the progression of Tupac as he fell more and more into Suge's influence, falling deeper and deeper into the gangster lifestyle.  

However, despite this being a follow up documentary, it does not seem to reveal much new information.  There are new revelations, especially about certain individuals that were involved in the investigation over the murders, but it does not seem to come to a solid conclusion.  There are some aspects that do sound very conspiracy theory and although the film has some answers, it also seems to leave additional questions.  And despite having a clear goal, it does not seem that well organized.  The presentation is a little disjointed and I think I would have rather had the documentary in distinct chunks to really get the connections.  There were connections drawn in the movie, but they sometimes felt like strings in a giant conspiracy board.  And although the documentary is an overall good one, I also don't know how much it adds over Bloomfield's previous work.  It would have been nice to have something more noticeable for new revelations versus reiteration of older points.

Last Man Standing adds new information and background for the Biggie / Tupac murders, with plenty of 90s footage of the stars and a few new revelations to this sensational case.

Rent it.

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Last Man Standing is available digitally and on demand on August 20, 2021.

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Foundation S1E2 "Preparing to Live" Review: Same Slow Pace, Built Out World, And Climactic Conclusion

Release date: September 24, 2021
Running time: 103 minutes

Based on the award-winning novels by Isaac Asimov, “Foundation” chronicles a band of exiles on their monumental journey to save humanity and rebuild civilization amid the fall of the Galactic Empire.

Where the first episode of Foundation laid the groundwork for the whole galactic organization, this episode really lets you see the stakes that are involved.  The episode starts with an action packed introduction and concludes with a big conclusion, but the middle is all about fleshing out the world and setting up the intrigue.  You learn some of the consequences and pressures facing the Empire, as well as some of the danger facing Gaal and the newly exiled settlers.  You don't have a lot of major revelations, but overall this is a fleshing out episode, giving you more comfort with the major player's situations.  And you also start to see different players that we met earlier start to assert their power, allowing us to see where disagreements lie.  

And the conclusion, wow, what a conclusion.  If you aren't hooked after that then maybe this isn't for you, but I was floored by what happened.  But because this epsiode is more about building out the world, it was pretty slow.  There were important events and revelations, but overall there wasn't a lot going on.  It still kept my attention and helped to show some of the additional rifts that were not highlighted in the first episode.   And there are still some moments of fire that occur, it's just a more slowly paced episode than I was expecting after the conclusion to Episode 1.  Additionally, some time has passed since the first episode and although wounds are still fresh, there seems to be a large chunk that the series just does not explore.  Perhaps this is just due to time constraints given the limited nature of the series but there were some character interactions that seemed to jump out of nowhere.  However, the second episode of Foundation has the same slower pace as the first one, and the same type of climactic conclusion.  And I am very excited to see where this goes from here!

Watch it.

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Foundation is available to stream on Apple TV+ with Season 1 Episode 2 "Preparing to Live" available on September 24, 2021.

Foundation S01E01 Review: A Slow But Intriguing Start To The Series

Release date: September 24, 2021
Running time: 103 minutes

Based on the award-winning novels by Isaac Asimov, “Foundation” chronicles a band of exiles on their monumental journey to save humanity and rebuild civilization amid the fall of the Galactic Empire.

Foundation feels like an interesting mix of medieval Europe mixed with a scifi space opera.  The Galactic Empire has territories and a ruling group, and is stitched together by loose alliances and ruthless efficiency.  This leads to a unique and classic feeling show despite the extreme technology on display in the series.  The first episode introduces us to the whole concept of the series and the plight.  I really liked how it slowly introduced the concepts of this universe to you; leaving plenty of mystery as you experience this place.  For example, a major decision that a main character did was not explained until about 3/4 of the way through the episode.  And even the reason that the main character is there does not become apparent until later in the episode. 

And what makes this such an interesting episode is both the environment and the characters.  You meet so many interesting and strange people during this first look at the Galactic Empire, and I am interested to see where this goes.  The effects are top notch for the most part; there were some minor issues with some of the CG but overall the world of Foundation comes to life to let you experience this imaginative and impactful setting.  Episode 1 teases just enough to let you know that there is so much more going on, and makes you excited to see what will be coming in the future.  I'm excited to see where this goes and am just along for the ride.

Foundation S01E01 is an impactful introduction to the Asimov's universe, and has interesting characters, great effects, and a mysterious world that makes it a mathematical impossibility to not keep watching.

Watch it.

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Foundation is available to stream on Apple TV+ with Season 1 Episode 1 "The Emperor's Peace" available on September 24, 2021.

Screening: See The Many Saints of Newark Early and Free

We have partnered with Newline Cinema for an early screening of the The Many Saints of Newark!  The film is coming to theaters and HBO Max on October 1, 2021, but you can see it early and free!!  Details and entry form are below!

