Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes (2024)

 

It’s an ok addition to the franchise, but didn’t have the same level of storytelling that some of the earlier ones did. One way to kill a Tuesday night. 

Rating: C

Babes (2024)

 

A pretty raw having-a-baby film, but funny. Not for the squeamish. 

Rating: C+

A Quiet Place: Day One (2024)

 

The previous films did a much better job of telling a story that made you connect with the characters. In this prequel, the main character is dying anyway, so it’s hard to care about her welfare. It’s telling that most of the theater had more concern for her cat’s well being. 

Not much story either. They are risking life and limb to grab a slice at an obviously bombed out pizza place? How is the viewer supposed to get pumped about that? Outside of a few jump cuts and creature scares, not much happened. 

Rating: C-

The End We Start From (2023)

 

An interesting semi-post-apocalyptic premise that had some nice narrative flourishes. But like the city, the story got bogged down, with very little happening. I appreciate good dialogue and characters, but stuff needs to actually happen. It’s a shame they didn’t do more with it. 

Rating: C-

Hit Man (2024)

 

The secret agent storyline was fun and the female lead is sexy as hell, but the ending didn’t sit well with me. 

Rating: C+

Boy Kills World (2023)

 

Great title. Decent premise. The script is too manic for my taste. Would have preferred they play it more straight. Fewer hallucinations, video game sound fx, and jump edits. A lot of people die in the most heinous ways. Felt overkill, especially considering the twist ending. You are left with no one to root for. 

Rating: D+

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

 

At 2 ½ hours, it’s an action movie with some depth to it. I appreciate a good dose of character development to go with a violent story. Furiosa, more than any of the other Mad Maxes, did a great job of fleshing out the post-apocalyptic world. There is order to the madness, and consequences when that order is disrupted. This origin story is better than Fury Road. 

Rating: B-

The Fall Guy (2024)

 

I enjoyed the first half, which was cute and fun. The plot unraveled in the second half, culminating in a ridiculous final act. Having watched the original show as a kid, I was hoping they’d do it justice. Still, it’s hard not to “fall” for Emily and Ryan on screen. 

Rating: C

Billy And Molly: An Otter Love Story (2024)

 

Absolutely gorgeous to watch, but also sweet and emotional. A lovely story of man interacting with nature in a way that benefits both. I’d love to know how this film was made. Did Billy contact the National Geographic folks the moment he discovered Molly? I’d love to see the documentary about the documentary. At any rate, it was a joy to watch. 

Rating: B

Arcadian (2024)

 

Too many inconsistencies in a plot that doesn’t really go anywhere. Not much better than a B movie. Poor execution of a mediocre idea. 

Rating: D

In The Land Of Saints And Sinners (2023)

 

Irish baddies in the 70s get what’s coming to them in a small, rural town. There’s some good character development and acting to be seen. 

Rating: C+

Love Lies Bleeding (2024)

 

Grimy characters behave poorly in a dark tale of muscles, guns, and dysfunction. For a second there I thought this might have been the origin story for She-Hulk: Attorney At Law. 

Rating: C-

The Last Stop In Yuma County (2023)

 

Some innocent and not-so-innocent folks make all the wrong choices in a Yuma diner, resulting in terrible consequences. Never be a hero. Never take the money. 

Rating: C

Into The Forest (2015)

 

Disappointing as far as a post-apocalyptic tales go. It’s frustrating to watch people make basic mistakes that lead to their ruin. They had so many things going for them, yet ended up in a situation at the end of the film that will likely end with three frozen bodies in the woods. 

I also didn’t understand how the roof of such a magnificent home could suddenly develop so many leaks and cave in within like 7 months!?!?

Rating: C

The Ministry Of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)

 

Guy Ritchie’s version of Inglourious Basterds. Plenty of action, but missing some of the verbal pizazz of Tarantino. 

Rating: C+

Cold Meat (2023)

 

Not much of a plot. It’s a two person play that takes place inside a car. A few suspenseful moments wasn’t enough to win me over. 

Rating: D+

Monkey Man (2024)

 

This was clearly a passion project of Patel’s. It’s an anti-hero story full of pain, sadness, and revenge. The film is dark and full of violence. Not something that will appeal to the masses. Sure is something though. 

Rating: C+

Dune: Part Two (2024)

It was fine. I had to watch some recap videos to remember what happened three years ago in the first one. The sequel doubled down on the holy prophecies and sand worms.

How does one board their entire clan on one of those things anyway? How do you get off? How do you steer them? How do you stop the worm from going underground? Don’t bother asking these questions. The movie has no answers. It’s fine. 

Rating: C