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Ready or Not (2019)
Weaving herself gives a brilliant performance, easily the star of the show.
What to think about this one...
I'm not totally sure how I view 'Ready or Not'. There are elements to it that I love, things I would've liked to have played differently and one bit that I kinda hated. I'll start with the big positives: Samara Weaving and the visual of Samara Weaving. How epic does Grace look by the end of the movie? So good! Weaving herself gives a brilliant performance, easily the star of the show.
Now for the parts I'd change, admittedly I haven't thought it through properly so probably wouldn't have made sense, but I digress. Based on the early knockings, I could sense the obvious rift in terms of support that the characters had for 'the event'. I would've loved if we had a civil war-esque situation develop, you could've had basically everything that still happens in the film but Grace, Alex, Daniel and Becky vs. The rest would've been cooler and more eventful imo.
As for the bit I disliked: it involves Mark O'Brien's Alex at the end. What an utterly woeful twist, a twist for the sake of twisting. It was quite something how my interest in the movie left me in that exact moment, I don't think a film has lost me that sharply before. So stupid and unnecessary.
However, there is a caveat to that. The flick, in fairness, kinda won me back shortly after with the actual conclusion. The 'pops' are amusingly ace, while the final line of Weaving's Grace is a good'un. I just wish that aforementioned issue with Alex didn't happen, because it has altered how I feel about this; albeit, I think, after judging it as an overall, I can still class this 2019 picture as very good.
Alien: Romulus (2024)
Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson are the great performers in this.
'Alien: Romulus' is actually very good.
Of the more modern day releases from this franchise, this is the one I've enjoyed the most. When I was immediately coming out of the cinema I was just plainly thinking of it as being solidly good, however the more I think about it the more I had fun with this seventh installment.
The plot, or at least the set-up to it, is quite uncreative, as in I feel like so many films - from this series included - have a crew make-up of similar people and similar characteristics/motivations; 'Crater' and 'I. S. S.' (both very good, don't get me wrong) are recent examples that spring to mind. Happily, though, the rest of the flick makes up for any weakness in that area.
Cailee Spaeny and David Jonsson are the great performers in this, I found them both to be excellent throughout. Two actors I want to see much more of, having already seen them in a few pleasing pictures; e.g. 'Civil War' and 'Rye Lane'.
I also liked the sound design and even the jump scares, which I'm not usually a fan of (bit lazy etc.) but there is enough about how they do them here that it works. Those facehuggers remain brilliantly effective, though the xenomorph isn't amazingly utilised - the human version didn't hit for me, felt 'I Am Legend'-esque.
All in all, it's up there as one of my favourites from the franchise. For me, 'Alien' and 'Aliens' just narrowly better this, though it's a marginal improvement on (the entertaining) 'Alien Resurrection' and it surpasses every other release, in my eyes.
It Ends with Us (2024)
Largely great, though the way it ends does make me question how I feel about it.
I found 'It Ends with Us' to be largely great, though the way it ends does make me question how I feel about it.
The performances of Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni (just me who thinks he looks a touch like Runar from 'Ice Age'? ...), Brandon Sklenar, Jenny Slate - heck, even Isabela Ferrer and Alex Neustaedter (iffy likeness aside) - are stellar. I sensed a lot of chemistry between Lively & Baldoni and Lively & Sklenar, which is impressive to succeed in that area twice.
Pace-wise the movie jumps along nicely, all the other major elements like editing, music and whatever are all well done and are only plus points. However, the conclusion disappoints a bit. I do think it just about regains its footing to produce a positive ending, though how it gets there by wrapping up the relationship between Lively's Lily and Baldoni's Atlas left me feeling a bit uneasy. As did a few other scenes, though they were of course as intended.
Amusing that I'm pretty sure I was the only dude (or at least one of a few) in a packed cinema watching this. Upon exiting, visually I kinda felt like Will Smith in that famous 'The Pursuit of Happyness' (which I still haven't seen btw, gotta get on that) crowd scene - only surrounded by women. Bit awkward, I can't lie. "Will watch anything!" evidently leads me astray sometimes!
The Menu (2022)
Deserving of hype.
Late to the party with this one! Probably a party to avoid anyway...
'The Menu' is a film deserving of hype. It's very good, with some strong storytelling and excellent cast showings. Anya Taylor-Joy continues to be a very reliable actress, yet to dislike a performance from her. Ralph Fiennes, meanwhile, feels perfect for the role of Chef.
