The Christmas Chronicles 2

#isawthatmovie

POSITIVES…

• If you liked the first installment, then there are aspects of this sequel that you should like.

• Kurt Russell continues to prove why he makes a great Santa, and now we have Goldie Hawn playing a fantastic Mrs Claus. The relationship they have here is presented in a very charming way.

• Jahzir Bruno as Jack is a good addition to this franchise.

• Julian Dennison as Belsnickel makes a good antagonist.

• There’s a lot going on with the plot of the movie, filled with energetic set pieces. May seem all over the place a bit, but I felt like it managed to hit the landing overall.

• The expanded world building and ambitious ideas does make this franchise even more interesting.

• Has some worthwhile lessons to teach kids and adults.

NEGATIVES…

• Might have too convoluted of a story for a Christmas themed movie.

• The CGI animals and elves simply could look better.

• Some parts were so silly ridiculous that they were just stupid.

• Predictable plot turns and cliches.

• The very final final scene was too on the nose saccharine and sentimental.

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

The Christmas Chronicles 2 - watch it on NETFLIX

• Why Santa Claus could be the last role Kurt Russell ever plays 

• Darby Camp on Christmas Chronicles 2 

• The Christmas Chronicles 2: What Language The Elves Speak 

• Kurt and Goldie

Happiest Season

#isawthatmovie

POSITIVES…

• A well executed familiar Christmas romantic comedy premise with modern sensibilities.

• Comedic situations and awkward interactions. Fun stuff!

• What a fantastic cast! Mackenzie Davis, Alison Brie, Aubrey Plaza, Dan Levy, and Victor Garber.

• Kristen Stewart plays an excellent sympathetic audience surrogate of a lead character.

• Mary Steenburgen and Mary Holland as Tipper and Jane respectively were an absolute delight!

• Story moves at a great pace, successfully juggling the convoluted character connections, and plot turns.

• Filled with entertaining scenes, like one involving a rooftop view, an ice skating rink, sneaking around, to a bar sing-along, plus several more.

• The final act is exactly the way it should be for this Christmas movie.

NEGATIVES…

• Familiar cliches and some unfortunate plot tropes.

• There's a lot of comedy derived from the act of lying, which some might find annoyingly frustrating.

lovedit ENJOYED IT likedititsokayitsmehitsterrible

Happiest Season - watch it on HULU

• Mary Holland on ‘Happiest Season’ and the Joy of Making an LGBTQ+ Holiday Movie

• "Happiest Season" is the LGBTQ Christmas rom-com fans deserve  

• Opinion: 'Happiest Season' puts tinsel on the paradox LGBTQ Americans are facing 

• The character of Harper needs further discussion

• Every Christmas Song In Happiest Season Soundtrack List 

Run

#isawthatmovie

POSITIVES…

• The opening title card presenting the different medical disabilities. Brilliant.

• Mysterious, creepy premise that absolutely kept me invested from beginning until the end.

• Kiera Allen is amazing in this! She made it so easy to empathize with her predicament.

• Sarah Paulson is great as expected. Perfectly intense.

• That set piece with that urgent phone call. Excellent.

• That other set piece that starts with the movie theater. Fantastic!

• That other other set piece… There are just so many thrilling scenes in this unexpected movie! So enjoyable!

• Here's another film that figured out a way to avoid the conveniences of the internet and cellphones to solve problems. Good job!

• If there's one thing you should learn from this story, is that it helps to be smart and clever. Plus science rules.

• Filmmakers Aneesh Chaganty and Sev Ohanian easily made one of the best; if not the best, suspenseful thrillers of 2020.

• Oh, it's a little thing, but a lot of movies constantly show people parking their car badly. This is not one of those. Thank you.

NEGATIVES…

• Some plot conveniences?

• Requires a bit of suspension of disbelief to buy into the premise that might take awhile to get over.

LOVED IT enjoyeditlikedititsokayitsmehitsterrible

Run - watch it on HULU

• Aneesh Chaganty & Sev Ohanian Interview: Run

• Kiera Allen on Headlining ‘Run,’ the First Major Thriller in 70 Years to Star a Wheelchair User

• Actors Lied About Being Disabled to Get a Role in Sarah Paulson’s Movie 

• What Is Really Wrong With Chloe (& How Accurate Is It?) 

• The Biggest 'Run' Easter Eggs and Cameos, and an Update on 'Searching 2' 

• Sarah Paulson Explains The Backstory Behind The Twisted Ending

• Exclusive Interview: Filmmakers Aneesh Chaganty and Sev Ohanian on their Sarah Paulson psychothriller “RUN.,” Part One 

• Exclusive Interview: Filmmakers Aneesh Chaganty and Sev Ohanian on their Sarah Paulson psychothriller “RUN.,” Part Two

1 Night in San Diego

#isawthatmovie

POSITIVES…

• If you’re looking for one of those “one crazy night, buddy comedy,” kind of movies, then here’s another one for you.

