Mike Spring
Recap
Review
Now this is a week that has a little bit of everything! We’ve got major theatrical releases, classic cult films on 4K Ultra HD, some intriguing indie and foreign films, and more! Apparently, I was in a bad mood this week, though, because while I’m generally one of the easier/more forgiving reviewers out there, I had some major issues with a number of the bigger releases this week. Don’t think me overly negative; the stars just aligned so a lot of movies I was disappointed with seemed to hit home video at the same time. Read on to see what I’m referring to!
Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga
The Movie: Okay, so I’m not going to trash Furiosa, because it’s not a bad film. But here’s the thing: Mad Max: Fury Road is, indisputably, an action movie masterpiece. I rewatched it before seeing Furiosa, and it only cemented what a brilliant movie it is, in terms of sheer spectacle and adventure. And then we get… a prequel. Aside from a very few IPs with built-in monster fan bases (Star Wars, Lord of the Rings), when was the last time a prequel was a hit at the box office? Around the 12th of Neveruary, that’s when. I don’t know when Hollywood is going to realize it, but people DON’T WANT TO SEE PREQUELS. Maybe as TV shows that prequelize big films, that works, but in theaters, people aren’t interested in paying to see what happened before a film we love. We learn about Furiosa’s origin in Fury Road; it’s explained perfectly fine. Did we really need a whole movie about her youth? I’ll answer that for you: No. No, we did not. That said, the film is a solid action ride with that signature George Miller flair. Chris Hemsworth is terrific as the over-the-top villain, and Anya Taylor Joy – who I think is a good actor – is fine. But she doesn’t convince me the way that Charlize Theron did that she could kick everyone’s ass. And while, yes, this movie is about her journey towards becoming said ass-kicker, I’m still not entirely sold on her as Furiosa. The film is worth watching, and I enjoyed it overall, but it was only a three-star experience for me, whereas Fury Road was five stars all the way.
The 4K Video/Audio: While the film might not be a masterpiece, the 4K audio/video quality is stunning. Image clarity is off the charts and razor sharp, while colors are bright and vibrant and really pop off the screen. Blacks are deep and there are no artifacts or blemishes to mar the print. The surround soundtrack will rock your speakers with constantly moving activity, and the low end bass channel is booming and thunderous. The action scenes in Furiosa are a spectacle to behold on home video in 4K.
The Special Features: There is an hour-long making-of documentary called Highway to Valhalla: In Pursuit of Furiosa that is pretty great. Then there are an additional four making-of featurettes that run between 10 and 15 minutes each. Pretty sweet.
Digital Copy Included?: Yes
The Wrap-Up: If you’re a Mad Max fan, well, he’s not in this movie. If you’re a fan of the entire franchise and especially Fury Road, then it’s worth checking out Furiosa, but I can’t help but warn that – as a prequel – it’s probably not entirely what you want to see.
IF
The Movie: Probably my biggest disappointment of the week is IF. On paper, it has so many things going for it: a great concept, Ryan Reynolds in a lead role, and writing and directing by John Krasinski, who knocked it out of the park with A Quiet Place. And before I dive too deep, let me say that the film is watchable; I have a million complaints, but it’s not downright awful. And hopefully kids will be more forgiving than I am. But I’m not even coming at this as “jaded old movie critic who’s too harsh on kids’ movies.” I mean, I’m the one guy who said positive things about The Emoji Movie. But IF just falls flat. I like the idea of a movie about Imaginary Friends who have been forgotten by their grown-up kids, but it never comes together. For one thing, the dynamics of the Imaginary Friends are never explained in any way, shape, or form. How do they work? Can they affect the physical world? Are they always there? Why do people always seem to walk around them? There are so many questions. Then there’s this reveal that you’re waiting for the entire film, even if you’re not 100% sure which direction they’re going with it, yet somehow when it gets there, the only way you’ll be surprised is if you’ve never seen a movie before. Even kids will figure this one out. Ryan Reynolds’ performance is wasted, as he plays the sort of reluctant/curmudgeonly character who leads our young Bea through the world of IFs, but never lets his charm or humor shine through. And on top of all that, the film is so manipulatively emotional it’s painful. It really, really, REALLY wants to be this earnest, heartfelt, beautiful tale, and instead it feels schmaltzy and treacly. I honestly spent much of IF rolling my eyes or thinking, “Well, here’s how I would have written that scene…” It’s a huge swing and an even huger miss. Too bad, because I really wanted to like it.
