Author: Darren Lucas

Big Film fan and general entertainment fan

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Movie Review

Wolf Man (2025) Movie Review

Wolf Man – Movie Review

"Wolf Man" is an intense werewolf film where a family's trip leads to transformation and survival against unseen threats at night.

First Reaction – Wolf Man is an intense spin on the werewolf concept.

Director: Leigh Whannell

Writer: Leigh Whannell, Corbet Tuck (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A family at a remote farmhouse is attacked by an unseen animal, but as the night stretches on, the father begins to transform into something unrecognizable.

Runtime: 1 Hour 43 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Wolf Man starts when Blake (Abbott) learns his father is legally declared dead. He decides to take his family, Charlotte (Garner) and Ginger (Firth) to the farmer, where he can pack up and say his final goodbyes. However, on route, they are involved in a crash and Blake is injured by a mysterious animal.

The three find the farmhouse for shelter, but the transformation starts to take over Blake. It leads to him losing his natural abilities, while another predator waits on the outside, can he save his family before it is too late?

Verdict on Wolf Man

Recap

The movie follows a family who go on a trip for some closure. However, they get attacked by an animal, leading to them needing to fight to survive the night as one of their own starts transforming.

Best Parts

We have seen werewolf movies struggle in the past, this brings a new approach to the older formula. It takes place over one night, which adds plenty of tension to the story. We move away from the slowly escalating horror that returning to a childhood home presents too. The transformation is brilliant, with small moments, showing the damage being done. Along with a shift in perspective, which shows how two sides are seeing the situation. All this is fantastic to watch. The performances are fantastic too, with Christopher Abbott shining through his character’s changes. Finally, we must praise the effects team who made everything look ferocious during the change.

Worst Parts

My big question surrounds the original attacking animal. It feels calmer and not as aggressive as what follows.

Final Thoughts – Wolf Man is a ferocious spin on the werewolf concept.

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Movie Review

Revenge of the Gweilo (2020) Movie Review

Revenge of the Gweilo – Movie Review

Revenge of the Gweilo features a former cop seeking vengeance against the Asian mafia for his fiancée's murder, but lacks impactful execution.

First Reaction – Revenge of the Gweilo holds back too much for everything it presents.

Watch Revenge of the Gweilo Here

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JustWatch

Director: Nathan Hill

Writer: Nathan Hill (Screenplay)

Cast

  • Nathan Hill (I, Portrait)
  • Mary Annegeline (Neighbours)
  • Tritia DeViSha (The Debt Collector)
  • Joanne Nguyen
  • Andy McPhee (2067)

Plot: An ex-cop goes on a rampage after his fiancé is killed by the Asian mafia.

Runtime: 1 Hour 30 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Revenge of the Gweilo starts when former cop Joseph (Hill) discovers his fiancée Esmay (Annegeline) murdered. He wants to use his connections to hunt down the people behind it. However, being out of the force means he must go rogue.

Joseph tracks down the leader of the Asian Mafia, Ishtar (DeViSha), who runs her operation ruthlessly. This leads to a showdown between the two and anyone she sends to stop him.

Verdict on Revenge of the Gweilo

Recap

The movie follows a former cop whose fiancée is murdered. He decides to take on the Asian Mafia to take down everyone involved in her murder. However, he doesn’t know how many people he needs to eliminate.

Best Parts

The core story works because it gives us a one-man going against a ruthless gang. It also has a personal touch, as it feels like it wants to pay respect to a former era of action movies.

Worst Parts

The problems come from the low-budget effects that stick out, be it the explosions, blood splatter or even the fighting sequences never looking like they hit home. This ends up creating a film where the villains never feel like a threat and leave you not believing a moment in the action scenes. We could see people enjoy the style if they enjoy vintage fighting movies, but outside of that, the movie lacks the hard-hitting nature it presents.

Final Thoughts –Revenge of the Gweilo fails to hit hard enough.

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Movie Review

He Went That Way (2023) Movie Review

He Went That Way – Movie Review

Read a captivating movie review of 'He Went That Way' and discover the curious tensions and bonds between intriguing characters.

ABC Film Challenge – Catch-Up 2023 – Q (Quinto)

Director: Jeffrey Darling

Writer: Evan M Wiener (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A journey of curious tensions and bonds between two and at times three interesting characters all on their own path.

Runtime: 1 Hour 35 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: He Went That Way starts when Jim (Quinto) gives handsome young man Bobby (Elordi) a ride across the country. However, Bobby has other reasons for travelling and shows his deadly side. He holds Jim hostage for the journey and forces him to travel with him, holding his prized chimp hostage.

However, as the journey continues, an unlikely bond between the pair comes to light. Bobby opens up more about his life and Jim embraces the stories he wants to tell.

Verdict on He Went That Way

He Went That Way is a crime thriller following two strangers who meet under intense circumstances but bond over their journey. The unlikely friendship shines and the pair must decide where the road will take them.

