The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.
“The Alto Knights” is a film that, on paper, should have been a big hit. It was directed by the legendary Barry Levinson who has directed such films as “Diner,” “The Natural,” “Rain Man” and “Bugsy.” It also stars the iconic Academy Award winner Robert De Niro, and even though not all of his films are worthwhile, it’s rare you see him give an uninteresting or bland performance. The writer was Nicholas Pileggi, who wrote “Goodfellas’ and “Casino” alongside Martin Scorsese. The producer was Irwin Winkler, whose credits are too lengthy to list. With all the talent involved in this project, you would think they would have at least made an above average flick.
“The Alto Knights” features two performances by De Niro as he plays two separate gangsters in the 1950’s, Vito Genovese and Frank Costello. My first issue with the film is why on earth did we need to have competing gangsters played by De Niro? While it might sound like an interesting concept, having De Niro play two roles in the same film, it’s quickly obvious this is a gimmick that just doesn’t work. It has been done in other films before, such as “Mickey 17,” “Sinners” and “The Social Network,” but De Niro looks ridiculous and laughably bad with all the makeup on him.
When the film opens, Frank is recovering from a failed assassination attempt put on him by his best friend, Vito. They have been friends since they were young, but they have two very different philosophies when it comes to being gangsters. Frank is someone who doesn’t like to rock the boat, and he’s not afraid to grease some palms to keep out of trouble. He cherishes his marriage to his wife Bobbie, played by Debra Messing. Vito, on the other hand, lives by the credo of, “I take out. I don’t put in.”
Vito doesn’t believe Frank is actually going to live a quiet life and retire as he sees him as a politician, someone who will smile to your face and stab you in the back when you aren’t looking. Frank, on the other hand, sees Vito as someone who will stop at nothing to get what he wants, and he will not go down without a fight. This leads to a war between the two men where only one can survive, and it’s about who will flinch first. One thing is clear—no matter who wins, the audience will end up being the real loser.
“The Alto Knights” is a film which made me feel sad at how bad it was, as there is no way it should have been this unwatchable and boring. All of the proceedings have a been there, done that feel to them. Films about the mob, gangsters and the crime life have been done to death, and I don’t think there is anything new to add to the genre at this point. This is not to say they can’t come back at a later date and time with the right material, but this film feels dead on arrival as it feels like a parody of other gangster movies. This is a film that was not only a massive commercial failure, but it was a critical failure as well.
When you have seen De Niro play this role before, it’s hard not to look at this performance and think to yourself, “Why?” Why did anyone think this was a good idea? The poster for the film says, “From the hitmakers of ‘Goodfellas,’ ‘The Irishman’ and ‘Bugsy.’” I’m going to assume they thought people would hear about De Niro in a new gangster movie from the writer of “Goodfellas” and would be interested in seeing it as a result. It’s clear from the box office numbers they could not have been more wrong. As a matter of fact, I don’t even remember this film getting any attention or advertising when it was released only two months ago.
One of my least favorite things to do as a moviegoer is to watch the clock during a movie. During “The Alto Knights,” I couldn’t stop looking at the clock and waiting for it to end. As stated earlier, the film made me depressed as it felt like De Niro and Levinson were was wasting his time on rotten garbage like this. They are both in their 80’s, and we don’t know how many films they have left in them. I’m sad they wasted their talents on this project, and I’m sad I wasted my time watching it.
* out of * * * *
Special Features:
One Legend, Two Mobsters – Featurette
Blu Ray Audio/Video Info: The 1080p high-definition transfer is perfect for this film, and it features a clear and vivid image. The Dolby Atmos track also brings all of the classic hits of the 1950’s into your living room.
Should You Buy It?
“The Alto Knights” is not a film you should waste your time on, unless you are absolutely obsessed with gangster movies and need to watch them all. If you have a morbid curiosity in this film, I’m here to tell you to not waste your time. I went into it knowing it didn’t have great reviews, but I said to myself, ‘How bad could it be?’ Trust me, it’s that bad. It’s painful to watch De Niro in this film, and I just wanted it to end. It didn’t take long for me to realize I was stuck in a bad movie, and I just had to bide my time until it was over. There are better gangster movies to see, and there is even a better gangster show to watch in “The Sopranos.” This is one of the biggest disappointments to come out of Hollywood in the past five years, and it is a hard pass.
**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free. The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.
The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.
“Juror No. 2” is the latest film from legendary director Clint Eastwood, and at age 94, it is beyond impressive he is still directing films. With this one, the biggest controversy surrounding it is the fact that it was released in a limited number of theaters. With a pedigree like Eastwood’s, you would expect his films to get a wide release. However, with the current state of cinema, an adult drama is hard to sell to audiences who are more interested in big action spectacles, sequels and comic book franchises. Nonetheless, whether or not this is Eastwood’s last film or not, one thing is certain: He hasn’t lost any speed on his fastball.
“Juror No. 2” stars Nicholas Hoult as a soon-to-be-father named Justin Kemp who is looking to get out of jury duty. He wants to be there for his wife, Allison (Zoey Deutch), who is in the third trimester of a high-risk pregnancy. However, he is called into a case which involves the death of a young woman named Kendall Carter, who is played by Francesca Eastwood. She was in a relationship with a hot-tempered and aggressive man named James Michael Sythe (Gabriel Basso), who is being accused of her murder after her body is found dead shortly after they were seen arguing together at a bar.
As they say in most murder cases, the husband did it. For most of the twelve jurors, it seems like an open and shut case. However, Justin, a recovering alcoholic, is starting to piece together information about that infamous night. He remembers certain details about that night, and it’s up to him to decide what to do with that information. As soon as he starts to raise doubt in the mind of one juror, a former homicide detective played by J.K. Simmons, the rest of the jurors soon follow. Now, all twelve jurors need to come together and figure out what to do with this trial, which seemed so simple in the beginning. Now, it’s anything but simple and cut and dry.
The first hour of “Juror No. 2” does a fantastic job of crafting an interesting, complex and fascinating story to grab the audience into this case. I’m a big fan of courtroom dramas when they are done well and, in the beginning, this looked to be a good story, and I felt as though I was in good hands because Eastwood was directing. In today’s world of true crime obsession, it’s easy to see why this film would be a hit with viewers. As a matter of fact, one of the jurors is even a big fan of true crime podcasts, and she is the one who says the husband is usually the one who is behind the murder. She also acknowledges how sometimes the police overlook important evidence in an attempt to close the case and move on.
The unfortunate part with this film is it really loses its way in the second half. It starts to get implausible and, at times, rather silly. It requires the characters to act in a way that serves the story instead of the truth of their individual characters. When the film was over, I felt unsatisfied by the conclusion. I understand they were going for an ambiguous ending, and I didn’t need everything to be tied together in a neat little bow. That being said, when the film ended, instead of it being a conclusion that felt like, “Oh wow, that was a bold choice,” it felt like, “Eh, at this point, it doesn’t matter.”
