The week got away from me and I didn't watch any of my recent John Woo purchases (I have a Ringo Lam on the way too), I needed something familiar and/or not subtitled. I have nothing planned this weekend, so I'll get on it...
Dust Bunny (2025): I have the feeling the title was not appealing to people, so they didn't go to see it. That and a nearly minimalist marketing campaign. If you like the quirky and dark humor side of Bryan Fuller (like Pushing Daisies, Dead Like Me), you'll like this. It drags a little in the middle, but it picks up on the 3rd act. There's a feel of Delicatessen or City of Lost Children that I enjoyed. The little girl is very good, Mads Mikkelson is as great as usual, and any movie with David Dastmalchian in it is worth the watch.
Step Brothers (2008): For some reasons I wanted to rewatch this. There are better John C Reilly movies to watch, but I recently saw Talladega Night, so I kinda wanted to see the duo again (Reilly and Ferrell). There's a couple of funny joke, but as a whole it's just an annoying and stupid movie. I also made the mistake of watching the extended cut, which was not the best idea.
Tron (1984): I finally pulled the trigger and got the 4k, which looks great. I always loved the movie and it pains me they never manage to do anything decent with the franchise. I like Legacy, but it has deep flaws, starting with the main character casting. I don't plan on upgrading that one to 4k. As a Babylon 5 fan, I love seeing Bruce Boxleitner in a main role, and Peter Jurasik in a smaller one. Also, every time I watch this movie, I feel like rewatching the animated series Reboot. Fun fact, I got the Italian release because the ebay seller labeled the page like a dyslexic monkey and I didn't see the small prints. But it's all good, the disc is basically the same as the other countries releases, just the packaging is italian. Luckily, the title is the same in every language.
Minority Report (2002): another 4k upgrade that was not planned. Especially this one since the visuals are so peculiar, but I did it anyway because I deserve it. It does look good though.
Matilda (1996): For some reasons, I've never seen this movie. I've heard of it a lot of course, especially how Dany DeVito was great with the young Mara Wilson. It's great, I wish I'd seen it earlier. One of the extras on the blu-ray is a reunion with most of the cast, including the kids, now adults. They recreate some of the scenes, and the whole thing is just adorable. I wish it was available as an uncut version to see the whole day they had.
Lastly, I watched The Monkey (2025) on 4k, because Patrick said it was the best horror movie of the year. I'm sure he's right (I don't see enough of them to rate them), but I can say it's very good. Horror-comedy is my jam, that exploding diver was super funny.
"Dust Bunny" was a surprise in theaters because it feels like something that'd end up as a Netflix or Hulu exclusive. She has a small role but Sigourney Wraver pointing her shoe guns at the "bunny" made me laugh out loud. 😅
Between "Dust Bunny" and her few on-screen seconds as a human spirit at the end of "Avatar 3," Sigourney is the best-looking senior citizen working in movies today. Who knew Ripley would become ageless in the real-world Earth she lives in. 😍🥰
Trying again, but breaking down tbe reviews individually to "fool" the evil Blogger. 🙄🧐
Hope most of you in the States are warm and cozy this c🥶🥶🥶ld weekend. 🫤
Rewatched AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH (2025) one last time before Timur Bekmambetov's MERCY (2026, both in IMAX 3D) took over the premium screens. "A:F&A" is pure eye-candy with the best tech in the business supporting a beautiful alien world populated with shallow characters and predictable-as-eff tropes. When the action hits, though, it's almost worth the ridiculous 3+ hr. bloated runtime. Oona Chaplin's Varang is easily the best antagonist in the series so far (Stephen Lang's Quaritch has outstayed his welcome in the sequels), a zero-effs-to-give Na'vi bee-yatch that brings the best (worst?) warrior tendencies out of Neytiri (series MVP Zoe Saldaña). 3D Blu-ray, here l come.
MGM's "Mercy" feels like last year's Amazon "War of the World" movie (same company owns both features), a lone protagonist (Chris Pratt's disgraced LAPD cop) fighting for his life in a single room surrounded by hi-tech tools and an AI judge (Rebecca Ferguson doing an uncanny Katee Sackhoff impersonation 😅) putting the world at his disposal to prove his innocence. The avalanche of legal/cop/techno-thriller/dysfunctional family/etc. tropes eventually underwhelm a decent premise that could have worked better with the 'less is more' approach. 'It's fine.'