The Many Saints of Newark

Cast: Alessandro Nivola, Leslie Odom Jr., Jon Bernthal, Corey Stoll, Michael Gandolfini, Billy Magnussen, Michela De Rossi, John Magaro, Ray Liotta and Vera Farmiga

Director: Alan Taylor

Synopsis:

Young Anthony Soprano is growing up in one of the most tumultuous eras in Newark’s history, becoming a man just as rival gangsters begin to rise up and challenge the all-powerful DiMeo crime family’s hold over the increasingly race-torn city. Caught up in the changing times is the uncle he idolizes, Dickie Moltisanti, who struggles to manage both his professional and personal responsibilities—and whose influence over his nephew will help make the impressionable teenager into the all-powerful mob boss we’ll later come to know: Tony Soprano.   

 Screening Info:

THE MANY SAINTS OF NEWARK

Tuesday, September 28th
7:00 pm
AMC Tysons Corner.

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Apache Junction Review: A Wild West Story of Revenge and Redemption

Release date: September 24, 2021
Running time: 92 minutes
Written and Directed By: Justin Lee
Starring: Trace Adkins, Stuart Townsend, Scout Taylor-Compton, Ed Morrone, Victoria Pratt, and Thomas Jane

Apache Junction is an outpost of lawlessness, a haven for thieves and cold-blooded killers. After big-city reporter Annabelle Angel (Scout Taylor-Compton) arrives to write an article on the town, she becomes a target when notorious gunslinger Jericho Ford (Stuart Townsend) comes to her aid. Now Annabelle must entrust her future to a man with a deadly past, as Jericho heads toward a tense showdown in this thrilling Western that unloads a double-barreled blast of action. Costarring country music superstar Trace Adkins and Thomas Jane.

Apache Junction, just like the outpost in the film, is a mixed bag. The film is full of wild west characters, some good, some bad, but few ugly.  I liked the mix of individuals that the film gathered and the strange outpost that was Apache Junction.  And despite the film being set in the wild west in a rough frontier town, the movie has some more progressive characters.  I liked the women in the film as they were strong and supportive despite the wild west town around them. 

And Apache Junction's story initially starts with some mystery, as you don't necessarily know what will happen to Annabelle in this town, nor do you know the backgrounds of many of the people she meets.  As she starts to become more familiar, some of their mysteries reveal themselves.  And through this all you have some really nice images of the wild west and some enjoyable sets and weapons.  It's a contained story but one that keeps your interest.  And the characters are all interesting to interact with and are well acted.  You have a lot of your western movie tropes, but they are all well portrayed by the talented cast.  

However, Apache Junction is let down by its action and the overall conclusion to the story.  I was excited when the action finally got going, only to be let down by an effort that was slower than I expected.  Director Justin Lee is no stranger to the wild west so maybe my own experiences have been too "Hollywoodized" to make me think that gunplay should be fast and loose, but I kept wondering what was taking these folks so long to fire their weapons.  And these cowboys bill themselves as dead eyes but when the actual gunfighting happened, it seemed like no one could hit anyone else (again, maybe this was accurate and my expectations are wrong).  And this all builds to a climactic final encounter that felt unnatural given what we'd already seen, and also felt a little unfulfilling.  Overall, I liked the journey and the characters, but the payoff just didn't seem like it was there.

Apache Junction's lawless wild west town, interesting characters, and beautiful landscapes make for an interesting story of revenge and redemption.  

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Apache Junction is available in theaters, digitally, and on demand on September 24, 2021.  

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Dear Evan Hansen Review: The Same Heart But Not The Same Soul As The Musical

Release date: September 24, 2021
Running time: 137 minutes
Directed by: Stephen Chbosky
Cast: Ben Platt, Amy Adams, Julianne Moore, Kaitlyn Dever, Amandla Stenberg, Nik Dodani, Danny Pino, Colton Ryan, DeMarius Copes

The breathtaking, generation-defining Broadway phenomenon becomes a soaring cinematic event as Tony, Grammy and Emmy Award winner Ben Platt reprises his role as an anxious, isolated high schooler aching for understanding and belonging amid the chaos and cruelty of the social-media age.   

Most importantly, Dear Evan Hansen has the songs that you love from the musical now in the film.  And thankfully it also has Ben Platt reprising his theatrical role as Evan Hansen.  The man knows the character and personifies him well.  He has awkward mannerisms, social anxiety, and his great singing voice.  And the story of Dear Evan Hansen still has an ultimately positive message and some very emotional scenes.  The "You Will Be Found" scene is thankfully just as well done as in the musical and several of the scenes have similar emotional impact.  Overall, this is a solid remake of the musical.

But Dear Evan Hansen does have some negatives versus the stellar musical.  Bringing Ben Platt back was a fantastic choice, but the rest of the cast--despite being phenomenal actors--just don't have the same range as the Broadway singers.  I wish they had used other Broadway actors but I understand why they used big name stars.  They do a good job and most of the songs are still emotional, but it just doesn't have the same impact.  And the movie makes a few changes to the story to update it to a more modern times, but these changes feel clunky.  There is a major emotional scene that just doesn't make much sense.  And the filmmakers changed the ending to have a slightly different build up that also feels a bit strange.  I felt that it changed the underlying message of the ending.  It makes the ending a little too Hollywood and less raw like in the musical.  