“Juror No. 2” features solid performances from Toni Collette, Chris Messina, Kiefer Sutherland and Cedric Yarbrough, but even they can’t save the messy screenplay. Another issue with the film is the lead performance from Hoult. For the film buffs out there, they are likely to remember “About a Boy” and how Hoult is reunited with his movie mom, Toni Collette. Time sure flies by! However, I felt as though he was doing a poor Tom Cruise impression with his performance. His acting really left a lot to be desired, and the performance felt forced and strained. The direction by Eastwood is top-notch as usual, and he is more than capable of directing at a high level for as long as he chooses to, but he needed a better leading man and a better script for his film.
* * out of * * * *
Blu-ray: “Juror No. 2” is released on a single disc Blu-ray from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. It also comes with a digital copy of the film. The film is rated PG-13 for some violent images and strong language and has a running time of 113 minutes.
Audio and Video Information: There is a solid Dolby Atmos track included here, which was a pleasant surprise. It packs a good punch during the more dramatic scenes. The video quality is also solid.
Special Features: None
Should You Buy It?
“Juror No. 2” is a fine film to watch on a rainy afternoon weekend with your significant other. It is entertaining, well-made, and it also features top-notch performances from its talented cast. However, it’s not a movie that requires repeat viewings or the kind you need to go out and buy. It’s on Max, and that is a perfect place to watch it. There is some good in the film, but it really falls apart in the second half. It suffers from a pretty run-of-the-mill screenplay. It has drawn comparisons to “12 Angry Men,” but it’s only similar in concept and not in execution. I’m always happy to see a new film from Clint Eastwood, and I hope he has another movie or two left in him.
**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free. The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.
The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.
“Blink Twice” is a film with ambition, style, and some big goals. It does not always achieve those goals from a filmmaking perspective, but it’s an interesting directorial debut from actress Zoë Kravitz, who also co-wrote the screenplay with E.T. Feigenbaum. The film also opens with a trigger warning for audiences, which is something I don’t think I’ve seen before from a big screen movie. I’ve seen it before on TV shows when a particular episode is going to show scenes involving abuse, suicide, or rape. “Blink Twice” has become one of the most-talked about movies of 2024, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a film that is either going to piss audiences off or leave them with a lot to ponder.
Our film opens up introducing us to Frida (Naomi Ackie) who, along with her friend and roommate Jess (Alia Shawkat), work a ritzy and glamorous exclusive event, where she runs into Slater King (Channing Tatum). He was recently forced to step down as CEO of his company after a scandalous event which forced him into therapy. He claims to be a changed man and has also apologized publicly for his behavior. When he runs into Frida and Jess, they are invited to his private island, where they have to put their phones in a bag. It seems to be your typical rich, glamorous party with drugs and over-the-top behavior, but Slater insists he has toned down his behavior. The longer Frida and Jess spend at this private island, the more they suspect something is up. Can they put the pieces together?
Kravitz has assembled an all-star cast for her feature film debut. The film features unique screen performances from Christian Slater, Haley Joel Osment, Geena Davis, Kyle MacLachlan, and Simon Rex. While their performances are unique and out there, unfortunately these are not characters that are particularly well-written or fleshed out. Since they are good actors, they chew up the scenery. However, I can only imagine how much more effective these performances would have been if these characters were not so one-dimensional. The stand-out performance comes from Tatum, who gives a chilling, eerie and unnerving performance.
The first 45-60 minutes are repetitive and boring at times, even though the film is shot beautifully and looks fantastic. As a director, Kravitz has a keen eye behind the camera. This is a gorgeous film featuring beautiful people looking their best while doing very bad things. The film is much more interesting in the third act when certain elements of the plot are revealed to the audience. I wanted the film to be more like the third act, which was lively, intense and exciting. The film lost me for the first hour or so, which is why it was too little, too late to save it as a whole.
I could examine all of the issues and themes which are rather on-the-nose, but I don’t think it would serve my review. I think Kravitz has A LOT to say, and she’s not shy about how she goes about presenting that message. Is it preachy at times? Yes, but it didn’t take me out of the film or make me lose interest in the story. As a matter of fact, it did the opposite for me—it left me with a lot to think about long after the credits rolled. It made me want to see what she has up her sleeve in the future as a filmmaker. “Blink Twice” is a film that gains traction the more you think about it and the further removed you are from it as an audience member. It was the lack of action and the pacing which took me out of the film in the first hour.
Overall, “Blink Twice” almost lost me entirely for a good chunk of its running time. This is something that cannot be ignored. If I wasn’t reviewing the movie, I would have shut it off. Yes, I enjoyed the scenery and the acting, but the plot took way too long to get moving. That being said, I also can’t ignore the power and the impact of the film’s final act along with the energy Kravitz brought to this film as a director. After the movie was over, it stayed with me and I thought about it for a long time. This is a movie that is below average for the first 45-60 minutes before it ends with a bang for the final 30-35 minutes. This is a brainy film. I give it a slight recommendation with some hesitation.
* * out of * * * *
Blu-ray Info: “Blink Twice” is released on a single-disc Blu-ray from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. The film has a running time of 102 minutes and is rated R for strong violent content, sexual assault, drug use and language throughout, and some sexual references. It comes with a digital copy of the film as well.
Blu-ray Audio/Video Info: “Blink Twice” looks good on Blu-ray, but I’m not sure why this film didn’t get a 4K release. This film was screaming to be released on 4K, and I’m not sure why they didn’t offer that option. It is still a solid Blu-ray, but a 4K transfer would have been eye-popping and mesmerizing. The Dolby Audio is also solid, but an Atmos track would have been preferred for this movie. Subtitles are included in Parisian French, Castilian Spanish, Italian, English, Latin Spanish, and Canadian French.
Special Features:
NONE
Should You Buy It?
Considering this film should have received a 4K release and there are no special features on this Blu-Ray disc, I don’t think it is a film you need to purchase right away. It also doesn’t come with a slipcover for the Blu-ray. For a collector like me, I enjoy a slipcover over the Blu-ray case. For the time being, it is a film worth seeing, despite how frustrating it can be at times. I’d recommend you rent the film from a digital platform like Amazon, YouTube or Apple TV. It’s worth renting digitally and checking out. I’m looking forward to the next film from director Zoë Kravitz, as she impressed me with her first offering.
**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free. The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.
The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.
“American Fiction” is the kind of adult drama which has been sorely missing from Hollywood over the past decade and a half. Hollywood has become obsessed with the big screen blockbuster and superhero films. Now, of course, there is nothing wrong with those films, but the adult drama along with R-rated comedies are becoming harder and harder to find these days. It is why a film like “American Fiction” is such a delightful treat for moviegoers who enjoy complex characters and well-rounded stories, and who like to be challenged when they sit down and watch a movie.
