 Netflix, 2020. In recent years, there's this weird new category of films, where you find yourself giving sub-par movies a pass by admitting: "Well I'm glad I didn't pay for that in a theater, but you know, for a streaming release at home it's OK!"
That's not high-praise, but that's definitely where "The Old Guard" falls.  Netflix, 2020. If you're American, it is very possible you have never heard of Eurovision. I admittedly never had until seeing this film. But to those in Europe, this would be a fascinating detail to discover, as Eurovision is every bit a part of Europe's pop culture as, say, NASCAR is in America. You may not watch NASCAR or be a fan of it, but you know it's there. Having been around for DECADES in Europe, Eurovision is a televised international song contest (think "American Idol" or "The Voice" only bigger) that averages roughly 200 million viewers per year.
Knowing that Eurovision is something that really exists may in turn be a fun fact for Americans to discover, however this inherent disconnect with an American audience makes the new Netflix comedy "Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga" ("ESC:TSOFS") hard to grasp.  NETFLIX, 2020. Leave it to Spike Lee to deliver a timely, deeply resonant - and dare I say -"masterpiece," at this precise time in American history. His latest joint, "Da Five Bloods" is also his best film in decades, and should be essential viewing once it hits Netflix this Friday.
 Netflix, Paramount Pictures, 2020. Expectations were high while reviewing my first film since the beginning of the stay-at-home quarantine, and even though "The Lovebirds" is a mindless diversion, it still doesn't quite sing.
 Netflix, 2020. After successfully teaming up for "Patriots Day," "Deepwater Horizon" and "Lone Survivor" (we'll forget about "Mile 22" for now), actor/producer Mark Wahlberg and director Peter Berg finally release a dud with the Netflix action-comedy, "Spenser Confidential."
 Netflix, 2019. Two fantastic actors take on two amazing men, and the results are nothing short of miraculous. Too bad the film doesn't have faith enough to stay focused in the present.
 NETFLIX, 2019. Don't let the truth get in the way of a good story, and when it comes to "The Irishman," this is one heck of a tale, with some of the best there have ever been doing some of their career-best work. For real.
NETFLIX Review: 'In the Shadow of the Moon' a genre-bending mystery that may make your head explode9/26/2019  Netflix, 2019. NETFLIX has surprisingly been putting out some of this year's best films, from "Triple Frontier" to "The Dirt," to "See You Yesterday." With the trippy, mind-screwing sci-fi/mystery/crime/thriller "In the Shadow of the Moon," it adds another entry into the fold that deserves serious consideration.
 Netflix, 2019. Playing an even more clueless version of himself, Zach Galifianakis takes his successful Funny or Die series on the road, roasting celebrity after celebrity in his quest to land a real late-night TV talk-show.
 Netflix, 2019. If you've already binged through the latest season of "Stranger Things" on Netflix and are looking for more adult fare this weekend, there are probably better options out there than "Point Blank."
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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 film critic for 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