Monthly Archives: August 2021

“Hostage House” is a half-speed thriller about a real estate agent trapped in the “open house” from hell. Stop grinning and clapping with glee. Yes, I know that “she probably had it coming” is a lot of people’s first reaction … Continue reading →

“Naked Singularity,” Chase Palmer’s film of lawyer/novelist Sergio De La Pava’s book, makes a single self-conscious reference to “The French Connection.” A New Yorker in the film notes the criminal enterprise that involves smuggling drugs inside a Lincoln and describes … Continue reading →

The “elements” of “Resort to Love” add up to a better movie than this Hallmark-lite romance, a pleasantly-bland star vehicle for Christina Milian. It’s a “get over that man” romance with Milian starring as a singer who lost her fiance … Continue reading →

“Notorious Nick” is a workmanlike, formulaic “overcome all obstacles” MMA fight picture in the classic mold. But it’s based on the true story of MMA fighter Nick Newell. And the “obstacles” basically boil down to one thing. Nick Newell fought … Continue reading →

Regal Cinemas isn’t relying on Paramount (“Snake Eyes” sank without a trace on its second weekend), Disney (half the money for “Jungle Cruise” went to Disney+) or anybody else to fill seats. They’ve booked this supernatural thriller as August filler.

Interviewing Amy Heckerling (“Fast times at Ridgemont High,” “Clueless”) we got off topic and recalled “sitting next to the TV, waiting for this damned thing to come on.” She was in Cali, I was in Alaska, waiting on August 1, … Continue reading →

The best damned action film of the summer has nothing to do with comic books and does not feature some perfectly-put-together gym rat in tights sticking “the super-hero landing.” It’s Korean, and before you ask, there’s nary a Busan zombie … Continue reading →