The Movies, Films and Flix Podcast – Episode 377 – 12 Rounds, Renny Harlin, and John Cena
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Mark, Phil, and Adam (of the Go Figure YouTube show) discuss the 2009 action film 12 Rounds. Directed by Renny Harlin (listen to Deep Blue Sea – The Podcast), and starring John Cena, Ashley Scott, and Aidan Gillen, the movie focuses on what happens when a super criminal sets up a wildly intricate revenge plan. In this episode, they discuss Renny Harlin, practical action scenes, and beautiful helicopter explosions. Enjoy!
If you are a fan of the podcast, make sure to send in some random listener questions (we love random questions). We thank you for listening, and hope you enjoy the episode!
You can download the pod on Apple Podcasts, Tune In, Podbean, or Spreaker.
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Quick thoughts: – B+ – Fear Street Part 3: 1666 proves that horror trilogies can end strongly, and hopefully director Leigh Janiak will move on to higher profile jobs after her success.
After enjoying the first two installments of the Leigh Janiak (watch Honeymoon!) directed Fear Street films, it was a bit disconcerting to know that it was going back in time to discover the origin of the evil witch Sarah Fier. Movies like Hannibal Rising, Halloween (2007), The Thing (2011) have gone back in time to discover the origin of evil, and they’ve felt completely unnecessary because they explain what doesn’t need to be explained. However, any worries were dashed as Fear Street Part 3: 1666 has some fun tricks up its sleeve, and it ends with an extremely entertaining finale that will leave a smile on your face. The movie does an excellent job of going back in time to solve the Sarah Fier mystery, and that should be applauded as it’s quite daring and inspired. The twist on the witch trials of the 1600s is neat (and brutal), and it ties together everything that follows.
Most importantly, the movie brings back Kiana Madeira, Gillian Jacobs, Benjamin Flores Jr., Darrell Britt-Gibson (watch You’re the Worst) and Fred Hechinger for more horror shenanigans. One of the main strengths of the series is putting new faces on the screen, sure the actors have appeared in other shows, but this trilogy will hopefully propel some of the young actors into bigger and better roles.
Fear Street Part 3: 1666 is an interesting watch as the glossy digital cinematography by Caleb Heymann (Stranger Things, The Mortuary Collection) is combined with shots of dead children who’ve had their eyes ripped out. While the violence isn’t exactly graphic, and is aided by CGI, it comes across as more startling as the sharp digital frames play on the screen. It’s compelling to watch, as characters are ripped apart in bright HD, because you’re almost lured into thinking it’s going to be Stranger Things-esque (lots of the Stranger Things crew worked on this), but then someone is stabbed in the throat. Between this trilogy and The Mortuary Collection (watch it on Shudder), the world now has some slick looking horror that is geared towards teenagers looking to get into the genre.
Final Thoughts: If you are looking for a horror trilogy that sticks the landing, check the Fear Street trilogy.
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Jay and Mark are joined by Paige (@gaytaylorswift on Twitter) to discuss the sixth chapter on the Deep Blue Sea 3 Blu-ray. In this episode, they talk about cranky sharks, evil v-necks, and gratuitous feet shots. Enjoy!
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Gunpowder Milkshake – Review: A Fun Action Film That Showcases the Skills of Karen Gillan
Quick thoughts: Grade – B – Gunpowder Milkshake is a wild ride full of unique action scenes, fun performances, and a dark sense of humor. After starring in the Guardians of the Galaxy and Jumanji films, it’s neat seeing Karen Gillian carrying her own action film.