The film stars Jeffrey Wright as Thelonious ‘Monk’ Ellison, an author and teacher who is grumpy, defeated and incredibly unhappy with his life. Thelonious is a difficult person to be around as he’s critical of not only himself but everyone else around him. It doesn’t help that he isn’t as successful as he used to be with his writing. He’s finding it harder and harder to connect with audiences as he sees a shift in the literary landscape. The books which are making money and selling are those which profit off the stereotypes that exist in black entertainment.
Thelonius is told to write a “black book,” which is something he wants nothing to do with at all as it goes against his principles and his beliefs. It makes him angry to see a writer like Sintara Golden (Issa Rae) selling books left and right while his own work is financially unsuccessful. He returns home to spend time with his family, which is another source of stress in his life. His sister, Lisa (Tracee Ellis Ross), is a hard-working physician who is doing her best to get back on her feet after a painful and costly divorce. He also discovers that his mother, Agnes (Leslie Uggams), is suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease.
This is not the pick-me-up visit Thelonius needed, as he’s not exactly close with his brother, Cliff, played by Sterling K. Brown. Cliff and Lisa have trouble getting along with him because he’s too much like their deceased father who was withdrawn, judgmental and often pushed people away. With his mother’s health suffering, it is up to Thelonius to take care of her finances and figure out what to do with her care. He finds a solution when he ends up writing a book under a pseudonym, which gives the public what they are looking for: a stereotypical black book which relies on the offensive and cliché-ridden tropes audiences love. As the old expression goes, “No one ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American public.”
Thelonius has also developed a relationship with a neighbor, Coraline, played by Erika Alexander. She likes him, but can he love himself enough to work it out with her? Can he get along with his brother? He’s also discovering through his agent, played by John Ortiz, that his book might even be turned into a movie. This is all happening very fast for him as he’s wrestling with his need to produce substantial material and also his need for money. In many cases, the two do not go hand-in-hand. He doesn’t want to sell his soul for the almighty dollar, but he also has bills to pay in the meantime. Can his moral compass allow him to “sell out?”
“American Fiction” was my favorite film of 2023. It starts with the screenplay, which won Best Adapted Screenplay at this year’s Academy Awards. The film has great dialogue in it along with rich and funny characters that really sizzle on screen. It’s a witty, timely and sharp script. The film reminded me a lot of Spike Lee’s “Bamboozled,” but it’s a more upbeat film and not as bleak. It is hard to overlook how little has changed since “Bamboozled” came out back in 2000, though. The big thing that has changed is there are more platforms and outlets for this kind of material to be digested by audiences.
This film also has a tremendous cast from top-to-bottom. Everyone has effortless chemistry with one another on screen, and they are all likable, interesting and well-developed. Even though Thelonius is a curmudgeon, he’s never boring. There is something very quirky and funny about him, and it is because he was written with a lot of different layers to him. As an audience, we understand his frustration and we know why he feels the way he does about his family and how African Americans are presented in mainstream media. He’s not wrong, even if he goes about it in a way that tends to grate on those closest to him. He can be preachy and self-righteous, but it’s hard to argue with his points. This is a man who is learning to love himself, love someone else, and reconnect with his family. He’s a work-in-progress.
If you are like me and enjoy a film with heart, humor and a bit of edge to it, you will love “American Fiction.” This is the kind of movie Hollywood used to make but seem to shy away from these days. I enjoyed every single minute of this hilarious, heartfelt and intelligent piece of moviemaking. This film allows the audience to spend time with these characters, get to know, care about, and become emotionally invested in them. The ending, without giving anything away, is also perfect. I loved “American Fiction,” and I’m confident you will love it too.
* * * * out of * * * *
Blu-ray Info: “American Fiction” is being released on a single-disc Blu-ray from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. It has a running time of 117 minutes and is rated R for language throughout, some drug use, sexual references, and brief violence. It also comes with a digital copy of the film as well.
Video/Audio Info: The 1080p high-definition transfer is very colorful, clear, and bright. Would I have loved a 4K transfer of my favorite film of last year? Of course! However, this is a very good-looking Blu-ray, and I can hold out hope it gets a 4K upgrade at some point as I think this film is only going to grow in popularity as more people see it on physical media. The audio on this Blu-ray is also top-of-the-line. All of the dialogue can be heard very clearly, which is important, because this is a very dialogue-driven film. Subtitles are included in English, French and Spanish.
Special Features:
None
Should You Buy It?
If you are strictly buying “American Fiction” for the movie itself, you should definitely buy it right away. However, this is only available on Blu-ray and DVD, and there are also no special features. This is a supremely bare bones Blu-ray from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment which is pretty disappointing. It does come with a slipcover, though. I’d say buy the Blu-ray with the slipcover as, from an audio and visual standpoint, it still looks and sounds really good. I always like to err on the side of caution, and I’d rather have a great movie on Blu-ray with the slipcover while I can before they stop releasing it with a slipcover. That being said, this film deserved a much better physical media release than it got,
**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free. The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.
The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.
Guy Ritchie has had an eventful 2023 with two films being released so far in “Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre” and now “The Covenant.” On paper, it was a film I was looking forward to with great anticipation, as I firmly believe Jake Gyllenhaal is one of the best working actors in Hollywood today. When I see his name or Oscar Isaac’s name on a movie poster, I’m immediately interested in checking out the film, as they always bring something unique and outside the box to the proceedings. Ritchie, on the other hand, is a stylish director who knows how to make old-school action films with a modern style.
The film is set in 2018 and shows Afghanistan through the eyes of Army Sergeant John Kinley, played by Gyllenhaal. He needs an interpreter in order to communicate with the people of Afghanistan after his previous interpreter was killed. He is introduced to Ahmed Abdullah, played by Dar Salim. John doesn’t always see eye-to-eye with Ahmed, but Ahmed knows how to get the proper results. If the interpreters do their job, they will be granted visas to the United States for their service. One day, John is attacked by Taliban fighters and knocked out in the process. However, he is saved by Ahmed, who makes it his mission to get him back to the base.
Once he gets him back home to the base alive, John is back in Los Angeles with his family trying to piece it all together as he suffered severe head trauma. John then proceeds to try to get in touch with Ahmed and make sure he’s properly taken care of after he saved his life. He feels this bond and connection with him. Even though they butted heads at times, he knows Ahmed saved his life from the Taliban. It was not an easy task to accomplish, and he knows he wouldn’t be alive if not for Ahmed. Ahmed couldn’t take any roads and had to make sure he wasn’t noticed by the Taliban. He accomplished a heroic feat, and it is eating away at John that he can’t do the same for Ahmed in return. Instead, Ahmed has to hide in a cave with his wife and family as he’s number one on the kill list for the Taliban because he turned against them and saved an American Sergeant.
