Buster Moon talks himself into trouble mounting a show in a Las Vegas-style resort. Dayglo jukebox animation sequel that doesn’t have the focus of the first flick, but nevertheless delivers jokes, visuals, and a musical palette from Mercury Rev to System of a Down via Prince, Billie Eilish, and The King and I. Something for everyone, pretty much.
Here’s the trailer.
A loner hitman is given an unusual assignment in a small town. A strong cast is given little to do in this ponderous thriller, saddled with a glum voiceover and a very guessable mystery element. Ah well.
Here’s the trailer.
Survivors of a capsized cruise liner attempt to escape. Somewhat perfunctory and loose third adaptation of the Paul Gallico novel, with the feel of a much bigger film cropped back to 90 minutes as its own rescue attempt. Doesn’t add anything to the 1972 version bar some updated effects and a couple of impressive stunt moments.
Here’s the trailer.
A girl with pyrokinetic powers is on the run from the authorities. Perfunctory second adaptation of the Stephen King novel, unsure quite what to do with the source material. At its best, it apes the previous version, no classic itself. A throbbing John Carpenter score helps some.
Here’s the trailer.
A hitman with Alzheimer’s disease struggles to make things right. Odd mix of character drama and potboiler thriller: it doesn’t really cohere, but there’s pleasures along the way. A solid cast, efficient direction and cinematography, and very effective use of Nu Boyana production facilities all help though.
Here’s the trailer.
A down-on-his-luck LA vampire hunter races against time to save his family. Splashy hybrid of horror-comedy and buddy thriller: From Dusk Till Dawn and John Wick are key influences: the plot is an excuse to hang a series of fun fight sequences on. Scott Adkins and Snoop Dogg (it’s that kinda film) pop up for good measure, and there’s even a Hellzapoppin gag.
Here’s the trailer.
A Los Angeles horse trainer thinks his ranch is home to a UFO. Splendid SF parable, playing with all sorts from Hollywood lives to obsession with spectacle and fame via an M Night Shyamalan-ish genre pastiche. Loads to appreciate, both on first and (especially) repeated viewings. Recommended.
Here’s the trailer.
A space ranger tries to rectify the error marooning his vessel and crew. Contrived Toy Story spinoff – purportedly the film spurring merchandise – that starts well and looks great throughout, hampered with a stupid plot reveal. Also, Buzz here isn’t the toy character. Some good gags and shoutouts, but an empty movie nevertheless.
Here’s the trailer.
A CIA assassin is targeted for elimination: a global manhunt ensures. Very straightforward action thriller, heavily reliant on star charisma and on ‘splodey excess over much in the way of well-staged sequences. One-note throughout, with diminishing results over time.
Here’s the trailer
1719: a young Commanche woman determined to become a hunter combats an alien presence. Smart, thrilling riff on the Disney/Pixar princess archetype: this is Brave or Moana meets Apocalypto, basically. A lean, effective thrill ride blending action, gore, and character-focused storytelling well, with a few neat nods to the wider Predator franchise.
Here’s the trailer.
![The Gray Man (2022, dir. Anthony Russo & Joe Russo [AKA The Russo Brothers])](https://255review.files.wordpress.com/2022/08/the-gray-man-poster.jpeg?w=320)
255 Review 