‘The Fix’ suffers from Hollywood bloat
By Josh Ball
Does it matter how we live our lives? Since the end of the first World War, the dominant answer is no, and the writers of “The Fix” are no different.
During the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan, CIA agent Tucker (Zachary Levi) and his team fail to exfil a key source of intel. Five years later, the crew return to Afghanistan as mercenaries hired by their former leader, Larry (Liam Neeson) to retrieve millions tucked away since the mid-80s. But the interesting premise ...
‘Runner’ brings more heart to action movies
By Carly Shaner
Not to be confused with Gal Gadot’s “The Runner,” “Runner” is also a chase movie, but with much less physical running. Hank Malone (played by Alan Ritchson) is an ex-military man who transports various items. What starts as just another job—running a liver from Brisbane to Gold Coast—turns into an unlikely team-up with Ben Bishop (played by Owen Wilson) and being chased across Australia by a cartel. “Runner” follows the duo as they transport the liver and ...
“By Any Means” is an amazing story but incredibly hard watch
By Max Siegfried
In the 1960s, racism and bigotry remained deeply embedded in American life. A Black FBI agent named Wayne Strider desperately wants to get in on the action in his department, but he doesn't have much luck because of his race until Wayne gets on a case that hits a little too close to home for him.
In this movie, Mark Wahlberg and Yahya Abdul-Mateen II play the main characters. Mark Wahlberg is a household-name, but Yahya Abdul-Mateen II is not so much; he has been in ...
‘The Runner’ marks a renaissance for action-thrillers
By Josh Ball
Is there anything you would not do to save your child’s life? That is the question Maia Marten (Gal Gadot) is forced to answer in “The Runner.” Early on her morning run, the London prosecuting attorney receives a call from her son’s phone. The caller presents an ultimatum: one hour to run across the city and kill your star witness or I kill your son.
Everything about the film is amazing. The score is nearly perfect, the stakes are high, the viewer is challenged to ...
‘Coyote vs. ACME’ teaches its audience the value of perseverance in the face of immense adversity
By Evan Allred
Thomas Edison once said:
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”
Edison was most famous for his inventions of the lightbulb and the phonograph, and this quote encapsulates where success is found – perseverance.
Most people are familiar with the Looney Tunes cartoons like “The Road Runner Show,” in which Wile E. Coyote consistently pursues the Road Runner, but always comes up ...
‘The Whisper Man’ shows that a simple plot can carry a lot of meaning
By Danielle Cherry
A child who sees people who aren't there. A father haunted by his mistakes. And a serial killer luring children with his whispers. With top tier acting and precise direction, the Russo Brothers’ new film, “The Whisper Man” is tastefully tense, yet speaks of a deeper longing.
Every great thriller starts with a creepy house, and “The Whisper Man” is no different. After the death of his wife, Tom (Adam Scott) and his son, Jake Kennedy (Acston Luca Porto) ...
‘The Dog Stars’ is visually stunning, but lacking in plot
By Danielle Cherry
A man and man’s best friend wandering through life, seeking the next place for shelter, food and gasoline—what could possibly go wrong. What starts as a hopeful dystopian storyline quickly falls into horror and psychological thriller, leaving viewers wondering if staring at the stars was really a better use of their time.
“The Dog Stars” boasts a star-studded cast with Jacob Elordi, fresh off his success in Frankenstein as the main protagonist: Hig. ...
‘The Magic Faraway Tree’ brings family fun back to the big screen
By Amelia Morris
“The Magic Faraway Tree” was a breath of fresh air. The movie takes the audience along for a magical trip to unique lands.
“The Magic Faraway Tree” centers around a wholesome family, the Thompsons with three kids absorbed in their speedy, tech-filled, city lifestyle. The kids lack imagination, creativity and inspiration— leaning into this generation's “iPad kid” stereotype.”
When the mom, Polly, quits her job, the family decides to start over in ...
‘Michael’ takes us through the King of Pop’s thrilling rise
By Carly Shaner
On April 24, the world was given a glimpse into the rise of Michael Jackson (played by Jaafar Jackson), the “King of Pop.” The movie follows Michael and the Jackson family from the start of the Jackson 5 in 1966 to the “Bad” Tour in 1988. A sequel is already in development that is set to follow the more musically and legally complex parts of Michael's later life.
The first amazing thing about this movie is the soundtrack. It features hits by the Jackson 5 like ...
‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ is entertaining but could’ve been Season 4
By Carly Shaner
Mando and his little green partner are back for an action-packed adventure. The Mandalorian (played by Pedro Pascal), currently contracted under the New Republic, is sent on a job to find the ex-Imperial Commander Coin (played by Jonny Coyne). Information is promised to him at the right price from the current rulers of Nal Hutta, called “the Twins.” In order to get the information, Mando must rescue their nephew and Jabba the Hutt’s son, Rotta (voiced by Jeremy Allen ...