Hong Chau sticks out too, while it was good to see Paul Adelstein act again - not seen him in anything since 'Prison Break', well aside from a bit part in his (underrated) 'Imposters' show. The movie sets an nice tone, it isn't all that unpredictable (though is in a few moments, tbf) but still manages to build good tension throughout.
As someone who hadn't seen either but has now at least seen one of them, up until recently I thought this and 'The Bear' were the same thing; based on a few glimpses I got of each poster. How interesting that they released so close to each other, even the (great) 'Boiling Point' feature film with Stephen Graham basically came out in 2022 too. Year of the kitchen.
AVPR: Aliens vs Predator - Requiem (2007)
A rightly panned movie.
Remarkably dull.
I wouldn't say any part of me utterly disliked watching 'Aliens vs Predator: Requiem', though it has to be said that it is not a good film at all - it's almost impressive how uninteresting it all is. Thankfully it is relatively short at round 90 minutes, any longer and I may have hated it.
The main negative I hold is the lighting, or lack thereof. It's such a visually dark movie, so much so that you can barely tell the two titanic creatures apart at most times. There's also a supposed-to-be cool reveal at the conclusion, yet you can barely see who they are revealing. Very odd choice.
The plot and its characters are extremely forgettable, it's just a standard monster(s) attacks small town flick - something we've all seen before. Think 'Eight Legged Freaks', but worse. As for those onscreen, John Ortiz is the standout, though only if I had to pick someone. The whole story with the Howard brothers is so mundane and poorly portrayed.
A rightly panned movie. The worst work of either franchise.
AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
It's pretty good!
Finally got around to watching this crossover between the two titular characters. It's pretty good!
I'm not someone who has a keen interest in either franchise, though. I'm kinda surprised both have as many flicks made as they do and as many still on the way. I admittedly I do like all of the 'Alien' films, whereas I found 'Predator' to be rather uninteresting - until 'Prey' anyway, that's the only one from that series that I'd say I like.
With all that, I wasn't too sure what to expect from 'AVP: Alien vs. Predator' - a movie that I've actually heard of since I was a kid, I remember people at my school referring to it quite often; I probably knew of this before I knew that they were a crossover from separate releases. Pleasingly, i did find the required enjoyment from this 2004 movie.
None of the cast are particularly outstanding, though all work really nicely as a whole. Sanaa Lathan gives a good showing as the main human character, in what is my first real experience of seeing her onscreen. Same can be said for most of the acting talent, with only Ewen Bremner being someone I could say I recognised; and Lance Henriksen, only after thoroughly racking my brain from the original 'Alien' films though.
That final scene leaves good intrigue ahead of the sequel. After viewing that, I can finally say I've seen all of this most abundant franchise. No mean feat, eh? At least there aren't any more coming any time soo... *Alien: Romulus releases in two days* ffs.
Office Space (1999)
Great!
'Office Space' is great!
The first chunk of the movie really is just like the 'The Office'; this walked so that could run etc. Amusing to see the printer scene in its natural habitat, I've seen it out of context and parodied ('Family Guy', obviously) a few times but evidently had never seen it in the film it originates from.
The cast are terrific. This is the first time I've seen Ron Livingston act, aside from a few minor showings in four other movies, and he's very good - surprised I hadn't previously seen him in a lead role or knew of his name up until now. Nice to see Jennifer Aniston appear, while Stephen Root and Gary Cole are amusing. Credit to the others too, e.g. David Herman and Richard Riehle.
Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure (2011)
Not that far from being a watchable film to be honest.
So... 1: This exists. 2: Austin Butler is in it. Quite the discovery on my part.
Admittedly it has been many years since I've set eyes on the (original) 'High School Musical' films, which I'm nonplussed by, though I didn't even know this existed until fairly recently - had to get it watched, being somewhat of a completionist and all that. If I'm honest, musical numbers aside, it's ever so slightly a better watch than the trilogy - certainly less cringe.
I assume he is credited in the opening credits, but I missed that if so and only realised Butler was in it when he first appeared onscreen... and even then I wasn't too sure as he kinda looks 50% like Austin Butler and 50% not like Austin Butler.😄 Then I remembered, when 'Elvis' came out, hearing that he was a Disney Channel kid. It's a weak role for him here, though he is fine.
Ashley Tisdale is the standout, as you would obviously expect. There are a couple of recognisable faces in there behind Tisdale, including Robert Curtis Brown. No surprise that none of the main stars from the other three flicks made an appearance in this 2011 release. Well, apparently Lucas Grabeel makes a cameo at the end in certain releases - I watched on Disney+ and didn't see that, unless I missed him.