The problem with “The Covenant” is the fact it really lacks an emotional depth and connection. Ritchie has always been great at crafting violence and in-your-face action. He does this here. However, he forgets to take the time to really build a proper relationship between John and Ahmed. He didn’t develop the characters individually or together. Because of this, the film suffers greatly and doesn’t feel urgent. When you have an actor like Gyllenhaal at your disposal, there really isn’t anything the man can’t do on screen. However, he is knocked out for part of the film, and for the other moments he’s on screen, he’s yelling, screaming or in battle.
In the end, I was pretty disappointed with “The Covenant.” It is not a bad movie by any stretch of the imagination. I just figured with a two-hour running time, Ritchie would strike the right balance between action and emotion. Instead, it is about eighty percent action and twenty percent character development. That is not a good percentage for a successful film. The moments which should have carried more weight really, really felt flat. I kept waiting to get into the story, and it never took off for me. I do, however, hope to see Ritchie and Gyllenhaal work together again in a film with a better script. This one was watchable, but it should have strived to do more with its premise. Sometimes Ritchie makes the fatal mistake of making a film which is all style and not substance. This is all action and very little substance.
* * out of * * * *
Blu-ray Info: Guy Ritchie’s “The Covenant” is released on a two-disc Blu-ray and DVD combo pack from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. It also comes with a digital code for the film. I must admit I was very surprised a film like this did not receive a 4K release. It would not have improved the quality of the film, but it’s the kind of film that really lends itself to the 4K format. It has a running time of 123 minutes and is rated R for violence, language throughout, and brief drug content.
Video Info: The 1080p transfer does look really, really good, but I would have liked to have seen what a 4K transfer of this film would have looked like considering some of the action scenes in the film. The Blu-Ray is impressive looking, though, and holds up its end of the bargain.
Audio Info: We are treated to a great Dolby Atmos soundtrack here along with subtitles in English and Spanish. Considering all of the action in the film, I was happy I was able to keep it on the same sound level throughout the film without it ever getting too loud.
Special Features: None
Should You Buy It?
Guy Ritchie’s “The Covenant” was a letdown for me. It’s nearly impossible to be bored by a Ritchie film, as there is always something happening on screen, but this is a film where I really felt the running time of a little over two hours. I didn’t feel like there was enough going on with the plot. They had a solid idea for a film along with a major star, but it never really took off. I thought it would turn around in the second half, but it never really found its footing. Once again, I’m really surprised this film did not get a 4K release, but I’m guessing it might be because it was not a big box-office hit. If the film had made more money in theaters, I think it would have had a 4K release. It’s still a good-looking Blu-ray, but there are absolutely no special features. I don’t think it’s worth owning at all, but if you catch it on Max, you might find it more enjoyable than I did as a viewer. It’s rare that I’m this underwhelmed by a Jake Gyllenhaal or Guy Ritchie film. I thought the two of them together would make a really exciting action flick. Instead, this is as run-of-the-mill as they come.
**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free. The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.
The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit Correspondent, Tony Farinella.
Your enjoyment level for “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” will depend on how funny or clever you find its main protagonist, played by Zachary Levi. Personally speaking, he is an actor I’ve never been a fan of, especially in these films. I found his performance incredibly irritating, silly and annoying. I understand he’s trying to portray a silly high schooler as an adult who is learning how to be mature and deal with his new superpowers. However, I just found his performance to be very grating after a while. He’s very over the top. I’m all for a superhero film where they have some fun as it doesn’t have to be so dark and dreary throughout. There is room for every type of superhero film out there, and I fully respect and get that. However, he is not the right actor for balancing the goofy scenes along with the more serious action sequences.
Our film opens up in a museum in Athens, Greece where two of the three daughters of the Titan Atlas break in to steal the Wizard’s broken staff from the previous film. Billy Batson (Zachary Levi) is trying to keep his family together as he’s about to turn eighteen and is worried he will be thrown out of the house as his foster parents, Victor and Rosa Vasquez (Cooper Andrews and Marta Milans), are struggling to keep it all together financially. He’s also suffering from a case of imposter syndrome. In essence, he’s insecure and also struggling to figure out his place in the world. Can he keep his “Shazamily” of foster siblings together, as they are maturing and developing their own interests and unique personalities?
However, he has to act fast as two of the daughters of the Titan Atlas, played by Helen Mirren and Lucy Liu, have captured his brother Freddy Freeman (Jack Dylan Grazer) along with a newly repaired Wizard staff. Early on, they are also dealing with controversy for their crime fighting methods in Philadelphia. In fact, they are now known as The Philly Fiascos thanks to some of their mishaps, even though their hearts were in the right place. As mentioned previously, the family has a lot on its mind. For Freddy Freeman, before he was captured, he had a crush on a girl named Anne, played by Rachel Zegler. Pedro Peña (Jovan Armand) is keeping a secret he’s not sure he’s ready to share with the world quite yet.
Darla Dudley (Faithe Herman) is trying to accept growing up while still being a kid at heart. Eugene Choi (Ian Chen) is preoccupied, and Mary Bromfield (Grace Caroline Currey) wants to get into college and is focusing on her studies. They must come together as a family and put their individual interests aside in order to conquer The Three Daughters of the Titan Atlas. They work better when they are together, but it is important they get on the same page and focus on the task at hand. From here on out, we get a lot of explosions, special effects, bad jokes, and a big finale. The film was never boring and it kept my attention for its over two-hour running time. However, it just fell flat for me because of Levi’s performance and just the fact that the film lost its sense of direction near the end and went all over the map.
I’m completely aware that sequels are part of Hollywood when a film is successful, especially when we are talking about a superhero film. People will flock to them. There is a built-in audience already. The “Shazam!” films have been directed by David F. Sandberg, and I was a huge fan of his previous two films: “Lights Out” and “Annabelle: Creation.” The film looks really good, as he has a keen visual sense. However, I didn’t feel the heart of the film as much as I would have liked, and it’s a big problem here. I liked it better than the first one, but when the lead actor is such a ham on screen and so phony and fake with his line readings and performance, it really takes you out of the story. I liked everyone else and thought they did a really good job, but once it becomes a bloated mess and Billy Batson turns into a one-line machine, the film just didn’t work for me. If you liked the first one, you will like the second one. If you didn’t, there isn’t anything here that is going to change your mind or convert you to this character and this franchise.
* * out of * * * *
4K Info: “Shazam! Fury of the Gods” is released on a two-disc 4K and Blu-ray combo pack from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. It has a running time of 130 minutes and is rated PG-13 for sequences of action, violence and language. The film comes with a digital copy to be redeemed as well.
