Copshop

POSITIVES…

  • Looking for that action flick stylings that Director Joe Carnahan can pull off? Here’s one you may want to check out. 

  • The action can be as brutal and unforgiving as you expect them to be, so I don’t think you’ll be disappointed with this. Bang Bang Bang! 

  • Stand-offs. Who doesn’t like good stand-off scenes? 

  • Plot progression keeps you invested with some good turn of events and just the general interest to see how it’s all going to end. 

  • Most will go watch this movie for Frank Grillo and Gerard Butler as Teddy Murretto and Bob Viddick, and they are definitely entertaining in it. 

  • Most will come out of this movie going Alexis Louder and Toby Huss as Valerie Young and Anthony Lamb are freaking awesome amazing in this movie! Seriously. Those two actors are the main highlights and made this movie as good as it could be. 

  • If you like your movie characters to always be bantering or arguing, then you’ll get your fix here. 

  • Some clever lines here and there, that will either make you chuckle or go “that’s a cool line.” 

  • Musical score sounds like it’s out of a 1970s-1980s cop show. 

  • Movie is also predominantly set in one location like it’s a bottle-episode, but it uses that set up to good effect. 

  • Curtis Mayfield's 'Freddie's Dead' from Superfly.

NEGATIVES…

  • Pretty sure there will be many who will complain that there just aren't enough action scenes in this film. 

  • The script and dialogue sounds like it’s coming from somebody who has been watching too many Quentin Tarantino films. 

  • Maybe a little too much posturing and testosterone in this, because it can get cringe-inducing in that regard. 

  • Frustrating stupid things that happen in the movie. 

  • Ryan O’Nan’s character of Huber is probably too hateable that it made parts of the movie just unenjoyable to watch.

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

Copshop - watch it IN THEATERS

Nightbooks

POSITIVES…

  • Premise is about a boy and girl who are being held captive by a witch. It’s a kids movie. If you’re okay with that, feel free to check this out. 

  • It’s got a straightforward plot, but it makes good efficient use of the simple plot progression. 

  • Winslow Fegley and Lidya Jewett as Alex and Yazmin respectively are perfectly fine in their roles. It’s not exactly hard to get invested with their well being in this story.  

  • Krysten Ritter as Natacha the witch is easily the main highlight of seeing this scary kids movie. She brings a great over the top performance with her unamused evil witchiness. 

  • A good plot device are the quick anthology stories by Alex. From the simple visualization, the voice over narrative by Fegley, and even the title cards that come with them are entertaining to see.  

  • I had a lot of fun hearing Natacha constantly correcting Alex, acting annoyed that she has to explain to him supernatural facts and logic that “everyone knows.”  

  • There aren't a lot of location settings in this, but the few spots it does showcase are nicely designed. 

  • The shredders. Scariest creepiest nightmare inducing looking things! 

  • That third act. Gotta admit, it surprised me with where it was going. 

  • Thematic lessons that are fit for kids to learn. Kudos to that!

NEGATIVES…

  • I know it’s a kid’s movie, but is it fair for me to say that it’s just not scary at all? 

  • Can’t escape them. Familiar stupid character decisions and plot conveniences.  

  • CG cat and cat poop. Seriously? 

  • Exposition. Lots of dialogue that is just exposition. 

  • Arachnophobia. Beware. 

  • Those gross slime stuff to entertain the kids. UGH. Didn’t care for that. 

  • Depending on what you expected, that ending is going to be a hit or a miss.

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Nightbooks - watched it on NETFLIX

The Card Counter

POSITIVES…

  • You’re watching this movie because it stars Oscar Isaac or because it was written and directed by Paul Schrader. You’ll get what you want from either or both reasons.

  • To no ones surprise, Oscar Isaac is great as the stoic and enigmatic William Tell. He himself as a character is the main driving force to continue watching this movie.

  • Tye Sheridan as Cirk is good in a role that opens up the narrative in how he and William are such an unusual pairing.

  • Tiffany Haddish is great as La Linda and brings a welcome energy to the mix.

  • The plot progression involving these three characters and the premise that was established essentially keeps you on the hook to see what might happen next.

  • I do like the quick lessons in card counting and tips about gambling in casinos.

  • The whole subplot surrounding the World Series Of Poker tournaments can be entertaining to watch.

  • Some good scenes that shine, from the explanation of the best card game Tell ever saw, the flashbacks, to an offer that a certain someone shouldn’t refuse.

  • Social political commentaries are at the same time obvious and subtle. Either way, they are topics worth examining further.

