Nick Bannister, a private investigator of the mind, navigates the alluring world of the past when his life is changed by new client Mae. A simple case becomes an obsession after she disappears and he fights to learn the truth about her.
This film starts with a very interesting premise, gets entangled in a web of its numerous plotlines, but manages to redeem itself, with Hugh Jackman bringing the emotions to his well-layered character.
Set in a dystopian future where the people now cling to memories to relive the best moments of their lives, Reminiscence sees Jackman take the reins as Nick, a man who becomes obsessed with a mysterious woman named Mae (Rebecca Ferguson) after she comes into his life and disappears without a word.
Knowing that something is wrong, Nick follows a cold trail that leads him to uncover more and more about the dark past and true nature of the lady he thought he knew, all the while navigating the corrupt underbelly of the flood-ridden cities.
The concept of humans reliving their most treasured memories is an intriguing one and the science-fiction here is believably realistic.
Midway, the film begins to lose its way by taking on too many subplots and I then asked myself if it was a sci-fi thriller, an action sci-fi, an action thriller, or a romance thriller.
Anyway, as the lead, Hugh Jackman makes you care for his character. He is a man hanging on to the one person who lit up his dreary existence and like a moth to the flame, he will pursue her even if it means dying in the process.
Thandie Newton is amazing in a supporting role. Besides Nick and Mae, she is the most interesting to watch. Unlike the protagonist, she doesn't hold on to any fantasy to get by; she forges ahead in spite of life's tragedies.
Rebecca Ferguson as Mae is your typical femme fatale; she comes into Nick's life and from the moment he sees her, is swept off his feet (Hollywood needs to stop with the overly melodramatic romance themes). Her acting is never in doubt but I wished she didn't have to be so predictable in the damsel in distress role most of the time.
I commend the director Lisa Joy for tackling this film which must have been challenging to make. Even though it doesn't become what it aims to be, it leaves a lasting impression.
Reminiscence should be better than it is but that notwithstanding, it proved to be an enjoyable sci-fi thriller for me.
After the death of his wife, a man who is out for justice must fight to stay alive with his daughter while bent on exposing a big pharmaceutical company.
Brian Andrew Mendoza's film started out as something promising but unfortunately ends up a lackluster movie that fails when the plot takes on a most unrealistic turn.
The imposing Jason Momoa is Ray Cooper, a man who lost his wife to cancer. The drugs they were promised were taken off the market just when she needed them the most and after her demise, Ray vows to get vengeance on the pharmaceutical company responsible.
Along with his teenage daughter (played by Isabela Merced), Ray has to go on the run after a journalist looking into the shady deals made by the pharmaceutical company is killed while divulging some secrets to him.
Father and daughter have to hone their survival skills in their race for dear life, with the former determined to bring down the corrupt boss of the company once and for all.
Though he hasn't fledged his acting skills well enough, I always enjoy watching Jason Momoa perform. There is a scene where his character is overcome by grief while watching his beloved wife die slowly. It is unarguably the most touching and dramatic scene in the entire film. I was impressed by the actor's potential to carry on the emotional tone from there but after the death of his wife, the plot becomes a muddled affair with numerous plotholes.
In the final act, a major twist ruins the entire story and brings up loads of unanswered questions that remain so until the film reaches its conclusion.
The action pales in comparison to how it should be and Momoa's character keeps making one stupid decision after another. As his daughter, the actress Isabela Merced has her moments but ultimately leaves the viewer wanting more (one moment she is complaining, and the next she is all for the plan).
When Sweet Girl reaches its finale, it ends up being so anti-climatic that I didn't even care whether or not one of the major characters lived or died.
This film had something going for it but it was ruined by an unwise decision by whoever penned the script to inject a twist that wasn't needed.
In the end, there is nothing sweet about Sweet Girl. It just leaves a sour taste.
Matt Damon plays a desperate father who starts an investigation in order to get his convicted daughter out of jail. In the process, he starts a new life with a single mother and her daughter in Marseilles.
Thanks to Matt Damon's compelling performance, Stillwater is an evocative look at the lengths a father would go to help his daughter.
Directed by Tom McCarthy, this film sees Damon return to the big screen with a bang. As the lead character, you never want to take your eyes off him because he gives you different reasons to hang on till the end credits begin rolling in.
Damon plays Bill Baker, a father who learns that there may be a way to prove his daughter's innocence after she has spent a few years behind bars for a crime she says she never committed.
Bill stumbles on a lead in the closed case and pursues it relentlessly. Along the way, he tries to make up for being the shitty father to his estranged daughter while forging a new bond with a single mother and her little daughter.
I won't give more than the above information so that I will not end up revealing too much about the plot. I will just urge movie fans to see this because it is worth watching.
Even though it's a thriller, Stillwater leans more on its dramatic side, bringing out convincing performances from all the actors.
Abigail Breslin who plays the convicted daughter doesn't disappoint. Her character learns to embrace her imperfections and slowly the bond between her and her dad grows, giving them a chance to mend old wounds from their traumatic past.
