movie-a-day-challenge

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 207! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey friends!

So, I finally got around to watching “Now You See Me 2” on Netflix the other night, and guess what? It was a total blast! This flick that seriously kept my eyeballs glued to the screen. You know, the one with all the magic and mayhem that makes you feel like you’re part of a secret club. I mean, this movie is like a magic trick itself, full of twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end.

After absolutely adoring the first film, I was biting my nails about this one. Sequels can be such a hit or miss, right? But guys, this was a blast. The Horsemen are back with their bag of tricks, and this time, they’ve got some new faces. We see Lizzy Caplan stepping in, and she’s a total breath of fresh air, adding a quirky, fun vibe that jives well with the original crew.

For those of you who haven’t seen it, it’s the sequel to the 2013 film “Now You See Me,” which followed a group of illusionists known as the Four Horsemen. This time around, they’re back with even more mind-bending tricks up their sleeves (pun intended 😉).

The plot kicks off with the Horsemen hiding out after their last big heist, but they’re soon lured back (unwillingly!) into the game by a mysterious tech genius named Walter Mabry, played by Daniel Radcliffe (yes, Harry Potter himself!). He’s not doing any magic in this film but is still kinda magical, you know? So Mabry’s got this mischievous plan to steal a chip that can control all the world’s computers. Classic big bad wolf stuff, but with a techno twist.

From there, things get seriously wild. We’re talking elaborate stage shows, secret lairs, and a whole lot of misdirection. The Horsemen find themselves in Macau, where they team up with a new member, Lula (played by the hilarious Lizzy Caplan), and face off against Mabry and his goons.

The magic scenes? Spectacular! There’s this one card-throwing scene that’s just… you gotta see it to believe it. They’re flipping cards through the air, slipping them into pockets, and all with the suave precision of a Las Vegas act. And the twists? They keep coming, like those endless handkerchiefs a magician pulls out of his sleeve.

Now, I don’t want to give too much away (spoilers, duh!), but let’s just say the twists and turns in this movie are enough to make your head spin. 🤯 There are double crosses, hidden agendas, and even a character reveal that made me gasp out loud (I won’t say who, but let’s just say it’s someone you wouldn’t expect!).

What I loved most about this movie was the sense of fun and wonder it created. The magic tricks are so creative and visually stunning, I found myself grinning like a kid in a candy store. 🍬 The cast is also fantastic, with Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, and Mark Ruffalo all bringing their A-game. And let’s not forget Morgan Freeman, who always adds a touch of gravitas to any film he’s in.

But what really got me was that the film didn’t just try to rehash the old tricks. It introduced new stunts, deepened some backstories, and yes, it was a bit over the top at times, but hey, that’s showbiz! It kept me hooked, guessing, and most importantly, entertained.

Of course, no movie is perfect. There are a few moments where the plot gets a bit convoluted, and some of the CGI effects aren’t quite up to par. But honestly, those are minor quibbles in the grand scheme of things. This movie is all about entertainment, and it delivers in spades.

So, would I recommend catching this if you haven’t yet? Absolutely. Grab the remote, maybe practice your own card tricks, and enjoy the ride – it’s a blast from start to finish. Maybe “Now You See Me 2” will even inspire you to try a few magic tricks of your own! 🪄

Catch you on the flip side! 👋
Roger

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 206! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey friends! 👋 So, I finally saw “Stress Positions,” that 2024 movie everyone’s been buzzing about. And honestly? It wasn’t quite my cup of tea.

Now, I’m usually not one for pandemic-themed movies. They can feel a bit like rubbing salt in a wound, you know? But this one…this one’s different. It’s not just about the virus virus, but the virus of anxiety and uncertainty that infected us all, especially those of us who, let’s say, enjoy our personal space.

The movie follows Terry Goon, played by John Early, who’s stuck in his ex-husband’s Brooklyn brownstone during the pandemic and is, of course, hilarious and cringe-worthy in equal measure. He’s taking care of his nephew Bahlul (Qaher Harhash), a model recovering from a broken leg . Sounds simple, right? WRONG.

