The latest film in THE CONJURING universe brings something new to the horror franchise - a murder mystery, and a reminder that Ed and Lorraine Warren (Vera Farmiga, Patrick Wilson) are the heart of these movies. THE CONJURING: THE DEVIL MADE ME DO IT delivers more than just a haunted house horror flick the third time around.
CRUELLA is a pompous spectacle with a punk rock vibe. Every aspect of Disney’s origins story is outrageous but so much fun to revel in. The film is gorgeous to look at from the production design, the costumes, the cinematography and the hair/make-up to the delicious rivalry between Emma Stone and Emma Thompson. Everyone is a scene stealer including Cruella’s sidekicks Paul Walter Hauser and Joel Fry, and the dogs are best in show as well.
On this week's HCA's What to Stream podcast, Morgan Rojas and I discuss Apple TV's new series, The Me You Can't See with Oprah Winfrey, Marvel's new Hulu series, M.O.D.O.K. , Eric Bana's THE DRY, THE KILLING OF TWO LOVERS, and some oldies but goodies.
Jon M. Chu adapts Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit Broadway show for the big screen in an epic way. The musical numbers are ambitious and grand in scope which brings Washington Heights to life. It's one of the best musical adaptations in a long time. Anthony Ramos proves he’s once again a rising star, but he’s not the only scene stealer.
In A QUIET PLACE you can hear yourself and others chomping on popcorn because of the absence of sound and dialogue which made it unique and suspenseful. The sequel is a lot noisier but that’s not a bad thing.
All the action for Timur Bekmambetov's PROFILE relies solely on the interactions of two characters Skyping on a computer screen. The claustrophobic nature of the cat and mouse thriller adds to the intensity of the story, and seems even more fitting during the pandemic which has only heightened the use of the online medium to connect with friends, family and strangers.
This week on the Hollywood Critics Group's (HCA) podcast, "What to Stream," hosted by myself and guest host Jana Nagase of JanaonCamera.com, we give recommendations on what to watch or avoid on streaming platforms. This week we tackle Netflix's new superhero series, Jupiter's Legacy, the new docuseries, The Sons of Sam: Descent into Darkness, Liam Neeson's latest action thriller, THE MARKSMAN, Paramount+'s new series FromCradle to Stage, and which movie classics to revisit or watch for the first time.
Chris Rock got the ball rolling on adding another entry to the SAW franchise with him starring in SPIRAL: FROM THE BOOK OF SAW. While SPIRAL does forge a new path in this latest chapter, the gimmicks are the same with a rapid line of deaths that will have squeamish viewers look away for the majority of the film.
WRATH OF MAN is the kind of heist/revenge film you’d expect from the Guy Ritchie and Jason Statham collaboration. WRATH OF MAN hits the heist movie checklist, but nonetheless it's highly entertaining.
Star Wars clones aren’t usually fun until now with The Bad Batch now streaming on Disney+. These clone misfits hook you with their quirky personalities, and the stakes couldn’t be any higher.
WITHOUT REMORSE is a worthy entry in the Tom Clancy cinematic universe starring Michael B. Jordan. Streaming on Amazon Prime Video starting April 30, WITHOUT REMORSE is action-packed and in Clancy fashion - ripe with double crossings involving Russians.
National Geographic brings us SECRETS OF THE WHALES streaming on Disney+ for Earth Day. The 4-part series documents the behaviors and language of four whale species; the humpback, orcas, sperm whales and narwhals. SECRETS OF THE WHALES is a beautiful feat of filmmaking that takes the viewer up close and personal with these matriarchal creatures who are endearing and intelligent.
The second attempt at adapting the MORTAL KOMBAT videogame hits movie theaters and HBO Max on April 23. Kano, Sonya Blade, Kung Lao , Liu Kang, Lord Raiden and a few game favorites come to life in the big screen live action adaptation. As a non-gamer of MORTAL KOMBAT, here's how the release stacks up as a film.
Get your latest movie and series recommendations from Cinemovie and Cinemacy's Morgan Rojas on the Hollywood Critic's Association weekly podcast, What To Stream. This week we're talking new and old movies such as GUNDA, THE COURIER, THE ASSISTANT and others.
Team Kong wins this round in GODZILLA VS KONG. King Kong is the heart of the monster movie while Godzilla guest stars. GODZILLA VS KONG may satisfy some fans while turn off others on Team Godzilla. Most of the human characters lack any depth except for the little scene-stealer Kaylee Hottle.
If someone had pitched Bob Odenkirk as an action hero years ago, no one would've taken that bet. The Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul actor is no John Wick in NOBODY but he pulls it off with his usual charm and awkwardness.
Benedict Cumberbatch stars in THE COURIER, the true-life spy thriller based on the events surrounding British businessman Greville Wynne's recruitment to spy on Russia during the Cold War. THE COURIER is not your traditional spy thriller with Cumberbatch playing an ordinary man in a dangerous situation which ups the peril.
Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan pair up for a buddy cop six hour-long movie on Disney+ in THE FALCON AND THE WINTER SOLDIER. The Avenger actors reprise their roles as Sam Wilson aka The Falcon and Bucky Barnes aka the Winter Soldier post the blip and losing their friend Steve Rogers to retirement with his great love. The first episode starts with a bang but then slows down to focus on the two leads as the show delves deep into their personal backgrounds.
Actors who play superheroes often get pigeonholed into playing the same sort of character, and Tom Holland seems to know that. The 24-year-old actor stars in Anthony and Joe Russo's CHERRY, now playing on Apple+. Holland is intentionally choosing roles that showcase his acting range so as to avoid the same pitfalls, and he's succeeding with very mature roles lately. Let's take a look at how the babyfaced actor's choices will cement a career in Hollywood.