Plot: Batman has not been seen for ten years. A new breed of criminal ravages Gotham City, forcing 55-year-old Bruce Wayne back into the cape and cowl. But, does he still have what it takes to fight crime in a new era?
Runtime: 1 Hour 16 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part One starts 10 years after Batman has vanished. An aging Bruce Wayne has continued his friendship with Commissioner Gordon, helping through crimes. When a mutant group has started taking over the city, causing pain and problems.
Bruce Wayne steps back into the Batman costume to face the mutants, as Harvey Dent has recently been released from prison. This sees Bruce get a new Robin, one that could help put aside the pain he suffered from losing the last one.
Verdict onBatman: The Dark Knight Returns Part One
Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part One is an animated action movie. It dives into one of Batman’s darker graphic novels as he faces a new enemy in a group known only as the Mutants. This sees Batman come out of hiding for the first time in a decade.
This does feel a lot darker than many of the other animated movies. However, lacking a villain that has any real motivation or iconises, holds everything back. On the other side of this though, we get to see an aging Bruce Wayne, which helps see the legacy of batman in Gotham. The movie offers up a discussion about Batman’s involvement in defending the city, leaving the discussion on whether he is right to or not.
Final Thoughts – Batman: The Dark Knight Returns Part One is a darker start to a bigger story.
Plot: After discovering an urban legend of a demented serial killer, who has nothing but a carved “smiley” on his face, a mentally fragile teenager must figure out if she is going insane – or if she could be the next victim.
Runtime: 1 Hour 35 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Smiley starts as a quiet college student Ashley (Gerard) moves into a new home with Proxy (Papalia). Off-campus, where she can spend more time on work, away from the crowded dorm rooms. Taking one night to get high and drunk for the first time, Ashley learns of a twisted internet craze.
The craze follows an internet chatroom site called ‘Hideorgochat.’ Where if you type ‘I, did it for the lulz’ the masked killer will appear and kill the other chatter. When the pair try the idea, they see the person killed, becoming worried they have released the killer. Ashley turns to Binder (Dawson) for answers about the killer, desperate to know if it was real.
Verdict on Smiley
Characters
Ashley is a timid college student who has found the perfect place to stay while in college. Although her father is worried about her. She jumps in headfirst to the college experience. Partying and learning of an internet myth. Additionally trying it out with her housemate, witnessing the murder happen. Becoming paranoid Ashley starts investigating the site, believing Smiley is coming for her. Racing to learn the truth before it gets her.
Proxy is the housemate that takes Ashley under her wing to experience college. She is a lot more open to everything, taking Ashley to parties. Joining Ashley on the website, she is more interested in sweeping it under the rug, than talking about it. Tending to jump out of nowhere.
Zane works on internet security and becomes paranoid when the Smiley killings start. He doesn’t understand how to track it, eventhough it is his expertise.
Binder is the fellow timid student Ashley meets. He has awkward chemistry with Ashley and wants to help her solve the problem. Often seen as the outsider in college.
When we look at these characters, most of the college students are insufferable. With none of them having redeeming qualities about them. The adult characters bring much-needed grounding to the story, without getting enough attention.
Performances
Caitlin Gerard (Magic Mike) brings the paranoia without holding back in any way. The character isn’t well written, because of quick decisions to go against everything she has ever done before. Caitlin makes the most of the screaming horror lady.
Melanie Papalia (Extraterrestrial) brings the typical college student to life; party life is the only way to get through. She is laidback and quick to cover up anything that goes against her. Being the best friend figure with ease.
The supporting cast does the basics right, without needing to do much. The students feel like the typical victims in a slasher. Bigger named actors having the impact needed.
Story
The story follows college student struggling to adapt to college life. As she gets involved in an internet craze leading to murder. We get to see how the paranoia takes over her life, believing the serial killer is coming for her.
The story does a good job of mixing the paranoia and reality that the victim is going through. Diving into the serial killer side of things. We find ourselves spending the time focusing on only her paranoia, rather than the killer. Not enough focus is placed on the myth behind the killer, leaving the story feeling empty.
Themes
Smiley is a horror-thriller that sets up like a slasher. The movie is set away from the college campus, with the reason for wanting to keep things away making sense for the lead character. The effects of the kills do look good, showing the brutality behind them.
Where to Watch: Smiley can be streamed free on Prime Video. Rent on Sky Store, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, Microsoft, and YouTube.
Final Thoughts – Smiley is a frustrating slasher lacking the punch for the conviction.
Plot: After the birth of Renesmee/Nessie, the Cullens gather other vampire clans in order to protect the child from a false allegation that puts the family in front of the Volturi.
Runtime: 1 Hour 55 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 2 starts when Bella (Stewart) has come back to life as a vampire. She needs to learn to control her urges and learn to adapt to the power she possesses. Her newborn child Renesmee grabs the attention of the Volturi, who don’t accept any children in the vampire species.