The 4K Video/Audio: IF is a bright and colorful film, and the 4K Ultra HD transfer reflects that. Colors really sing, making sure that characters like Blue (who is actually purple) and various other Ifs really come to life. Image clarity is impeccable, and the print is pristine. The surround soundtrack has to combat a lot of quieter moments in the film, but at the times when the action kicks in, the speakers kick in with it, with each satellite channel bringing discrete elements to the forefront. It’s a solid mix and a terrific visual sheen for a mediocre movie.
The Special Features: There are a half dozen making-of featurettes plus a gag real, all of which add up to a little more than 40 minutes of material. There’s also a quick “how to draw Blue” feature.
Digital Copy Included?: Yes
The Wrap-Up: Again, with all my complaints above, IF isn’t an offensively bad movie. You just can’t think about it at all while you’re watching it, or it falls apart completely. Younger audiences will hopefully enjoy it (although personally I think it’s a little on the slow side, even for kids) and they will definitely like the colorful characters and the excellent special effects that bring them to life. But it is not a movie that holds up to any kind of thoughtful critique, and I think that’s ultimately why it was a mild success at the box office and not a genuine hit.
The Bikeriders
The Movie: I’m a guy who gets excited by movie trailers. You don’t even have to work that hard to make a trailer I’m gonna get sucked in by; just throw together a few tantalizing scenes and I’m usually like, “Yep. I want to see that!” So, when a movie trailer comes along that does not excite me in any way, shape, or form, it’s usually a bad sign. The Bikeriders was one of those trailers. It did literally nothing for me, and I was not interested or intrigued by the film at all. Now sometimes the ensuing movie surprises me, and sometimes I get exactly what I expected from the trailer. And The Bikeriders is one of those movies that gave me exactly what I expected from the trailer. Based on a photojournalist’s book from the 1970s, written after he spent eight years hanging out with a motorcycle club, the film tracks what started as a social riding and racing club and eventually became a legit motorcycle gang, and not the good kind. Starring Jody Comer, Tom Hardy, and Austin Butler, the film does a great job of capturing the late ‘60s and early ‘70s and the motorcycle culture that popped up during that time. But I’ll be honest, I had a hard time finding characters to root for here. Jody Comer apparently worked with a dialogue coach to nail the particular Chicago/midwestern accent that the person she’s playing had, and she nails it – but it’s totally grating. It was all I could focus on whenever she was talking, which was huge portions of the movie. Austin Butler’s character – who is ostensibly part of the main trio of characters the movie focuses on – is essentially a non-character. I think he has about seven lines of dialogue in the two-hour running time. And Tom Hardy does a great job playing a Marlon Brando/Wild Ones wannabe named Johnny, but he’s a borderline psychotic criminal, and it’s not like you’re really rooting for him. It’s not a terrible film, and it’s well-made, but I just didn’t really care about any of the characters or empathize with any of them, which always makes a film a struggle for me.
The 4K Video/Audio: While The Bikeriders does a great job of capturing the look and feel of the 1960s and 70s, the filmmaking still looks crisp and sharp and modern. While the colors on screen (vehicles, furniture, etc.) do have that earthy/natural ‘70s patina to them, the color saturation represents them all authentically and vibrantly. The picture is crisp and clean and you can literally count the hairs in the thick stubble on Tom Hardy’s face. The surround soundtrack focuses a lot of dialogue and music but also creating a world of motorcycles and raucousness, and it balances all three elements nicely. A good effort overall.
The Special Features: The front cover of The Bikeriders boldly proclaims it is a “Collector’s Edition”! Which is a bit galling when you consider it has three fluff featurettes that don’t even total 10 minutes of running time and a commentary track with the writer/director, Jeff Nichols. Wow.