  • Living a life where all you do is hop from casino to casino, is that something you could do? It’s a compelling lifestyle choice.

NEGATIVES…

  • Dialogue sounds a little too scripted, and unnatural at times.

  • Certain plot directions that can frustrating to see.

  • Tonally listless with a deliberately slow pace. Not for everyone’s taste.

  • The fisheye lens flashback scenes… why? Stylistic choice sure, but why?

  • I know it’s intentional, but that USA USA USA guy is pretty annoying.

  • That conclusion is not what I would call a pleasing ending.

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The Card Counter - watched it IN THEATERS

KATE

POSITIVES…

  • Want to see Mary Elizabeth Winstead kicking ass, trying to take down the Yakuza? Here’s a movie for you. 

  • Want to see bloody brutal violent action sequences? Yes, this is definitely a movie for you to watch. Check out the action set pieces at a restaurant, a street market, a penthouse, and more. 

  • Solid action choreography, especially when it includes sharp pointy weapons. 

  • There are some good thematic messages and commentaries here that are worth thinking about. 

  • Mary Elizabeth Winstead is really good at playing the badass female assassin, but still able to mix in some vulnerabilities and playfulness to her role. 

  • Miku Martineau is a firecracker of a character as Ani, and just lights up the screen with her energetic performance. 

  • Part of the fun watching this is the contrast in personalities between Kate and Ami. Winstead and Martineau have excellent chemistry playing off each other. 

  • Supporting cast is solid, from Woody Harrelson, Tadanobu Asano, Jun Kunimura, Miyavi, and more. 

  • Location setting of Japan is awesome. From the neon lit skyline, the gritty urban city, to the luxurious homes, look great for the cinematography. 

  • Nice touches with the camera, 180 flips, blood on the lens, overhead shots, and such. 

  • Rather enjoyed the Asian heavy rock and pop soundtrack.  

  • Bandmaid! It’s got one of my favorite Japanese Rock bands making a cameo in this movie and in the soundtrack. Instant plus! 

  • Boom Boom Lemon. I want some Boom Boom Lemon now. 

  • Everytime Kate calls Varrick “V,” I think about the main character in Cyberpunk 2077.

NEGATIVES…

  • Not the most original assassin going to do one last job, but things go bad, kinda story. 

  • Expect some familiar plot tropes, cliches, and conveniences. 

  • Moves at a more leisurely pace than you might want for an action flick. 

  • Honestly would have preferred at least one or two more big action set pieces to fill in some of the lulls in the pacing.

  • Some might find the character of Ani to be pretty annoying. "Stop. Speak less. Open your ears." 

  • There’s a particular plot point at the end of the final act that could have been expanded on more. I was waiting for that scene and moment or exchange of dialogue, but it just never happened.

  • It’s hard to deny the negative optics of seeing a White person killing a bunch of Asians in this day and age.

  • Your typical Japanese stereotypes are present here as well.

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

KATE - watched it on NETFLIX

The Voyeurs

POSITIVES…

  • It’s got a provocative premise, that showcases erotic situations that includes a good amount of nudity and sex scenes. Sounds like it’s probably worth a watch for a specific kind of audience ain’t it. 

  • Sexual stuff aside, the more unpredictable moments in the plot will keep your attention as well.  

  • Speaking of grabbing your attention, Sydney Sweeney as Pippa is incredible in this. The character’s journey and how Sweeney portrays her is the main reason to see this film. 

  • Supporting cast is good as well, which includes Justice Smith, Natasha Liu Bordizzo, Ben Hardy, and Katharine King So. 

  • While the story gets serious and dark, it’s not without a light hearted side that produces lines of dialogue like “Is he choking?” or “There’s a satyr in their apartment.”  

  • There’s a plot point that involves a laser pointer and a sound board that I think might encourage some people to try it themselves. 

  • Aesop fable about the donkey and his master. 

  • "Margot." 

  • If you are ever invited to do a photo shoot, make sure you have a chaperone. 

  • The thrill of peeping and eavesdropping is a huge theme of this film, and the moral dilemmas that come from that. 

  • Touches on a smorgasbord of commentaries about social issues. 

  • That concluding third act might just impress you with that plot direction.

NEGATIVES…

  • That concluding third act might just make you turn off the movie early. 

  • Some will say that this isn't erotic enough, or that it’s just glorified soft porn. 

  • Some will say that this isn't much of a thriller, and that it doesn’t capitalize on the tensions in the plot. 

