Will Yum

Most recent Nick Cage movies have weak writing yet end up worth watching because of one obvious reason... Nick Cage. This film deemed itself worthy enough for a theatrical release and includes the always charming Pedro Pascal, so I was expecting much more than the formula of Wild Premise + Nick Cage = That's A Wrap. This movie does in fact contain those variables, but also has endearing dialogue, coherent tones, and as it so blatantly preaches with its meta-theme, is effectively character driven. I was worried during the 1st act that I wasn't going to enjoy this as it seemed it may be a story of an indulgent actor embracing their own annoying arrogance which while even done comically, remains annoyingly arrogant. However, when the relationship between Nick and Javi begins, so also will begin your nearly never ending smile sprinkled with outbursts of laughter. This truly is a "buddy comedy" inside an action flick that will keep you engaged throughout. I will say the "surprise" is a bit transparent so a lot of the movie is the audience waiting for the characters to catch up, which can sometimes make you want to just hurry and get to it. That being said, the other antics in the film help keep you focused and willing to sit through it all without remorse. I honestly would probably give this a 4.5 scoring, but since Nick Cage has been doing bumps his whole life, I feel I owe him a bump to a 5 on this one... Also worth noting, if you enjoy this movie you should watch a more somber version of this idea done almost 15 years prior by the great Jean Claude titled JCVD. (I rate movies based on expectations. You can't put Sharknado on the same scale as Jaws.)

Plot: 4 / Acting: 3.5 / Genre Authenticity: 4 This is a solid Horror/Thriller with some unexpected turns that will keep you involved until the end. While I understand why some will hate the nonsensical and somewhat aggravating aspects, it doesn't overshadow the unique story you're given which goes a long way when most horror is simply rehashing common tropes. The protagonist (mom) and the antagonist (villain) do amazing jobs while the side characters are average. One major warning, the daughter is so over the top annoying that it will make you want to never have kids. So if your parents are relying on you to reproduce in order to keep the family-owned greeting card store located in the 3rd largest mall in your city afloat, avoid this flick. Or is that just me? [I rate movies based on expectations. You can't put Sharknado on the same scale as Jaws.]

Plot: 2 / Acting: 2.5 / Camera: 3 / Genre Authenticity: 1.5 I am not being facetious when I say I legit did not know it was Kate Beckinsale until I looked it up afterwards. Not saying she looks bad... simply unrecognizable. The plot is built on a solid idea I felt had great promise but the rest of the movie has more holes than 50 Cent. The key element to any Action Revenge flick is you have to be just as invested in the revenge as the protagonist. The reason for revenge in this movie is so far fetched that it takes you out of it. The dream flash sequences are the most redeeming part of the whole thing. I wouldn't recommend you watch unless it's to laugh at the Nickelback of actors, Jai Courtney. Oh yeah, and there's a much too long scene involving her obvious stunt double that will have you facepalming hard so have a napkin handy to wipe away all that popcorn grease. You disgust me! THIS IS WHY YOUR FATHER LEFT US! (I rate movies based on expectations. You can't put Sharknado on the same scale as Jaws.)

Plot: 2 / Acting: 3 / Camera: 2.5 / Genre Authenticity: 4 It's shocking to see some "name notoriety" actors in a movie with mediocre camera quality, but who amongst us would also turn down an easy paycheck? Act 1 includes a completely pointless intro followed by the inspiring events of the film taking place with zero motive or logic ever explained. Act 2 I found enjoyable enough, with some solid actors accompanied by some not so solid. While app themed movies grow more and more commonplace it was still done creatively. Act 3 was meh and just going through the motions. Overall this is a basic revenge ghost film full of the usual horror tropes, but some were actually well executed. Worth watching if you're on your phone. (I rate movies based on expectations. You can't put Sharknado on the same scale as Jaws.)