Movie Reviews
A slew of new movies (and one from last year) for you!
From the IMDB:
Ray Garrison, a slain soldier, is re-animated with superpowers.
One of the last movies to hit theaters this year before they all closed, it stars Vin Diesel, Guy Pearce, and Eliza González.
The first twenty minutes are predictable and nothing new. Ray’s wife is murdered in front of him, he’s killed, re-animated with no memories, then starts to remember her murderer’s face. But after he pursues and kills the man, the movie takes a unique twist, elevating it above just average.
The effects are good and there are some tense action scenes. Diesel plays his standard tough-guy character, but he had fun doing it – and we have fun watching.
Definitely worth a rental – recommended.
My Spy
From the IMDB:
A hardened CIA operative finds himself at the mercy of a precocious 9-year-old girl, having been sent undercover to surveil her family.
An Amazon original movie starring Dave Bautista, Chloe Coleman, Parisa Fitz-Henley, Kristen Schaal, and Ken Jeong.
This film has all the potential to be corny and childish, but thanks to a sharp script, it never goes there. The characters have depth and real motivation, and the humorous scenes are genuinely funny.
Coleman excels as the precocious and very smart little girl. She succeeds where no one else ever has – she gets Bautista to care about other people, including his under-appreciated stakeout partner, Schaal.
This was far more enjoyable than I thought it would be – definitely recommended.
Greyhound
From the IMDB:
Early in World War II, an inexperienced U.S. Navy captain must lead an Allied convoy being stalked by Nazi U-boat wolfpacks.
An Apple TV original film starring Tom Hanks, Elisabeth Shue, and Stephen Graham.
We get a few minutes of history, and then the action begins and never lets up. If you like sea battles, this movie is for you.
Tom Hanks is really good and believable in the role.
Some of the special effects are good, some not so much. It was a little hit or miss.
Overall it was really enjoyable though. Recommended.
The Old Guard
From the IMDB:
A covert team of immortal mercenaries are suddenly exposed and must now fight to keep their identity a secret just as an unexpected new member is discovered.
Based on a graphic novel series, it stars Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, and Matthias Schoenaerts.
The science fiction – superhero aspect prompted me to check out this film despite a title that’s a bit lame. It’s more action–thriller–war than anything else.
It doesn’t offer us anything we haven’t seen before. The best I can say is that it’s serviceable and watchable.
Theron now has this badass, tough as nails, humorless character she likes to play.
There’s nothing really wrong with the movie but there’s nothing really great about it either.
Watch if you’re bored.
Or maybe go check out the graphic novels instead.
Rambo: Last Blood
From the IMDB:
Rambo must confront his past and unearth his ruthless combat skills to exact revenge in a final mission.
Starring Sylvester Stallone, Paz Vega, and Sergio Peris-Mencheta.
Wouldn’t call it a mission but hopefully it is the last.
The movie centers on a tough subject – human sex trafficking – which made parts of it a little uncomfortable.
Stallone’s in his seventies but still in shape and still able to do action-hero stuff. His character does make some dumb decisions, though. As do some of the other characters.
It really doesn’t seem like a Rambo film until the end. Then, you do get a spectacular sendoff.
If you’re a die-hard Rambo fan or just curious and have time to spare, worth a casual watch.
My debut novel You Beneath Your Skin has been optioned for screens by Endemol Shine, and to mark the occasion, it is on Free Kindle promotions till 11th August. To approximate the kind of movie this book will be on screen, here are five movies that are similar to the book and deal with the topics it discusses: conflicted parenthood, acid attacks, family secrets and corrupt cops.
So here are five movies that have similarities to You Beneath Your Skin:
1. We Need to Talk About Kevin
Kevin's mother struggles to love her strange child, despite the increasingly dangerous things he says and does as he grows up. But Kevin is just getting started, and his final act will be beyond anything anyone imagined.
2. Chhapak
The trials and triumphs of Malti, an acid attack survivor. From the investigation of the attack to the court proceedings, the medical treatment to the emotional healing. Chhapaak is the story of the unquashable human spirit.