  • It could have just been a very simple tale, but it becomes just another highly implausible story that thinks it’s more clever than it really is. 

  • Can go down this rabbit hole of frustration with where the narrative is going. 

  • Simply put, this movie relies on Pippa making all the wrong choices. 

  • All the commentaries that this movie is trying to do, yeah, I’m not sure it hits the landing there. 

  • At one point you'll go "wait, this movie isn't over yet?" 

  • Put on curtains or blinds people, come on!

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The Voyeurs - watched it on PRIME VIDEO

Malignant

POSITIVES…

  • Directed by James Wan, and introducing a new horror movie monster? Sign me up! 

  • That horror movie monster is named Gabriel, and he is a fantastic antagonist in this. 

  • Annabelle Wallis is absolutely amazing as Madison. She knows how to play up being a frightened woman in a horror movie. 

  • Supporting cast is good in this, and adds some nice light hearted touches to the narrative. From Maddie Hasson, George Young, and Michole Briana White. 

  • The use of shadows and silhouettes are excellent. 

  • Some suspenseful scariness here and there that will keep you entertained. 

  • There were some visually neat camera directions, with shots that I almost never see in cinema. 

  • From the visions, the chase sequence, to that police precinct action beat, this movie has some awesome set pieces. 

  • "Why am I calling the police?" 

  • Third act really ramps up the absurd insanity that is the plot. 

  • Oh, if I didn’t already mention it, this movie can get graphically bloody violent. 

  • I think Sam Raimi and David Cronenberg would be proud of what Wan pulled off here.

NEGATIVES…

  • Those looking for traumatic scariness will probably not find that here.

  • Plot progression is derivative in certain ways, and isn’t shy about using some familiar tropes. 

  • There’s this big reveal that isn't really that much of a big reveal, even if the movie acts like it is. 

  • The lines of dialogue can be pretty atrocious, to the point of unintentional hilarity. 

  • Soundtrack is so over the top ideal for a horror movie, that you’d wish it was just a tad bit more subtle about it. 

  • Some stupid plot points and character choices.

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Malignant - watched it on HBO MAX

Worth

POSITIVES…

  • The question "What is life worth" is essentially the driving force of this premise that's based on a true story, and it's a question worth answering. 

  • Fascinating to see the complicated process of how the victim's loved ones were compensated for their loss in the attacks. 

  • Complicated process? How about understanding the uncomplicated emotions of losing people you loved from the attacks! 

  • "Government-sponsored charity…" "with strings attached." 

  • "Be a person, not a politician." 

  • Mixing the politics with the human interest drama was done in a very compelling way. 

  • Michael Keaton is great as Ken Feinberg. The journey he goes from the beginning of the movie until the conclusion is worth following. 

  • Rest of the cast is great, from Amy Ryan, Stanley Tucci, Shunori Ramanathan, Laura Benanti, Chris Tardio, Tate Donovan, plus many more, and that includes the dog. 

  • Some tough emotional powerful moments, scenes, and testimonials here. 

  • That introductory meeting that addressed the 9/11 fund. I wouldn't have wanted to be in Ken's position. 

  • Never forget what happened on 9/11. For those of you who were too young or weren't even born yet, learn about what happened.

NEGATIVES…

  • Not necessarily the most visualizing exciting film, as it's mostly just talking heads here. 

  • Lots of tough questions brought up that may not have been satisfactorily answered for some. 

  • I don't think it could be helped, but the plot progression lends itself to be a little too familiar and predictable. 

  • While understandable, the obvious time skips with the title cards, kinda derails the narrative a bit.

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Worth - watched it on NETFLIX

Afterlife of the Party

POSITIVES…

  • You've seen this story before about a dead person who became a ghost and now needs to do good things for the people in the life she left behind. If that’s a comfortable go-to premise for you, then by all means enjoy this one! 

  • Victoria Justice is pretty adorable and charming in this as Cassie, the popular party girl who died in a very unfortunate way. 

  • Midori Francis is also pretty adorable and charming in this as her best friend Lisa, the geeky best friend who should be more alive. 

  • Both Justice and Francis are just too cute together on screen, and have great chemistry. Their strong connection is what helps drive the narrative. 

  • A mix of light hearted humor and emotional drama, the story grabs your attention like a situational dramedy might. 

  • While the plot progression is very familiar, it does it’s best to encourage you to want to see it through until the end. 

  • Heartwarming in several good life reaffirming ways. 