Directed and written by Navot Papushado (watch Big Bad Wolves), Gunpowder Milkshake tells the story of what happens when a group of well-armed male gangsters attempt to kill Sam (Karen Gillan) an assassin who went rogue during a mission, saved a child from kidnappers (long story), and accidently killed a rival crime lord’s son during a prior “botched” job (basically, she’s pissed a lot of people off). The problem is, Sam is the daughter of a famed assassin named Scarlet (Lena Headey), who disappeared 15 years ago, but still managed to train Sam in the art of murdering people with ease. Thus, when Nathan (Paul Giamatti), a middle-man for a powerful crime syndicate, starts sending out hired henchmen to kill her, they are all killed in hallway fights, parking garage chases, and bowling alley brawls Eventually, things get really crazy when Jim McAlester (Ralph Ineson), a rival crime lord, whose son was killed by Sam, sends out his henchmen to finish the job. The added manpower forces Sam to reconnect with her mom, and head to The Library, where Florence (Michelle Yeoh), Anna May (Angela Bassett), and Madeline (Carla Gugino) help her murder more people.
Gunpowder Milkshake does a fine job of creating various action scenes that all feel unique. During one scene, Sam doesn’t have control of her arms, so she has a young girl named Emily (Chloe Coleman) tape weapons to her hands. Another brawl plays out in super slow-motion and features eye slashes, head shots, and exploding windows. The stunt coordinator Volkhart Buff (Hitman: Agent 47, The Grand Budapest Hotel), and fight choreographer Laurent Demianoff (Warrior Nun, Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan) do a solid job of creating different fights that don’t feel repetitive, and allow Gillan, Headey, Bassett, Gugino and Yeoh to shine.
The German locations all look excellent, and they fit well with the stylized look created by cinematographer Michael Seresin (Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Step Up). Also kudos to costume designer Louise Frogley (Contagion, Bull Durham, Ant-Man and the Wasp) for creating memorable costumes that fit the look of each character. It’s neat seeing Gillan beat up people while wearing a bowling jacket (that fits perfectly), and watching Gugino murdering henchmen while wearing a purple pastel cardigan.
The biggest weakness of Gunpowder Milkshake is the script by Papushado and Ehud Lavski. Yes, it creates a neat world full of familiar elements (which is totally fine, action movies have been stealing from each other since the beginning), but the stylized dialogue never feels totally organic, and occasionally plays like a screenwriter was writing something “cool.” Aside from a few cringe-worthy lines of dialogue, the movie is an absolute delight that will hopefully build a big audience and stay Fresh on the Tomatometer (it’s currently at 67%).
Final Thoughts: Gunpowder Milkshake is a lot of fun, and is worth a watch.
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The Movies, Films and Flix Podcast – Episode 376: The 2021 Mid-Year Random Movie Awards
You can download or stream the pod on Apple Podcasts, Tune In, Podbean, or Spreaker (or wherever you listen to podcasts…..we’re almost everywhere).
If you get a chance please make sure to review, rate and share. You are awesome!
Mark and Megan hand out random awards to their favorite 2021 movies. If you’ve been following Movies, Films and Flix since 2010, you’ll know that we love handing out random awards. The Random Awards are an MFF staple because they alllow us to award underappreciated movies that won’t be nominated for Oscars, or be given a trophy for best musical number that takes place on a beach. In this episode, they discuss bathroom fights, baby gangs, bus brawls, and time loops. Enjoy! If you enjoy this episode, please send us some random awards.
If you are a fan of the podcast, make sure to send in some random listener questions (we love random questions). We thank you for listening, and hope you enjoy the episode!
You can download the pod on Apple Podcasts, Tune In, Podbean, or Spreaker.
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Quick thoughts: A Quiet Place Part II is a solid sequel that expands the universe successfully, but builds its scares in a slightly contrived manner.
Directed and written by John Krasinksi, A Quiet Place Part II is a rare horror sequel that manages to uphold the good name of its predecessor, and successfully expand the world to include new characters, communities, and locations. The $61 million budget must’ve helped a lot (the original only had a $17 million budget), as it allowed Krasinski to move beyond the Abbott family farm, and cast actors like Cillian Murphy, Djimon Hounsou and Scoot McNairy who may or may not survive the deadly aliens that rampage the now decimated earth. The 91% Tomatometer rating is deserved, and so is the $270 million worldwide haul (in a pandemic, very impressive), but, some of the plotlines are fueled by contrived happenings that feel completely inorganic and clumsy, and they takes away from the effectiveness of the overall package.