Digital Copy Included?: Yes
The Wrap-Up: I was hopeful when I sat down to watch The Bikeriders that it was going to surprise me and be better than its trailer had led me to believe, but instead I got exactly what I expected. That said, the film has gotten very good critical marks and audience scores seem to be largely positive, so it seems as if people have enjoyed the movie much more than I did. I hope you have that experience as well, but personally I was underwhelmed.
The First Omen
The Movie: I promise we’ll get to something I really liked in just a moment or two, but first I have to talk about The First Omen. And I say I “have” to talk about it because, believe me, I certainly don’t want to. I won’t even give it a hard time for being a prequel since I just railed on how people don’t want prequels just a few movies up; what I will give it a hard time for is being just an absolutely dreadful movie. I mean, it is awful. The story sees a young nun novitiate from America sent to Italy who runs across evil forces and a potential conspiracy within the church. Even that descriptive sentence is better written than the movie itself is. The First Omen doesn’t share an ounce of DNA with the original 1976 classic The Omen, or even a shred of DNA with the overall spirit or sensibilities of the original. Instead, it’s a dull, nasty, overly gory slog that offers up literally nothing new and delivers it in less interesting ways than before. So, you get just about every exorcism/demon/church horror movie trope you can imagine, but it’s all wrapped up within a poorly written script, characters you don’t care about, and more disturbing imagery than is really necessary. I’ll give the cast credit for giving it their all, and lead actor Nell Tiger Free really gets put through her paces and delivers with aplomb, but other than that, I sadly have nothing positive to say about this movie.
The Special Features: There are three making-of featurettes that run about 19 minutes total.
Digital Copy Included?: Yes
The Wrap-Up: I went into The First Omen expecting the usual mediocre Omen/Exorcist/The Nun-type horror movie that Hollywood is churning out these days, but what I got was way less. I generally try not to just savage movies and be one of “those” reviewers, but The First Omen fails on every level.
Ted Lasso: The Richmond Way
The Show: Finally! A glowing review! At this point, Ted Lasso is a household name, but back when the show debuted on Apple TV back in 2020, it took a couple of months to really start to get traction. I was one of the people from the very start that was shouting from the rooftops to try and get anyone within earshot to watch the show, because it is, quite simply, one of the greatest shows of all time. Yes, I absolutely love Ted Lasso and I do so unabashedly. The show follows the titular Ted Lasso, an American college football coach who is hired by a British football (soccer) team to coach them back to victory. That’s the basic premise for the show but it’s so much more than that. It’s a sports show that’s not a sports show, a comedy that’s also a drama, and a brilliantly written ensemble character that also centers largely around one character. It’s like nothing else on TV, and I’ve watched it more than once and loved it every time. Jason Sudeikis is absolutely brilliant as the perpetually positive Ted Lasso (who has some deep insecurities under the surface), and he’s ably supported by Hannah Waddingham as his boss Rebecca, Brendan Hunt as the inscrutable Coach Beard, Juno Temple as player girlfriend/team marketer Keeley Jones, and Brett Goldstein as Roy Kent. And if you haven’t yet discovered the joy that is Roy Kent, well, then I am jealous of you because you get to discover Roy Kent and all his greatness for the first time, and that is a magical experience. After being on Apple TV exclusively for the past four years, the show has now been collected on Blu-ray (as well as DVD) for the first time with the seven-disc box set Ted Lasso: The Richmond Way. (I’m not sure why they couldn’t just call it Ted Lasso: The Complete Series, but whatever.) This set collects all three seasons of one of the best shows of the 21st century, and it is absolutely a must have for any home video collection.
The Special Features: I mean, seriously, it’s one of the most beloved TV shows of the last decade and we couldn’t scrounge up a single bonus feature? Very disappointing. Still, the show is so great I’ll get over it.