This movie brings us an unlikely friendship on a journey across America. It creates a father/son-like relationship but deeper down we know the younger is a dangerous criminal. This movie becomes strange and more uncomfortable, as we know how deadly Bobby is and Jim wanting to become friends is even more difficult. The problem here is the story is painfully slow and rarely gets going. It mostly drags along despite the two leads having much more charisma than they are given to show off.

Where to Watch

a
JustWatch

Final Thoughts – He Went That Way is a drag and slow movie.

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Release News

Round of Decay – Release News

Round of Decay – Release News

Round of Decay, a horror film by Adam Newman, opens January 31, featuring a unique ticketing approach and an ensemble cast.

Only monsters can kill monsters in Round the Decay. The folk-horror creature feature opens in theaters on January 31.

In a unique approach that aims to leverage demand for indie films on the big screen, Dreamscape Productions is selling ticket voucher codes that can be redeemed through Atom Tickets.

Written and directed by Adam Newman (Everwinter Night), Round the Decay follows a young woman as she returns to the sleepy town of Newport’s Valley two years after a devastating tragedy and uncovers an all-consuming secret.

Victoria Mirrer leads an eclectic ensemble that includes Damian Maffei (The Strangers: Prey At Night), Sienna Hubert-Ross (Terrifier 3), Melody Kay (The NeverEnding Story III), Phil Duran (Breaking Bad), Sarah Nicklin (The Black Mass), Rachel Pizzolato (Mythbusters Jr.), and Roger Clark (Red Dead Redemption II).
Drawing inspiration from Pumpkinhead and The Descent, the film boasts a practical creature designed by veteran special effects artist Greg McDougall (The Haunting of Hill House, Stranger Things, War of the Worlds).

“Having Round the Decay in cinemas is a dream come true,” enthuses Newman. “I spent a lot of time as a kid daydreaming about having my stories projected on the biggest screens. I think we’ve created something that is a lot of fun and has a lot of heart. I can’t wait for people to get to see it at a theater.”

Round the Decay is rated R for bloody violent content and gore, language, and some sexual content/nudity. Pre-order tickets at DreamscapeProductions.com

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Movie Review

Back in Action (2025) Movie Review

Back in Action – Movie Review

"Back in Action" is an entertaining film featuring CIA spies who return to their old life after their identities are exposed, blending humor and action.

First Reaction – Back in Action gets the laughs, action and great chemistry down perfectly.

Watch Back in Action on Netflix now.

Director: Seth Gordon

Writer: Seth Gordon, Brendan O’Brien (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Former CIA spies Emily and Matt are pulled back into espionage after their secret identities are exposed.

Runtime: 1 Hour 54 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Back in Action starts when spies Matt (Foxx) and Emily (Diaz) leave their undercover life when Emily becomes pregnant. 15 years later, they have two children, Alice (Roberts) and Leo (Jackson), and they are dealing with teenage problems.

When they become involved in a viral incident, they must go on the run. This means stepping back into the spy life and reconnecting with estranged relatives. However, they don’t know who to trust but will do anything to save their children.

Verdict on Back in Action

Recap

The movie follows two spies who step away from that life to start a family. However, their cover is blown, forcing them to return and finish the job they started 15 years ago. However, they don’t know who to trust once people start appearing from their past.

Best Parts

The movie blends the struggling parents dealing with growing teenagers and an escaping spy life. If we compare it to a style of movie, it would be ‘My Spy’ which has action sprinkled with some humour. While it doesn’t recreate the concept, it delivers plenty of what is needed to make these movies entertaining. Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz work great together and it is great to see Diaz back in the action comedy world. A special shout out to Jamie Demetriou who steals every scene he is in.

Worst Parts

The weakness could be seen as being nothing too new. It doesn’t help that most of the support figures don’t get enough time to stand out.  

Final Thoughts –Back in Action is a fun, entertaining action comedy.

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Movie Review

The Girl in the Pool (2024) Movie Review

The Girl in the Pool – Movie Review

First Reaction – The Girl in the Pool is way funnier than it is meant to be.

Where to Watch

The Girl in the Pool is available on Digital Platforms 20 January. Distributed by Signature Entertainment

Director: Dakota Gorman

Writer: Jackson Reid Williams (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: A well-to-do family man is forced to struggle through a surprise birthday party moments after hiding the murdered corpse of his mistress.

Runtime: 1 Hour 29 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: The Girl in the Pool starts as we see how Thomas (Prinze Jr) has been having an affair on his wife Kristen (Potter). His mistress Hannah (Haugh) has come to give him a birthday present before his get-together. However, their steamy meeting ends up with Hannah dead and Thomas needing to cover up the events.

