Movie Reviews Archives | Page 49 Of 241

When Despicable Me 4 Attempts to Be Fantastic By Making It Marvel, There’s Something Missing

When Pierre Coffin is not co-directing, some of that early film charm is missing in Despicable Me 4.

Despicable Me 4 Movie Poster Minions Even after five films, I am still asking where all the heroes have gone in Despicable Me 4? In this latest, Gru (Steve Carell) is an agent for the Anti-Villain League (AVL) and will go undercover to undo the criminal element. Whether his motive is to right all his past wrongs, this franchise rarely goes deep into his mind to understand why he is now what he is instead of the rascal from times gone by.

That also includes dealing with threats like Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrel), whom he was once buddies with. This new character’s plan for world domination isn’t as crazy as what past films imagine. I wish they had dedicated more attention to Poppy Prescott’s (Joey King) attempts to convince Felonious to engage in criminal activities, instead of focusing on the other aspects.

Elsewhere, five Minions undergo mutation to become superheroes as part of the AVL’s attempt to give this world some heroes. Just like the previous films, their antics are fillers, and while they learn how to use their newfound powers, what’s presented is more slapstick moments than anything good. When these simple organisms have little purpose in life other than to serve Gru, well, all I have to ask is what happened to the prior team of Kevin, Stuart and Bob? Continue reading “When Despicable Me 4 Attempts to Be Fantastic By Making It Marvel, There’s Something Missing”

When The Exorcism is Better on VOD than at the Movies

Just who is worse, a person carrying a lot of guilt, or a demon that an embodiement of is the focus in The Exorcism. It just needs more than a single watch to recognise it.

Now available on VOD

Russell Crowe must love playing priests. After The Pope’s Exorcistand appearing in three other movies in between, he’s now in The Exorcism. This latest is a slow burn which sees him as an alcoholic actor who thinks he can do what’s right by trying to reconnect with his daughter (played by Ryan Simpkins) while at work. Unfortunately, he really does not know what he’s getting himself into! Casting this actor is the perfect choice, since he looks totally burnt out.

Despite a spooky introduction where an unsuspecting actor gets hurt in a faked haunted movie set, everyone remains oblivious. It’s a great start to what looks like an homage to The Exorcist, but everything that follows is the opposite. Much of the film is a slow burn.

Continue reading “When The Exorcism is Better on VOD than at the Movies”

Where’s The New Attitude with Beverly Hills Cop Axel F?

Beverly Hills Cop Axel F isn’t always focussed on the nostalgia, and that’s a good thing since the story takes place nearly 30 years later.

Beverly Hills Cop Axel F Movie Poster Available to Stream on Netflix
Spoiler Alert

One of the most beloved franchises from the 80s is Beverly Hills Cop. I believe that’s because of the music. To bring it back decades later had me asking why. While part of the reason is attributed to Eddie Murphy enjoying a comeback after the success of Dolemite Is My Name, there may be another reason. Last year’s Candy Cane Lane is forgettable, I’ll still think of him as the irrepressible Donkey from the Shrek films more than anything else. As for the character that made him the superstar, to title the continuation Beverly Hills Cop Axel F says it all.

Although I was half expecting to hear new music, the new song remixes works just as well. Sadly, this fourth instalment forgets Patti Labelle’s “Stir It Up.” I can listen to that song all day. But as for this film, it doesn’t really focus on the beloved element that made the early two films (the third wasn’t that good) memorable. It’s the camaraderie the trio–Foley (Murphy), Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and Taggert (John Ashton)–had together that made this franchise special.

Continue reading “Where’s The New Attitude with Beverly Hills Cop Axel F?”

The First Slam Dunk Movie May Feel Like the Last, but the Legacy is There

Although Slam Dunk began as a manga, it’s adaptation to a television series to the First Slam Dunk Movie is a bit of a misnomer.

The First Slam Dunk Movie Blu-ray Slipcase — **Available to purchase on Amazon USA**

Shout! Studios
Released Jun 25, 2024

The First Slam Dunk movie is a must for any sports anime fan’s library. Although it’s not an introduction to this series, it’s in fact the last chapter. After a long journey from specialty screenings to festivals, it’s finally available on home video. And I’m happy that it’s “ended” on a positive note.

This IP reached the height of its popularity back in the late 90s, and in China, it remains very popular even to this day! Although the interview with Takehiko Inoue doesn’t explain why, the official reason is that it came out during the height of the basketball craze. I suspect there’s more since it’s about team comaraderie, something Chinese people love to be proud of. But to see why he enjoys this show is important too.

While the television program was about Hanamichi Sakuragi (Shugo Nakamura) getting introduced to the sport and dealing with high school life, the movie shifts focused on Ryota Miyagi (Shugo Nakamura). Unlike American films, where we often observe rivals as the raison d’être to drive the film, this one is much more concerned about the internal conflicts. Continue reading “The First Slam Dunk Movie May Feel Like the Last, but the Legacy is There”

Remembering The Crow (1994) Edition Before The Reboot

Brendon Lee's The Crow 4K Bluray Case Alex Proyas’ The Crow is celebrating a pearl anniversary and Paramount Pictures has rewarded fans with a special edition! Enough has been said about the film, and what’s great about this latest rerelease is that there’s new material included. Collectors who love to own every single release will like the fact there’s also a look at the Sideshow Collectables market featuring this title character.

Although some may consider this work as a simple bleak revenge fantasy, there’s more to it than just that. Not everyone is familiar with this film’s origins: comic book creator James O’Barr, came up with the idea as a way to cope. His fiancée died because of a reckless drunk driver. She was the love of his life, and to channel his angst into a medium and make a statement must have been tough. To adapt it to film, however, must mean understanding what he went through. After creating a character Batman might be afraid of, to keep ongoing is tough. Although Tim Burton’s take was released in 1989, both works influenced later comic book films still to come.

Continue reading “Remembering The Crow (1994) Edition Before The Reboot”

With The Crow’s 30th Anniversary 4K Release, What’s There to Caw At?

In 4K, watching The Crow at home is a treat! But if you don’t have the right rig, it’s best to see the limited release before the reboot arrives.

The Crow as a Steelbook — **Available to purchase on Amazon USA**

Alex Proyas’s best known movie is celebrating a pearl anniversary and Paramount Pictures is rewarding fans with a special edition! The steelbook edition is beautiful to look at and ultimately, the ony significant difference between this and the regular edtion are the postcards that are included. Although some comic book movie viewers may consider The Crow as a simple bleak revenge fantasy, there’s more to it than just that.

Some information needs to be said, though. Not everyone is familiar with this film’s origins: creator James O’Barr, came up with the idea as a way to cope. His fiancée died because of a reckless individual, who happened to be drunk that night happened. She was the love of his life, and to channel his angst into a medium in the narrative he created must have been tough. To adapt it to film, however, must mean understanding what he went through. After creating a character Batman might be afraid of, to keep ongoing is tough. Although Tim Burton’s take was released in 1989, both works influenced later comic book films still to come.

Continue reading “With The Crow’s 30th Anniversary 4K Release, What’s There to Caw At?”