“The Flash” soars above previous DCEU films

Posted on June 12, 2023 by Denise

“For the record, I think this is insane.”

Story: It’s been a few years since the Justice League got together and saved Earth from Mother Boxes, Steppenwolf, and muddled storytelling. So now that Barry Allen/The Flash has time to think about things? He thinks it’d be a fantastic idea to use his Speed Force to go back in time to save his mom’s life. What could possibly go wrong? Um, has he watched any time-travel movies? Cue hijinks!

Genre I’d put it in: Series Farewells That Are The Best of the Bunch
Release Date: 2023
Remake, Sequel, Based-On, or Original: Based on the characters created by DC comics. Part of the DC Extended Universe (DCEU).

Gotta say: I wrestled with going to see Flash. With the allegations leveled at Miller, I was concerned I’d be a part of trying to whitewash those incidents. But with Miller seemingly getting help for his troubles? I figured if he was willing to try, I was willing to chance things. And Flash is hands-down the best film the DCEU has put out to date, and an excellent way to put a period onto what I think of as the Snyder-verse Phase. Yes, it’s got some hiccups, but overall Flash seems to know exactly what both fans and casual moviegoers want, and gives it to ’em.

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In Queue Review – “Sorry for the Demon”!

Posted on June 8, 2023 by Denise

“See? That? THAT’S how you cast out a demon! It’s totally different.”

Genre: Demonic Comedies With CAAAAAKE
Release Date: 2023 (release year; 2022 copyright)
Where I Watched: Shudder

Gist: Will just got dumped. So what else is there to do, but find new digs? Hey, there’s a house for rent, and the deal is amazing! Just one thing; the owners are trying to get rid of a demon that’s inhabiting the place. Y’know, by finding a renter for the demon to take, instead of their daughter…

Gotta say: A possessed house comedy? I was immediately intrigued. Shudder Originals can be hit or miss, even within each film, but I hit play based on nothing but the poster that for me harks back to BBC’s Ghosts and Evil Dead. But Demon is its own thing, which is a fun little comedy that leans into comedy more than scares. Still, it’s a nice one to stream if you can’t figure out what to watch. Why not a horror comedy love story about real estate?

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Baltimore Screening Pass-palooza – “The Flash”!

Posted on June 7, 2023 by Denise

Zoom! And let hint; you’ll want to go for these passes… Synopsis!

Worlds collide in “The Flash” when Barry uses his superpowers to travel back in time in order to change the events of the past. But when his attempt to save his family inadvertently alters the future, Barry becomes trapped in a reality in which General Zod has returned, threatening annihilation, and there are no Super Heroes to turn to. That is, unless Barry can coax a very different Batman out of retirement and rescue an imprisoned Kryptonian… albeit not the one he’s looking for. Ultimately, to save the world that he is in and return to the future that he knows, Barry’s only hope is to race for his life. But will making the ultimate sacrifice be enough to reset the universe?

Ready? Let’s go!

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TrailerWatch – Shark Scientist Reacts to “The Meg 2” Trailer!

Posted on May 30, 2023 by Denise

Dr. Sam Munroe is a super cool, super knowledgeable ecologist that specialized in sharks… So when she dives (heh) into shark media? It’s so much fun!

If, like me, you’re stoked to see Meg 2? (C’mon, you know it’s gonna be INSANE; just look at that poster! ) Check out her breakdown!

Bonus? Check out her deep dive (fine I’ll stop) of the first Meg, after the jump!

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Columbia Screening Pass-palooza – “The Little Mermaid”!

Posted on May 22, 2023 by Denise

Ready for a Disney live action remake – with fins? Synopsis!

The Little Mermaid,” visionary filmmaker Rob Marshall’s live-action reimagining of the studio’s Oscar®-winning animated musical classic, opens exclusively in theaters nationwide May 26, 2023. “The Little Mermaid” is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most defiant, Ariel longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden to interact with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.