In the end, this film is a triumph as its shows life in its truest forms; messy, tragic, pleasant, and unpredictable. A mystery creeps up in the end that leaves the viewer using his or her imagination to solve the riddle.
The director and everyone involved did a fine job with this one (I especially laud Damon again because the dude makes almost every film he appears in good).
A truly compelling drama.
Based on the novel of the same name, this film sees a New York City public defender decide to stage a daring robbery after being burned out of the justice system.
Chase Palmer's dark comedy has its moments but ends up being underwhelming even though lead star John Boyega is fun to watch.
Boyega plays Casi, a burned-out lawyer who accepts a proposition from his friend (Bill Skarsgard) to rob a Mexican cartel and finally have the means to make something of their mundane lives.
Casi and Dane's robbery plan also involves getting Lea (Olivia Cooke) from the clutches of the bad guys as she is neck-deep in something she doesn't want to be in.
As is expected, the plan doesn't go according to plan and along the way, everyone involved has to improvise, leading to a chaotic but satisfying ending for the good guys.
The above pretty much sums up the movie. The plot was a bit confusing at times and I couldn't get where the dialogue of some of the characters was heading.
As a fan of John Boyega, I have looked forward to him flexing his acting muscles and thought this might be it but that is not the case here as he is limited by a script that switches between realistic events, bizarre comedy, and mumbo jumbo science talk.
Bill Skarsgard and Olivia Cooke make good work of being memorable supporting characters but the viewer forgets about them once the end credits begin rolling in.
I sat through the film because I was eager to see how it would end. Having done that, I would say Naked Singularity is one of those films that attempt to soar beyond a mediocre script. While it fails to do that, it still manages to make for a pretty decent watch.
An American tourist becomes the subject of a manhunt while vacationing in Greece. As he goes on the run, he tries to stay one step ahead of his pursuers while bent on reaching the US Embassy to clear his name.
John David Washington drives this pulse-pounding thriller with a sublime performance. Starting at a slow pace, Beckett picks up just in time, and from that moment on the viewer is hooked until the very end.
The lead actor plays the titular character; a man who is on vacation with his girlfriend (Alicia Vikander) in Greece. A car accident at night leads to her death and him injured.
Beckett is rescued by the authorities and goes back to the crash site; a costly mistake as some cops try to kill him. He goes on the run, not knowing why he is being hunted down.
As events unfold, the protagonist learns that he saw what he was not supposed to see and those who know about it will go to any length to end his life.
A haunting soundtrack, excellent camera work, and superb acting by all the actors involved make this film very engaging. As the hero, Beckett's dilemma is one that the viewer understands, and empathy is easily evoked.
Washington plays the hunted hero to perfection; his inner conflict and the range of emotions are shown in every scene. The plot structure is excellent as it gives the viewer some time to guess before the mystery is slowly unraveled.
Beckett is a taut thriller, one with heart and a stupendous lead star. With a compelling story and a remarkable protagonist, the director creates a film that will leaves a major impression.
For me, this is one of the year's best. Two thumbs up!
A gifted Kinkajou embarks on a journey to Miami, Florida to deliver a song to an old associate of his friend. Joining him in his quest is Gabi, a spirited young gal whose insufferable nature threatens to destroy the bond they forge.
Vivo is entertaining enough, thanks to its unique array of musical numbers. What it lacks in story and depth, it makes up for in the wonderful songs and dazzling visuals.
Helmed by Kirk DeMicco, this animated musical stars Lin-Manuel Miranda as a mammalian creature named Vivo who is gifted in music. When his longtime pal unexpectedly passes away, he takes it on himself to fulfill his dying wish and go to Miami, Florida where he must deliver a song to a famous singer.
Vivo hides in the backpack of a girl named Gabi (she is the grand-niece of his late friend). Though musically inclined, she lacks the finesse that the art form needs.
Together, Vivo and Gabi go on a journey of adventure, friendship, and musical renditions, learning some valuable lessons along the way.
The plot is cliche and the story is more or less a rip-off of most musicals and animated movies. The character designs are a little disappointing, with the first 20 minutes of the film almost unbearable to watch.
Thankfully, the pace picks up and things become interesting when Gabi and Vivo begin their musical journey.
The voice acting is not bad and the best part of the movie is the songs and the bright and colourful visual illustrations that go with them.
Lin-Manuel Miranda may not be an outstanding voice actor but the dude sure knows music and how to compose memorable songs.
In all, Vivo isn't on par with some of Disney's best animated movies but it carries with it the basic elements that make for a fun and entertaining encounter.
Based on the DC Comics characters of the same name, this film is a sequel and at the same time a reboot of the original and sees the ragtag team go on a mission to destroy a Nazi-era laboratory.
James Gunn has finally given us a movie that shows the ragtag team as it should be. His interpretation is everything it should be and so much more!
Let me just state that The Suicide Squad is one of the best comic book movies ever made. With it, David Ayer's terrible original is easily forgotten as this one puts it to shame.
Despite being impressed by what James Gunn did with Marvel's Guardians of the Galaxy, I watched the trailer of this film with indifference, thinking, 'Oh yeah, James Gunn has hopped on board. What kind of mess are we in for now?' Well, his film truly is a mess, one that is bold and beautiful, artistic and violent, wonderful and daring.