3. Mystic River
As the investigation of the death of a young woman tightens around three old friends, and ominous story unfolds that revolves around friendship, family and innocence lost too soon.
4. Night Falls in Manhattan
A newly elected District Attorney finds himself in the middle of a police corruption investigation that may involve his father and his partner.
5. Training Day
A rookie cop spends his first day as a Los Angeles narcotics officer with a rogue detective who isn't what he appears to be.
Damyanti's short fiction has been published or is forthcoming at Ambit, Litro, Griffith Review Australia, Pembroke magazine, Atticus Review, and other journals in the USA and UK. She serves as one of the editors of the Forge Literary Magazine. Her debut literary crime novel You Beneath Your Skin was published by Simon & Schuster in autumn 2019, and optioned for screen adaptation by Endemol Shine.
All the author proceeds from You Beneath Your Skin will support the education and empowerment of women at Project WHY and Stop Acid Attacks.
Find it on Amazon
Delayed Movies
The virus has thrown the movie and theater industry into chaos. With so many theaters closed (and many will never reopen), the studios needed to shuffle their release dates, sending a ripple into the next three years.
Here is a selection of films that have been bumped:
Avatar – moved from December 17, 2021 to December 16, 2022
A Quiet Place Part II – moved from March 8, 2020 to April 23, 2021
Black Widow – moved from May 11 to November 6, 2020
Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness – moved from May 7, 2021 to March 25, 2022
The Flash - moved from July 1, 2021, to June 3, 2022
Ghostbusters: Afterlife - moved from July 10, 2020, to March 5, 2021
Godzilla vs. Kong - moved from November 20, 2020, to May 21, 2021
The Matrix 4 - moved from May 21, 2021, to April 1, 2022
Minions: Rise of Gru - moved from July 3, 2020, to July 2, 2021
Morbius - moved from July 31, 2020, to March 19, 2021
Mulan - moved from March 27 to August 21 and then taken completely off the calendar
The New Mutants - moved from April 3 to August 28, 2020
No Time to Die - moved from April 10 to November 20, 2020
Shazam! 2 - moved from April 1, 2022, to November 4, 2022
Tenet - moved from July 17 to Labor Day weekend 2020
Wonder Woman 1984 - moved from June 5 to October 2, 2020
For a full list of movie releases affected, visit Vulture.
New Releases!
Mask of Ghosts by JH Moncrieff
No good deed goes unpunished.
Roxi thought the Balinese mask would make the perfect gift for her brother Jackson and his girlfriend Kate. Unbeknownst to her, a deadly curse was part of the package. A young woman slaughtered during a massacre haunts the mask. Her spirit wants revenge, and she's determined Roxi is the only one who can get it for her.
To free his sister from the mask's curse, Jackson must travel to Bali with Kate to solve the mystery behind the woman's murder. They've tangled with their share of angry ghosts in the past, but this one will pose the greatest threat yet.
Can they save Roxi from the vengeful spirit before more blood is spilled and Jackson's sister is lost forever?
This fifth installment of the award-winning GhostWriters series exposes the shadow lurking behind all that Balinese sunshine.
Find it at Amazon
Marly in Pieces by Cathrina Constantine
Marly refuses to believe her friend, Rae, committed suicide. Even though her wrists were slit, Marly knows her beautiful, vibrant bestie would never do that.
Even though the two had drifted apart, Marly and Rae made a blood promise long ago. Even in death, Marly intends to honor that vow.
Determined to find Rae’s killer, Marly faces a long list of potential suspects. It seems everyone has secrets or lies that they are covering up... including the boy she loves. Can Marly uncover the murderer’s identity before she becomes the next victim?
Find it at Amazon
The Happy War by Eve Gaal
After a successful blind date, Linda and Eric want to change the world.
Find it on Amazon
Molly Unplanned by Nicki Elson
Molly had a plan. But when her almost-fiance opts for a surprise Plan B, she’s left with no boyfriend, no money, and nowhere to live.
Find it on Amazon
And finally, this book is on sale! I read it last year and it is bat-crap crazy good.