Speaking of the LAPD, NIGHT PATROL ('26, THEATER) starts super strong as a Shudder-produced horror flick in which the held-in-high-regard autonomous cop unit breaking in a new member (Justin Long impersonating David Schwimmer 🤨) perpetuates the cycle of abuse against dark magic-fearing residents of a housing project... until the divided-by-gang-affiliation locals have had enough and pool their (practical and supernatural) resources to fight back. Alas, "NP's" final act completely drops the ball and kills its own momentum with tonal shifts and out-of-place comedic beats (pretend slow-motion running) that hint at its relatively low budget. Dermot Mulroney and Flying Lotus deserved better than this ambitious failure.
Rewatched ORCA [THE KILLER WHALE] (1977, KINO LORBER 4K UHD) with its commentary tracks (RIP Lee Gambin 😢). Better than the "Jaws" sequels but still saddled with a layer of Dino De Laurentiis' Italian cheese, "Orca" (helped immensely by an Ennio Morricone score that tugs at your heartstrings) works overtime to make its human protagonist (Richard Harris in paycheck mode) an equal to its titular animal. Wish the story was more about Charlotte Rampling's scientist than Nolan's self-destructing quest, but this is the rare OG "Jaws" rip-off that's worth mentioning in the same breath as Spielberg's masterpiece.
Orca traumatized me as a kid. I remember when it first hit network TV. It was a big deal as it was oft mentioned with Jaws. There's a scene early in the movie on the boat that sets off the revenge which was just beyond shocking/unexpected to me. That being said, i think its a great flick which earns the comparison "Jaws Meets Moby Dick".
Now that you mention it, Richard Harris' Nolan behaves/acts as a modern day re-interpretation of Capt. Ahab chasing after his white whale... except here the rightfully-pissed whale fights back and taunts his human tormentor. 😎😢
Two decades after his underwhelming 2006 movie adaptation of Konami's "Silent Hill" divided critics/fans, Cristoph Gans' RETURN TO SILENT HILL ('26, THEATER) is more of the same. The PS2 "Silent Hill 2" videogame's story/characters are the basis for the screenplay, which doesn't stop Gans from liberally inserting locales/monsters/moments from other "SH" games. Acting/line delivery is atrocious across the board, particularly lead Jeremi Irvine's whiny facial expressions. Even with cutting-edge special effects (for a German/Serbian co-production) and some ambitious production/monster designs giving this the hint of artistic ambition, "RTSH" is ultimately a bad movie heavily inspired by a game with decades-old cutscenes eons better than anything it has to offer. Avoid!
'06 "SH" has its fans (Sean Bean is in it) as does this sequel (some people applauded at the end of "Return..." while me and a few others booed just as loudly 😛). I was shocked how 20 years between the Christoph Gans "SH" movies resulted in zero improvements. I think they're both bad as adaptations of videogames or stand-alone horror flicks. 🤨👎
PRIMATE ('26, AMC PRIME) is just what its trailer/premise tells you it is ("Cujo" with a super strong, rabid chimpanzee named Ben), freeing your brain to enjoy the slasher tropes and gory gags. Ignore the fake CG tropical home with a glass pool built into a mountain and the poor attempt at human emotion between the sisters, and "Primate" delivers its unambitious goods.
Last but not least, rewatched DIE HARD (1988, 4K UHD) in January because why not. It's not the start of a new year until the Nakatomi Tower maintenance guy washes off with a hose the stain that used to be Hans Gruber from the sidewalk. 💀😉👻
Unintentional Double Feature #1: Contained space "bottle" thrillers:
Flight Risk (2025)
Its...not great...but watchable. Pretty by the numbers thriller taking place entirely in the cockpit of a small plane. Witness transfer goes awry. Even at 90m it felt stretched. I will say Wahlberg is having fun making crazy faces that channel Skarsgard out of make up doing the Pennywise smile combined with Golum.
The Rip
I went in with tempered expectations for this made-for-streaming flick. But as i like the director and Afleck/Damen i was hopeful. Turns out its AWESOME. Most of the movie centers around a group of officers in a drop house with a LOT of money and temptation. Super well written and directed tense thriller. Looking forward to revisiting.
Unintentional Double Feature #2: Documentaries about Subjects Unknown.