Video Info: We are treated to a beautiful Dolby Vision transfer here that really stands out and pops. The film looks beautiful on 4K, especially the action sequences. Even though they can be overdone and unnecessary at times, I can admit when they look beautiful. My issue is more of the fact they don’t hold as much weight when the emotional heart of the film isn’t present. The darks set the mood when it needs to, and the film is also filled with color and light when it calls for it.
Audio Info: The Dolby Atmos track is also really, really good here. With a film that relies heavily on action, you worry about the film being so loud that it takes you out of the film. Here, thanks to the Dolby Atmos track, it’s never too loud or soft. It’s perfect throughout the entire duration of the film.
Special Features:
SHAZAM! Let’s Make a Sequel – featurette
The Rock of Eternity: Decked Out – featurette
The Shazamily Reunion – featurette
The Zac Effect – featurette
The Sisterhood of the Daughters of Atlas – featurette
Pay By Play: Scene Breakdown – featurettes
Ben Franklin bridge collapse
Rooftop battle of the gods
Unicorn ride in Philadelphia
Epic showdown at the baseball stadium
The Mythology of Shazam! – featurette
Director’s Audio Commentary with David F. Sandberg
Deleted Scenes, Alternate & Extended Scenes
Should You Buy It?
As a 4K disc, it looks and sounds out of this world. I’m a big fan of what Warner Brothers does with its 4K releases. They really place a high importance on giving their big screen movies a proper release on 4K with Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos. There are also a lot of special features here, so if you enjoy “Shazam! Fury of the Gods,” you will enjoy this disc and its special features. If I’m grading this movie overall, it’s just average. It was watchable and entertaining at times, but it’s a film I have no interest in rewatching, and I don’t think it will have great repeat value. There are rare moments where the heart of the film is on display, and I liked those moments. The main struggle here is the balance between comedy, action and drama. The film doesn’t quite pull this task off successfully during its over two-hour running time. When it does, it’s good fun. When it doesn’t, it’s very bland and uninteresting. This is a film in search of a tone. If you are a fan of this franchise, you will be happy with the 4K release. If you are watching this for the first time or didn’t enjoy the first one, this sequel is not going to win you over.
**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free. The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.
The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.
I’m an emotional, sensitive and empathic person, and I tend to seek out films which will make me think, move me to tears and tell a narrative that resonates with me. However, I have a good barometer for films that are trying too hard to tug at my heart strings and doing just a little too much to get an emotional reaction out of me. When you try to watch a movie or two a day, you can usually figure out which direction a movie is going to go either from its trailer or by where the film is taking its audience. “A Good Person,” directed by Zach Braff, started out incredibly promising until its wild and heavy-handed third act.
“A Good Person” stars the always lovely and talented Florence Pugh as Allison, a young woman who is about to get married to the love of her life, Nathan (Chinaza Uche). They are the perfect couple and the film opens with their engagement party where they are at their happiest. But then things spiral out of control for Allison when she gets into a car accident with her fiancé’s sister and husband in the car. She took her eyes off the road for one second to check Google Maps, and while she survived, they both perished. This sends her down a path of becoming addicted to OxyContin to deal with the physical and emotional pain of the car accident.
Allison cuts her hair one day and is making rash and impulsive decisions in her life, which worries her mother, played by Molly Shannon. She hits up an old friend for pills, former classmates, and even curses out the pharmacist. Finally, she decides to go to a meeting, which is being led by Simone (Zoe Lister-Jones). While there, she runs into Nathan’s father, Daniel, played by Morgan Freeman. Allison is hesitant to stay, as she knows the pain and hurt she caused his family, but he insists that she stay. Daniel has his hands full as he’s a recovering alcoholic who is now in charge of taking care of his granddaughter, Ryan (Celeste O’Connor), after her parents were killed in the car accident.
The best thing about “A Good Person” is the back-and-forth interactions between Pugh and Freeman. When you have actors of this caliber, it’s best to just stay out of their way and let them do their thing. Freeman plays an ex-cop who never really knew how to be there for his son Nathan growing up. He used to beat him, which has caused a lot of trauma and resentment in Nathan toward his father. The two of them barely speak and don’t have much of a relationship. For Allison, she’s trying to deal with the grief and guilt of what she has done to Daniel, as she has taken his daughter away from him. However, he could use some help when it comes to figuring out how to talk to a sixteen-year-old teenage girl about safe sex when her parents are now deceased.
I really enjoyed the first hour and a half of “A Good Person.” I thought Pugh really, really went for it with her performance. She’s an actress who really immerses herself in her characters. Physically and mentally, this is a fantastic performance. She looks, sounds and acts like an addict. Freeman is also very good, as he usually is, at portraying many different emotions throughout as he’s trying to be a grandfather, deal with his own demons, and also forgive Allison. Thanks to the two lead performances and a fast-moving plot, I was really enjoying “A Good Person.” Sadly, the film takes a wild and crazy turn in the third act, which really sent things spiraling off the rails.
Yes, this is a drama, and you expect certain emotional moments and sequences to be displayed on screen. In “A Good Person,” it felt forced and like writer/director Braff had an idea for a movie and the right cast, but didn’t know what to say at the end or how he wanted to end it. Instead, it turns into a cheesy soap opera, and he, sadly, wastes the performances of his two leads and his supporting cast. The film is also about 15 to 20 minutes too long. Once again, the drama felt forced at the end and it seemed like they were really trying for an emotional and powerful ending. Instead, I could see right through the fact they were trying to make me feel something instead of letting it happen organically. The film didn’t need to try so hard and throw so much into the last 30-40 minutes of the film.
* * out of * * * *
Blu-Ray Info: “A Good Person” is released on a single-disc Blu-ray from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. It is rated R for drug abuse, language throughout, and some sexual references. The film has a running time of 128 minutes. It comes with a digital copy of the film as well.
Video Info: The 1080p High-Definition transfer is very, very solid. It’s a clean looking film with a green tint that really translated itself well to the material. Visually, Zach Braff did a great job behind the camera. It’s his script which really needed work.
Audio Info: The DTS-HD MA: English 5.1 audio track is also really good for this film. I did feel like Zach Braff relied on music a little too much throughout the course of this film to get the audience to feel something. I enjoy music in a film, but it needs to be properly placed and not shoved down our throats. There is also a Dolby Digital: English Descriptive Audio track. Subtitles are included in English, French, and Spanish.
Special Features:
None
Should You Buy It?