Idris Elba leads the ensemble cast here, playing Robert DuBois/Bloodsport, a criminal chosen to lead the members of the Suicide Squad on a mission to a South American nation.
Viola Davis plays Amanda Waller, the cold and calculating individual coordinating the mission from far away. Her job is to make sure the team succeeds, no matter the cost.
From the moment the Suicide Squad reaches the island, everything that could possibly go wrong begins to and as they begin to drop one by one, it's up to those left to finish the job or die trying.
I commend the efforts of all the actors; I can't quite single out anyone because they are all astonishing in their different portrayals of the messed-up individuals.
The action is bloody and beautiful, the cinematography is a work of art, and the special effects are out of this world. Also, there are some twists that you'll never see coming.
Despite the craziness that goes on throughout this movie, there is definitely a method to the onscreen madness and a lot of heart as well.
I had a swell time seeing The Suicide Squad and comic book lovers will too. I will definitely give it a second watch because it is so worth it!
Two thumbs way up for director James Gunn and the cast and crew for making this exceptionally creative masterpiece!
Emily Blunt is Dr.Lily Houghton, a woman who along with her brother enlists the help of Captain Frank Wolff (Dwayne Johnson) to take her to the fabled Tears of the Moon (a mythical tree whose petals can cure any illness).
Along the way, the trio of travelers encounter different challenges and must stay ahead of the devious Prince Joachim (Jesse Plemons) to reach their destination.
If there is one that works for Jungle Cruise, it's the entertainment it brings. Besides that, it really offers nothing.
Jaume Collet-Serra's film employs all the typical elements you would expect from a Disney movie. This is not always a bad thing when it's done right but when in this age and technology, you can't add something new to the table, then your movie is more or less a disappointment.
Jungle Cruise is watchable, thanks to the remarkable duo of Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt; their onscreen chemistry is undeniable and their constant squabbles make the plot engaging.
Apart from the above, the film has nothing major to offer. One thing I don't like is the fact that instead of shooting on location, some scenes were done in the studio (that's quite easy to see even though CGI tries to make you believe otherwise).
The action is disappointing and the effects used for leopard made me cringe. Even a child will know that the creature isn't real and isn't really there.
I didn't understand some of the choices the characters make and even though they face precarious situations throughout, there was never truly this sense of danger.
Dwayne Johnson always steals the show in most of the movies he appears in but that isn't the case here. Emily Blunt matches his charismatic performance with her scene-stealing scenes. Both of them appear to be an onscreen match made in heaven.
Even though I was interested in the story, there were times when I lost interest and didn't care what happened to whoever. That shows that in terms of pacing and consistency, the film wavers.
In all, Jungle Cruise is another entertaining but forgettable Disney film.
A woman suffering from intermittent explosive disorder sets out to find whoever is responsible for the murder of a man she went on a date with.
Jolt is a mediocre movie that is anything but electrifying. Despite Kate Beckinsale's presence, it fails to leave any lasting impression.
Starring as a woman with a medical condition that makes her basically act like the Hulk, Beckinsale plays Lindy Lewis, a lady who decides to have a social life by going on a date with Justin (Jai Courtney).
After meeting with him twice, Lindy starts to develop strong feelings for Justin. Their romance comes to an abrupt end when he is unexpectedly murdered.
Lindy decides to take matters into her hands by going after whoever killed Justin, making the decision to unleash her long-repressed anger on her trail of vengeance.
The story is not bad but Jolt suffers from poor execution. Beckinsale is a joy to watch any day but she can't save this film from being a drab and predictable affair.
The action scenes are terrible despite the slow motion used and the visual effects look cheap. The villain (when he does reveal himself) turned out to be exactly who I predicted.
This is a film that disappoints on almost every level and it's a shame that an action star of Beckinsale's caliber got a starring role in it.
Human Trollhunter Jim Lake Jr. and his friends must fight to save the world from the evil Arcane Order whose goal is to use the Titans to reshape the earth.
This is a film that feels rushed and should have been made into a miniseries. Despite that, it doesn't disappoint in terms of spectacle, visuals, and action.
Jim and the rest of the heroes from the series on Arcadia rally together to stop the Arcane Order after their attempt to prevent them from raising the Titans fails.
Still struggling to come to terms with the fact that his powers as the Trollhunter are no longer with him since the destruction of the magical amulet, Jim must find a way to save earth from certain doom.
This film doesn't play safe when it comes to the damage of the epic battles and by the time some of the major characters begin dying, you get a feeling of dread because you never know who is next.
Three different directors helmed this and at some point, their efforts to unite their visions don't quite merge into a unifying whole.
The pacing is really fast and those who haven't watched the series before will have a hard time trying to keep up as events unfold.
The action, though, enjoyable, can't be compared to that of some of the best fights in the previous series but the emotions this time make the plot all the more relatable and satisfying.
The themes of friendship. heroism and sacrifice shine through, and even though this film isn't as monumental and remarkable as the trailer shows, it ends up being as entertaining as one would expect.