  • Effectively heartbreaking in tragically tear-jerker ways. 

  • Thematic worthwhile lessons that are easily relatable. 

  • Wardrobe change. Gotta admit, Cassie has some great outfits, and Victoria Justice wears them really well. 

  • It always fascinates me to see how they make the ghost character try to not touch anything to save money on the special effects work.

NEGATIVES…

  • This movie is more after life than a party. 

  • It's derivative like heck, so expect the usual cliches, tropes, and conveniences. 

  • Not exactly an extraordinary movie in terms of cinematics. 

  • I had to roll my eyes pretty hard with that final ending scene. 

  • There's a specific exchange between Cassie and Lisa in the beginning that felt really contrived. 

  • Can I just say that it didn’t feel like all the actors were completely invested in making this movie? 

  • If you have a Google Assistant device, watch out for that scene in the movie where they say "Hey Google."

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

Afterlife of the Party - watched it on NETFLIX

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings

POSITIVES…

  • The heroic theatrics of the Marvel movies meets the action fantasy stylings of Kung Fu and Wuxia films from Asia. That’s a combo you don’t want to miss. 

  • Recognizing the inspirations behind this movie, the first 8 minutes was presented with only Chinese dialogue with English closed captioning. Bold move for a general audience Marvel Cinematic Universe movie. 

  • Adds even more incredible world building to an already established but still growing MCU Universe. 

  • Simu Liu is Shang-Chi, and has a certain down-to-earth relatability that allows us to immediately connect with his character. 

  • Tony Leung as his Father Xu Wenwu is amazing, and is much more than just your average antagonist. 

  • The rest of the ensemble cast are also fantastic and contribute greatly to the movie. From Awkwafina, Meng'er Zhang, Fala Chen, Michelle Yeoh, Ben Kingsley, and more. 

  • For those who are going in this for the action sequences, you are in for a treat, as there were some awesome ones. From the bus fight, the Macau set piece, to the epic final act. 

  • Martial Arts / Action / Stunt choreography is pure excellence here. 

  • For those who enjoy the light-hearted comedic sensibilities of MCU movies, this one doesn’t disappoint, and has some entertaining jokes and gags. 

  • I particularly liked the fact that they acknowledge how people don’t know how to pronounce the name “Shang-Chi.” 

  • Excellent use of flashbacks, that work hand in hand with the overall narrative. 

  • Plot progression really ramps things up as the movie moves along, and really takes you places. 

  • Has some inspirational themes that are worth recognizing.  

  • Besides the Ten Rings themselves, there are some other cool special effects. From the living forest, water effects, to certain creatures. 

  • “Welcome to the circus.” 

  • "On a dark desert highway. Cool wind in my hair..."

NEGATIVES…

  • Still doesn’t quite avoid relying on certain plot cliches, tropes, and conveniences. It doesn’t matter if you try to acknowledge that fact by being all meta about it movie!  

  • Honestly, I wished there were actually more martial arts sequences. 

  • Speaking of which. I would have preferred more wide shots to those action beats. 

  • Certain dramatic moments might be considered lulls for those who wanted it to be non-stop exciting 

  • You’re going to have to take a leap of faith for some of the more unbelievable moments. 

  • Where were the guards?! Did they seriously just get rid of all the guards?!

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Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings - watched it IN THEATERS

No Man Of God

POSITIVES…

  • Ted Bundy is an interesting subject matter to watch, and would be the reason to see this film.  

  • Elijah Wood is excellent as the generally reserved Special Agent Bill Hagmaier. 

  • Luke Kirby is electrifying as Ted Bundy, and it’s easy to be captivated by his performance. 

  • The chemistry between Wood and Kirby as this two man stage performance is the main highlight of this movie. 

  • A great character study of the two individuals, in that they are more than what they superficially appear to be. 

  • Good implementation of stock footage that adds context to the time period. 

  • Those confessional monologues are just fascinating to listen to. 

  • Insightful look into the minds of killers. Dark stuff. 

  • Final act has a lot of plot points, statements, questions, and themes that are very thought provoking. 

  • The answer to why he did it should stick with you.

NEGATIVES…

  • It’s mostly just two people having a conversation on screen, which may not be appealing to some. 

  • Not exactly the most visually exciting movie to watch.  

  • The methodically casual pacing might be too slow for some. 

  • Felt like it skipped a chapter or two, because the jump into the third act seemed abrupt. 

  • This dark subject matter is not for everybody.

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No Man Of God - watched it on VIDEO ON DEMAND