Cut Throat City

written by paul cuschieri

Directed by RZA

Rating: 🔥 that’s hot

In post-Hurricane New Orleans, four men must turn to unsavory options to feed their families. But when the job gets complicated they find themselves wanted by both law enforcement and the gangsters that run the town.

This movie is an incredibly relevant watch for 2020. It deals with racial inequality, gentrification, government bureaucracy, and the destructive power of nature. While I was pulled out of the story by the poorly written law enforcement characters, everyone else kept me in it til the end. With powerful performances by @shameikmoore @terrencehoward @ethanhawke and T.I., Cut Throat City is a must-watch.

Review written by Zianna Weston

Tenet

written and Directed by Christopher Nolan

Rating: 👌🏼 ok

After much anticipation, and so many months away from the movie theater, I am sad to report that Tenet does not live up to the hype. The latest movie from legendary director Christopher Nolan delivers his signature elements; a dark and broody tone, exceptional sound, and a score that enhances the drama. The actor’s performances are raw and believable. But this twisty plot played with time in a way that didn’t work for me. This isn’t Nolan’s first rodeo with a time-bending plot, but Interstellar and Inception found ways to time travel and still make sense. Tenet is just straight up confusing, and tbh I don’t care to go back and rewatch it for a better understanding. The characters are under developed and I didn’t care in the end if they lived or died, I just wanted this 2.5 hour saga to freaking end already. If you’re wanting a fun cinematic return to the movie theater full of big action and impressive cinematography, then Tenet is worth seeing. But all I can say is lower your expectations now, and maybe you’ll enjoy it more than I did.

Review written by Zianna Weston

The Old Guard

Written by Greg Rucka

Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood

Rating: 🔥 that’s hot

A group of immortals turned trained warriors have utilized their powers over the course of millennia to fight for what is right. Lead by bada$$ woman Andy (Charlize Theron), the group of 4 is surprised after a compromised mission when a young marine Nile (KiKi Layne) discovers her immortality while deployed, threatening the anonymity and safety of the group.

Beyond this synopsis I will tell you nothing other than how much I genuinely enjoyed it, AND that the bad guy is played by Harry Melling (better known to most as Dudley Dursley from Harry Potter).  The fight scenes are fantastic, and so f*cking refreshing. Anyone else get pissed off watching “trained assassins” use a whole round of ammo on one kill? Or who are dangerously loud in covert operations? The Old Guard is a highly trained militant group, and they actually look like they are good at their job. This comic book was brilliantly brought to life, and I cannot wait to see what they do next- I smell a franchise coming on!

Review written by Edelia Weston

My Spy

Written by Erich Hoeber & Jon Hoeber

Directed by Peter Segal

Rating: 🔥 that’s hot

An ex-soldier turned clumsy CIA agent is demoted but finds his biggest challenge yet when he is assigned a seemingly easy task; to keep an eye on a single mother and her 9 year old daughter.

I love me a cheesy summer blockbuster full of explosions, quirky jokes, and ex-WWE wrestlers getting kicked in the nuts by women, and My Spy delivers all of that and more. The on-screen chemistry between this hilarious cast (Dave Bautista, Chloe Coleman, Parisa Fitz-Henley, and Kristen Schaal) is on point and it had me cracking up throughout movie. There is nothing complicated about the plot and the action is predictable, but it’s not a problem because it’s well executed. Chloe Coleman is the heart of this film and her smart wit and comedic timing pair nicely opposite Dave Bautista. This is escapism at its finest. So, if you find yourself needing to take a mental break from protesting the racist patriarchy, and unlearning your own problematic biases, My Spy is now streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Review written by Zianna Weston

Extraction

written by : Joe Russo

Directed by: Sam Hargrave

Rating: 🔥

When an imprisoned drug dealer’s son is kidnapped, Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth) is only one mercenary crazy enough to take the job to try and get him back.

You’ve heard me say it a million times, but action flicks usually aren’t my thing. Maybe it’s the effect of being trapped inside without access to a movie theater, or maybe it’s Chris Hemsworth’s impossibly sexy Australian accent, but I really liked this movie. The long, unspliced action shots were a nice change of pace from the expected choppy editing of an action movie. The creative stunt coordination, while a bit too gory for my taste at times, was highly entertaining and memorable. The story delivers nonstop action, heart-racing suspense, and characters worth rooting for. If you don’t mind a bit of bloody violence, I recommend checking out Extraction, now streaming on Netflix.

Review written by Zianna Weston

Charlie’s Angels

Written and directed by elizabeth banks

rating:👌🏼

The sexy female crime fighters are called upon to save the world, yet again, from a new technology that in the wrong hands could be weaponized.