Big Red On sale Aug. 10-14 for $2.99 Amazon eBook US,UK,CA, and AU
Have you seen any of those films? Picked up Damy's book? Bummed by the delay in releases? See any good books to pick up?
Big Red On sale Aug. 10-14 for $2.99 Amazon eBook US,UK,CA, and AU
Have you seen any of those films? Picked up Damy's book? Bummed by the delay in releases? See any good books to pick up?
Quick update - I will see you all September 2 for the next IWSG post.
79 comments:
I have Damyanti's book and am really, really looking forward to reading it.
I loved the book of We Have to Talk About Kevin too - but my wimpy self probably couldn't cope with a movie of it. Or Damyanti's book either.
Hi, Alex!
I've been seeing promos on TV for My Spy. Chloe Coleman does indeed look like a bright young actress. Mrs. Shady is a WWII buff and a huge Tom Hanks fan. She has watched Saving Private Ryan around a dozen times and the same for Forrest Gump and some of his other pictures. I'm sure she will want to see Greyhound and I'll watch it with her for Elisabeth Shue. I'm sure Rambo and Sly S. completists will want to see Rambo: Last Blood.
I am interested in reading articles about the effect of the COVID crisis on the entertainment industry and people who make (made) a living in it.
Have a great week, good buddy Alex!
I'll have to let my husband know about "Bloodshot." That sounds right up his alley.
Wow, that's a ton of movies that have been bumped.
It's such amazing news from Damyanti - I can't even begin to imagine what it must feel like.
I'm looking forward to Wonder Woman 1984 and the Matrix. I'm sure I'll be persuaded to watch some of the others too ;-)
Some excellent reviews here Alex. Thanks.
Have you changed your Blogger yet?
Me, still having problems doing it.
Have a good wekk.
Yvonne.
Thanks for letting me know not to watch The Old Guard. It's on my wish list and I've been thinking about it. I don't usually like war movies but Greyhound sounds good.
Congrats to everyone on their new releases.
Nice full Monday blog. We disagree on Old Guard - Ray and I liked it more than you. Oh well. Very cool for Damyanti - I wish her well in the movie process and hope her book stays true to her dream. So many postponements - very tough on us movie kinda people. But - gotta stay safe and give us a reason to keep looking forward. Have a super week
I'll have to say I enjoyed Bloodshot and My Spy. Just watched The Old Guard last night and it was okay. Haven't seen Rambo Last Blood or Greyhound yet.
Huge congratulations to Damyanti on her book being made into a movie and a huge congrats to everyone with new releases.
I didn't know a new Minion movie is in the works - yeh!
I'm torn on A Quiet Place II - I liked the first one okay but thought it missed some opportunities.
Watched Fighting With My Family - really enjoyed it, more than I thought I was going to. It kind of reminded me of the TV show Glow.
I liked Old Guard. Haven't seen any of the others yet. Seeing the movie comparisons to You Beneath Your Skin made me want to read it!
I've read Damyanti and Cathrina's books - and they're both great! Intense and memorable. Well worth a read!
Haven't watched any of these, but My Spy sounds like fun
Shady, it is sure wrecking havoc on that industry. And Eliabeth Shue looks great still!
Elizabeth, go check out the full list. It's huge.
Yvonne, it changed it for me but I'm figuring it out.
Natalie, it wasn't bad, just wasn't good.
Joanne, a ton of people have watched it so a lot must like it.
Madeline, we watched that film as well and it was entertaining.
I was bummed that Wonder Woman and Black Widow were delayed. I was so excited for them both. I mean, I still am. Even if I now have to wait until October and November.
I've been wanting to watch My Spy. It looks funny.
Congrats to all those with new releases, and to Damyanti! How exciting!!
Can't say I'm bummed at the delay of movie releases. It'll be a LONG time before I feel comfortable in a theatre again.
I'm looking forward to seeing Bloodshot.
Congrats to Damyanti on the movie option! That's fantastic.
Thanks for featuring my new release, Alex. Much appreciated.
