 Amazon Prime Video, 2023. For a film that promises to answer "the greatest mystery in sports history," "Bye Bye Barry" falls shockingly short.
But as a fond reminiscence of the greatest NFL running back of all-time, it's a wonderful, if bittersweet journey to take.
0 Comments
 Focus Features, 2023. So...how YOU doin'?
If you're wondering what's been up with me...thank you. If you haven't noticed I've been gone...well, a pox on you. Read on if you're interested...but be warned that this is more like a personal journal entry than a formal review of any kind. It IS a kind of much-needed therapy for me, writing. And not to worry: There will be movie reviews included down page, albeit short ones, catching you up on all that I've seen in recent months (which sadly is not nearly as much as I - or you - am used to). But mainly, this is a "me" update. You know. "Me." The thing I've neglected most over the course of the years. A pretty average middle-aged white dude that finally got to witness his "dream job" violently crash head-on into the oncoming traffic of reality. Talk about a plot twist.  Paramount Pictures, 2023. With an animation style inspired by the recent "Spider-Verse" films and a hip, kinetic energy influenced by movies like "The Mitchells vs. The Machines," "Mutant Mayhem" is not your father's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
In fact, in many ways, it's better.  Warner Bros. Pictures, 2023. Imagine me - a male film critic - somehow posturing myself to think that anyone would care about my review of a "Barbie" movie. To think that my take matters sort of undercuts the spirit of the entire film...women - Barbie included - do not need my stamp approval or my "thumbs up," nor does it feel appropriate. That being said, it feels very "male" of me that I would continue on giving my opinions regardless.
Understand that "Barbie" is a movie that EVERYBODY should go see, but I would like to fully acknowledge upfront that this is a movie best appreciated by women, or those that grew up with the uber-popular, iconic Mattel Barbie dolls. There are several call-backs, references and jokes aimed at the entire past line of Barbie dolls...from the pregnant Midge doll, to her younger sister Skipper whose breasts would grow if you rotated her arm, to Ken's "buddy" Allan (all of Ken's clothes fit him!). If you don't know much about Barbie, there is still fun to be had, but not nearly as much as for those in the know. "Barbie" isn't perfect, but that's sort of the point and the modern approach to the character, isn't it?  LucasFilm/Disney, 2023. Indiana Jones may not be as good as he once was, but he's as good once as he ever was.
His latest - and billed as his last - adventure takes place in "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny," a fitting if somewhat safe and straight-forward final chapter to one of the greatest film sagas of the past half-century.  Pixar/Disney, 2023. The bar is always set exceptionally high when you hear the word "Pixar." The animation studio has of course given us some of the very best movies - animated or otherwise - that have been made over the last 3 decades.
With that framing in mind, "Elemental" isn't among the very best of Pixar. But it is the sort of movie that we frankly need more of.  Warner Bros. Pictures, 2023. It's fast, furious and funny. But traveling faster than the speed of light comes with the increased risk of tripping up.
The long-awaited, somewhat controversial "The Flash" has finally reached theaters. And while it deals with yet another messy multiverse that at times runs itself in circles, Ezra Miller's dual role as a future and past Barry Allen gets this one past the finish line...just barely. ***SOME MINOR SPOILERS TO FOLLOW***  Paramount Pictures, 2023. I couldn't imagine caring about SPOILERS for a Transformers movie, but if you don't already know what's coming - scene after scene of mindless action, lame jokes, awful characters and zero stakes - then be warned: THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.
Specifically, the "stinger scene" during the end credits will be spoiled. You've been warned. *** SPOILERS AHEAD *** Review: 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse' one of the year's best, animated or otherwise6/2/2023  Sony Pictures Entertainment, 2023. It is impossible to believe that the 2018 animated "Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse" could be improved upon. "Hold my web-shooter," says its sequel, the new "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse."
A lot of big words get thrown around in movie reviews, but I can confidently say this: I have never, ever seen a more visually ambitious movie - animated or otherwise - than "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-verse." Go see it at all costs...it's one of the best, most crowd-pleasing films, of 2023. Review Round-Up: 'The Little Mermaid,' 'Kandahar,' 'You Hurt My Feelings,' 'Being Mary Tyler Moore'5/25/2023  Walt Disney Studios, 2023. Here are reviews of several new movies opening this weekend theatrically as well as on streaming:
|
Looking for a specific movie or review?
Search Below: Categories
All
Archives
August 2023
|
tom santilli movie reviews
Tom Santilli is a professional film critic, TV personality, host and
the Executive Producer of Movie Show Plus.
He also is the featured film critic appearing on WXYZ Channel 7 Action News in Detroit,
and appeared weekly on FOX-2 in Detroit from 2016-2020.
Feel free to use the "search" below to find your favorite titles.
TOM'S GRADING SCALE:
B- and above: Thumbs Up
C+ or below: Thumbs Down
RSS Feed