• It may have a familiar premise, but It has its charms. Heck, it has a whole plot point about the San Diego Comic-Con, so that’s a plus right there.

• The pop culture references, social media commentary, and opinions about relationships, were entertaining.

• Jenna Ushkowitz and Laura Ashley Samuels successfully threw themselves into their roles as Hannah and Brooklyn. Totally buy their friendship, as represented here.

• Alexandra Daddario was really fun when she showed up.

• The whole sequence about a particular stage musical was just the funniest thing in this movie.

• I loved seeing the familiar sights of San Diego.

NEGATIVES…

• There’s a whole vapidness and toxicity going on with the lead characters that can be quite annoying.

• Very much filled with your expected plot tropes and cliches.

• Comedy is hit or miss, and it can be argued that it’s mostly miss.

• Uninspired jokes about Southern California…

• Honestly, I went into this movie because it had the plot point about the San Diego Comic-Con, and I was kinda disappointed with what they did with that.

loveditenjoyeditlikedit IT’S OKAY itsmehitsterrible

1 Night in San Diego - watch it on VIDEO ON DEMAND

• Penelope Lawson and “1 Night in San Diego”

Kajillionaire

#isawthatmovie

POSITIVES…

• What an eccentric film, but in the most fascinating, captivating, interesting, and humorous ways. Writer / Director Miranda July really likes to go places here.

• Evan Rachel Wood and Gina Rodriguez are amazing in their roles. Both give off an exciting energy to the movie in very different methods.

• Richard Jenkins and Debra Winger are also expectedly fantastic.

• That whole set piece in Michael Twaine's home was done in a nicely weird way. It’s a huge turning point to the story.

• “This is a full service deal” plot sequences.

• Gotta love that whole stealth ducking avoiding visual gag.

• I appreciated how this movie doesn't romanticize being thieves and con-artists.

• Thematically says a lot. Thought provoking.

NEGATIVES…

• Could possibly be too unusual and unconventional of a story for some people.

• There are moments of just utter ridiculousness.

• I know it's quirky and symbolic and all, but that whole thing with the bubbles leaking seemed a little too much.

lovedit ENJOYED IT likedititsokayitsmehitsterrible

Kajillionaire - watch it on VIDEO ON DEMAND

• Rowan Blanchard Interviews Miranda July About Writing 'Kajillionaire' 

• Miranda July and Brigette Lundy-Paine Discuss "Kajillionaire" 

• Evan Rachel Wood brought 'unconventional' past to 'Kajillionaire'

• Gina Rodriguez on jacuzzis and Miranda July's singularity 

• 'Kajillionaire' shows how boomers stole from millennials — and what they'll keep stealing

The Life Ahead

#isawthatmovie

POSITIVES…

• It’s got my attention for having a curious enough premise, with an unlikely protagonist.

• Kudos to Ibrahima Gueye for giving us a lot of range playing the character of Momo, who is that unlikely lead for this story.

• Sophia Loren is still great at commanding the screen as Madame Rosa.

• The connections that Momo makes with several of the supporting cast is what makes this film interesting to watch. Especially the one he makes with Madame Rosa.

• While the plot progression is exactly unexpected, I appreciated the direction it went.

• As a drama with fascinating topics meshed into this one story, there were scenes that were quite touching and emotional.

• That Lioness.

NEGATIVES…

• The premise isn't exactly going to grab everybody's attention.

• Not exactly a fast moving film.

• Some predictable plot turns that some might not find excusable.

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

The Life Ahead - watch it on NETFLIX

• Sophia Loren on "The Life Ahead" 

• 'The Life Ahead' Shows the Beauty of Italy — Where Was It Filmed?  

• Listen to Laura Pausini's 'lo si (Seen)' from The Life Ahead soundtrack –because we should all be seen

On The Rocks

#isawthatmovie

POSITIVES…

• Surprisingly pleasant plot premise that kept my attention throughout.

• Rashida Jones is excellent, and is the emotional core of this, that it’s so easy to get invested with her story.

• As expected, Bill Murray is amazing, and gives this movie a huge boost of energy whenever he is on screen.

• The chemistry and plot relationship between the two leads is fantastic, and is the main reason to see this film.

• There’s a whole section of the movie involving an Alfa Romeo that is easily one of the big highlights.

• I was quite satisfied with how this story concluded.

• Thematically has an interesting and fascinating look on philandering and marriage.

• It may be cliche to say this, but the setting of New York is like it’s own character in this film.

NEGATIVES…

• Moves at a deliberately casual pace, which might not be exciting enough for some people.

• Has a tendency to meander at times.

• There’s a whole “rich privilege” vibe with Bill Murray’s character, that may seem fun to watch at first, but shortly kinda annoyed me eventually.

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

On The Rocks - watch it on APPLE TV+

• Sofia Coppola on the Identity Crisis That Led Her to Make ‘On the Rocks’ with Bill Murray 

• 'On the Rocks' star Bill Murray says bond with Sofia Coppola 'keeps getting better' 

• Rashida Jones Talks On the Rocks and Finding Her Own Identity 

• Sofia Coppola talks car chase scene with Bill Murray's Alfa Romeo

• What is the bougiest status symbol in Sofia Coppola's new movie?