I'm surprised no one has thought of streaming movies to people's TVs, for the usual price of a ticket, instead of postponing their theatre releases. It won't be the same experience, but some people have very big TVs and home theatre rooms, and the powers that be could still include previews and commercials in the price.
Of course. Black Widow finally gets a movie and it's due to come out right in the middle of a pandemic. She just can't catch a break.
"My Spy" sounds really funny and just the kind of action/spy movie I like. I didn't realize there will be a Matrix 4. I was not impressed with 2 or 3, so hopefully will all the time they've had, this one will be an improvement.
Thanks for all the movie updates!
I'm thinking there is one good reason to see The Old Guard: Charlize Theron is hot. Am I right, Alex? I'd watch it for her, but it's already too darn hot here.
Congrats, Damyanti! That's very exciting.
Have a great week, Alex.
MJ, I know - so long to wait. As least they aren't pushed back years.
Stacy, if they were open now, my mask and I would so be there.
JH, you're welcome!
Carrie-Anne, several of those I reviewed were done that way. Unfortunately, they are streaming the average and below films most of the time.
Joylene, here we still have that Greyhound bus system although this year might put them out of business.
Robyn, she's a bit odd as a person so that takes away from the hotness.
The plague has certainly thrown the world into disarray. I'm only terribly disappointed about Wonder Woman, and only because I loved the trailer. I think I loved the trailer due to the music used. So, it might be better that the movie was delayed.
I haven't watched my spy as I figured it would be a cop and a half rip off. May give it a go. Still haven't got to Bloodshot either. Seen The Old Guard, it was okay, but meh mostly. Rambo made such stupid decisions. Only thing really any good about it was when he got his Home Alone on. Oh, and Mulan isn't delayed anymore, coming out on Disney + in Sept.
I'll watch anything with Vin Diesel in it.
I hope we get to see Wonder Woman this year.
It really took Vin Diesel's commitment to get that Bloodshot movie made. Yeesh.
I'm very interested in a few upcoming movies, but there is no earthly way I'm going to a movie theater before we have a vaccine that's proven to work. Social distancing and masks aren't enough to share one room of air with hundreds of people for two hours right now. I'd rather keep knocking out movies and shows on my streaming queue!
Happy Monday Alex,
Wow, a lot here to digest today. I've been wondering how "Greyhound" was, I might try and watch this one.
It's been a long summer with no new movies. Theaters aren't even open here and if they were I wouldn't go. It seems too risky. I have been watching Disney+ as there are some movies there I haven't seen.
I am always looking for new books to read. I read quite a few this summer.
Enjoy your week and thanks for all the reviews.
It’s crazy times for sure and I wonder what will happen come Oscar time. I am not bummed by the delayed releases because these films will come to us soon enough, we just have to be patient. I just feel bad for the small business man who have been great.y affected by this pandemic but I still believe closing things up was the right thing to do. What a shame the States just don’t want to listen. As for films, I’m gett8ng bore with Charlize playing bad ass but I really can’t wait to see the Tom Hanks film. Congrats to Damyati and to the rest who have books coming out. Life keeps living
Hi Alex – I’ll look out for Bloodhound – I admire Tom Hanks. Lots of delayed movies - understandable in the circumstances.
Damyanti’s book deserves the recognition it’s getting … it’s so well written – I really enjoyed the informative story read – challenging though it was. It highlights so many horrors people, usually women, suffer … especially in domineering societies. I’ll look out the movies she recommends – I’ve seen ‘We Need to Talk about Kevin’ …
Thanks – take care - Hilary
Pat, wow, straight to video basically. And yeah, My Spy was much better than that film.
John, since we always go to the early shows with hardly anyone in the theater, I am willing to risk it. Miss my movies.
Truedessa, hardly any theaters are open.
Birgit, I feel sorry for businesses. I think things were closed down wrong.
Hi Alex: In these days of Lockdown one is always grateful to see a list of recommended films and books. Many of these have appeal to to Me. Here in the UK we may have slightly different choices. Thank you.
By the way, I really like the layout of your Blog.