Digital Copy Included?: No
The Wrap-Up: Not only did I finally get to a truly positive review, but it’s a show that I both absolutely love and have spent the last four years telling anyone who will listen (and some people who won’t) how great it is. The best decision you can make for yourself this week is to start watching Ted Lasso, and this great new collection is a great way to do it. Highest Possible Recommendation!!!
Observe and Report
The Movie: Okay, well, that was a fun diversion, but unfortunately now we get right back to the negative reviews. Observe and Report is a 2009 comedy that was released right in that time before Blu-ray started gaining mass appeal and many movies were only getting a DVD release at the time. Now, due to what I have to imagine is very little fan demand, Shout Factory has released it on Blu-ray for the first time. The film follows Seth Rogen’s character Ronnie, a mall security guard (with no discernible skills whatsoever and a tenuous grasp on reality) who is tasked with stopping a flasher who is terrorizing the mall. Unable to do so, he is sent help from the police in the form of tough-as-nails detective Harrison (played by the late, great Ray Liotta.) What follows is a painfully unfunny and often uncomfortable team-up that literally didn’t make me laugh even once. Observe and Report is directed by Jody Hill, who came out of the Judd Apatow creator factory, and also directed The Foot Fist Way, Eastbound & Down, and Vice Principals. Let’s just say that I am most decidedly not a fan of Jody Hill projects, and this movie is just one example why.
The Special Features: There is a new interview with writer/director Jody Hill. Then you get archival features from the DVD release including a picture-in-picture commentary with Seth Rogen, Anna Faris, and Jody Hill. There’s an additional making-of featurette, a mall cop recruiting video, a collection of outtakes, deleted scenes, and a gag reel. It’s a pretty packed disc.
Digital Copy Included?: No
The Wrap-Up: While I’m not a fan of this movie, I am glad it’s finally getting a Blu-ray release so that fans of the film can finally have it in a high-def format with some nice extra features. As a proponent of physical media, I ultimately think this is a good thing, even if Observe and Report itself is most definitely not a good thing.
Demons & Demons 2 4K
The Movie: Demons and Demons 2 were released on 4K Ultra HD a couple of years ago as a two-film box set collection, but that set has since gone out of print and can command high prices on various online marketplaces. Synapse Films has now re-released the two horror movies from the 1980s as individual releases on 4K Ultra HD. Both Demons and Demons 2 were directed by Italian horror master Lamberto Bava and produced and co-written by the legendary filmmaker Dario Argento. The first film sees a group of moviegoers trapped in a movie theater and set upon by ravenous demons, while the second film ups the ante and sees an entire high rise apartment building under attack by demons. (Think The Raid, but with demons instead of hired guns.) Here’s the thing: both of the films (which are in Italian) are plagued by low budgets, plot holes, questionable acting, and mediocre scripts… but none of that matters. These aren’t movies you watch for brilliant cinematography and Oscar-worthy performances. They’re gonzo Italian horror (a genre which has a very clear identity) and they feature murder and mayhem and – obviously — demons, and they’re very atmospheric and a lot of fun. They’re probably not for everyone as they definitely fall outside of the mainstream horror filmmaking conventions, but fans of cult horror and the Italian horror genre will probably already be fans of the movies. Now, if you missed the previous release, you have the chance to get the films on 4K all over again.
The 4K Video/Audio: The audiovisual upgrades for the Demons movies on 4K is definitely noticeable, even if the films do show their age (and low budget) a fair amount. Imagery is nice and clear with strong shadow delineation (a must-have for films where large portions of them occur in the dark), while colors are solid and clarity is sharp. The surround soundtracks won’t win any awards, but they do feature some stereo separation and clear dialogue, plus a decently rumbly bass channel.
The Special Features: Almost too many to list, each film here is jam-packed. Demons includes a new audio commentary with a group of film critics plus the original commentary track by the filmmakers; a visual essay; five interview featurettes with various members of the crew; four additional making-of or retrospective features; and multiple trailers. Demons 2, meanwhile, includes a new commentary track with a film critic; six making-of an interview featurettes; a visual essay; and a bunch of trailers. Nothing to complain about here!