The Cullens must figure out how to survive the impending attack. They look to recruit other vampire families to witness what the Volturi want to do and prove that their child was born, not created from feeding.
Verdict onTwilight Breaking Dawn Part 2
Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 2 is the final chapter in the fantasy romance tale. It puts the Cullens in their biggest fight to date. Putting them up against the Volturi, the powerful vampire coven that controls vampire decisions.
This does feel like a solid conclusion, despite not bringing us a massive completion to everything. In fact, it feels like an anti-climax that is only the beginning of a much bigger story to come. This built up the bigger battle only to not deliver and leave us waiting to see if we end up getting the end of the fight. The best part of the whole series is how disturbing killing vampires is. The crushing of the neck and twist while arms get ripped off, is the biggest standout in the film series.
Final Thoughts – Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 2 is a flat finish to a saga that never really got going.
Plot: A reclusive and butterfly-obsessed elderly lady suffering from bipolar disorder develops a disturbing relationship with a mysterious but seemingly innocent youngster.
Runtime: 1 Hour 27 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: The Butterfly Room starts as we meet Ann (Steele) as she looks after a neighbour’s daughter Julie (Sprayberry). She has clashed with a construction worker in the past. This leads to Ann looking back on her life when she met Alice (Putnam).
As Ann gets closer to Julie, her mother Claudia (Leerhsen) starts getting concerned. After Julie claims to have seen Alice locked up in her butterfly room.
Verdict onThe Butterfly Room
The Butterfly Room is a horror mystery that follows an unstable woman and her relationship with young girls. She sees them as potential new children after her own left the home.
In a story that is told through two different time periods, we can find ourselves lost between them. It is also strange how Alice has been playing Ann, as we never get to learn enough from what she is really like.
This movie is filled with horror icons from different movies, but none of them feels like they are truly making you watch them work. Very little horror goes on around most of them and the final act is shocking. It is left too late for the biggest impact.
Final Thoughts – The Butterfly Room is a flat horror without enough shock value.
Plot: A group of friends visit a lake where horror author Stephen King lives, and start getting killed off one at a time.
Runtime: 1 Hour 26 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: You Can’t Kill Stephen King follows six friends Monroe (Mann), Ronnie (Khalil), Hilary (Arnette), Nicole (Blogna), Kori (Costello) and Lamont (Brown) who head to Maine. Ronnie believes they can meet Stephen King, while the rest are just looking for a weekend away.
When Lamont goes missing, the friends start questioning what happened. After his body is discovered, they discover they have become targets of an unknown killer. Ronnie believes it has a connection to Stephen King novels and they need to understand them to survive.
Verdict onYou Can’t Kill Stephen King
You Can’t Kill Stephen King is a horror comedy following a group of friends looking to meet Stephen King. They head to Maine hoping to meet him, only to find people coming under attack from a mysterious killer. The group must figure out who the killer is before it is too late.
This is a fun horror comedy that gets to explore the history of Stephen King movies. It tries heavily to create kills that come from lesser-known King novels, with one character revealing the truth. This gets to use the slasher style of horror, which we don’t see that much anymore to have some fun. If you don’t take things too seriously, you will get some enjoyment out of this film.
Final Thoughts – You Can’t Kill Stephen King is a fun little horror comedy.
Writer: Steve Bingen, Paul Bunnell, Mark D Murphy (Screenplay)
Cast
Will Keenan
Creed Bratton
De Anna Joy Brooks
Reggie Bannister
Les Williams
Plot: THE GHASTLY LOVE OF JOHNNY X is a quirky adventure that defies categorization. It combines elements of science-fiction, film noir, teen angst and even musical comedy to create an entertainment unlike any other.
Runtime: 1 Hour 46 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: The Ghastly Love of Johnny X starts when Johnny X (Keenan) is set to Earth from his own planet. Order to remain there until he completes a selfless act. He didn’t follow that order and continued his rebellious ways. Meanwhile on Earth, Bliss (Brooks) is on the run from Johnny who had been controlling her.
Bliss joins forces with Chip (Williams), as she looks to escape the control, he has over her. This sees Chip learn about the bigger picture on Earth and the battle between the two sides go into battle.
Verdict on The Ghastly Love of Johnny X
The Ghastly Love of Johnny X is a fantasy musical that steps outside the box with how everything is brought together. It follows one being as he is sent to Earth to learn a lesson. This brings all the retro vibes of classic America.
The dive into the sci-fi side of the film works very well, the whole Resurrection Suit concept feels original and looks great. It is nice to see an original idea, having an original look that never feels like we have seen it before.
There are some fun musical moments, with great dance routines. The performances in the film help spark the movie along, bringing the entertainment factor needed.
Where to Watch: The Ghastly Love of Johnny X is available now on Tubi.