CLICK HERE for Bazza’s laughingly luminous Blog ‘To Discover Ice’
Thank You for sharing my news Alex!
All kinds of interesting information about the movie world today! I'm amazed that Stallone is still playing the Rambo character. I wonder if he'll still be doing it when he's 90. Same with Diesel. He'll be another one playing a tough guy until he's an old geezer and drops over dead.
Bloodshot was a decent enough adaptation of the comic book.
There were, of course, some necessary changes because of the lack of the rest of the Valiant Universe.
All kinds of good things on this post. Huge congrats to Damyanti. How exciting.
On the whole, I find these days I'm getting less and less excited about movie releases. So many of them are continuations or rehashes of things we've seen before :( I might see Greyhound some time, because I am interested in WW2 sea battles.
Great reviews, Alex. My favorite of the bunch was The Old Guard funny enough. Ended up liking it way more than I had anticipated.
The film delays suck, but there is light at the end of the tunnel with The New Mutants and TENET coming in about two weeks. Fingers crossed that they don't get moved again.
Thank you Alex for sharing the launch of my latest book. Your fans won't be disappointed. It's a wild ride based on a crazy plan just like everything else these days. LOL I haven't seen any of those movies but My Spy sounds good. Thanks again!!!
That's a lot of movies. Great for these hot summer days. Will have to take a look. Have a great rest of the week.
Thanks for that list. I was wondering about Wonder Woman.
Damy, you're welcome!
Sherry, funny!
Ian, it's enjoyable if you do really like the genre.
Eve, you're welcome!
I’m not really excited about the current crop of movies, but I’ve been in a bit of a nonfiction focus lately. I’m going to add HBO, so I can finish watching I’ll Be Gone in the Dark.
I haven't seen any of these movies. I'm not sure how I'd go about finding them.
Alex, thank you so much for the shout out for Marly in Pieces!!!
First things first. I'm thrilled to read that Damyanti's book is going to be turned into a movie! YAY for her!!! It's a great book, and whatever success it brings her, she's definitely earned.
Not planning to see any movies for a long time, but I've got a new toy now. My younger son got me set up with NetFlix, and I'm thoroughly enjoying the new modern art of binge watching. (And I don't miss the commercials one little bit...)
Sue, I do hope you give the book a try.
Thank you Annalisa. It still feels surreal sometimes.
mshatch, I hope that you'll decide to pick up the book.
Thank You Jemi for your kind words.
Thank You J.H. Moncrieff.
Thank you Robyn.
Thank You Birgit. Appreciate it.
Thank You Hilary, it means a lot coming from you. How did you like We Need to Talk About Kevin?
Thank you Sandra. It is indeed very exciting.
Really enjoyed Bloodshot, so I'm glad you liked it, too.
I haven't seen Bloodshot. I should probably fix that. I liked Old Guard, and I also liked Greyhound. Did you hear that the ocean and water was all generated using one of the well-known video game engines (I can't remember which one). I thought that was interesting.
I miss movie theaters. I hope that the industry survives, but I'm starting to have my doubts. I read today that Hollywood is moving to other countries to get things done, and they are axing older actors because they can't get anyone to insure them. One such actor was John-Rhys Davies, who said in so many words, that it might be over.
Hello my friend, just wanted to apologize for not stopping by or say anything lately. I've been busy and I just came home from the hospital from getting my pain shot. Dude, never get a back operation. I'm tellin' ya it aint' worth it. I just wanted to make sure all is well with you and yours. I had to get my covid-test prior to this shot & if I didn't come clean "NO SHOT". My kinds they knock you out and stuff! It's a bummer, but somebody has to have one, right? ~hehehe~ Anyway, Stay healthy, stay safe and keep a close eye on all dem dare babies & lovely wife! Don't forget your mask! Time for my nap! Later Dude! hugs... & ROCK ON!
Running late ~It has been a week! I read Damy's book when it first came out ~ So good! Congratulations to all the authors on their releases!
I loved the Old Guard. Maybe it was because I wasn't expecting much and was pleasantly surprised.