'Sharpay's Fabulous Adventure' is not that far from being a watchable film to be honest, which isn't something I thought I'd be saying so minor kudos to those behind this.
Guilty by Suspicion (1991)
An interesting picture.
'Guilty by Suspicion' is an interesting picture. I like it!
It does a great job at portraying the threat throughout, the FBI & Co. Feel as omnipresent as intended. I particularly enjoyed the final few scenes, they absolutely nailed the chaoticness of the courtroom! Robert De Niro puts in a great showing, spearheading a decent supporting cast which includes Martin Scorsese. It's the first time I've seen him act barring minor cameos; well, aside from, eh, 'Shark Tale', I guess ...
All in all, glad I watched it and I would recommend it.
//
Guilty by Suspicion is a 1991 American period drama film about the Hollywood blacklist.
The King of Comedy (1982)
Undoubtedly a very good movie.
A bit long-winded, but undoubtedly a very good movie.
'The King of Comedy' has a sturdy Robert De Niro lead performance, as well as solid support from Jerry Lewis and Sandra Bernhard. I enjoyed seeing the split from what actually happens and how De Niro's Rupert Pupkin views things via his dreams; especially with how merged they become by the end.
Absolutely zero surprise to now learn that Todd Phillips and Scott Silver used this and 'Taxi Driver' as inspiration when writing 'Joker'. Quite cool though!
//
The King of Comedy is a 1982 American satirical black comedy film directed by Martin Scorsese.
Break (2020)
Visually pleasing to see that this has a run time of 1hr 47mins.
'Break' is relatively good, somewhat against the odds.
It is quite rough around the edges, though it features a story that is perfectly watchable and is portrayed competently by those behind the scenes. Onscreen, the actors are all fairly solid. Sam Gittins is decent in the lead role, as are Luke Mably and Adam Deacon. The standouts, though, are Rutger Hauer and, particularly, David Yip. There are some neat snooker cameos too, albeit wooden ones.
Visually pleasing to see that this has a run time of 1hr 47mins. Nice touch!
//
Break is a 2020 British film written and directed by Michael Elkin.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
Never has the word "speechless" been so apt.
That ending... Never has the word "speechless" been so apt.
'The Sixth Sense' is a very good movie from beginning to end, but it is during that conclusion that the film becomes truly remarkable. The only word that crossed my mind when the credits rolled was "wow". Such a fantastic way to wrap up events, the best twists are the ones that give you all the clues but without making it obvious what's occurred - and that's exactly the case here.
Up until that moment, I was simply 'only' enjoying the flick. Like, it was really, really good but I was waiting for things to move up a gear. It is quite slowly paced for the majority, which actually helps in appreciating what eventually happens to be honest. The plot is supremely well executed when all is said and done.
Haley Joel Osment puts in a top quality performance, such an impressive showing. Bruce Willis is excellent as well, kinda crazy that I had seen 26 features with him in and yet somehow missed this one. Toni Collette, a barely recognisable Toni Collette, is ace too, I love Lynn and Cole's mother/son dynamic; despite all the pressing issues.
Logged, at last! I had heard of this flick for almost as long as I can remember. Thankfully, despite that, I completely avoided any spoilers. Outstanding movie!
Borderlands (2024)
Never played the game, enjoyed the film.
Never played the game, enjoyed the film.
I have heard of the video game that 'Borderlands' is based upon, though my knowledge of it doesn't extend past that one and only fact. I knew nothing else about it, so I can't comment on this in regards how well it adapts the game. As a movie though, I did get the required enjoyment from it.
Sure the story could've been greater, but what's produced kept me watching all the way through - it's a watchable flick. I did like the cast and characters, all of whom I found suitably interesting. Cate Blanchett is good fun in the lead role, Kevin Hart is perhaps a tad underused but satisfactory nonetheless, while Ariana Greenblatt impresses.
Jack Black is the one I enjoyed most, admittedly that's no surprise given I am a fan of that guy as an actor. I will say that his character is the opposite of Hart's Roland, in that I think the filmmakers should've utilised him less - he does get a bit too much screen time for a side character. However, as it's Black voicing Claptrap I can't possibly say I didn't like seeing him.
*now looks to see how this has been received thus far* Well... Granted, I do see the 'Guardians of the Galaxy' attempted resemblance.
Trap (2024)
Everything at the music concert is fairly well done and kept the intrigue alive for me. However...