Final Thoughts –The Ghastly Love of Johnny X is a wildly original and unique movie.
Writer: Stuart Blumberg, Matt Winston (Screenplay)
Starring: Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins, Gwyneth Paltrow, Josh Gad, Joely Richardson, Patrick Fugit, Alexia Moore
Plot: A romantic comedy that brings together three disparate characters who are learning to face a challenging and often confusing world as they struggle together against a common demon: sex addiction.
Tagline – Life is a journey you never have to take alone.
Runtime: 1 Hour 52 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Thanks for Sharing starts as we three sex addicts, Adam (Ruffalo) who has been getting his life on track, looking to take first steps into the dating world again. Mike (Robbins) who has been part of the program for years, leading most of the members through their problems, being Adam’s sponsor. Finally, Neil (Gad) a doctor who has been ordered to attend the meetings, but struggles to know what it means to need help, losing everything before learning he needs to take life more seriously, learning how much he can get out of helping the other members of the group. The three men will need to look at their lives and try to address the problems they have been facing, learning to get to the next stage of life, learning from the meetings they attend.
Thoughts on Thanks for Sharing
Thoughts – Thanks for Sharing takes us into the world of sex addicts that must figure out their lives with their addictions, following the three different stages, shows us just how the program can work and will become important to manage, with the right people around you. We have seen many films that have dealt with substance abuse in the past, with this one taking on sex addiction, we get to see what the stigma behind it can do for people’s lives. The performances from Mark Ruffalo, Tim Robbins and Josh Gad are all brilliant, showing each side of their characters, while also reflecting the troubles they are facing with their partners who Gwyneth Paltrow and Joely Richardson bring to life. This is a drama that will give us the perfect highlight of the problems in life people can have and that you will never know who will be suffering from different problems.
Final Thoughts – Thanks for Sharing is a brilliantly performed drama highlighting the struggles with addictions.
Starring: Morgan Freeman, Virginia Madsen, Madeline Carroll, Emma Fuhrmann, Kenan Thompson, Nicolette Pierini
Plot: Monte Wildhorn, an alcoholic novelist of Westerns, has lost his drive. His nephew pushes him to summer in quiet Belle Isle. He begrudgingly befriends a newly single mom and her 3 girls who help him find the inspiration to write again.
Runtime: 1 Hour 49 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: The Magic of Belle Isle starts as alcoholic novelist Monte Wildhorn (Freeman) has lost his motivation. With his nephew Henry (Thompson) sets him up in a summer home in Belle Isle, dog sitting.
His neighbours for the summer are Charlotte O’Neil (Madsen) and her three daughters Willow (Carroll), Finnegan (Fuhrmann) and Flora (Pierini). A family looking to find their next chapter in life, as Charlotte’s separation from the girl’s father. An unlikely friendship comes between the two families, as Monte looks to pass on life lesson to the young girls.
Thoughts on The Magic of Belle Isle
The Magic of Belle Isle is a re-coming-of-age tale, showing how it is never too late to learn the importance of finding a new meaning to life, even if it is hard to move on, showing the paths coming together for the people involved, as they look to find the next direction they are searching for.
This will give all the messages about how important life can be, how people can see their life change in a matter of moments, if they just take the time to pass on a good deed. This might be everything you would come to expect, without managing to reach the heights of others in the similar subject. The performances are great, with Morgan Freeman in the leading role, shining, while the young actresses bringing the three different girls to life, needing a little life lesson along the way.
Cast: Ming-Na Wen, Nicholas Turturro, Andy Clemence, Darin Cooper, Jonathan Le Billon, Dylan Vox
Plot: When a super cyclone threatens the entire American western seaboard. A lone meteorologist and a petroleum engineer must battle the elements to stop the threat.
Runtime: 1 Hour 29 Minutes
There may be spoilers in the rest of the review
Story: Super Cyclone starts as an oil drilling station strikes a lava pocket. Seeing the formation of a cyclone, one more powerful than anyone has seen before. Dr Jenna Sparks (Wen) is leading the plan to save the inland from disaster unlike anyone has seen before.
Alex (Billon) and Gary (Vox) are on the oil rig trying to stop the problems. Jenna is leading the onshore rescue attempts and the government is preparing for the worst.
Thoughts onSuper Cyclone
Super Cyclone is one of Asylum’s disaster movies. Jumping on the new big disaster concept the company is famous for. This is one that ends up leading us down the two groups idea. The rig team are trying to stop what is happening, which is hopefully preventing everything. Dr Sparks is on the other side of things is trying to prevent things getting worse, with science.
For a big disaster movie, we only get the tame moments that imply the destruction being caused. There is a lot of science talk that doesn’t seem to be realistic. This does end up feeling like just another badly made low budget disaster movie, losing the heart that makes them entertaining.
The performances don’t help either. Most scenes having just lines that don’t feel as connected to the previous one.