After a flashback that showcases what happens when the aliens first attack the small New York town that is home to the Abbott family (most everyone is killed), the story quickly moves to the aftermath of the first film that saw Lee Abbott (John Krasinksi) being killed by an alien while protecting his kids Regan (Millicent Simmonds), and Marcus (Noah Jope). When all seems lost, Regan discovers that the feedback from her cochlear implant can be used to disorient the creature, which allows her mom Evelyn (Emily Blunt) to kill it with a shotgun blast to the face. After the alien attack, Marcus, Regan, Evelyn, and her recently born baby travel to the neighboring area, where Emmett (Cillian Murphy) burns fires to let his neighbors know he’s still alive. While entering Emmett’s facility, an alien attacks after Marcus gets his leg stuck in a bear trap (like everyone else would, he understandably lets out some primal screams). The group narrowly survive, and are saved by Emmett, who leads them into an underground bunker, where they hunker down to regroup, and allow Marcus time to heal.
From there, the story splits in two directions. Regan leaves the group to track down a radio signal that is playing Bobby Darin’s Beyond the Sea on repeat. She is followed by Emmett, who instead of bringing her back to the group, decides to guide her to the island where the signal is coming from. The other story focuses on Evelyn trying to find antibiotics for Marcus, whose injuries could become serious. Normally, everything would be fine, but for some reason, Marcus (who knows better) leaves the bunker, makes a bunch of noise, and is attacked by an alien. Both stories feature strong moments of suspense, but they are also driven by contrived moments (Marcus leaving the bunker for no reason other than being a kid), and new characters who seem awfully chill about security measures, and don’t seem worried about death by aliens or ravaging gangs of humans. The final product is a lot of fun, and wonderfully short (the film is only 97 minutes long), but the forced narrative, and new plot wrinkles (why is Djimon Hounsou’s sweater so clean?) keep it from being an A-rated sequel.
Once again, the sound editing and mixing are excellent. Michael Barosky (sound mixer), Erik Aadahl (supervising sound editor) Brandon Jones (sound designer) and Malte Bieler (sound designer) should be proud of their work as the sound mix bounces between Regan’s soundless perspective, and a world that is mostly silent, and any noise could prove death (which is such a great idea). Also, the cinematography by Polly Morgan (Legion, Lucy in the Sky) is solid, and knows when to go in for closeups of people covering their mouths, and when to go wide and showcase the beautiful New York scenery. Technically, the movie is impressive, as Krasinksi brought in a lot of talent to make a classy horror film the world will appreciate.
Final thoughts:A Quiet Place Part II is a fun horror sequel that features excellent performances, cool sweaters, and enough jumpscares to give you a workout.
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The 2021 Mid-Year Random Awards: A Celebration of Bathroom Fights, Sweaters, and Pistachio Eating
The Movies, Films and Flix Random Awards are back! Since 2010, we’ve loved handing out random awards because they award moments and movies that typically wouldn’t win anything (we also love randomness). Sit back, relax and enjoy the 2021 mid-year Random Awards.
Best Album Covers Award – The Edgar Wright directed The Sparks Brothers is one of my favorite films of 2021. It also features the best album covers.
Best Baby Gang Award – You will love watching Little Noi, Dyan, Pan and Uka engage in some legit shenanigans in Raya and the Last Dragon.
Best Moment Involving a Motorcycle Landing on the Wing of a Plane Award – Infinite is an insane film that features a samurai sword wielding Mark Wahlberg using a motorcycle to jump on the wing of a cargo airplane.
Best Tunnel Award – Godzilla vs. Kong features a tunnel (not the Hollow Earth tunnel) that goes from Florida to Hong Kong. It’s insane, and must’ve cost trillions of dollars.
Best Bathroom Fight Award – Nicolas Cage fights an evil animatronic gorilla in Willy’s Wonderland. It’s amazing.
Best Sedative Bot Fight Award – The Alejandra Aja directed Oxygen features Mélanie Laurent wrestling with a sedative bot that looks like a robot snake (it’s quite scary).