The Opening Act

#isawthatmovie

POSITIVES…

• Really liked the premise of this movie. It’s been done before, but it’s a topic worth revisiting, especially if it’s a solid story. It is.

• Considering that this is about stand-up comics, you are right to expect some funny jokes, and you will find that in this movie.

• Speaking of stand-up comics, this has a whole lot of awesome cameo from tons of comedians. Take a shot when you spot one.

• Jimmy O. Yang carries this movie splendidly. I was all-in with his character’s journey.

• Alex Moffat and Cedric the Entertainer both were excellent in their supporting roles.

• That opening montage sequence was well done, mixing in that comedy, and a sad opening that you might find in a Pixar movie. Loved the range of emotions this story has.

• You know where the third act is going, and you’re not going to care, because you will appreciate the movie’s conclusion.

• If the theme and goal for this film is to show us that stand-up comics are human too, and need your love as well, then it thoroughly succeeds.

• If the theme and goal for this film is to show us that you probably should not pursue a career as a stand-up comic, then it also thoroughly succeeds.

NEGATIVES…

• There are jokes that will just not land. Subjective. Sure. Unfunny is unfunny though.

• That second act. Ouch. I hope you can put up with all that cringe.

• Debby Ryan’s character felt like she exists just to be a plot convenience, and didn’t really do too much for the movie.

• A couple of expected plot cliches here and there.

lovedit ENJOYED IT likedititsokayitsmehitsterrible

The Opening Act - watch it on VIDEO ON DEMAND

• Just For Laughs: Steve Byrne talks about "The Opening Act" 

• 'Opening Act' Captures The Painful Business Of Making People Laugh 

• Cedric the Entertainer 'The Opening Act' Interview

Nobody sleeps in the woods tonight

#isawthatmovie

POSITIVES…

• Appreciated this Polish Horror movies' attempts of being self-aware that it itself is a horror movie.

• I love the fact that in the spirit of old horror thrillers when help isn't just a phone call or internet away, they actually put it in the plot to get rid of phones and technology.

• Cast of actors do a good job playing their expected roles in your typical horror flick.

• Liked the geeky pop culture references.

• Has some excellent practical visual tricks for special effects.

• Solid death scenes, and bloody gore.

• If you're in the mood for a comfortably familiar “monster in the woods” premise of a movie, then why not check this out.

NEGATIVES…

• It can be argued that this Polish movie pays homage to monster flicks, or you can just say that it's cliche and filled with familiar plot tropes.

• Not a shock, but some stupid things happen.

• The pacing could probably move faster than it does.

• Some of the characters are just so underwritten.

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

Nobody Sleeps In The Woods Tonight - watch it on NETFLIX

• Bartosz M Kowalski, Director of Nobody Sleeps in the Woods Tonight 

• Nobody Sleeps in the Woods Tonight Is Basically a Gory Venom Spinoff

Jingle Jangle : A Christmas Journey

#isawthatmovie

POSITIVES…

• As far as Christmas Musicals go, this was entertaining enough for what it’s going for.

• The premise is comfortably familiar to watch through.

• Thematically, the message of this story is perfectly inspirational.

• Stand-out stars of this movie are the absolutely delightful Madalen Mills as “Journey,” and the always talented Forest Whitaker as “Jeronicus Jangle.”

• The rest of the cast is great too, from Lisa Davina Phillip, Anika Noni Rose, Kieron L. Dyer, Keegan-Michael Key, Ricky Martin, and Phylicia Rashad.

• I’ve got to say, the final act was absolutely wonderful, and hits the landing in such a satisfying way. That final 30 minutes elevates this into a much better movie that made me like it a lot more than I thought I would.

• The set and costume design was really good.

• Being that this is a musical, there are some fantastic songs in this. From “Miles and Miles,” “Square Root of Possible,” “Over and Over,” to “Make it Work.”

NEGATIVES…

• Plot-wise, expect the usual expected cliches, tropes, and necessary moments to suspend your disbelief.

• It can be a little too precious, cheesy at times, and overly-whimsical, like it’s trying much too hard to entertain.

• Turns out, with the character of Don Juan Diego, there is such a thing as being too animated. Ugh. Show some restraint animators.

• For a musical, it bothered me that for several of the songs, the lip synching with the dubbing seemed off.

• Also need to criticize and say that a lot of the musical numbers could have been more ambitious and imaginative in it’s presentation. It was as if the production budget limited what could be possible for those huge ensemble scenes.

loveditenjoyedit LIKED IT itsokayitsmehitsterrible

Jingle Jangle : A Christmas Journey - watch it on NETFLIX

• Creator of new Netflix holiday movie 'Jingle Jangle' talks spreading 'inclusive joy' 

• Why Netflix's Jingle Jangle took 20 years to make 

• The Best New Songs From Netflix Movie Jingle Jangle