Thomas must navigate the birthday party to uncover the truth. However, his father-in-law William (Pollak) is still giving him a hard time. Elsewhere, there are secrets in his family that are causing stress for an already stressful event.

Verdict on The Girl in the Pool

Recap

The movie follows a troubled married man who sees his affair killed and tries to cover up her being at his place. However, his wife has been planning his surprise party and he must navigate and keep his secret.

Best Parts

The story keeps us guessing as to what happened to Hannah, with Thomas unable to talk to anyone. He is constantly looking over his shoulder and never knows who to trust in his life. the sense of paranoia is strong throughout the movie.

Worst Parts

The way the movie unfolds feels like it wants to be a comedy while playing everything completely straight. It makes things confusing to watch for tone, because you want to burst out laughing at serious moments, and the chaotic nature doesn’t make sense being serious.

Final Thoughts –The Girl in the Pool leaves you laughing despite being a serious story.

Categories
Movie Review

Kidnap – Release News

Kidnap is available on Digital Platforms 3 February. Distributed by Signature Entertainment

Kidnap, starring Halle Berry, follows a mother's desperate pursuit to rescue her son from kidnappers, available on digital platforms February 3.

Watch Halle Berry’s heart-pounding revenge thriller for the first time on digital platforms. One peaceful afternoon in the park spirals into a living nightmare for single mother Karla as she spots her son being dragged off by a stranger. With no time to spare waiting for the police, she jumps into her car and risks everything to chase down the kidnappers. In a desperate, high-speed pursuit, Karla must summon every ounce of courage to rescue her child. Starring Halle Berry (Catwoman), Sage Correa (Uncle Buck), Chris McGinn (The Silence of the Lambs) and Lew Temple (Unstoppable), Kidnap is written by Knate Lee (Jackass Forever) and directed by Luis Prieto (White Lines). 

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Movie Review

Parallel (2024) Movie Review

Parallel – Movie Review

Discover the mind-bending journey of Vanessa in the movie 'Parallel'. Follow her as she navigates between parallel spaces and unravels a mysterious plot.

Director: Kourosh Ahari

Writer: Aldis Hodge, Edwin Hodge, Jonathan Keasey (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: Follows the journey of Vanessa, a grief-stricken woman who mysteriously finds herself navigating between parallel spaces.

Runtime: 1 Hour 28 Minutes

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Parallel starts when Alex (Aldis Hodge) is trying to help a grief-stricken woman Vanessa (Deadwyler). However, their time in a remote cabin leads to her witnessing herself in the forest. The two must work together to learn what happened to Martel (Edwin Hodge) and it only creates a bigger mystery.

They learn they can navigate between parallel spaces, whether they have other lives. However, they never know which version of themselves they are colliding with.

Verdict on Parallel

Parallel is a sci-fi thriller following a grief-stricken woman who discovers she can travel between universes. She works with her husband to find one which could offer a better life but ends up getting caught in a web of conspiracies about the truth of her life.

This movie is an interesting concept that has so much more potential than is shown. It ends up not diving deep enough into the moral dilemma the characters are placed in. In the end, this doesn’t seem to get going enough and isn’t brave enough to take on the more serious subjects.

Final Thoughts – Parallel is a great concept but struggles to stick to the landing.

Categories
Movie Review

Bad Fish (2024) Movie Review

Bad Fish – Movie Review

Bad Fish is a disappointing film about a marine biologist confronting a mermaid menace in a fishing town, lacking horror depth.

First Reaction – Bad Fish falls flat by the end.

Watch Bad Fish on Tubi.

Director: Brad Douglas

Writer: Brad Douglas (Screenplay)

Cast

Plot: When a marine biologist investigates mysterious deadly attacks on fishermen in an Oregon coastal town, he discovers the culprit is a mermaid who must find a mate to breed with before returning to the sea.

Runtime: 1 Hour 24 Minutes 

There may be spoilers in the rest of the review

Story: Bad Fish starts when marine biologist John Burton (Lee) is called to a small fishing town. The fishermen have been killed and the fishing waters have dried up. Along with Sheriff Porter (Schneider), they investigate the area and make a disturbing discovery.

A mermaid has been hunting in the area, searching for a new mate. John has been selected and he must figure out how to stop her from breeding and taking more victims.

Verdict on Bad Fish

Recap

The movie follows a small fishing community that starts having a surprising number of deaths. A marine biologist is sent to investigate but only discovers something far more disturbing happening in the area.

Best Parts

The mysteries of the sea are always interesting to watch unfold. We get to learn about a different one with mermaids and how they operate within a fishing community.

Worst Parts

The horror side of the movie struggles to come through. When there are deaths, they are mostly off camera and just blood splatter which doesn’t help us understand what the mermaids are doing. It also struggles to delve deep enough into the bigger picture and even expects to get a sequel to finish off the storytelling.

Final Thoughts – Bad Fish doesn’t give us enough horror for the world presented.