Terry’s life is a chaotic whirlwind of neurotic friends, a self-involved masseuse named Karla (played by the director Theda Hammel herself!), and his own anxieties. And the dynamic between Bahlul and Terry is like mixing oil and water—messy but fascinating. It’s like a train wreck you can’t look away from. 🥴

On the plus side, this movie isn’t just the claustrophobic setting —nope, it’s the raw, real emotion it digs into. You feel every awkward silence and every forced conversation as these characters navigate a world turned upside down. It’s like being a fly on the wall in someone else’s pandemic nightmare, and you can’t help but relate to at least some of it. I mean, who didn’t have a moment of “What the heck is my life right now?” during the pandemic?

But back to the movie. The plot itself is fairly simple and the way it’s executed that makes it kind of captivating. The dialogue is sharp, the characters are flawed but relatable, and the humor is dark and often uncomfortable. It’s like eavesdropping on a conversation you shouldn’t be hearing, but you just can’t look away. 👀

But the biggest issue for me was the story itself. It was all over the place! The movie tried to be a pandemic satire, a relationship drama, and a social commentary all at once. It felt like the director had a million ideas and tried to cram them all into one film.

Another thing that bothered me was the tone. It was supposed to be a comedy, but most of the jokes fell flat. The humor was often dark and cynical, which didn’t really mesh well with the chaotic plot. There were a few moments that made me chuckle, but overall, it just wasn’t that funny.

So for me, “Stress Positions” was a wee bit of a letdown. It’s a shame because I usually enjoy John Early’s work, and the premise sounded interesting. But hey, that’s just my opinion! You might love it. I know a lot of people do.

So if you’re into dark comedies with chaotic plots and neurotic characters, then this might be the movie for you. But if you’re looking for something light and funny, I’d suggest looking elsewhere.

Catch you tomorrow,
Roger✌️

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 205! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey film buffs! 👋

So, last night’s flick was a bit of a mixed bag: 2011’s “The Green Hornet.” It’s as bananas as I thought it would be. Directed by Michel Gondry, this flick tries to do a lot—sometimes maybe too much. Now, don’t get me wrong, there’s some good stuff here. Michel Gondry, the director, is a visionary known for his quirky style (think “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind”).

The gist of the plot is pretty straightforward. Britt Reid, played by Seth Rogen, is this rich, party-boy type who hasn’t really found his calling yet. That is until his dad, who happens to be this super-serious newspaper tycoon, suddenly dies.

Then, Britt’s life takes a sharp left turn. Teaming up with his dad’s ultra-inventive employee, Kato (a kick-ass role by Jay Chou), he decides to become a superhero. But here’s the twist—they pretend to be the bad guys to get closer to the real criminals. Kinda smart, right?

So, they deck out in these cool, albeit slightly ridiculous, costumes and get behind the wheel of the Black Beauty—a car so decked out, it’s like Batman’s ride got a tech upgrade. They start tackling the baddies, but, like, in a way that’s supposed to look bad? It’s a whole vibe.

But here’s where things get a bit wonky. The story feels all over the place, like a bunch of cool ideas thrown together without a clear direction. One minute they’re fighting the Russian mob, the next they’re trying to make headlines. And then there’s Cameron Diaz, who plays Britt’s love interest Lenore, but her role feels like an afterthought. It’s a shame because she’s a talented actress, but here, she’s mostly there to be the damsel in distress.

I did enjoy the bonkers dynamic between Britt and Kato. It’s like watching a buddy-cop comedy (with more gadgets and less donuts), but neither of them is a cop, and they’re not always on the same page.

And then there’s the villain, Chudnofsky, played by none other than Christoph Waltz. He’s this quirky mob boss who’s going through a bit of a mid-life crisis, trying to rebrand himself as something scarier. Honestly, Waltz is just perfect in these kinds of roles. He brings a certain… je ne sais quoi.

The movie is a wild mix of action, comedy, and some seriously eyebrow-raising moments. There are explosions, cool gadgets (thanks to Kato’s genius), and some fight scenes that are just awesomely choreographed.

While the film didn’t exactly make superhero landing in everyone’s heart, it has this offbeat charm that kinda grows on you. Plus, the soundtrack? Absolutely slaps. It’s got this energetic vibe that just keeps you pumped throughout.

