Lackluster “Life of the Party”

Posted on May 10, 2018 by Denise

Nutshell: SIGH.  I really wanted to love this movie.  Yet I just can’t. Jokes that fall flat and/or are drawn out for way too long. A story that doesn’t really seem to know where it’s going or what it’s trying to accomplish. I could go on and on but you get the point. A few good laughs, but not enough to save this disappointment.  Grade: D [Update from August, 2018: dammit, I should have given this an F. Apparently I was feeling generous.]

“Please be quiet and stop talking.” (My thoughts exactly, movie. My thoughts exactly.) Continue reading →

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Baltimore Screening Pass-palooza: “Adrift”!

Posted on May 9, 2018 by Denise

Ready to go sailing?  Because I’ve got passes for Adrift, starring Shailene Woodley and Sam Claflin!  Synopsis!

Starring Shailene Woodley (Fault in Our Stars, Divergent films) and Sam Claflin (Me Before You, The Hunger Games films), ADRIFT is based on the inspiring true story of two free spirits whose chance encounter leads them first to love, and then to the adventure of a lifetime. As the two sailors set out on a journey across the ocean, Tami Oldham (Woodley) and Richard Sharp (Claflin) couldn’t anticipate they would be sailing directly into one of the most catastrophic hurricanes in recorded history. In the aftermath of the storm, Tami awakens to find Richard badly injured and their boat in ruins. With no hope for rescue, Tami must find the strength and determination to save herself and the only man she has ever loved. DRIFT is the unforgettable story about the resilience of the human spirit and the transcendent power of love.

Ready? Let’s go!

Continue reading →

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TrailerWatch: “Superfly” reboots!

Posted on May 7, 2018 by Denise

What a hell of a man… While I love the original Super Fly (c’mon now, who doesn’t?) it’s nice to see that the story and character is getting a 21st Century spin, so Priest can “re-define the hustle”. Synopsis!

Superfly – the film that helped define a genre in its characters, look, sound, and feel – is reimagined with Director X, director of legendary music videos (Drake, Rihanna), introducing it to a new generation.  The screenplay is by Alex Tse.

Trevor Jackson (Grown-ish) takes up the mantle of Priest in this remake, and he’s looking really good in the role. Hey, it doesn’t hurt that Jennifer Morrison (Once Upon a Time) and Michael Kenneth Williams (IT’S OMAR Y’ALL) are in for the ride as well. Superfly hits theaters June 15th, 2018.

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“Tully” tackles the myth of Supermom head-on

Posted on May 4, 2018 by Denise

Nutshell: Tully is reality as slap-in-the-face; a film that shows motherhood as exhausting, trying, physically demanding, and maybe even beautiful. A clear-eyed look at what moms can go through, with a twist to the usual “know thyself” story that’ll have you thanking all the wonderful moms you know for being so freakin’ stellar.  Grade: A-

“She’ll grow a little overnight. So will we.”

Story: Working mom Marlo is on maternity leave, waiting for her third little one to make the scene. When Marlo’s new daughter arrives, Marlo is exhausted, and can’t seem to keep up with things. So her well-to-do brother offers a gift; a “night nanny” to help Marlo re-adjust (and get some sleep.) But the free spirit that shows up on Marlo’s door isn’t what Marlo expected…

Genre I’d put it in: I Got Your Superwoman Right Here Comedy-Dramas Continue reading →

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Céline Dion – and Deadpool – bring “Ashes” to life

Posted on May 3, 2018 by Denise

Two great tastes. Céline Dion. Deadpool. Together.

Get pumped for Deadpool 2 y’all. Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to watch this again. Because it’s ART.

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Columbia Screening Pass-palooza: “Life of the Party”!

Posted on May 2, 2018 by Denise

Ever want a re-do?  Well, in Life of the Party, Melissa McCarthy’s Deanna gets a second chance at college life. Sounds like a fun re-do of Rodney Dangerfield’s Back To School… Synopsis!

When her husband suddenly dumps her, longtime dedicated housewife Deanna (Melissa McCarthy) turns regret into re-set by going back to college…landing in the same class and school as her daughter, who’s not entirely sold on the idea.  Plunging headlong into the campus experience, the increasingly outspoken Deanna—now Dee Rock—embraces freedom, fun and frat boys on her own terms, finding her true self in a senior year no one ever expected.

Let’s go! Continue reading →

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TrailerWatch: “Ant-Man and The Wasp” answers an Infinity War question

Posted on May 1, 2018 by Denise

And that question is “what the heck is Ant-Man doing right now? INFINITY WAR!!!11!” We’ll find out what he’s been doing, and how things have been affecting him in Ant-Man and the Wasp. Synopsis!

In the aftermath of ‘Captain America: Civil War,’ Scott Lang grapples with the consequences of his choices as both a Super Hero and a father. As he struggles to re-balance his home life with his responsibilities as Ant-Man, he’s confronted by Hope van Dyne and Dr. Hank Pym with an urgent new mission. Scott must once again put on the suit and learn to fight alongside The Wasp as the team works together to uncover secrets from their past.

See them do their stuff on the big screen on July 6th, 2018!

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Columbia Screening Pass-palooza: “Breaking In”!

Posted on May 1, 2018 by Denise

Gabrielle Union is kicking ass and taking names y’all!  Well, she does in the new movie Breaking In.  I don’t know what she does on her free time, and I’m not one to judge.  And I’ve got passes for this film! Synopsis!

Next Mother’s Day, Gabrielle Union stars as a woman who will stop at nothing to rescue her two children being held hostage in a house designed with impenetrable security.  No trap, no trick and especially no man inside can match a mother with a mission when she is determined on Breaking In.

The trailer looks like an action-film spin on You’re Next, which is an absolutely incredible horror flick [look for a review for Next in this October’s 31 in 31…] And if that’s the case, I can’t wait!  But honestly, I’m in it for Union, who’s an incredible performer.  You in too?  Let’s go! Continue reading →

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Winners of the 2018 Overlook Film Fest announced!

Posted on April 25, 2018 by Denise

I’m still sad that I couldn’t make it down to New Orleans for the second Overlook Film Festival. So why not just jump on in?

Satan’s Slaves, Pan, Caniba, Hairy Wolf, and Amy all nabbed awards from the jury, with the audience choosing Wolfman’s Got Nards: A Documentary for their favorite.

I’ll be looking out for all the winners – c’mon streaming! Read on for the full details!

Continue reading →

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TrailerWatch: “Venom” brings Tom Hardy’s symbiote to life

Posted on April 25, 2018 by Denise

Ready for a new Marvel Universe?  Because the Sony Marvel Universe is comin’ at’cha with Venom, the first film of the SMU. Tom Hardy, superhero! Even big indie talent like Michelle Williams is on board! Synopsis!

One of Marvel’s most enigmatic, complex and badass characters comes to the big screen, starring Academy Award® nominated actor Tom Hardy as the lethal protector Venom.

I’ma say it; the CGI Venom looks…a bit rubbery. Guess that’s the vibe for this flexible symbiote? But the motorcycle scene looks badass. Venom looks like the start of a darker universe than the MCU, and probably a bit more focused on slam-bang action instead of superhero shenanigans.  I like shenanigans, but I like dark as well.  So let’s hope Hardy and company bring the pain.  Venom hits theaters this August.

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