I really wanted to like this movie but in the end I just couldn’t. Kristen Stewart is amazing! Her character is quirky and funny and had some great lines! Everyone else; who are you? What are you all about? Should I care about you? Because I don’t... The action scenes felt underwhelming. The “I am woman hear me roar!” theme is a message that I can always get behind. But rather than showing women kicking ass, the movie just seemed to repeatedly shout the message at us rather than showing us.

If you’re bored, or have some movie gift cards, this movie is entertaining and you might like it. But in comparison to the beloved franchise this newest installment falls flat. Charlie’s Angels is now playing in theaters. 

Review written by Zianna Weston

Movie night just got easier with Redbox! Did you know that Redbox now offers streaming? Watch your favorite movies from the comfort of your home without ever leaving your couch. Check it out today!

Jumanji: The Next Level

Jumanji: The Next Level

Written by Jake Kasdan, Jeff Pinkner, and Scott Rosenberg

Based on the book by Chris Van Allsburg

Rating: 🔥 

When Spencer (Alex Wolff) begins struggling with his identity during his first year of college, he longs for the suave confidence that he felt as his Jumanji avatar Dr. Smolder Bravestone (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson). He makes the decision to re-enter the game, forcing his friends to go after him to rescue him.

Jumanji is one of those comedies that has it all. You’ve got creative physical comedy, sexual tension, and Jack Black playing a ditzy teenage girl. The sequel delivers the signature comedy style that Jumanji is known for and raises the bar with old people having to learn about technology. The choice to add Danny DeVito and Danny Glover to the cast was an outstanding one. I’ve never been a huge Kevin Hart fan, but Kevin Hart playing Danny Glover was one of the funniest things I’ve seen in a while. Awkwafina is also hilarious, as always. She’s having a hell of a year, from winning the Golden Globe for Best Actress for The Farewell, to starring in a successful blockbuster with The Rock, it’s a real great time to be Awkwafina. If you’re afraid that Jumanji: The Next Level is just another tired Hollywood sequel I am happy to report that that couldn’t be further from the truth. Run, don’t walk, to your nearest theater to catch Jumanji: The Next Level while it’s still playing!

Review written by Zianna Weston 

Charlie’s Angels

Directed by McG

Written by Ryan Rowe and Ed Sullivan

Rating: 🔥

Eric Knox, a powerful business owner and tech tycoon, has been kidnapped by his biggest rival. It’s up Charlie and his Angels to find Knox and recover the stolen software.

I was hesitant to re-watch this movie when I first saw that it was available to stream on Netflix because this film holds such a special place in my heart. I have so many fond memories of middle school slumber parties where we watched this movie for the millionth time. Would a childhood favorite hold up to my adult standards? I am pleased to announce that I still love this movie. The charming and sassy performances by Drew Barrymore, Cameron Diaz, and Lucy Liu that originally made me fall in love with this movie are still entertaining. But I have a newfound appreciation for the way that this movie celebrates women.

The angels are sexy, powerful, silly, smart, and so much more. Men are constantly featured in action films completing stunts that are well beyond their physical capabilities in real life, whereas women are more often constricted to more realistic expectations. But in Charlie’s Angels we see both men and women jumping out of planes, flipping through laser fields, and completing all kinds of crazy stunts that are not even slightly realistic. What I appreciated the most about this film is that the angels were allowed to dress sexy and then carry out badass action scenes. Their sexiness did not place limitations on their physical capabilities or intelligence. Too often when women are portrayed as sexy that is their only defining attribute. Though their costumes are iconic they are not defined by what they wear, they are defined by what they are able to accomplish. This is a theme that I will always be inspired by and celebrate. The world would be a different place if there were more movies that portrayed women as sexy and strong. Charlie’s Angels is now streaming on Netflix.

Review written by Zianna Weston

The Matrix

Written and directed by Lana and lilly wachowski (as the wachowski brothers)

Rating: ⭐️

Computer hacker Neo is presented with a choice; take the blue pill and live in ignorance, or take the red pill and find out the truth about the matrix.

This movie came out 20 years ago and now I feel old! My movie theater did a special anniversary screening in the dolby theater today and I am not upset that I went. This movie still holds up. The special effects, sound effects, editing and cinematography were revolutionary in their time and they still look and sound incredible today. In 1999 The Matrix won 4 Academy awards for sound effects editing, best sound, best film editing, and visual effects. Even more impressive to me than the technical accomplishments of this film is how iconic this film has become.The unique fighting style, ultra bad*ss black trench coats, and little sunglasses will forever be synonymous with The Matrix. Keanu Reeves is having a hell of a year, but let’s not forget arguably his best role ever.  His name isn’t Mr. Anderson, it’s Neo!

Review written by Zianna Weston