PET SEMATARY
3 out of 5 stars
The much-needed chilling atmosphere is something directors Kölsch & Widmyer understand & in return make the audience live & breathe. While serving as a crutch for their entire narrative, it actually works in gratifying ways. Whatever you may think you know about King’s story or the original 1989 Pet Sematary movie, these guys aren’t interested in taking you down the same dark, familiar path. Props to them for that. And the strong performances from Clarke & Seimetz strike a nerve in dealing with death & the reluctance of accepting it. That is what this version of Pet Sematary needed to dig deeper for. More so, to say this horror remake is terrifying would be a lie. Sure, there are tense moments spread throughout Pet Sematary – but any true unexpectedness or scares are buried deep in the ground & ain’t coming back.
UNDER THE SILVER LAKE
2 out of 5 stars
A detective story that finds joy in being in disarray is intriguing for a little while, but becomes fucking frustrating sooner rather than later. Garfield’s dedication & director Mitchell’s audacious ambition can’t be overlooked in this strange & delusional L.A. noir that rips through the city’s social insanity; however, the more the plot thickens, the more pointless it becomes. And when the case is solved, it’s an undeniable disappointment that leaves all involved empty-handed.
HELLBOY
1.5 out of 5 stars
Harbour is a passable Hellboy, but as for the rest of this pathetic reboot – it’s quite a mess. Rolling from one action sequence to the next, they become rushed & pointless w/ senseless, unnecessary gore. And while it certainly earns its R rating, director Marshall seems to believe the more violence & vulgarity, the better the story. Wrong. Still, that would almost be forgivable if Marshall didn’t stomp the imagination & humor we so enjoyed in Del Toro’s films in to the depths of hell while doing it. Jovovich is a terrible villain, & the fact that we have to sit through Hellboy swinging around Excalibur is beyond stupid.
DISNEYNATURE: PENGUINS
3.5 out of 5 stars
Steve is an Adélie penguin who is about to become a first-time father in this incredibly beautiful filmed nature doc that presents abundant cuteness alongside the dangers of raising a family in ice-cold Antarctica. Directors Fothergill & Wilson shape an endearing, entertaining story w/ astonishing access to these flightless birds’ habitat. It’s what Disneynature is a pro at. The soundtrack gets you moving, & having Helms as the narrator is a huge a plus as he easily brings just the right amount of humor to Steve’s journey. There’s a sense of wonder about all of these movies that is a must-see every time.
THE BEST OF ENEMIES
3 out of 5 stars
Rockwell & Henson go toe-to-toe in this true story about school integration in Durham, NC. It’s a feel-good movie that’s proof people w/ different views & beliefs can not only listen but change. The two lead portrayals are prizewinning, & it’s clear director Bissell knows he’s got two of the best fighters around. With that said, it’s still a by-the-numbers, glossy Hollywood version of a much deeper, divisive issue. That doesn’t erase its meaningful message; but in a cruel world, this racial drama plays a little too nice.
SCARY STORIES
2.5 out of 5 stars
Serving as a nostalgic & passionate appetizer to the Del Toro produced feature film coming out in August – this doc showcases why Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark is important literature for children & why that terrifies parents. To learn about Schwartz & the folklore that inspired him, the effect his creepy stories have on kids & adults as the stir up their fears & interests in reading, & the unforgettable imagery created by Gammell – there’s no way you can’t appreciate it. But, director Meirick tries to cover too much in not enough time. He desperately wants to dig up as much as possible, & each topic probably has enough material for their own doc. Therefore, to cram it all into one brings out some fascinating things without much depth or being entirely engaged.
HIGH LIFE
4 out of 5 stars
This may be director Denis’s first English-language film, but that doesn’t mean it comes w/ easy answers. Her gorgeous, mystifying sci-fi odyssey is a doozy – an unorthodox, provocative, & bleak presentation of sorrow & solitude in space. While on her strange, sexually-charged trek into hopelessness, Denis hypnotically twists human behavior into submission as it’s soaked in practically every existing bodily function. Binoche is sensationally seductive as a mad doctor obsessed w/ reproduction, but it’s Pattinson who demands our attention. His tender performance captivates while portraying a single father straining to preserve life for him & his daughter on a deteriorating spacecraft – an inescapable prison & science experiment for a crew of convicts who were sent on a mission they were never coming back from.
MISSING LINK
3 out 5 stars
Writer/director Butler formulates the beauty & slapstick comedy to raise up an unchallenging story that’s missing that noticeable feeling we’ve grown accustomed to from other Laika movies. Yet, stunning animation, a top-notch voice cast, & hitting on all cylinders w/ its humor, their latest is still an enjoyable, forward thinking journey of seeking where you truly belong.
HAIL SATAN?
3.5 out of 5 stars
A smart, informative doc w/ wicked wit that aims to surprise when it comes to The Satanic Temple & their beliefs. Beyond the black clothing, weird rituals & symbols – they challenge this so-called “Christian Nation” & prank & provoke not in the name of the devil but for religious freedom. It’s fascinating to see the hypocrisy on what separation between church & state is supposed to be compared to the interpretations in this day & age. Told w/ all sincerity, director Lane flattens misconceptions to showcase political activism & individuality for all followers of faith to worship who or what ever they want to worship. This is a sly reminder that it’s our God-given right to do so.
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“Nature Boy” Brandon Vick is a member of The Music City Film Critics’ Association, the resident film critic of the SoBros Network, and the star of Brandon’s Box Office In Your Mouth. Follow him on Twitter @SirBrandonV and be sure to search #VicksFlicks for all of his latest movie reviews.
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