Dear Evan Hansen has the same songs, Ben Platt, and emotional story that made it a smash Broadway hit, but the changes to get to the big screen make this an imitation and not a reimagining of the original.

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Dear Evan Hansen is in theaters on September 24, 2021.  For showtimes, click here.

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Remniscence Review: A Mind Game That Is Not Memorable Enough

Release date: August 20, 2021
Running time: 116 minutes
Written and Directed By: Lisa Joy
Stars: Hugh Jackman, Rebecca Ferguson, Thandiwe Newton

Nick Bannister (Jackman), a private investigator of the mind, navigates the alluring world of the past when his life is changed by new client Mae. A simple case becomes an obsession after she disappears and he fights to learn the truth about her.

Reminiscence has a strange setup but one that made me want to learn more about what was going on.  It felt almost like Inception mixed with Minority Report, with Bannister trying to look into his and other people's past to find a hidden clue or story thread.  The whole setup is mysterious with Bannister finding more about the situation as the movie goes on.  But it also is told a little out of time, so some events happen in the past without the movie cueing you into that fact until much later.  And these events are not just the reminiscences, as the film sometimes plays fast and loose with when those end and the present beings.  And the characters are also interesting and well acted, though Ferguson is a little stiff (part of her character) and Jackman seems to attach far too quickly (also part of his character).

But despite Reminiscence's interesting setup, the story feels very convoluted and overly long.  Some movies can do that, such as Inception, which had a convoluted story that was part of the charm.  But here, the story seems to layer on several additional threads to try and get you to feel connected to the characters.  And it also seems to constantly go for a big surprise, even when it didn't seem to make sense.  And this leads to a conclusion that also just seems out of place to what actually occurred in the film.  The conclusion has a lot more gravity attached to it than I think it deserved given the journey we just had.  Overall the film is good enough without being memorable.  I liked lots of it, but kept looking at my watch throughout trying to remember what I would rather be doing. 

Reminiscence has a decent setup, but didn't do enough with the great cast and convoluted story to leave a memorable impression on me.

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Reminiscence is available in theaters and on HBO Max on August 20, 2021.  It will leave HBO Max after September 18, 2021.  

Giddy Stratospheres Review: A Punk Fueled Story That Doesn't Quite Sing

Release date: September 14, 2021
Running time: 67 minutes
Written and Directed By: Laura Jean Marsh
Starring: Laura Jean Marsh and Jamal Franklin

Daniel and Lara, our Giddy Indie Kid Soul Mates, spiral in the center of the storm and broken glass that was the 00's Indie Music Scene. Beautiful, mischievous and disheveled, and on a quest for the ultimate Euphoria, Hedonism and Excitement that comes with dancing and thrashing on the front row to your new favorite song by your new favorite band. They don't miss a gig. They don't miss a beat.

Giddy Stratospheres is a punk movie through and through, with a great punk soundtrack that really is a love letter to this time.  I liked hearing the music and the high energy sounds provided a nice energy for the overall film.  And both Daniel and Lara are fully committed to the punk scene, with some great fashions and a rebellious attitude that borders on reckless throughout the film.  And these two are the main focus for good reason, their chemistry is fun to see.  They get along well and provide some fun interactions.  And although the film is not the easiest to follow, it does allow for some growth with the characters.  I especially liked how some characters are viewed in a completely different light by the end of the film.

However, as charming as the premise is and as much as I enjoyed the soundtrack, the story of Giddy Stratospheres just doesn't hold up.  The story has a major plot twist that is interesting, but doesn't have the emotional impact it should have.  I also liked the main pair, but they tended to reuse the same pet names over and over, which was so often it was noticeable.  The first part of the film doesn't have much of a sense of purpose, and we spend a good amount of time without really knowing what the main point of the film is.  And in a movie that is only 67 minutes long, that is not a good thing.  Some of the characters are out there, but they also feel like caricatures for a different type of movie, one that is not supposed to be grounded in a real world time.  And after the big plot twist, the film barrels towards a conclusion that also has a resolution that seems a little too quick.  I felt like more could have been explored after the twist, and the characters could have done more to establish emotion with the viewers before it.  Basically, I wanted more because I did like a lot of this film, it just felt short and rushed.  I don't doubt that this film had budgetary issues, but it definitely feels like budget was a concern here as the film is relatively short without being exciting enough to keep your interest.

Giddy Stratospheres has a charming main cast and an interesting story, but the short run time and inconsistent story means that you can't fully appreciate all this has to offer.

Rent it.

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Giddy Stratospheres is available digitally and on demand on September 14, 2021.  

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