Despite the flaws, there are some genuinely fun moments. The action scenes are entertaining, especially when Kato gets to show off his martial arts skills. And there are some witty one-liners that’ll make you chuckle. But overall, it feels like the movie doesn’t quite know what it wants to be: a comedy, an action flick, or a superhero origin story.

So yeah, “The Green Hornet” might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s worth a watch just for the laughs, the action, and a look at how Seth Rogen handles being a hero. It’s not your typical superhero movie, and maybe that’s exactly why you might want to give it a go. But if you’re expecting a groundbreaking superhero movie, you’ll probably be disappointed.

TTFN,
Roger

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 204! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey friends,

So, I finally got around to watching “Paddington,” the 2014 movie directed by Paul King. Let me tell you, it was an absolute delight from start to finish! Talk about some serious cuteness overload! This movie is the perfect mix of heartwarming moments and laugh-out-loud comedy.

The story follows Paddington (voiced by the ever-charming Ben Whishaw), a polite and marmalade-loving bear from deepest, darkest Peru 🇵🇪. Paddington’s world gets turned upside down when an earthquake destroys his home, forcing him to stow away on a ship to London.

Once Paddington arrives in London, it’s a bit of a disaster. Picture a bear navigating the bustling streets of London, getting into all sorts of sticky situations (quite literally).

Enter the Brown family: the ever-so-slightly uptight Mr. Brown (Hugh Bonneville), the kind-hearted Mrs. Brown (Sally Hawkins), and their two rambunctious children, Judy (Madeleine Harris) and Jonathan (Samuel Joslin). And let’s not forget Mrs. Bird, the no-nonsense housekeeper played by Julie Walters.

When Paddington stumbles in their path, looking lost and holding a tightly gripped suitcase full of marmalade (because, priorities, right?), the Browns take him in, albeit with a healthy dose of skepticism from Mr. Brown. Paddington’s eccentricities — think overflowing baths and a talent for attracting chaos — certainly don’t make things easy. But Paddington’s unwavering politeness and genuine kindness slowly win over the Browns, especially Judy, who becomes his partner in crime (or should I say, marmalade-loving-adventure?).

Just when things seem settled, a villain emerges: the deliciously evil Millicent Clyde (Nicole Kidman with some seriously impressive icy stares). Millicent, a museum curator and taxidermist with a chillingly cold heart is hell-bent on adding Paddington to her stuffed collection. She’s creepy in that classic villain way, and her scenes add just the right amount of tension to balance out the fluff.

Now, here’s the thing: the plot itself is pretty straightforward. But what makes “Paddington” truly special is the way it’s executed. The film is a delightful blend of live-action and CGI, with Paddington himself being a CGI masterpiece. His clumsy antics and expressive eyes had me snorting with laughter throughout the entire movie.

But “Paddington” isn’t just about the laughs. There’s this beautiful message about finding family in the most unexpected places and accepting those who are different. The Browns’ journey from skepticism to embracing Paddington as one of their own is genuinely touching.

Oh, and did I mention the cameos? Because there’s a hilarious one from Peter Capaldi (pre-Doctor Who days!) that had me grinning from ear to ear.

So yeah, “Paddington” is a gem of a movie that’s perfect for all ages. Whether you’re young or just young at heart, it’s impossible not to fall in love with this endearing bear and his London adventures. It’s got lots of laughs, heart, and a whole lot of marmalade.

I’ll be back tomorrow with another movie recommendation that (hopefully) won’t involve any taxidermy.

Catch you on the flip side,
Roger

Hey there, friends!

Have you ever thought about the crazy “what ifs” in life? Like, what if you could go back in time and change just one thing? That’s basically the mind-bending ride you get with the 2023 film “Aporia,” directed by Jared Moshe. It’s a movie that takes you on a journey through grief, morality, and the tangled web of time.

First off, let me tell you – this movie isn’t your typical time travel flick. It’s got heart, it’s got depth, and it’s got a plot that’ll make you question everything. The story revolves around a woman named Sophie (played by the incredible Judy Greer, who, let’s be honest, is fantastic in everything she does). Sophie is dealing with the loss of her husband, Malcolm, who died in a tragic accident. The grief is palpable, like that heavy feeling you get in your chest when you’ve had a really bad day.

