A mostly magical adaptation carried by its lead roles but often held back by its flat visual style and stretched narrative.
Tag: movie reviews
Gladiator II – REVIEW & COCKTAIL
A passable sequel that delivers on impressive scope and fights, but lacks an interesting narrative that totally justifies its existence.
Red One – REVIEW & COCKTAIL
A bland, uninspired holiday action film lacking in wit, creativity, and the Christmas spirit.
Anora – REVIEW & COCKTAIL
One of the funniest films of the year, possessing standout lead and supporting roles, a colorful and frenetic visual style, and an ever changing, electric narrative.
Venom: The Last Dance – REVIEW & COCKTAIL
A boring, uncreative “finale” who’s limited thrills aren’t enough to salvage the bad writing, head scratching plot points, and bland character dynamics.
Smile 2 – REVIEW & COCKTAIL
A step above it predecessor, delivering great effects and performances despite being a retread of the previous film.
Joker: Folie a Deux – REVIEW & COCKTAIL
A bold sequel that takes big swings with it’s themes and narrative structure, though they rarely come together into a compelling final product.
Megalopolis – REVIEW & COCKTAIL
An insane mess of an epic that still has some admirable qualities to unearth.
The Substance – REVIEW & COCKTAIL
As disgusting as it is gorgeous to look at, The Substance manages to be consistently entertaining with its poignant commentary and grotesque bodily manipulation.
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice – REVIEW & COCKTAIL
A honorable follow-up to a classic, full of creative set design and direction while housing a passable but overstuffed story.
The Martini Shot 