Quite the nosedive!
I actually enjoyed the opening chunk of 'Trap', everything at the music concert is fairly well done and kept the intrigue alive for me. However, once events leave the arena the movie absolutely bombs its way to the finish. The last portion of the film is terrible viewing, it felt like it just kept going and going and going.
There are plot holes aplenty, nonsensical 'twists' and character decisions/abilities. Cooper, played finely to be fair by Josh Hartnett, is absolutely some sort of big shot in his 'line of work', though makes some dumb mistakes. Though he is apparently capable of teleportation, based on one scene involving a limo.
I'm not someone who needs every inch of a movie to make sense, I can enjoy something that's simply an entertaining watch; even with poorly crafted elements elsewhere in the movie. This, unfortunately, ends up being just bad. That is a shame, because I honestly did like (albeit mildly) the stuff at the venue.
Very surprised to see the fairly good reception this has received so far on a few sites, I would not have predicted that but, hey, what do I know?
White Men Can't Jump (2023)
Unexpectedly, 2023's 'White Men Can't Jump' is great!
Unexpectedly, 2023's 'White Men Can't Jump' is great!
I was anticipating, at best, a run-of-the-mill remake of the fun original movie from 1992, as most redos tend to be let's be honest. However, everyone involved here does a noteworthy job. I thoroughly enjoyed this, it's predominantly funny but there is heart in there too. To be honest, I'd totally rank it higher than its predecessor.
In that 90s picture, which again is an entertaining movie don't get me wrong, it's all solid but Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson do elevate it up a lot. Whereas in this version, sure the leads aren't as strong (but still excellent in their own rights) though the film is much more well rounded and interesting in other areas in my opinion.
They may be no Snipes x Harrelson, but Sinqua Walls and Jack Harlow are an ace match. This is the first time I've seen Walls act and I've very impressed, particularly in that emotional scene with the late Lance Reddick. Harlow appears in his acting debut and is surprisingly good, some bits you can tell he isn't a full-time actor though for the majority he is convincing.
Teyana Taylor, Laura Harrier, Myles Bullock and Vince Staples are positive members of the cast too, the latter two make for amusing comedic support. Elsewhere, it was fun to see Gerald Johnson appear; albeit minutely... Lamar 🐐. It's a nicely cast flick, to be fair.
I wasn't expecting the comedy to be as funny as it was, I'm not saying I was on the floor laughing at any point but I was smiling/chuckling pretty constantly throughout. As you'd expect, it does rely a lot on the race jokes but it's all executed well. There's good music selection too.
The Proposal (2009)
It never feels disjointed, which is actually impressive given the plot.
You can see what's coming from a mile off. Still good though.
I'm pretty sure I've watched 'The Proposal' before many, many years ago as I semi recognised a couple of scenes and knew where the story was going from basically pressing play, though the second half of the film didn't feel like something I had previously seen... so who knows! Either way, that didn't affect my enjoyment at all.
Having only seen Ryan Reynolds in his present day comedy machine it is so odd seeing him act less jokey and more serious, even if you can still spot the quintessential Reynolds comedic delivery in there every now and then. It takes a little bit to get over that but eventually a strong performance is clearly visible. Sandra Bullock fits this realm comfortably and is also very good throughout.
The film does a neat job at making it all believable, the journey from where the two characters begin to where they finish is one that somehow feels natural. It never feels disjointed, which is actually impressive given the plot. Reynolds and Bullock, who share sizeable chemistry, are a large reason for that, of course.
The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
Outstanding performances from Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson.
Been waiting ages to watch this, ever since its release really. Finally I have and 'The Banshees of Inisherin' is as great as I expected it to be. Terrific viewing.
There's not really much more to add to what I'm sure has been said by many, many others. All I can say is that I had a grand time watching it all unfold, it is expertly crafted in all areas and is brought to life by outstanding performances from Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson; Kerry Condon and Barry Keoghan aren't bad either!
///
I recommend this 2022 black tragicomedy film directed, written, and co-produced by Martin McDonagh.
Vacation Friends 2 (2023)
Tough watch!
Tough watch!
The original movie narrowly worked for me, I mentioned in my review of it that I wasn't sure how that was the case and any follow-up would very likely fall flat on its face. Unfortunately, I was spot on. 'Vacation Friends 2' is such a drag, the actors disappoint and the attempted humour is pretty terrible - not even a smirk was produced at any point.