Enter Sophie’s friend Jabir, a scientist who, like, casually invents a time machine (because who doesn’t have one of those lying around?). But this isn’t your DeLorean or TARDIS – it’s more like a mysterious contraption that can send one burst of energy to a fixed moment in time. Imagine having that kind of power! Sophie decides to use the machine to save Malcolm, which sets off a chain of events that are as unpredictable as a cat in a room full of laser pointers. 🐱🔦

The plot thickens as Sophie’s decision to save Malcolm has unforeseen consequences. It’s like throwing a pebble into a pond and watching the ripples spread out – only these ripples include ethical dilemmas, alternate realities, and a whole lot of emotional turmoil. Every action has a reaction, and Sophie quickly learns that meddling with time is a messy business. There’s this one scene where she realizes the extent of what she’s done, and it’s just gut-wrenching. You can almost feel her heartbreak and confusion through the screen.

Now, I’ve got to give a shoutout to the supporting cast, especially Edi Gathegi as Malcom. He brings a sense of grounded intensity to the film, balancing out Sophie’s emotional whirlwind. The chemistry between the characters feels real and raw, like you’re peeking into their actual lives rather than watching actors on a screen. And let’s not forget the little girl who plays Sophie’s daughter – she’s adorable and adds a touch of innocence to the whole complicated mess.

One thing that really stuck with me is how the film handles the concept of time. It’s not just a sci-fi gimmick; it’s woven into the narrative in a way that makes you think about your own life and choices. Like, what would you change if you had the chance? And would it really make things better? Deep stuff, right? It’s a bit like that feeling when you find an old photo and start reminiscing about the past, only here, the past can actually change.

So, if you’re in the mood for a film that’s not just entertaining but also makes you ponder life’s big questions, give “Aporia” a watch. It’s got all the feels, a gripping plot, and performances that’ll stick with you long after the credits roll. It’s a film that will challenge your perceptions and leave you with more questions than answers, and is definitely worth checking out.

Peace out ✌️
Roger

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 202! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey friends!

Just finished watching “Darby and the Dead,” and let me tell you, it was a surprising little gem! I gotta admit, I was craving something lighthearted after a marathon of super serious and intense films. And let’s be real, anything with a ghost in it is right up my alley. 👻

The movie follows Darby Harper (played by the amazing Riele Downs), a high school student who has the unique ability to see and communicate with the dead. 😱 Pretty wild, right? After suffering a near-death experience as a child, Darby gains this power and starts using it to help the deceased with their unfinished business. It’s like she’s a supernatural therapist, which is both cool and kind of heavy for a high schooler. It’s not easy being a teenage ghost whisperer! 🙌

The plot kicks into high gear when the most popular girl in school, Capri (played by Auli’i Cravalho), dies in a freak hair straightening accident (yeah, you read that right) and becomes one of Darby’s ghostly clients. Capri’s not exactly thrilled about being dead, and she enlists Darby’s help to navigate her afterlife, which involves tying up some high school drama and unfinished business with her friends.

Capri, being the Queen Bee that she was, tasks Darby with making sure her “Sweet 17” party goes off without a hitch. And let me tell you, the shenanigans that ensue are hilarious and heartwarming at the same time. 😂💖 Darby has to juggle her ghostly responsibilities with her own personal life, and it’s a journey filled with laughter, tears, and a whole lot of heart.

One thing that stood out to me was how disturbingly real some of the high school dynamics felt. Even with the ghostly twist, the movie didn’t shy away from the brutal honesty of teenage life—bullying, peer pressure, and the struggle to fit in. It was a bit jarring at times, but it added depth to what could have been just a fluffy ghost story.

Riele Downs was perfect as Darby—she had this dry, sarcastic humor that made her super relatable. And Auli’i Cravalho was brilliant as Capri, managing to be both endearing and infuriatingly diva-like. Their chemistry was on point and made the movie really enjoyable to watch.

What I loved most about “Darby and the Dead” is how it tackles themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the importance of living life to the fullest. It reminds us that even though we may feel invisible at times, we all have the power to make a difference in the world and in the lives of those around us. 💪

So, if you’re looking for something fun, a bit spooky, and full of heart, I highly recommend giving “Darby and the Dead” a watch. It’s a delightful mix of ghostly antics and teenage drama, with just enough twists to keep you hooked.