Ready? Let’s go!

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Elsewhere Review – KIND Breakfast Protein – Dark Chocolate Cocoa

Posted on May 21, 2023 by Denise
Originally published at A Green Man Review!

I’m a notorious breakfast-skipper. I tend to glide by the morning, latte in hand, waiting to feel hungry for lunch. I know. Not the best move. But I’m trying to get better, mostly by leaning hard on smoothies in the summer, oatmeal/grits packets in colder months, and various protein and/or fiber bars for fun. I say fun, because bars tend to be little more than candy dressed as health, as any peek at the nutrition labels will tell you. For the most part, I’ve settled on KIND’s Dark Chocolate Cherry Cashew bar, which has a nice balance of protein, fiber, and low saturated fat. So when I heard about the KIND breakfast protein bar? I was excited. Sadly, I shouldn’t have been.

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Baltimore Screening Pass-palooza – “Fast X”!

Posted on May 11, 2023 by Denise

Ready for the (maaaaaybe) final Fast and Furious films? Fast X is setting the stage, baybeeeee! Synopsis!

Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his family have outsmarted, out-nerved and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they confront the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced: A terrifying threat emerging from the shadows of the past who’s fueled by blood revenge, and who is determined to shatter this family and destroy everything—and everyone—that Dom loves, forever.

Ready? Let’s go!

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Elsewhere Reviews – Diamond Salted Dark Chocolate Walnuts

Posted on May 9, 2023 by Denise
Originally published at Green Man Review!

Dark chocolate is a superfood. Walnuts are a superfood. So combining them would be super-duper, right? You bet’cha. These snacky bits are so super, in fact, I figured they’d come with a cape. Luckily though, no cape. Edna Mode would be proud.

I tend to stick with savory nuttiness (hello there, Smokehouse Almonds, and chili roasted pistachios!) But Diamond managed to blend sweet and savory into a delightful snack that had me reaching for more and more. Oh well, I guess lunch is this bag. Oopsie-doodle. I have no regrets. *grabs another bite and chops down with relish*

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Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 3.” ends Our Gang’s story on a crazy, beautiful note

Posted on May 4, 2023 by Denise

“It’s good to have friends.” (SHUT UP YOU’RE CRYING)

Story: When we left our Guardians, Gamora had been lost, but found, then lost again, as her alternate-self left for parts unknown. Needless to say, Peter/StarLord isn’t taking that well at all. But when a fight leaves a crewmember so severely wounded that even their advanced medical tech can’t help? It’s time for a road trip! Star trip? You know what I mean, y’all.

Genre I’d put it in: Trilogy Enders That Stick The Landing
Release Date: 2023
Remake, Sequel, Based-On, or Original: Based on the Guardians of the Galaxy comic book characters. Part of the MCU, and the third installment of the GotG films.

Gotta say: Remember when a Marvel movie was an event? Like when we’d all get stoked about the latest installment, hope for a screening, and then dissect every little plot point for weeks, excited for the next one? Yeah, no longer. Now it feels like it’s just another movie in just another Phase, where nothing makes sense and the story has no point, let alone a real connection to an overarching plan. So here we are, at the end of James Gunn’s Guardians trilogy. And what’s up? Why, only the best installment of this series, and one of the best MCU entries to date. Have I forgiven the MCU? Not yet. But with more stories like 3, I could get there.

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Baltimore Screening Pass-palooza – “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3”!

Posted on April 27, 2023 by Denise

Ready for the end of a trilogy? Yeah, I don’t want this to end either, but… Synopsis!

In Marvel Studios’ “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3” our beloved band of misfits are settling into life on Knowhere. But it isn’t long before their lives are upended by the echoes of Rocket’s turbulent past. Peter Quill, still reeling from the loss of Gamora, must rally his team around him on a dangerous mission to save Rocket’s life—a mission that, if not completed successfully, could quite possibly lead to the end of the Guardians as we know them.

Ready? Let’s go!

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