I watched 'Dashing Through the Snow' recently and mentioned that Lil Rel Howery almost made that fellow 2023 release work. On this occasion, though, even he couldn't save this one. Yvonne Orji is alright but doesn't get given all that much, even moments after watching I can't recall anything major about her character.
John Cena, who is an actor I enjoy, and Meredith Hagner are quite annoying in this, they aren't too dissimilar to what they do in the first film, admittedly, but here their schtick just grates more than it works (which it doesn't at all). Steve Buscemi (big fan) isn't any good either, while Carlos Santos feels pointlessly tacked on.
The 2021 flick had five writers attached, this had just the one in director Clay Tarver. That probably explains the drop-off. At least the sequel has the better poster, that's something...
Die unendliche Geschichte III: Rettung aus Phantasien (1994)
Barely resembles the ace original and doesn't even feel that similar to the average 1990 sequel.
This probably merits a lower rating. To be honest, though, it didn't bore me as much as it should have.
'The NeverEnding Story III' is a mess, in short. It barely resembles the ace original and doesn't even feel that similar to the average 1990 sequel. The story is all over the place and doesn't hold any sorta magical feel, with it more being a 'fish out of water' sorta movie.
Still, it went by quickly enough for me to avoid leaving a negative taste. It's a bad movie, no doubt, but is more watchable than it ought to be. The cast do alright. I was not expecting to see Jack Black appear, even with the name in the opening credits I kinda still thought it'd be a namesake - but no, Mr. Black is indeed in this (his fourth movie!) and is OK.
Elsewhere, Jason James Richter is decent, I don't have any issues with the actor directly - just the writing etc. For his character. Away from him, the voices are a further downgrade when compared to the preceding entries; though Kaefan Shaw is almost good. Tony Robinson, who I know more of as a television presenter here in the UK, is possibly the standout of the cast as Engywook.
This film also ruins the Rockbiter character(s), however that scene of them travelling to "Born to Be Wild" is actually minorly amusing - the only scene of the movie that comes close to being entertaining. Overall, this trilogy shouldn't exist given that first film is an obvious one and done thing. Oh well!
The Neverending Story II: The Next Chapter (1990)
I just wasn't all that invested.
A forgettable follow-up.
Given that 'The NeverEnding Story II: The Next Chapter' released six years after the original, has no cast carryovers aside from Thomas Hill and is missing prior director Wolfgang Petersen, it isn't exactly a surprise to see it fall far adrift of the great 1984 movie.
The effects for the likes of Falkor aren't that different to before, though with voice actor Alan Oppenheimer missing the character doesn't stand out at all really - I did mention in my review of the first film that I felt Oppenheimer was a major reason for its success, his absence here only proves that. Donald Arthur doesn't quite do as well.
For those onscreen, Jonathan Brandis' performance is actually solid enough - but what lets things down is his dialogue, a lot of which feels unnatural. Kenny Morrison, as Atreyu, is probably the only performer that puts in a showing that is on similar level to their counterpart from the preceding feature.
With all that the case, I can't quite class this as good. I will say that I wasn't begging for the credits to come at any point, I just wasn't all that invested either. A standard 6/10 flick, for me.
The Neverending Story (1984)
Real quality!
A fantasy flick of real quality!
I got to watch this at the cinema thanks to its release as part of its 40th anniversary, the second movie I've seen re-released on the big screen after 'Trainspotting' back in May. That Danny Boyle flick from 1996 is great, as is this Wolfgang Petersen feature from 1984. I wasn't sure what to expect, I only knew of its genre and that famous theme song.
One of the first things to note about 'The NeverEnding Story' is how well it has aged, it looks awesome. The practical effects still look top quality and are super effective, I watched 'Big Trouble in Little China' yesterday and that has aged rather poorly in the effects department - and was released two years after this!
I really loved seeing the world come to life. The effects are a big reason for that, though this shows the importance of getting strong voice actors. Alan Oppenheimer is fantastic in the roles of Falkor, Gmork and Rockbiter, credit to Robert Easton as Morla too. As for the 'normal' actors, Sydney Bromley, Moses Gunn and Tilo Prückner are excellent in their respective roles.
Younger actors Barret Oliver, Noah Hathaway and Tami Stronach all do good work. I could've done without, and this my only thing close to a criticism (which it even isn't), the constant leaps back to the reader (Oliver's Bastian), it's not bad but sometimes doesn't feel necessary; less is more, sorta thing.
A brilliant film, one with an edge to it as well... 'orse.
One Hour Photo (2002)
Worth a watch.
The ending underwhelms slightly, though 'One Hour Photo' is still worth a watch.