It’s always disappointing when I want to like a movie and don’t. I know this might sound like a rather simplistic approach to film viewing, but I had high hopes for this one. I’m still a huge fan of 2004’s “Garden State,” and I think Zach Braff is a talented director. When it comes to his writing, I think he can be a little too earnest. He means well and his heart is in the right place, but sometimes it just seems like he can’t keep himself from going a little too far. I didn’t hate the film and I enjoyed a good portion of it, but it was just a little too sappy for me which is saying something. The film looks and sounds good on Blu-ray, so it’s not a huge disappointment they didn’t give it a 4K release. There are no special features on this disc at all. I think it’s worth watching for the performances of its two leads, but I don’t think it’s a film you need to own. If you see it on Max or at Redbox, it’s worth watching. However, this is not a film I need to watch again. This is a case of two performances which deserved a better script.
**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free. The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.
The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.
The idea of being a superhero is something which appeals to people all across the world. They want the chance to start out as an ordinary individual and transform themselves into something special and magical. 1978’s “Superman” is a perfect example of this, especially with its leading man, Christopher Reeve. It’s an iconic role and performance which continues to stand the test of time. It also achieved the rare feat of being both a financial and critical success. When that happens in Hollywood, everyone is pleased as punch. It’s the magic formula Hollywood is always trying to achieve as they want to do quality work which is meaningful to an audience while also making a lot of money.
There are so many things which make “Superman” great. Of course, as mentioned previously, you have the tremendous performance by the late, great Christopher Reeve. However, you also need a really, really effective villain, and it’s hard to find a better Hollywood villain than the legendary Gene Hackman as Lex Luthor. He oozes with charisma, personality, and you love to root against him. As far as the supporting cast, it is filled with some of the greatest working actors and actresses in Hollywood history, such as Marlon Brando, Margot Kidder, Glenn Ford, Jackie Cooper, Terence Stamp, Ned Beatty, Jack O’Halloran, Maria Schell and Sarah Douglas.
It also doesn’t hurt when you have a director like Richard Donner behind the camera as well. He knows how to pace the film, allow his actors room to breathe, and he is also respectful of the source material. There was also the magnificent score by the iconic John Williams. When you have all of the right pieces in place like Donner did such as the script, the actors and the budget, you have to stay on track and basically not screw it up. He was just the right man for this big budget affair. During its release, it had the highest budget for a film at the time, coming in at $55 million. It’s funny to hear that number now, considering how much budgets have increased in Hollywood since then.
What speaks to me about the first “Superman” film is the idea of having a double life and people not knowing who you really are. During the day you are Clark Kent, a mild-mannered reporter, but you also have the ability to be Superman. It shows we all have something special inside of us. It is up to us to really find that, harness it, and use it for good. Superman is your all-American, clean cut, good guy. He’s very likable and effortlessly charming. On paper, this idea might sound ludicrous, but because the filmmakers took it seriously and had the right actors and participants involved, they really had lightning in a bottle. Even to this day, the film holds up incredibly well. When you see the special effects, they were really ahead of their time and they helped pave the way for a lot of the effects we see today, only they are now taken up a notch. Most importantly, this film has a big heart and a big soul attached to it. This is why the film is beloved by so many.
With this tremendous release from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment, we are also treated to “Superman II” in two different versions. We get the original theatrical cut by Richard Lester and the Richard Donner Cut on 4K. To this day, people still debate which version they like better and which is more worth watching. If you ask me, it’s best to watch both versions. I see things in Donner’s film I like more than in Lester’s and vice versa, but overall, I felt like Lester’s version was a much more polished, easy to follow, and complete film. Donner’s version is flawed with moments of greatness, and it deserves to be seen. Thanks to this set, you can watch both versions, which, as stated previously, I highly encourage you to do as I love a good film discussion. Film is subjective and there is really no right or wrong answer.
In “Superman II,” Mario Puzo is back once along with fellow screenwriters, David and Leslie Newman, again with a really good story, and this is a great thing for the audience. All three really know how to flesh out a story and create unique and interesting characters. It doesn’t hurt when you have actors like Beatty, Kidder and Hackman completely invested in the material. While not as good as the first one, and it’s rare for a sequel to be as good as its predecessor, it’s still a very, very good movie. There is some great humor here, and even in a superhero movie where the stakes are high and we are in a fictional world, some levity is very much appreciated! Sometimes it is nice to have a different vision and a new voice in a franchise while also staying true to what made the first film successful. Richard Lester was not put in an ideal situation, but he made it work, and you have to give him credit for that.
By “Superman III,” it seemed like the magic was starting to disappear, and they totally shifted the focus of the franchise into a campy, goofy and comedic realm which really rubbed audiences the wrong way. I understand they were going for something different, and they brought in Richard Pryor, but the script, the jokes and the material are just really, really bad. There is no denying that Pryor is a funny man with great comedic timing, but his abilities didn’t lend themselves to this film franchise. Overall, “Superman III” was doomed because of behind-the-scenes issues, script issues, and a film in search of the right tone. The filmmakers seemed to have lost the plot all together as well as their love for the character and the franchise. When a franchise has success, many times it is how the filmmakers handle that success which defines how it will carry on and continue. It is clear they didn’t know how to handle success here.
It didn’t get any better with “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.” It was so poorly made and received that they didn’t make another Superman film until 2006. As is often the case with sequels, they went cheap. Even though Hackman returns and Kidder receives more screen time, this film was dead on arrival. The plot is incoherent, messy, and just plain dumb. It was a cash-grab sequel, and when you are focused on money over quality work, you end up with “Superman IV: The Quest for Peace.” It’s a very frustrating film and incredibly hard to follow. As you can see with the “Superman” franchise, you have the law of diminishing returns.
4K Info: The “Superman” 5-Film Collection 1978-1987 is in a terrific box set with all the films getting their own individual dual 4K case which also includes a Blu-ray version of the them. I was really happy they didn’t stack the discs in the set here, as that is always a pet peeve of mine. I was also very happy they gave each film its day in court with artwork and its own individual dual case. “Superman” was previously released on 4K, but this is the first time the other four films have been released in this format. You also a digital code for all of the films as well.
Video Info: If you already own the first “Superman” 4K, please know they have not added anything new to it here. It’s the same “Superman” 4K that had been released in its standalone edition. That being said, it’s hard not to be stunned and blown away by the beautiful Dolby Vision look of the original film. I had not previously owned the first “Superman” film, so I had no qualms about there not being anything new here. It’s just something to keep in mind for those who already own it on 4K. Overall, this is far and away the best these five films have ever looked on home video. They look sharp, clean and free of grain or mess. They have cleaned these films up very, very nicely. I was very impressed with these transfers. Warner Brothers has really been knocking it out of the park with their releases this year during their 100-year anniversary celebration, and this “Superman” box set is no exception.
Audio Info: We are treated to Dolby Atmos on all five films which is fantastic news! I am a huge fan of Dolby Atmos, and the sound is such a vital part of these films. The audio sounds crystal clear, concise, and it comes in at just the right pitch without being too loud or in-your-face. I’m always happy when I can leave it on one volume setting and still get the same impact throughout. That was the case with all five films. They also all come with subtitles in French, English and Spanish as well.