Digital Copy Included?: No
The Wrap-Up: I am not the biggest Demons/Demons 2 fan in the world, but I appreciate the films for what they are: fun, frenzied, and over the top. Synapse has done a terrific job with these releases, making sur they are the ultimate experience for fans, of which I know there are many.
Cocaine Werewolf
The Movie: I mean, if you can have a Cocaine Bear, why not have a Cocaine Werewolf? (Really, it actually makes more sense for a werewolf to have access to cocaine than a regular old bear, right?) Director Mark Polonia is a B-movie legend, churning out multiple movies every year that all fit into a particular vein. That vein would not be “low budget” but instead would be “NO budget.” Cocaine Werewolf sees a group of low-budget filmmakers making a zombie film who are set upon by a werewolf; this particular werewolf is a cocaine user who got bit by a werewolf while he was tripping and now turns into a werewolf when he does coke. Mayhem and many deaths ensue. Here’s the thing, if you like Polonia’s films then this is probably one of his better offerings of late. But his aesthetic is really to make films fast and cheap and it shows; we’re not talking cinematic greatness here. Heck, we’re not even talking cinematic goodness here! But there’s a certain charm to this kind of filmmaking that has a fan following. If you’re one of those people who revels in the low budget ridiculousness, then Cocaine Werewolf is for you. If you’re looking for a serious offering in the werewolf genre… well, keep looking.
The Special Features: The only real feature is a director’s commentary, but there’s also an image gallery and a trailer.
Digital Copy Included?: No
The Wrap-Up: Cocaine Werewolf is… well, it’s exactly what you would expect from a movie called Cocaine Werewolf. I don’t really know what else I need to say!
June Zero
The Movie: While historical dramas aren’t necessarily my go-to vibe – especially ones in another language – it’s hard not to be impressed by the concept and filmmaking behind June Zero. From American filmmaker Jake Paltrow (yes of that Paltrow family), the film tells the story of Nazi leader Adolf Eichmann’s 1961 trial, but it’s told from three rather unique perspectives: Eichmann’s prison guard, an Israeli police detective (and Holocaust survivor), and a 13-year-old Libyan boy. This makes the film not a courtroom procedural, but a look at how world events both effect and are seen by people in various walks of life. It’s an interesting conceit and while it probably won’t be for everyone (especially those who are looking for more of a courtroom procedural), but it is quite engaging in places and is a fascinating experiment in storytelling. The movie is in Hebrew, though, so be aware that it is subtitled and in another language, even though the filmmaker behind it is American.
The Special Features: While not unusual for a Cohen Media Group release, there are no extra features.
Digital Copy Included?: No
The Wrap-Up: I can’t say June Zero is a film I loved, but I can certainly say it is one I appreciated. It’s well-made, thoughtful, intriguing, and features some very strong performances. It’s also unlike any films I’ve seen recently, so if you like more challenging and unique material, June Zero is worth a look.
The Escort
The Movie: The final film from acclaimed Croatian director Lukas Nola, The Escort is a 2023 thriller from Croatia about a married man who spends the night with a prostitute while he’s traveling for business, only to wake up and find her dead in his room. When he two hotel employees help him cover it up, they later decide they want something from him in return for their help, and things spiral from there. The marketing materials for the film really want you to know that it’s “Hitchcockian,” and honestly, that’s not an unfair comparison. The film is tense and filled with suspense and paranoia. But that term gets thrown around very easily these days and while no one expects this movie to be a classic a la an actual Alfred Hitchcock film, I always like to mention that it is still a marketing term. That said, the film is pretty good; the lead character is played well by Zivko Anocic, and the late Nola’s direction is taut and builds suspense effectively. It’s a good thriller and the fact that it’s in Croatian shouldn’t deter you from checking it out if you’re a fan of the genre.
The Special Features: There are no bonus materials.
Digital Copy Included?: No
The Wrap-Up: The Escort is a layered movie; it’s dark and suspenseful, but it has a vein of black humor that runs through it as well. Lukas Nola’s death is a loss for the international film community, but The Escort marks a worthy final effort.
