At the core, there is plenty of potential with a Taken television series and while the first season was pretty bad in terms of the writing, with the apparent big changes for the second season, hopefully the course will be corrected.
The Devil’s Candy doesn’t entirely break new ground in the supernatural horror realm, it is still well done film written and directed by Sean Byrne, a rising talent who I hope gets more opportunities.
Beatriz at Dinner excels more on the performances by Salma Hayek and John Lithgow rather than the plot or screenplay writing or even any genuine laughs, as this is more drama than comedy.
Lawman is yet another western that really is undistinguishable with the others in the genre, but I did find it entertaining if only for the cast led by Burt Lancaster and Robert Ryan, as well as Robert Duvall in a smaller role.
Hour of the Gun is a good telling of the Earp/Clanton feud and features some solid performances by James Garner and Jason Robards who work well off one another.
September is the latest Woody Allen movie to get the Blu-ray treatment from Twilight Time and as a drama, it’s not the best from the legendary filmmaker but the acting is quite good and some of the writing is sharp.
Gun Fury is a run-of-the-mill western-adventure film made fun with the performances by Rock Hudson and Donna Reed, but not much else was all that memorable.
Beneath the 12-Mile Reef isn’t bad with a Romeo and Juliet like story… in Florida. The film mostly excels with Robert Wagner’s charms rather than an interesting plot.
The Big Knife is an over-the-top soap opera-like drama but incredibly fun if only for the weight of Jack Palance’s presence as well as Rod Steiger who has a few great scenes.
Lethal Weapon: The Complete First Season was pretty big surprise considering the history of these kinds of adaptations (just look at Rush Hour which was mercifully cancelled quickly) and although Wayans and Crawford aren’t nearly as good as Glover and Gibson, they do work well off each other.
Wonder Woman isn’t a masterpiece but I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I loved it, perhaps even more on my second viewing. I know many have complained about the third act, but I felt it flowed nicely and had a thrilling fight sequence; Gadot isn’t a great actress however she was perfectly cast.
Captain Underpants: The First Epic Movie isn’t bad by any stretch, but this is the kind of movie aimed squarely at those in the 8-13 age group and while I didn’t the jokes landed that well, it’s passable enough for parents to watch with their kids.
The Hero isn’t a movie that will be remembered for its sometimes clichés-filled plot or the style, but Sam Elliott gives a soulful and brilliant performance that I hope is remembered come awards time and the supporting cast, Prepon and Offerman especially, turn in solid work.
Cartels is merely the latest example, a sad one, of just how far Steven Seagal has fallen. The man who once made Under Siege 2 an entertaining romp has been reduced to mumbling lines and half-assing many fight scenes. Still, this is ever so slightly better than some of his other recent ventures, but that’s not saying a whole lot.
Conan the Barbarian isn’t a terrible movie by any stretch but it is one plagued with numerous lifeless action scenes, thinly written characters and at best average performances from the cast. The costume design is OK although nothing we haven’t seen on Xena and the like.