Special Features:
“Superman: The Movie” Special Features:
Commentary by Ilya Salkind and Pierre Spangler
The Making of Superman – vintage featurette
Superman and the Mole-Men – vintage featurette
Super-Rabbit – 1943 WB cartoon
Snafuperman – 1944 WB cartoon
Stupor Duck – 1956 WB cartoon
TV Spot
Teaser Trailer
Theatrical Trailer
‘Superman II” Special Features:
Commentary by Ilya Salkind and Pierre Spengler
The Making of “Superman II” – 1980 TV Special
Superman’s Soufflé – Deleted Scene
First Flight
Fleischer Studios’ Superman vintage cartoons:
Superman
The Mechanical Monster
Billion Dollar Limited
The Arctic Giant
The Bulleteers
The Magnetic Telescope
Electric Earthquake
Volcano
Terror on the Midway
Theatrical Trailer
“Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut” Special Features:
Commentary by Richard Donner and Tom Mankiewicz
Introduction by Richard Donner – featurette
Superman II: Restoring the Vision – featurette
Deleted Scenes
Lex and Ms. Teschmacher Head North
Lex and Ms. Teschmacher Head South
The Villains Enter the Fortress
He’s All Yours, Boys
Clarke and Jimmy
Lex’s Gateway
Famous Studios vintage cartoons:
Japoteurs
Showdown
Eleventh Hour
Destruction, Inc.
The Mummy Strikes
Jungle Drums
The Underground World
Secret Agent
“Superman III” Special Features:
Commentary by Ilya Salkind and Pierre Spengler
The Making of “Superman III” – 1983 TV Special
Deleted Scenes:
Save My Baby
To the Rescue
Making Up
Going to See the Boss
Hatching the Plan
The Con
Rooftop Ski
Boss Wants This to Go
Superman Honored
Gus’ Speech
Hanging Up on Brad
Theatrical Trailer
“Superman IV: The Quest for Peace” Special Features:
Commentary by Mark Rosenthal
Superman 50th Anniversary Special – 1988 TV Special
Deleted Scenes:
Clark’s Morning
Jeremy’s Letter
Superman’s Visit
Nuclear Man’s Prototype
Metropolis After Hours
Lex Ponders
Flying Sequence (Extended Scene)
Battle in Smallville
Battle in the U.S.S.R.
Nuclear Arms Race
Superman’s Sickness
Red Alert
By My Side
Lark and Lacy Say Goodbye
No Borders
Theatrical Trailer
Should You Buy It?
Last time I checked, this set is going for about $90, which is a great price for five films. Granted, you are really paying for “Superman,” “Superman II” and “Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut,” so you need to own all of the Christopher Reeve “Superman” films if you are a completist like myself. I’ve heard a lot of people in the film community complain about some of the special features from other releases not being included on this set but they are included in the other Blu-ray releases. This did not bother me as there are still plenty of special features to shift through here. I’m happy they included the Blu-ray discs for all of the films and didn’t just include the 4K’s. The good films in this franchise leave me with a warm and fuzzy feeling. When films make me feel this way and put a smile on my face, I’m a happy camper. There is also something to enjoy about the total and complete absurdity of the bad films as well. If you have a sense of humor and come in with the right mindset, you can enjoy them on the level of they are aiming at. All the films come with Dolby Atmos tracks, which is a great perk. My one minor nitpick is the fact that not all these films include Dolby Vision except for the first one. However, in 2023, when physical media is hard to come by in stores but very much appreciated by us hardcore film historians and lovers, I don’t want to be too overly critical or negative over the little things. Warner Brothers and other studios are really going all out to preserve important pieces of cinematic history. We shouldn’t look a gift horse in the mouth. This set comes highly recommended, and I enjoyed revisiting these films in 4K. It gave me a whole new appreciation for these films, Christopher Reeve’s performance, and the intense feelings of happiness and joy the first two (three if you are counting the Richard Donner cut) films brought to me. You can’t put a price tag on that. This set comes highly recommended!
* * * ½ out of * * * *
**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free. The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.
The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.
I thought the first two “Magic Mike” films served two different purposes, but they were entertaining and fun in different ways. The first “Magic Mike,” directed by Steven Soderbergh, was more artistic and character driven. It was a good film with great performances and cinematography. In “Magic Mike XXL,” we got some comedic touches to the material, and it was a charming and fun journey. “Magic Mike’s Last Dance” features style but very little substance and almost none of the charm of the second film. Instead, we are left with a film which really serves no purpose. I really hope it is Magic Mike’s last dance because what else is left to explore with this franchise at this point?
Mike Lane (Channing Tatum) has fallen on hard times after his furniture business went under because of the pandemic. He is now a bartender in Miami and trying to keep a low profile. It’s not that he is ashamed of his past, it’s just that he is looking to leave it behind and move forward. While bartending, one of Mike’s former clients recognizes him, but she plays it cool because she is with her husband. This information gets passed onto Maxandra Mendoza (Salma Hayek Pinault) who offers him $6,000 for a dance. He initially asked for $60,000, but they were able to settle on $6,000. After he dances for her, she offers him a chance to earn that $60,000 in London, but she leaves out the details.
While in London, we discover Max is in the middle of a divorce and is now in possession of the Rattigan Theatre. She wants Mike to choreograph dance elements into “Isabel Ascende,” a play which was being run there before she arrived and shut it down. When Mike and Max come together, they come up with the idea of incorporating erotic dance into the production in a way which will spice things up around town. This, however, does not come without problems from her ex-husband, Roger (Alan Cox). Max believes Mike can find a way to put something magical out there, even if it is for only one night, as he really made an impression on her back in Miami with his dancing.
One of the biggest problems with this film is the fact it does not feature the previous crew of dancers such as Kevin Nash, Joe Manganiello, Matt Bomer and Adam Rodriguez. They are only shown here on a brief Zoom call, where Mike promises to get them their money back after the furniture business they invested in with him went out of business. The film was really missing their presence and chemistry together as a group. Overall, the film does have some great dance numbers, especially the one in the beginning between Mike and Max and some big numbers at the end. It is everything in the middle which just seems unnecessary and unimportant to the viewers.
I liked the chemistry between Tatum and Hayek Pinault. I wanted their relationship to develop more on screen from a character perspective instead of just being a physical attraction. I thought her personal assistant, Victor (Ayub Khan-Din), had some great one-liners and used his screen time wisely. More of his character would have been appreciated. Max’s adopted daughter, Zadie, played by Jemelia George in her first film role, also showed tremendous timing and screen presence. There is a genesis for an entertaining film here, but at nearly two hours long, it’s a real slog to sit through from start to finish. The first two films were better than I expected them to be, but this one is a drag. There is not a lot of enjoyment to be had here as this sequel is really flat and uninspired.
