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IR Film Review: ARGYLLE [Apple Original Films/Universal]
The aspect of the spy genre and what it means in reflection about the people who enjoy them is at the center of the whirlwind which is "Argylle", a new comedy/action film from Matthew Vaughn. Vaughn has always found interest in the quirky but then melding it with high concept action. His films are not straightforward and yet do speak to originality while also being derivative of everything before it.
IR Film Review: STRAYS [Universal]
"Strays" is an interesting experiment in adult comedy which gets many things right in terms of its narrative and metaphor but loses more in terms of how far it is willing to go in terms of taste. The crux of the element here is hearing a film that sounds improvised but was probably heavily scripted to a fault in its tone in order to get some of the quips that the dogs have to go through.
IR Film Review: RENFIELD [Universal]
The modern connotation of "Dracula" is bathed in mythos but ultimately the reference is correlated to Vlad The Impaler. With "Renfield", the texture is more integrated into the self help wokeness that would never even have entered the lexicon years ago.
IR Film Review: OPERATION FORTUNE - RUSE DE GUERRE [Lionsgate]
The context of a would be heist/spy thriller all reflects in the tone of a film. Guy Ritchie has always been great at balancing the aspect of bug budget with scrappy independent-feel pieces. With "Operation Fortune - Ruse De Guerre", he finds the best balance so far because the approach is both humorous, dynamic, fun and doesn't take itself too seriously.
IR Film Review: AMSTERDAM [20th Century Studios]
Making an original film with a period backing with unusual if not eccentric characters can either work gloriously or become hit-or-miss scenario depending on the beats the story takes. "Amsterdam", a new faux comedy from writer/director David O. Russell, is particular in many ways that always populate his films. However it depends on certain edge points.
IR Film Review: MINIONS - THE RISE OF GRU [Illumination/Universal]
The aspect of the Minions is always trying to understand what they are saying and how their shenanigans will unwind everything they try to accomplish for their master: Gru. With "Minions: The Rise Of Gru",the story is brought back to the villain's tween years where he is just trying to find his identity but also looking for mentors.
IR Film Review: KEEP AN EYE OUT [Dekanalog]
Director Quentin Dupieux who has always formulated in idea of the wrong way people end up in their story despite their correct course (Fest Track interviewed his actors at Sundance for his film "Wrong") reflects in a more minimalist structure in "Keep An Eye Out" but with no less frolic and disdain.
IR Film Review: SUPERINTELLIGENCE [HBO Max]
McCarthy is not bad. Her timing is inevitably right on point. It is just the overall possibility of the plot seems beneath her. Many directors (specifically Paul Feig) know that it is about skirting the edge with McCarthy and how to focus her talent. Her beauty is being almost out of control but with a heart.