“Oppenheimer” – scientific genius, cinematic complexity

Posted on July 19, 2023 by Denise
While I firmly support the members of WGA and SAG/AFTRA, I also respect that they should be
given recognition and back ends on work already in the can. Get those bags, y’all! So without further ado…

“Did you think that if you let them tar and feather you, they’d forgive you? They won’t.”

Story: Robert “Oppie” Oppenheimer was a complicated man. Interested in possibilities, fascinated by science and social justice, and ultimately broken by the system that asked him to create his greatest work. With looks into his private, public, and scientific life, we get a better feel for one of the most famous – and infamous – American creators.

Genre I’d put it in: Long-ass Biopics Of Historicalness
Release Date: 2023
Remake, Sequel, Based-On, or Original: Based on the life of American scientist J. Robert Oppenheimer. More specifically, the time immediately before, during, and after he helmed the Manhattan Project.

Gotta say: I find it hard to critique Oppenheimer. It’s fascinating, intellectually stimulating, and tugs at my heart strings as well as my scientific curiosity. But at times it’s also convoluted, messy, and overcrowded. However, the second half of the film brings all the various pieces together, making it an edge-of-your-seat experience. How’d I get her? I’m glad you asked. Oh, you didn’t ask? Well, buckle up, buttercup. You’re getting it anyway.

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Baltimore Screening Pass-palooza – “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem”!

Posted on July 18, 2023 by Denise

Ready for some fun animated shenanigans with our heroes in a half shell? Synopsis!

After years of being sheltered from the human world, the Turtle brothers set out to win the hearts of New Yorkers and be accepted as normal teenagers through heroic acts. Their new friend April O’Neil helps them take on a mysterious crime syndicate, but they soon get in over their heads when an army of mutants is unleashed upon them

Ready? Let’s go!

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In Queue Review – “Grey Matter” (2023)

Posted on July 17, 2023 by Denise

“What the hell happened?”

Genre: YA Psychic Thrillers
Release Date: 2023
Where I Watched: HBO (Oh. Right. “MAX”.)

Gist: Aurora/Ro is your typical teenager. Cool mom, home-schooled, psychic powers… Not your experience. Same. But maybe that last bit is why her mom wants Ro to keep a low profile. Like, don’t go out. Ever. And you know how teens take to being grounded. So, naturally, Ro heads out, and after a horrible night, wakes to an even worse morning. Looks like mom was right? Huh. Guess that can happen, sometimes. Maybe.

Gotta say: Not to be confused with the 2018 sci-fi film of the same name, thisfilm from Project Greenlight feels like a solid starting point for a cool series. However, things go swiftly meh, with a lack of world building and character development hobbling the intriguing possibilities. Good thing the trio of leads are talented enough to keep my interest, even when I was wishing for more about these interesting characters, and their world.

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In Queue Review – “Brooklyn 45”

Posted on July 15, 2023 by Denise

“This isn’t the front line…this is Park Slope.”

Genre: Post-WWII Harkback Horror
Release Date: 2023
Where I Watched: Shudder

Gist: It’s December 27th, 1945, and Mrs. Susie Hockstatter un-alived herself a month before. Her husband Clive can’t take the loss. So he gathers his wartime friends together for a seance. They’re definitely not up for it, but seeing a heartbroken Clive, they all agree to it. But maybe saying “give us a sign, anything” wasn’t exactly the best thing to say. Hey, what was that knocking in the walls? Open them spirt doors wide as hell, y’all!

Gotta say: An intriguing mix of 12 Angry Men and Gothic, with a horrific twist on The Best Years of Our Lives, 45 is the kind of horror movie I didn’t think I could find easily nowadays. One that cobbles together well-loved ideas, but turns them into something truly interesting. This film is an incredible look at post-war paranoia, and how it can destroy people. And, y’know, ghosts and shit. As a kid who used to be called Japanese slurs when I was in school? I know there are a lot of people who don’t want to let go of hate. And damn if 45 doesn’t lay the past at our messed up modern day feet. Look at this beautiful film, and despair. Because the more things change, the more they stay the same. They just pick other marginalized groups. Yay.

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In Queue Review – “Synchronic”

Posted on July 14, 2023 by Denise

“The present is a miracle, bruh.”

Genre: Low-key Time-trippy Sci-fi Horror
Release Date: 2020
Where I Watched: Amazon Prime

Gist: Dennis and Steve are paramedics in New Orleans, and have been BFFs for ages. But when a strange new designer drug hits the market, their lives are forever changed by the drug’s effects, and its possibilities.

Gotta say: Justin Benson is quickly growing into one of my favorite writer/directors. His ability to craft unique stories that blend science fiction, fantasy, and horror are second to none. And Sync is yet another feather in his cap.

As with Benson’s The Endless, Sync has incredible performers giving it their best. Anthony Mackie and Jamie Dornan carry this film, continuing Benson’s penchant for BFFs facing the unusual together, echoing his own work with co-director Aaron Moorhead. Yet while Sync does explore time, space, and existence like Benson’s prior work? It’s its own thing, focusing this time on expanded consciousness through man made chemicals rather than entities. And it’s just as fascinating as what he’s done before.