Hendrie (2024)
Interesting look at the career of a divisive radio personality. While i dont think his radio show would be something i'd listen to, it was interesting to see his persona that combined shock jock with incredibly quick improve character creation skills.
Show Business is My Life But I Cant Prove It (2022)
A very interesting look at the life and career of a stand up comic/musician named Gary Mule Deer. Not sure how ive never heard of him considering his longevity, quirkyness, and fan base. Enjoyed this.
Quickie Bonus Review:
Mel Brooks The 99 Year Old Man (2026 HBO)
Im in the middle of watching but i gotta say its exceptional. Mel has been a storyteller for decades and director Apatow does an amazing job of weaving new footage with old to tell Mels story. Honestly i like this even more than Mels book All About Me as i feel it gives deeper insights to his incredible journey and work. If you are fan and have access I HIGHLY suggest this one.
Just watched Moves for Lovers and wow, the emotions in this movie are so real! 💖 It’s amazing how a small gesture or a simple line can change the whole mood. Kind of like using a copy and paste font generator —just like how a plain word can suddenly feel magical and stand out when you style it right. Fonts have their own little way of making feelings pop, just like this movie does!
The week got away from me and I didn't watch any of my recent John Woo purchases (I have a Ringo Lam on the way too), I needed something familiar and/or not subtitled. I have nothing planned this weekend, so I'll get on it...
ReplyDeleteDust Bunny (2025): I have the feeling the title was not appealing to people, so they didn't go to see it. That and a nearly minimalist marketing campaign. If you like the quirky and dark humor side of Bryan Fuller (like Pushing Daisies, Dead Like Me), you'll like this. It drags a little in the middle, but it picks up on the 3rd act. There's a feel of Delicatessen or City of Lost Children that I enjoyed. The little girl is very good, Mads Mikkelson is as great as usual, and any movie with David Dastmalchian in it is worth the watch.
Step Brothers (2008): For some reasons I wanted to rewatch this. There are better John C Reilly movies to watch, but I recently saw Talladega Night, so I kinda wanted to see the duo again (Reilly and Ferrell). There's a couple of funny joke, but as a whole it's just an annoying and stupid movie. I also made the mistake of watching the extended cut, which was not the best idea.
Tron (1984): I finally pulled the trigger and got the 4k, which looks great. I always loved the movie and it pains me they never manage to do anything decent with the franchise. I like Legacy, but it has deep flaws, starting with the main character casting. I don't plan on upgrading that one to 4k. As a Babylon 5 fan, I love seeing Bruce Boxleitner in a main role, and Peter Jurasik in a smaller one. Also, every time I watch this movie, I feel like rewatching the animated series Reboot. Fun fact, I got the Italian release because the ebay seller labeled the page like a dyslexic monkey and I didn't see the small prints. But it's all good, the disc is basically the same as the other countries releases, just the packaging is italian. Luckily, the title is the same in every language.
Minority Report (2002): another 4k upgrade that was not planned. Especially this one since the visuals are so peculiar, but I did it anyway because I deserve it. It does look good though.
Matilda (1996): For some reasons, I've never seen this movie. I've heard of it a lot of course, especially how Dany DeVito was great with the young Mara Wilson. It's great, I wish I'd seen it earlier. One of the extras on the blu-ray is a reunion with most of the cast, including the kids, now adults. They recreate some of the scenes, and the whole thing is just adorable. I wish it was available as an uncut version to see the whole day they had.
Lastly, I watched The Monkey (2025) on 4k, because Patrick said it was the best horror movie of the year. I'm sure he's right (I don't see enough of them to rate them), but I can say it's very good. Horror-comedy is my jam, that exploding diver was super funny.