As great as Robin Williams' comedy is, I like the idea of seeing the guy act more serious - and he certainly did so in this 2002 release! The film starts are very strongly, I really enjoyed the vibe that was building. Williams plays a creepy character very well, while the rest of the cast - namely Connie Nielsen - support ably.
The movie does a drag a tiny bit the longer it goes on, despite only having a run time of around 90 minutes, and the conclusion didn't have as much of an impact as it should've. Still, I definitely got enough out of this one thanks to some good atmosphere building and a competent Williams performance.
Big Trouble in Little China (1986)
'Big Trouble in Little China' didn't entertain me.
'Big Trouble in Little China' didn't entertain me.
There isn't anything about it that I really like, to be honest. It isn't a truly terrible movie by any means, but the story didn't take hold of me and the characters and their actors weren't all that watchable. I wasn't sold on the plot's set-up and then when it goes crackers it was too goofy for me to enjoy too.
It's one of the weakest Kurt Russell performances that I've seen, and I'm someone who rates that guy fairly highly as an actor. Elsewhere, Kim Cattrall is kinda forgettable, while James Hong (unique voice aside) doesn't get given enough to stand out. The make-up/special effects, particularly for the latter, didn't do it for me either, likewise with the humour.
A quick glance at Wikipedia suggests this had competition with 'The Golden Child'. Well, if we're comparing, then that one did it better, albeit only by a relatively small distance because I don't recall much about that Eddie Murphy movie; it has been over four years since I watched it for the one and only time, admittedly.
Young Woman and the Sea (2024)
This is undoubtedly one of those films that deserves more eyes on it.
Disney back at it with the great sports biopics!
I remember when I watched all of Disney's main release catalogue of way over 250 movies in 2020 I realised they had produced a tonne of biographical sports/drama films around the 00s... and they, for the most part, were all great movies! 'The Greatest Game Ever Played' and 'Glory Road' were two of my favourites. They'd all follow a similar formula, yet would each be really entertaining to see unfold.
In recent times they haven't quite made as many and they haven't been quite as grand, though a few were relatively good in fairness; like 'Rise' and 'Safety'. 'Young Woman and the Sea' feels more akin to the earlier mentioned period for this studio with this genre. Joachim Rønning & Co. Did a terrific job with this 2024 movie.
The pacing, in particular, stood out to be perfect to me personally. I could feel the movie moving at a nice pace throughout, as one branch of the story ended another began. Funnily enough, the end is where things slow down the most, at least that's how I felt. That isn't a bad thing though, because the conclusion still moves along well and is better in other ways.
Daisy Ridley puts in an excellent showing in the lead role, I've only seen her properly act in that certain beloved franchise so it was pleasant to see her away from that world. Kim Bodnia (also nice to see him elsewhere, I had only seen him in a few Danish flicks), Jeanette Hain and Tilda Cobham-Hervey are pluses.
Away from them, always happy to watch Stephen Graham act, while Christopher Eccleston plays his role strongly - I genuinely felt anger inside me towards his character, so kudos to all involved for making that happen - always a sign of a quality movie if they can do that to the viewer.
This is undoubtedly one of those films that deserves more eyes on it, being on Disney+ it should get them eventually. Highly recommended!
Descendants: The Rise of Red (2024)
I'm surprised at how fairly enjoyable this was to sit through.
Comfortably the best 'Descendants' movie.
'Descendants 2' is the only one of the prior three that I didn't dislike, I didn't even like that 2017 release but it is at least better than the original flick (especially!) and 'Descendants 3'. This one is a spin-off and actually loses cast members from the trilogy, which should be a negative as they were the 'best' elements of that series.
However, this cast are good. Kylie Cantrall is a positive addition as Red, as is Rita Ora as the Queen of Hearts. Other newcomers who are pluses are Brandy and Malia Baker, Jeremy Swift is decent too. It isn't just the onscreen talent that come out positively, the story and music (no cringe induced, miraculously) are too - they are much improved.
I am surprised there weren't any major twists (unless they come in a sequel, of course), but that's not a negative. I'm also a fan of how colourful the movie looks, visually it's probably an improvement too. All in all, I'm surprised at how fairly enjoyable this was to sit through - something I hadn't yet experienced with this franchise.
Based on the Letterboxd average rating that I see post-watch, it is much lower rated than the other three films. Typical! Probably explains why I liked it, perhaps what I previously found cringe is what makes 'Descendants', 'Descendants'? Each to their own and all that.