* * out of * * * *
Blu-ray Info: “Magic Mike’s Last Dance” is released on a two-disc Blu-ray/DVD combo pack from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment. It has a running time of 112 minutes and is rated R for sexual material and language. This combo pack comes with the Blu-ray, DVD, and a digital copy of the film as well.
Video Info: The 1080p High-Definition transfer looks really, really good here. I’ve always been a big fan of the look and feel of Steven Soderbergh’s films, and this is no exception here. It has a crisp, clear look, but it also knows when to light up during the dance numbers. This is a really, really good-looking Blu-ray.
Audio Info: The DTS-HD MA: English 5.1 audio transfer is also top notch with flawless sound. It also comes on the following audio formats: Dolby Digital: English Descriptive Audio, French, and Spanish. Subtitles are in English, French, and Spanish.
Special Features:
Magic Mike’s New Moves
Deleted Scene
Should You Buy It?
I understand they wanted to do something different with the third film. They took it to London and added Hayek Pinault. They had good intentions here. After all, this is Tatum’s baby, and he’s a producer on the film. However, they left behind the boys from the first two films, and they are such a big part of this franchise. They added the flavor and the fun factor. The film also takes itself too seriously with these voiceovers which come across as too self-important. There are good intentions here, as I mentioned, but the execution is very poor. There is no meat on the bone with the screenplay here. I did not feel like I knew any of the other dancers all that well, and I wanted to know more about Hayek Pinault’s character besides the fact she is getting divorced from a wealthy businessman. If this is on HBO one night, you can check it out. I would not go out of my way to see it or buy it.
**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free. The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.
The following review was written by Ultimate Rabbit correspondent, Tony Farinella.
If it’s Christmas time, you know it means twenty-four hours of “A Christmas Story” from director Bob Clark on TBS and TNT. It has become a holiday tradition for many people and a good background distraction for families as they gather to open presents, eat and spend time together. As with any Christmas film which is hugely popular, people are known to quote the lines from this one as they hold it near and dear to their hearts. However, how does “A Christmas Story” hold up in 2022?
“A Christmas Story” is set in Northern Indiana and follows young Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley), a nine-year-old kid who wants one thing for Christmas—a Red Ryder BB Gun. However, he is told by his mother, his teacher and even a mall Santa that he will shoot his eye out. This does not stop him from pulling out all the stops to get it though, including leaving behind little hints for his mother. Ralphie also has a peculiar little brother named Randy who likes to play with his food and hide in tiny spaces. He’s also joined by his overworked mother (Melinda Dillon) and cranky father (Darren McGavin).
The film is told from Ralphie POV as an adult as he looks back on this particular Christmas. We get to see him at school as he’s trying to focus on his classes while also pining over the Red Ryder BB gun. He’s also dealing with the local school bully named Scut Farkus (Zack Ward) who terrorizes Ralphie and his friends Flick and Schwartz, played by Scott Schwartz and R.D. Robb. They get into the usual tomfoolery at school such as Flick getting his tongue stuck to a post outside school, which causes him to need medical attention.
Ralphie’s father is also obsessed with a leg lamp which he sees as a major award, even though it brings his wife a great deal of shame and embarrassment. The father is also dealing with being hounded by the dogs next door. There is a lot going on in Ralphie’s life, but one thing remains the same—he wants the Red Ryder BB gun. He is counting down the days until Christmas, and he is hoping he will find it under the tree, no matter what it takes. I think we can all relate to that period of time in our lives as a child hoping for that special present as if it were the most important thing in the world.
I do feel though that “A Christmas Story” is overrated simply because of the fact it’s been on TNT and TBS since 1997. Sometimes if an audience sees something enough, they tend to fall in love with it based on repetition or the memories it conjures up for them. It is not a bad movie by any means. It is based on “In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash” by Jean Shepherd which, according to my research, featured semi-fictional tidbits. I just don’t think there is a story or a plot here. It is filled with movie moments and memorable lines which have stayed with people throughout the years. My favorite Christmas movie of all time is “It’s a Wonderful Life” with “Elf” coming in at number two, which I recently reviewed.
There is humor to be found here, and I understand what they were trying to go for with the story and the theme. I just didn’t feel like it was enough to make a full-length film. Even though it’s only 93 minutes, there are times where the film drags and feels a little insignificant. I didn’t hate the film nor did I love it either. It’s watchable, but there is nothing which really stands out to me. The film doesn’t have an “it factor” like the other two Christmas movies I mentioned. It’s just mindless silliness, which is fine, but it doesn’t make for a great movie. It makes for an average movie.
* * ½ out of * * * *
4K/Blu-ray Info: “A Christmas Story” is released on a two-disc 4K/Blu-ray combo pack from Warner Brothers Home Entertainment that also comes with a digital copy of the film. It is rated PG and runs at 93 minutes.
4K Info: They have done a masterful job of cleaning up this picture. I’ve seen it many times over the years in bits and pieces on TV, but this is, far and away, the best it has ever looked. There is no grain whatsoever on the picture. It is crystal clear, and the HDR gives the film a new life.
Audio Info: The audio formats are DTS-HD MA: English 2.0 Mono and Dolby Digital: English and French. Subtitles are included in English, Spanish, and French. The audio has also never sounded better on 4K. You can hear everything perfectly, and the sound is consistent throughout the film.
Special Features:
Audio Commentary by Bob Clark and Peter Billingsley
Christmas in Ohio: A Christmas Story House
Another Christmas Story
Daisy Red Ryder: A History
Get a Leg Up
“Flash Gordon” Deleted Script Pages
The Leg Lamp Spot
Jean Shepherd Original Radio Reading
Duel in the Snow, or Red Ryder Nails the Cleveland Street Kid (HD, 38:07)
Flick’s Tongue
Theatrical Trailer
Should You Buy It?
If we are strictly talking about the audio and video of this 4K release of “A Christmas Story,” this is a must own if you are a fan of the film. Having seen it on TV at many Christmas parties and also having watched the Blu-ray in the past, this is an incredible transfer on 4K. The film looks great. Keep in mind, the filmmakers have set this story in the 1940’s, even though it was released in 1983. It looks out of this world on 4K. I was really impressed with the audio and video here and every little detail that was popping up on screen. I give the audio and video four stars on this release. You get the special features that were on the Blu-ray in the past, which is expected. If you are a fan of the film, you NEED to own it on 4K, there is no question about it. If you have grown tired of the film or don’t find it funny (I fall into the latter category), you can pass on it. However, I have a feeling this is going to be a hot-seller for fans of Christmas movies. It just doesn’t work for me.
**Disclaimer** I received a copy of this film from Warner Brothers to review for free. The opinions and statements in the review are mine and mine alone.
The Ultimate Rabbit 