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Baltimore Screening Pass-palooza – “Oppenheimer”!

Posted on July 12, 2023 by Denise

Yep. This one’s getting A Ton of buzz, so I’m stoked. You too? Sweet! Synopsis!

Written and directed by Christopher Nolan, Oppenheimer is an IMAX®-shot epic thriller that thrusts audiences into the pulse-pounding paradox of the enigmatic man who must risk destroying the world in order to save it. The film is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and the late Martin J. Sherwin.

Ready? Let’s go!

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TrailerWatch – “WONKA” teases an adventure

Posted on July 11, 2023 by Denise

“Every good thing in this world started with dreams. So you hold on to yours.“

I was both excited and worried when I heard there would be a new film focusing on Willy Wonka. Excited, because Timothée Chalamet looked absolutely perfect in Wonka’s ensemble… But worried because well, let’s just say there are a few things in the original story that feel kinda iffy nowadays. Dare I say, prOblEmaTic?

But this first look has me hopeful. Firstly, because it’s helmed by Paddington director Paul King, who did such a lovely job of bringing that beloved children’s book character to the screen. Secondly, the cast seems to be playing with the same blend of whimsy, charm, and magical realism. With a healthy scoop of sending-up it’s own mythology. Case in point? Hugh Grant’s Oompa-Loompa. Yep. That’s right y’all.

Wonka looks like it’s going to be standing apart from the strange-in-an-uncomfortable-way Burton remake, by leaning in on the silliness. And I want more. So til this summer heat turns to winter’s chill? I’ll have to suck it up and rewatch this. Enjoy!

Wonka flies into theaters December 15th, 2023.

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“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”

Posted on June 29, 2023 by Denise

“Shoot him! Not me!”

Story: It’s 1969, baybeeee! Time for miniskirts, astronauts, and Professor Indiana Jones’ retirement! Yep, the ol’ adventurer is hanging up his hat, to enjoy his golden years. Or something like that. But then Indy’s goddaughter Helena (aka Wombat) asks for his help with her PhD, which leads them to all sorts of shenanigans. One last ride, baybeeee!

Genre I’d put it in: Old School Action Romps
Release Date: 2023
Remake, Sequel, Based-On, or Original: Part of the Indiana Jones franchise. The last film of this series…?

Gotta say: When Spielberg created Indiana Jones, he was paying homage to the adventure serials of the mid-20th Century. Cunning heroes, daring escapes, and tons of rock ’em, sock ’em action. While Lost Ark and Temple of Doom had undeniable appeal, Last Crusade started to sputter, with Crystal Skull feeling like a sad end to a once glorious series. “Why couldn’t they leave well enough alone?” I know; I said the same thing back in ’89 and ’08. But I’m here to tell you that Indy is back for one last run, and it’s actually worth your time.

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“Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken”

Posted on June 27, 2023 by Denise

“The sea will always need a Kraken. And a Kraken will always answer the call.”

Story: Ruby is your typical teenage girl, living in Oceanside, but actually “from Canada”. (WIIIIIIINK) But when junior prom comes around, her parents won’t let her go, because the dance will be held on a boat. In the ocean. And Ruby isn’t allowed to go into the ocean. Naturally, hijinks – and, obviously, a prom nobody will ever forget – ensue!

Genre I’d put it in: Watery Animated Puberty Metaphors
Release Date: 2023
Remake, Sequel, Based-On, or Original: Echoes of Seeing Red, 80s teen comedies, and other Mythic Teens stories, but wholly original.

Gotta say: Ruby is jewel-colored Lisa Frank underwater teen fantasy, and I enjoyed the heck outta this film. From the star-studded voice cast – Jane Fonda! Toni Collette! Will Forte! Nicole Byer! And Lana “To All The Boys” Condor! – to the glorious Day-Glo underwater imagery, it’s definitely positioning itself as the antidote to the latest Disney and Pixar meh-fests. (Not that Mermaid 2023 or Elemental were terrible. Just underwhelming when it came to box office receipts.) I hope Ruby shakes things up, because this is a film that the whole crew (GET IT BECAUSE SEA PUN) can drink in. And with that, I’ll try to stop the water and sea puns. But no promises.

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TrailerWatch – “Five Nights At Freddy’s”

Posted on June 27, 2023 by Denise

“Have you met them yet?”

Gotta admit I really hope this one’s gonna be good. The game is super cool, and the cast has Josh Hutcherson, Marie-Louise Masterson and Matthew Lillard. SIGN ME UP. Synopsis!

Can you survive five nights?

The terrifying horror game phenomenon becomes a blood-chilling cinematic event, as Blumhouse— the producer of M3GAN, The Black Phone and The Invisible Man— brings Five Nights at Freddy’s to the big screen.

The film follows a troubled security guard as he begins working at Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. While spending his first night on the job, he realizes the night shift at Freddy’s won’t be so easy to make it through.

5 Nights hits theaters October 27th, 2023.

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