Best Sweater Award – Once again, The Quiet Place franchise features some glorious sweaters. This time Djimon Hounsou gets to rock a sweet sweater.
Best Bit About Posing Award – Watching Florence Pugh and Scarlett Johansson argue about “superhero posing” is wonderful in Black Widow.
Best Demián Bichir Hat Award- Chaos Walking is bonkers, but it features a great Bichir hat.
Best Alien Squish Award – The Tomorrow War features a glorious alien squish noise. It’s wonderful.
Best Cardigan in a Pool Hall Award – Jason Statham wears a cardigan in a pool hall in Wrath of Man. It’s weird, and awesome.
Best Pistachio Eating Award – Without Remorse features Michael B. Jordan eating pistachios for a long time. I couldn’t find a clip. Watch the movie, you’ll see what I’m talking about.
Best Magnets Award – Fast 9: The Fast Saga features A LOT of magnet usage.
David Cross (@ItsMeDavidCross)- Award Wieners Movies Review Podcast – Best Use of the Term “Hunky Boys” Award – Psycho Goreman is an insane film that features a giant murderer talking about hunky boys. It’s very funny.
Adam Hodgins – GoFigure Youtube Show – Best Picture About a Tournament, But Not Actually Featuring a Tournament Award – Mortal Kombat has way too much setup, and no tournament. It’s odd.
Aaron Neuwirth (@AaronsPS4) – Out Now With Aaron and Abe Podcast – Best Drum Solo Award – Stevie Wonder has a wonderful drum solo in Summer of Soul watch it.
Zanandi (@Zanandi on Twitter) – Best That’s Not What A BREAD SLICER is For Award – Fear Street Part One: 1994 features a head being sliced into many pieces. It’s gnarly.
Jonny Numb – The Last Knock Podcast (@JohnnyNumb) – Most Dynamic Duo Deserving of their Own Franchise Award: Barb & Star (from BARB & STAR GO TO VISTA DEL MAR) are the best, and they need more movies.
Jay Cluitt (@LifevsFilm) – Deep Blue Sea – The Podcast – Best Furby Attack Award – The Mitchells vs. the Machines features a glorious moment that involves a gigantic Furby attacking the hero family.
Best Use of a Time Loop to Solve Problems Award – The Map of Tiny Perfect Things might be the most underappreciated movie of 2021, it needs a bigger audience. Watch it on Amazon Prime.
I Need a Herd of Sheep-Fish Award – Luca features the best sea sheep (AKA fish) of 2021. You will love them.
Effing Kitty Bracelet Award – Nobody is the best action film of 2021, and it proves that you should never steal a kitty bracelet.
Sign Me Up for the Town Tour Award – Werewolves Within is the best horror comedy of 2021, and you will love watching Sam Richardson battle werewolves and crazy townsfolk.
Seagull in the Sand Award – Jamie Dornan deserves an Oscar for his singing in Barb and Star Go to Vista Del Mar.
I Just Want My Mom Award – Watch Plan B on Hulu, it features two very likable teenagers engaging in some fun R-rated antics.
Best and Most Precise Spoon Placement Award – Paul Walter Hauser is so good in Cruella. How good? He’s so good his spoon placement is inspired.
Swimming Pool Musical Number for the Ages Award – In The Heights features a gigantic musical number that takes place at a pool. It’s wildly impressive and must’ve taken lots of work.
Most Epic Basement Witches Lair Award – The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It is home to a beautifully massive villainous lair. You will love it.
Best Kills in a Time Loop Movie (Bryce Mitchell) – The Frank Grillo starring action film Boss Level features some of the cheekiest murders you’ll ever see in a time loop movie.
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The Movies, Films and Flix Podcast – Episode 375: Tango and Cash, Kurt Russell, and Monster Trucks
You can download or stream the pod on Apple Podcasts, Tune In, Podbean, or Spreaker (or wherever you listen to podcasts…..we’re almost everywhere).
If you get a chance please make sure to review, rate and share. You are awesome!
