Feb 2 2024

Argylle

Author Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard) strikes gold with her fictitious book series on secret agents and spies; specifically agent Argylle (Henry Cavill), and his partner Wyatt (John Cena). But, when events in her real life start turning cloak and dagger along with the arrival of a stranger known as Aiden (Sam Rockwell), the lines of reality bend further. Now on the run from an evil crime syndicate Elly will have to trust her writer’s wit and Aiden’s hand to stay alive, but to what end? Written by Jason Fuchs and Directed by Matthew Vaughn this spy thriller for the 21st century sits nicely on the shelf next Vaughn’s previous works The King’s Man and Kick-Ass. Clearly no stranger to action, spy adventure, and light comedy, all with a creative panache and flair for exploding color by act III, this latest offering stays true to form, and, while not to be taken as a “serious” film, the technical execution involved to complete the multiple action set pieces within is in fact seriously impressive work. A wacky ensemble piece from start to finish, all of the players appear to be having a blast and chewing on the scenery in their own right and all working together just the same. And let’s be clear about this, this is a film that knows it’s place in the cinematic hierarchy, it’s not high drama, this is January escapism and meant for fun, although rolling in with a runtime of two hours and 19 minutes a bit more tightening of story could stand to reason. With expectations appropriately set, enjoy the laugh and simple ride, Argylle is rated PG-13.


Jan 12 2024

Mean Girls (2024)

Cady Heron (Angourie Rice) is the new girl in school looking for a crowd to run with, so, when the Plastics, an A-list girl clique take an interest in her, it would seem she might be in over her head. But, with a little guidance from the Artists Janis and Damian (Auli’i Cravalho and Jaquel Spivey) there might be a chance for Cady to become the Apex predator of the school, but at what cost and who’s friendship?Written by Tina Fey and Directed by Samantha Jayne and Arturo Perez Jr. this charming remake brings new flair in the form of a musical comedy with creatively thought out song and dance numbers and further adaptations to present day social media mixed with classic high school anxieties all the while staying true to what fans of the original 2004 version love most. Shining as an ensemble piece with an embarrassment of riches it should also be noted that Fey and Tim Meadows reprise of their own roles as Ms. Norbury and Mr. Duvall adding one more golden thread to keep the piece well tied together. At a time of the year when studios typically dump their worst into theatres, this addition stands out above the norm. Running an hour and fifty two minutes, Mean Girls is rated PG-13.


Jan 12 2024

The Beekeeper

A super secret operative known as a Beekeeper (Jason Statham) is rustled when the only person (Phylicia Rashad) who showed him compassion and helped to “take care of him” is taken advantage of, losing her entire life savings. Now, with a vendetta and a motive the beekeeper sets out on a one man mission to restore balance to “the hive” through every and any means possible, a wave of carnage that’s bound to reach the President of the United States (Jemma Redgrave), but what’s the final body count?Written by Kurt Wimmer and Directed by David Ayer, if you’re in search for the year’s thickest (read as impossibly dumb) dialogue paired with the most brutality, keep in mind we’re just 12 days into the new year, you’ve certainly found it. Pulp, action, heavy artillery, thinly veiled satire, and Statham mean mugging on camera more than should be legally allowed, you’re in for a ride that’s set to resolve exactly as you expect; but oddly, this all seems okay. By throwing out all high expectations and just going for adventure, with the right audience, the guffaws and and winces all come with some bizarre elation, and some pretty decent action choreography…John Wick, another player has entered the game with you. You know what you’re getting with this, if this is your bag…you already know. Running an hour and forty five minutes, The Beekeeper is rated R.