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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Baltimore Screening Pass-palooza – “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One”!

Posted on June 27, 2023 by Denise

Ready watch Tom Cruise do what he loves – mainline adrenaline? Synopsis!

In Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team embark on their most dangerous mission yet: To track down a terrifying new weapon that threatens all of humanity before it falls into the wrong hands. With control of the future and the fate of the world at stake, and dark forces from Ethan’s past closing in, a deadly race around the globe begins. Confronted by a mysterious, all-powerful enemy, Ethan is forced to consider that nothing can matter more than his mission – not even the lives of those he cares about most.

Ready? Let’s go!

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Baltimore Screening Pass-palooza – “Joyride”!

Posted on June 23, 2023 by Denise

Put the pedal down y’all! Synopsis!

From the producers of Neighbors and the co-screenwriter of Crazy Rich Asians, JOY RIDE stars Ashley Park, Sherry Cola, Oscar® nominee Stephanie Hsu, and Sabrina Wu. The hilarious and unapologetically explicit story of identity and self-discovery centers on four unlikely friends who embark on a once-in-a-lifetime international adventure. When Audrey’s (Ashley Park) business trip to Asia goes sideways, she enlists the aid of Lolo (Sherry Cola), her irreverent, childhood best friend who also happens to be a hot mess; Kat (Stephanie Hsu), her college friend turned Chinese soap star; and Deadeye (Sabrina Wu), Lolo’s eccentric cousin. Their no-holds-barred, epic experience becomes a journey of bonding, friendship, belonging, and wild debauchery that reveals the universal truth of what it means to know and love who you are.

Ready? Let’s go!

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Columbia Screening Pass-palooza – “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”!

Posted on June 21, 2023 by Denise

Ready for Adventure with a capital Indy? Synopsis!

Harrison Ford returns to the role of the legendary hero archaeologist for this highly anticipated final installment of the iconic franchise– a big, globe-trotting, rip-roaring cinematic adventure.

Ready? Let’s go!

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Father’s Day Movies – “10 GREAT Films to Watch With Your Dad” from The Kino Corner!

Posted on June 18, 2023 by Denise

And hey, several of these I haven’t seen! So if you’re trying to figure out what to watch with/in honor of your dad? Go be cooler than me, and check these out… Not that being cooler than me is tough. But that’s another conversation for another day. Enjoy!

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