Ann Blanchard

This was a movie that caught me off guard in the best way. At first, I wasn't sure how I felt about the characters, especially the women, who came off a bit grating in the early scenes. But as the story unfolded, I found myself rooting for them, which speaks to the film’s ability to develop its characters in a meaningful way. One of the standout aspects was the way repetition was used to reinforce the themes the characters were grappling with. It’s a technique that might seem heavy-handed in other films, but here, it felt intentional and necessary, driving home the unsettling realities the story was exploring. Channing Tatum's performance was surprisingly strong. He brought a depth to his character that I hadn’t expected, helping to navigate the film’s complex themes of male entitlement and the tension between forgetfulness and forgiveness. These themes are handled with a subtlety that made me want to sit with the film for a while afterward to fully digest what it was saying. The twist at the end was the perfect capstone, adding an unexpected layer that cinched the movie for me. It’s rare to find a film that surprises you without feeling forced, but *Blink Twice* manages to pull it off. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking and well-executed film that’s worth seeing and reflecting on. Solid B+/A-

"The Hit Man" starts off on a comedic note, introducing characters and situations that hint at potential hilarity. However, as the story progresses, it shifts gears into a romantic comedy, a transition that feels disjointed and out of place. The supposed central theme of empowerment and self-discovery gets lost in this genre confusion, leaving the audience with a muddled storyline. Unfortunately, "The Hit Man" does not offer any surprises or memorable moments. The humor is lackluster, and the romantic elements lack the charm and chemistry needed to engage viewers. The result is a film that feels mediocre and uninspired, failing to leave a lasting impression. In the end, I was just left feeling bored.

I’d like to give it 3.5 stars but unable to. Solid directorial debut from Dev Patel. Overall the movie feels like Ong Bak and John Wick set in India. The action sequences were well done, but I do take issue the excessive camera shaking. It was unnecessary as the overall action itself was good. Loved that it’s a solid R rating as the fights are brutal. Props for the social and political commentary and the respect of introducing LGBTQ+ characters that aren’t stereotyped.

Great casting. Dark, not too gritty, but still lots of great violent action scenes. I liked that they brought it back to solving crimes. Recently have felt that batman movies have forgotten that he’s also a detective.