"Dust Bunny" was a surprise in theaters because it feels like something that'd end up as a Netflix or Hulu exclusive. She has a small role but Sigourney Wraver pointing her shoe guns at the "bunny" made me laugh out loud. 😅
DeleteNot that it breaks the movie for me, but in these kind of weird guns, i always wonder where the bullets are stored 🤣
DeleteBetween "Dust Bunny" and her few on-screen seconds as a human spirit at the end of "Avatar 3," Sigourney is the best-looking senior citizen working in movies today. Who knew Ripley would become ageless in the real-world Earth she lives in. 😍🥰
DeleteWell, she was in cryo-sleep for a while
DeleteBlogger strikes again. 😡🤬I keep posting reviews w/o bad words or anything offensive, Blogger keeps deleting my post after a few minutes. WTH! 🙄😥
ReplyDeleteI had time to read it before it disappeared. I feel like the chosen one 🤣
DeleteI'm honored. 😁😭🫤
DeleteTrying again, but breaking down tbe reviews individually to "fool" the evil Blogger. 🙄🧐
ReplyDeleteHope most of you in the States are warm and cozy this c🥶🥶🥶ld weekend. 🫤
Rewatched AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH (2025) one last time before Timur Bekmambetov's MERCY (2026, both in IMAX 3D) took over the premium screens. "A:F&A" is pure eye-candy with the best tech in the business supporting a beautiful alien world populated with shallow characters and predictable-as-eff tropes. When the action hits, though, it's almost worth the ridiculous 3+ hr. bloated runtime. Oona Chaplin's Varang is easily the best antagonist in the series so far (Stephen Lang's Quaritch has outstayed his welcome in the sequels), a zero-effs-to-give Na'vi bee-yatch that brings the best (worst?) warrior tendencies out of Neytiri (series MVP Zoe Saldaña). 3D Blu-ray, here l come.
MGM's "Mercy" feels like last year's Amazon "War of the World" movie (same company owns both features), a lone protagonist (Chris Pratt's disgraced LAPD cop) fighting for his life in a single room surrounded by hi-tech tools and an AI judge (Rebecca Ferguson doing an uncanny Katee Sackhoff impersonation 😅) putting the world at his disposal to prove his innocence. The avalanche of legal/cop/techno-thriller/dysfunctional family/etc. tropes eventually underwhelm a decent premise that could have worked better with the 'less is more' approach. 'It's fine.'
Speaking of the LAPD, NIGHT PATROL ('26, THEATER) starts super strong as a Shudder-produced horror flick in which the held-in-high-regard autonomous cop unit breaking in a new member (Justin Long impersonating David Schwimmer 🤨) perpetuates the cycle of abuse against dark magic-fearing residents of a housing project... until the divided-by-gang-affiliation locals have had enough and pool their (practical and supernatural) resources to fight back. Alas, "NP's" final act completely drops the ball and kills its own momentum with tonal shifts and out-of-place comedic beats (pretend slow-motion running) that hint at its relatively low budget. Dermot Mulroney and Flying Lotus deserved better than this ambitious failure.
DeleteRewatched ORCA [THE KILLER WHALE] (1977, KINO LORBER 4K UHD) with its commentary tracks (RIP Lee Gambin 😢). Better than the "Jaws" sequels but still saddled with a layer of Dino De Laurentiis' Italian cheese, "Orca" (helped immensely by an Ennio Morricone score that tugs at your heartstrings) works overtime to make its human protagonist (Richard Harris in paycheck mode) an equal to its titular animal. Wish the story was more about Charlotte Rampling's scientist than Nolan's self-destructing quest, but this is the rare OG "Jaws" rip-off that's worth mentioning in the same breath as Spielberg's masterpiece.
ReplyDeleteOrca traumatized me as a kid. I remember when it first hit network TV. It was a big deal as it was oft mentioned with Jaws. There's a scene early in the movie on the boat that sets off the revenge which was just beyond shocking/unexpected to me. That being said, i think its a great flick which earns the comparison "Jaws Meets Moby Dick".
DeleteNow that you mention it, Richard Harris' Nolan behaves/acts as a modern day re-interpretation of Capt. Ahab chasing after his white whale... except here the rightfully-pissed whale fights back and taunts his human tormentor. 😎😢
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteTwo decades after his underwhelming 2006 movie adaptation of Konami's "Silent Hill" divided critics/fans, Cristoph Gans' RETURN TO SILENT HILL ('26, THEATER) is more of the same. The PS2 "Silent Hill 2" videogame's story/characters are the basis for the screenplay, which doesn't stop Gans from liberally inserting locales/monsters/moments from other "SH" games. Acting/line delivery is atrocious across the board, particularly lead Jeremi Irvine's whiny facial expressions. Even with cutting-edge special effects (for a German/Serbian co-production) and some ambitious production/monster designs giving this the hint of artistic ambition, "RTSH" is ultimately a bad movie heavily inspired by a game with decades-old cutscenes eons better than anything it has to offer. Avoid!
