‘Red Notice’ is Fun and Entertaining and Doesn’t Need to be Much Else
By Benjamin Konuch
I couldn’t wait to see Red Notice.
When I first heard it announced and learned what kind of movie it was, my excitement was through the roof. I utterly adore the action comedy genre, with movies such as “Red” and “Knight & Day” being family favorites. Hearing that Netflix was going to be making an original movie in that style, starring Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Renolds, and Gal Gadot, my excitement skyrocketed. Here were three of Hollywood’s biggest stars in the ...
Tom Hanks Shines as Troubled Father Figure in ‘Finch’
By Ben Hiett
I wasn’t expecting much out of “Finch,” a small-scale sci-fi movie quietly released on Apple TV+ last weekend. True, it did star American acting legend Tom Hanks in the titular role, and, based on promotional footage, the practical and CG effects for his robot companion looked convincingly realistic.
Still, none of what I saw looked unfamiliar. Moviegoers have seen the “post-apocalyptic world ravaged by some major disaster” story told time and time again in films such ...
‘Last Night in Soho’ Teeters Between Mess and Masterpiece
By Sam Acosta
“Last Night in Soho” is one of the best examples of gorgeous cinematography in the last decade. Supported by an interesting plot and talented cast, this film starts strong but then loses steam halfway through, see-sawing between wonderful storytelling and awkward filmmaking. As a result, I left the theater with mixed feelings.
“Last Night in Soho” follows Eloise, a young woman who dreams of becoming a famous fashion designer. Along with her eye for fashion, Eloise has ...
‘The Last Duel’ Addresses a Serious Topic with Tact and Honesty
by the Cedars A&E Staff
Editor’s Note: [“The Last Duel” contains some mature scenes and deals with the sensitive topics of rape and sexual assault. Viewer and reader discretion is advised.]
“The truth does not matter. There is only the power of man.”
“The Last Duel” is an enigma of a film. It is directed by Ridley Scott, who is known for his gripping action films such as “Alien,” “Gladiator” and “The Martian.” While the marketing has made “The Last Duel” ...
‘Eternals’ is Simultaneously Compelling and Dull
By Janie Walenda
Editors Note: [The first half of this review is spoiler-free; however, the second half contains spoilers for Marvel’s “Eternals”]
“Eternals” has been surrounded by quite the firestorm of press. While the MCU’s latest project totes the franchise’s lowest critic scores, it’s backed with strong opening box office numbers, audience scores, and support for the diverse cast. Ultimately, enjoyment of the “Eternals” is going to come down to personal taste. ...
‘Antlers’ Never Quite Lives Up to Its Phenomenal Potential
By Ben Konuch
“He’ll come for me. He needs me.”
The chilling atmosphere and sense of unease that “Antlers” manages to convey is nothing short of astonishing. This feeling starts as early as its opening text, a Native American warning about an all-corrupting evil. This warning is followed by a scene set on a bleak and dreary Oregon coastline, where a little boy is shown playing outside while he waits for his father to finish his work in a mine. What follows in this scene perfectly ...
‘Black Widow’ Completes Her Arc in Long Overdue Solo Film
By Noah Tang
Like many other Marvel fans, I eagerly awaited the release of “Black Widow,” faithfully waiting through the pandemic-related delays. This solo film for the MCU’s first female Avenger was long overdue, having been desired by fans ever since her first appearance in “Iron Man 2” all the way back in 2010. In-universe, “Black Widow” takes place after most of the events of “Captain America: Civil War” and before “Avengers: Infinity War.”
The movie opens in 1995, ...
Bond Goes Out With a Bang
By Owen Nolt
It seems as if the first initial trailer for “No Time to Die” came out years ago, and that’s because it did. The final outing for Daniel Craig’s James Bond was one of the first films to be delayed back in March of 2020 when the COVID-19 lockdowns began. After being pushed back three times from its initial release date in November 2019, the film finally premiered October 8, 2021. In the midst of all these delays and pushbacks, I wondered whether the film would live up to ...
‘Muppets: Haunted Mansion’ Is A Fun Halloween Watch
By Janie Walenda
The Muppets are back, or at least they are trying to be. There have been several attempts to relaunch the Muppet franchise, with varying degrees of success. So far, the movies “Muppets” and “Muppets: Most Wanted” have been the most successful, with the recent Disney Plus series “Muppets Now” receiving a lukewarm reception. On paper, “Muppets: Haunted Mansion” is a perfect fusion of Disney properties. For the most part, the newest Muppet holiday special ...