Congratulations to Damyanti! she is a superb writer. Best wishes to her and to you always.
I remember seeing the preview for My Spy and it seemed pretty funny. Glad it was a good one. I never heard about the Tom Hanks one or The Old Guard. Amazing how many movies had to be pushed out. Wow!
~Jess
All those movies that have been delayed . . . I have to wonder if all of them will age well enough to still be released when the new dates get closer. Even a year can make such a difference in the cultural climate.
I read one of JH Moncrieff's books and had no idea I'd missed three others, with a fourth just published. I'll have some catching up to do! And I've been curious about Big Red. I need to get some solid reading time set aside.
Bummer on Mulan. That was on my to see list.
How's your weather?
It's a real shame that so many arts related places won't be able to open again, as a result of losing money during the lockdown.
Congrats to Damyanti on her release!
Our local theater has offerings of old releases for very small groups. We haven't taken advantage of it yet, but I've thought about it.
Congratulations to Damyanti on her debut novel your beneath your skin which is so true as humanists I live and hope for a better future speaking of which some day maybe we’ll get to Mars.
I'm reading Damy's book right now, actually. Enjoyed Vin Diesel's newest (we rented it on demand at the beginning of the pandemic, and will be doing the same with the new Bill & Ted.) I'm going into new movie withdrawals.
So true. Rambo makes a stupid decision. I remember thinking: Rambo would never do something that stupid. But that guy's in better shape than most of us will ever be.
Thanks for the notes on the movies. I think I'll rent the Vin Diesel. I hadn't even heard of it. I might watch the Tom Hanks movie too. I think he always does a good job. Have a wonderful day!
Glad to hear My Spy is better than expected.
Yeah, Old Guard was ok.
So much excitement for Damyanti. Happy for her.
Wow. I heard the entertainment industry had been affected, but goodness. That's a long list of delays.
Congrats on the new releases and Damy's movie deal.
I am super bummed by the theater closures and the late releases, but I get why it's happening. I really miss going to the movies, but I know they will come again.
Thanks for the reviews!
I liked the Spy movie, too!
Damy's book is a compelling read about a tough subject.
Congratulations, Damyanti!
Those are great reviews, Alex. I miss going to the movies. *sigh*
Hey Alex- just dropping by to say hi, to say Thanks for your comments on my blog and I also dropped by to see what movies I might want to watch! I only have netflix, so it's hard to get a good movie these days! Any recommendations as to where I should try to see movies? Thanks and have a great day!
Best wishes to Dimyati with her book. She's going places certainly. Entertainment and tourism industries are directly hit and severely in fact. It may even be for a couple of years. It's a pity! Keep safe Alex! Apologies for late response!
Hank
Congrats to Damyanti. I'm sure this will make a great movie.
As well as the releases being bumped, obviously they have to go about filming differently now - I hope that shakes up some new ideas too. It's amazing the preponderance of sequels and remakes that crop up in that list!
Congrats to our authors with new releases.
'Lo, Alex.
Thanks for the movie previews and sorry for the COVID-collapse of in-theater opportunities.
Marvel movie re-released 'The Black Panther' to as a tribute to Chadwich Boseman, the movie's star who passed away. Commercial free on TV! My husband and I were stunned at the majesty of the movie. We hadn't been captured by Avenger tales before, but this movie moved up and beyond.
Thanks for the plug for my fundraiser book... yet it has a new ISBN due to a formatter error. I must work with Amazon to effectively replace the old with the new.
The good news is that I've already raised $300.00 for the food bank with the book, I AM... a Quarantine Survivor.
Thanks for the opportunity to co-host this valued support group. "I hope I passed the audition."
Hmm, my comment from last month arrived today...
This morning's comment went something like this: Thanks, as ever, for the movie reviews, Alex. I hope that theaters survive these COVID-times. The giant nation-wide chain, Regal Cinemas, has shuttered its door.
I readily, heartily offer to co-host the IWSG blog hop in November. I relish reading other writers' responsis to the question of the month. There will be much to be thankful for in November, not the least of which will be the end of political ads on TV -
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