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IR Film Review: TWISTERS [Universal]
The aspect of creating a néw perspective on “Twister” 30 years after the original is a different conundrum. Weather has changed. Technology has charged. But people really haven’t. While this version in “Twisters” might be more woke per se, it doesn’t quite have the jolt of fun the original had. Whether this has to do with the actors involved or the differing directors is hard to say.
IR Film Review: MIGRATION [Illumination/Universal]
"Migration" has a sense of itself without getting too lost in its own trevails. This might be the writing of Mike White which is an interesting choice but definitely reflects in every character having both their own argument and point of view without being grating.
IR Film Review: THE EXORCIST - BELIEVER [Universal]
The aspect of innocence lost is sometimes based in the context of ignorance. The original "Exorcist" painted in the lines of the proponent of purity versus the conservative nature possibly of the church. With "The Exorcist: Believer", the filmmakers try to take a similar approach but with not enough narrative backbone and delivery to create the stakes.
IR Film Review: RUBY GILLMAN - TEENAGE KRAKEN [Dreamworks/Universal]
The texture of a Dreamworks animation film has usually reflected in its reflexity to the modern climate. While "Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken" does this in a certain way, it more caters to a smaller demographic. The story of a young girl finding her identity before growing into her own skin has been done before (and definitely at times) with greater gusto.
IR Film Review: THE 355 [Universal]
The texture of a female led action film should not be considered an unbalanced affair and "The 355" proves that. From the first time this journalist heard a couple years ago around Cannes that Jessica Chastain was trying to bring kick ass women from all over the globe for a spy thriller, it was an instant sell.
IR Film Review: THE BOSS BABY - FAMILY BUSINESS [Dreamworks/Universal]
"The Boss Baby: Family Business" doesn't reinvent in the wheel but it knows its IP well enough to understand its needs but also push its boundaries.
IR Film Review: F9 - THE FAST SAGA [Universal]
A franchise like "The Fast & The Furious" going into its 9th film has to have some fun at its own expense but not play too outside the box. The issue is it is hard to take it seriously at all and yet it demands at times a gravitas. It is not about overcoming odds. it is just about wanting that adrenaline of life.