ReplyDeleteThe first Silent Hill movie is good? I don't think i've ever seen it
Delete'06 "SH" has its fans (Sean Bean is in it) as does this sequel (some people applauded at the end of "Return..." while me and a few others booed just as loudly 😛). I was shocked how 20 years between the Christoph Gans "SH" movies resulted in zero improvements. I think they're both bad as adaptations of videogames or stand-alone horror flicks. 🤨👎
DeleteThe Fthismovie did an episode on the first Silent Hill movie. Rob DiCristino is a fan. I thought it was awful.
DeleteOh yeah, totally forgot about that. I've yet to see a Christopher Gans movie I like, so i think i'll pass
Delete"Brotherhood of the Wolf" is a legit good Christoph Gans joint. 😎👍
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteNah, didn't care for it. I rewatched it a few months ago.
DeletePRIMATE ('26, AMC PRIME) is just what its trailer/premise tells you it is ("Cujo" with a super strong, rabid chimpanzee named Ben), freeing your brain to enjoy the slasher tropes and gory gags. Ignore the fake CG tropical home with a glass pool built into a mountain and the poor attempt at human emotion between the sisters, and "Primate" delivers its unambitious goods.
ReplyDeleteLast but not least, rewatched DIE HARD (1988, 4K UHD) in January because why not. It's not the start of a new year until the Nakatomi Tower maintenance guy washes off with a hose the stain that used to be Hans Gruber from the sidewalk. 💀😉👻
Howdy gang! Stay warm and safe!
ReplyDeleteUnintentional Double Feature #1: Contained space "bottle" thrillers:
Flight Risk (2025)
Its...not great...but watchable. Pretty by the numbers thriller taking place entirely in the cockpit of a small plane. Witness transfer goes awry. Even at 90m it felt stretched. I will say Wahlberg is having fun making crazy faces that channel Skarsgard out of make up doing the Pennywise smile combined with Golum.
The Rip
I went in with tempered expectations for this made-for-streaming flick. But as i like the director and Afleck/Damen i was hopeful. Turns out its AWESOME. Most of the movie centers around a group of officers in a drop house with a LOT of money and temptation. Super well written and directed tense thriller. Looking forward to revisiting.
Unintentional Double Feature #2: Documentaries about Subjects Unknown.
Hendrie (2024)
Interesting look at the career of a divisive radio personality. While i dont think his radio show would be something i'd listen to, it was interesting to see his persona that combined shock jock with incredibly quick improve character creation skills.
Show Business is My Life But I Cant Prove It (2022)
A very interesting look at the life and career of a stand up comic/musician named Gary Mule Deer. Not sure how ive never heard of him considering his longevity, quirkyness, and fan base. Enjoyed this.
Quickie Bonus Review:
Mel Brooks The 99 Year Old Man (2026 HBO)
Im in the middle of watching but i gotta say its exceptional. Mel has been a storyteller for decades and director Apatow does an amazing job of weaving new footage with old to tell Mels story. Honestly i like this even more than Mels book All About Me as i feel it gives deeper insights to his incredible journey and work. If you are fan and have access I HIGHLY suggest this one.
As much as I'm already bored with the current wave of end-of-career-docs, I will watch the Mel Brooks doc as soon as possible.
DeleteMe too. We should cherish/honor the chance to see/hear Mel Brooks while he's still above ground. 😎🤩
DeleteJust watched Moves for Lovers and wow, the emotions in this movie are so real! 💖 It’s amazing how a small gesture or a simple line can change the whole mood. Kind of like using a copy and paste font generator
ReplyDelete—just like how a plain word can suddenly feel magical and stand out when you style it right. Fonts have their own little way of making feelings pop, just like this movie does!
Patrick, they release a cheaper version of Bringing Out The Dead 4k in case you didn't know
ReplyDeletehttps://www.amazon.com/Bringing-Out-the-Dead-4K-Blu-ray/dp/B0FX9TX3L3?tag=bluray-062-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER
The more I think about it, the more I realize that FThisMovieFest! is my favorite day of the year. Eagerly awaiting!
ReplyDeleteJune's my favorite month of the year... just saying. 😉😙
DeleteConcur! Already planning for it!
Delete