Peace out,
Roger

Do you like Short Stories? If so, click HERE to join my newsletter and receive a free short story in your inbox every Monday! Note: As with my books, most of my short stories also feature a gay protagonist.

This post is part of my movie-a-day challenge in which I will watch a film every day for 365 days. Today is Day 201! You can see all the posts for this challenge HERE. To see the original Movie-a-Day Challenge post, click HERE.

Hey everyone,

So, I just got around to watching “Midsommar,” directed by the one and only Ari Aster, and let me tell you, it’s a movie that’s equal parts stunningly beautiful and messed up beyond belief. This isn’t your typical horror flick. There’s no jump scares here (well, maybe one or two), but what it lacks in those, it makes up for in sheer unsettling vibes. Like, seriously, this movie will burrow under your skin and stay there for days. Just a heads up

So, the story follows Dani (played by the phenomenal Florence Pugh), a young woman who’s reeling from a horrific family tragedy. Her boyfriend, Christian (let’s just say he’s not exactly boyfriend of the year material), invites her on a trip to Sweden with him and his friends to celebrate a midsummer festival in his ancestral village.

Now, pictures don’t do this place justice. Think endless fields bathed in sunlight, these crazy beautiful flower crowns everyone wears, and a commune-like atmosphere that’s almost… too perfect. Sounds fun, right? Spoiler alert: It’s not.

The village is all kinds of picturesque, with those endless daylight hours that just mess with your head. But here’s the twist – the locals’ traditions are more twisted than a pretzel. We’re talking bizarre rituals and ceremonies that get under your skin, and some seriously messed up traditions involving sacrifices (think leaping off a cliff but way more graphic )

As the days pass (with the sun barely setting, by the way, thanks to the whole never-ending daylight thing at high latitudes) and the festival unfolds, the veneer of this idyllic paradise starts to crack.

Things go from “Oh, that’s odd” to “What in the world am I watching?!” There’s this wild flower dance scene where Dani ends up being crowned the May Queen, and let’s just say, the flower power is strong but also super eerie. The villagers’ smiles start looking a lot less friendly and a whole lot more freaky.

One by one, Dani’s travel companions meet some seriously unfortunate ends (think bear mauling but way, way more messed up), and let’s just say Christian’s not exactly winning any boyfriend points throughout all this. By the climax, things are full-on crazy cult ritual with hallucinogenic mushrooms, a disturbing crowning ceremony for poor Dani, and a whole lot of screaming. Oh, and did I mention the giant burning bonfire? Yeah, not your typical bonfire night.

What really gets you is the daylight horror vibe. Most scary movies hide behind the cloak of night, but “Midsommar” throws all the creepy stuff at you under a blinding sun. You can’t even trust daylight anymore!

Look, “Midsommar” isn’t for everyone. It’s disturbing, violent, and goes to some seriously dark places. But for those who dig psychological horror that lingers long after the credits roll, this is a must-watch. Florence Pugh deserves a standing ovation for her performance – she carries the entire film on her shoulders, capturing every ounce of Dani’s spiraling sanity with such raw emotion. Seriously, her range is incredible. One minute she’s sobbing uncontrollably, the next she’s staring blankly into the distance with this look of chilling determination. She’s phenomenal. And Jack Reynor? He perfectly portrays a boyfriend who’s a bit of a lost cause. 😬

Now, let me get real with you for a sec. This film isn’t just jump scares; it’s deeply disturbing on a psychological level. It makes you ponder about relationships, grief, and human behavior in ways that stick with you long after the film ends. I’m talking about an absolutely horrifying film that just might haunt your dreams.

So yeah, if you’re looking for a fun, feel-good summer flick, steer clear of this one. But if you’re up for a wild and utterly disturbing ride that will leave you questioning everything, “Midsommar” is your jam. Just maybe have a cuddle buddy on hand for after – this one will stay with you. Trust me.

Peace out,
Roger

P.S. Do you like Short Stories? If so, click HERE to join my newsletter and receive a free short story in your inbox every Monday! Note: As with my books, most of my short stories also feature a gay protagonist.