Mark and John (@MFFHorrorCorner on Twitter) discuss the 1989 film Tango & Cash. Directed by several people (seriously), and starring Kurt Russell, Sylvester Stallone, Teri Hatcher, and Jack Palance. the movie focuses on two awesome cops becoming even more awesome. In this episode, they discuss prison breaks, sleeveless shirts, and villainous lairs. Enjoy!
If you are a fan of the podcast, make sure to send in some random listener questions (we love random questions). We thank you for listening, and hope you enjoy the episode!
You can download the pod on Apple Podcasts, Tune In, Podbean, or Spreaker.
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Deep Blue Sea – The Podcast – Episode 53: Shark Hostages, Scott Adkins, and Selling Injuries
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Jay and Mark are joined by Courtney Small (@SmallMind on Twitter) to discuss the fifth chapter on the Deep Blue Sea 3 Blu-ray. In this episode, they discuss shark hostages, Scott Adkins, and selling injuries. Enjoy!
Here’s where you can find all of Courtney’s podcasts/reviews. Follow Courtney on Twitter!
@thatshelf
@POVmagazine
@CinemaAxis
@Radio_Regent
@ChangingReelsAC
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The Tomorrow War: A Fun Science Fiction Blockbuster That Features Chris Pratt Punching Aliens
Quick thoughts: B+ – The Tomorrow War is a very fun science fiction popcorn film that features cool monsters, unique twists, and a solid performance from Chris Pratt and Yvonne Strahovski. Also, with news about a sequel in the works, it looks like it’s been a success for Amazon.
Directed by Chris Mckay (The Lego Batman Movie, Robot Chicken), The Tomorrow War is a big budget science fiction film that focuses on soldiers traveling to the future to prevent deadly monsters called “White Spikes” from destroying the world. It’s a wild idea that involves time travel, science, and swarms of aliens ripping ill-prepared soldiers in multiple parts. While many reviews have cynically (and lazily) focused on its obvious similarities to Edge of Tomorrow, Alien, Prometheus and Starship Troopers, just know that The Tomorrow War is an absolute blast that goes places you might not expect, and features Chris Pratt punching an alien in the face.
The film focuses on what happens when people from the future create a rickety time travel system (that’s held together by duct tape and luck), so they can travel back in time to recruit soldiers (who get drafted and are ill-prepared) to help them fight an alien species who are steamrolling everything in the future. The future folk get lucky when Dan Forester (Chris Pratt) is drafted and sent to the future to rescue some research in Miami that could possibly be used to wipe out the aliens. Why are the future folk lucky? Dan is a skilled former soldier, who forcefully has to leave behind his wife Emmy Forester (Betty Gilpin – I wish she had a bigger role) and daughter Muri (Yvonne Strahovski), so he can use his skills in the future war. After he, and fellow “soldiers” Charlie (Sam Richardson), and Dorian (Edwin Hodge) successfully complete their mission in Miami, he is introduced to Colonel Muri Forester, who happens to be his grown up daughter. Together they kidnap a large female alien, and they research how to kill the very hungry aliens (who only want chaos). The rest won’t be spoiled, just know that it features snowmobiles, J.K. Simmons, and Will Smith references.
It’s nice seeing Chris Pratt playing a regular guy who isn’t super smarmy or sassy. He is 100% believable in this role, and it’s nice seeing him be capable, kind and tough (zero pelvic sorcery here). Also, as a fan of the NBC show Chuck, it’s cool seeing Yvonne Strahovski in full-badass mode. She’s totally believable as a tired colonel who is trying to keep the rest of humanity alive despite terrible odds. Strahovski and Pratt have solid chemistry, and you buy into the father/daughter dynamic between the two. The true standout of the film is Sam Richardson, who between Werewolves Within, and The Tomorrow War is having a lot of success battling monsters. Richardson is a breath of fresh air, and you’ll grow to love his character who keeps surviving despite massive odds.
Final thoughts: Ignore the similarities to many other films, and just enjoy Chris Pratt punching aliens.
Movies, Films & Flix 