Incoming (2024)

Incoming (2024)

6/10

Starring          

Mason Thames

Ramon Reed

Bardia Seiri

Raphael Alejandro

 

Directed by Dave Chernin and John Chernin

 

This movie feels like a modern remake of Superbad, the iconic 2007 coming-of-age film. And honestly, I enjoyed it enough to give it a solid thumbs-up. It’s not groundbreaking or particularly original, but it delivers the kind of chaotic fun that makes these kinds of films worth watching.

If you’ve seen one coming-of-age movie, you’ve seen them all, but what I liked about this one was how it didn’t waste time on drawn out backstories or slow build-ups. The plot kicks off almost immediately, spiraling into a series of wild, and often ridiculous events that kept me entertained. At one point, there’s even a literal “shit-show” you’ve got to see it to believe it.

I can see why some people might not like it, especially if they’re big fans of Superbad and feel like this doesn’t measure up. I agree Superbad did do it better, but I think there’s still room for people to appreciate how this movie handles its dual storylines. Watching the characters deal with their individual struggles while chaos seems to unfold on two different fronts was funny.

The story centers on four high school freshmen. First, there’s Benj, who’s crushing hard on his sister’s best friend and will do just about anything to win her over. Then there’s Eddie, a laid-back guy who has to deal with his mom’s awful boyfriend, who treats him like a doormat in his own house. Connor is the smallest of the group and always feels invisible. The last of the four is Danah, the crazy one of the bunch, who dreams of becoming legendary like his elder brother.

The chaos begins when Danah’s older brother, Koosh, invites him to a party and says he can bring his friends. But on the big night, Koosh changes his mind, saying only one of his friends can come in. This caused some drama. Benj insists he should be the one to go, hoping for a chance to impress his crush. Eddie and Connor are furious with Danah for not standing up to Koosh, and they storm off, leaving Benj and Danah to tackle the party alone.

So, at the party we see Benj try to confess his feelings to his sister’s best friend, and Danah traps a girl in a room, lying to her that there is no way out, with the hope that the time alone together with her will result in him getting laid.

Meanwhile, Eddie and Connor steal Eddie’s mom’s boyfriend’s car and set off on their own unforgettable night. Their adventure was just as entertaining as the one of Benj and Danah at the party.

In the end, each of the characters learns something new about themselves, and we see some personal growth.

You can catch this movie on Netflix, It’s not perfect, but I found it well worth watching.

The Garfield Movie (2024)

The Garfield Movie (2024)

 3/10

Starring          

Chris Pratt

Samuel L. Jackson

Hannah Waddingham

Ving Rhames

 

Directed by Mark Dindal

 

I have fond memories of the 2004 Garfield: The Movie, which starred Bill Murray as the voice of Garfield. The movie blended live action with CGI (even though, something of 2004 was not as fantastic as what we will see today), and I recall loving it. This new Garfield movie is entirely animated, and I was hopeful that without the restraints of love action, this movie has potential of being memorable. Well, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. To be honest, I can’t say how I would feel revisiting the 2004 version today, but this one certainly didn’t make me feel the same charm I felt back then.

This film feels more like a children's movie, and I’d say it’s best enjoyed through that lens. Everyone except for Odie seemed rather dull. The plot revolves around Garfield reuniting with his estranged father Vic. This is a regular plot path many animations take, an old Hollywood formula where a parent and child, separated at birth, must overcome their past in order to work together in the present. I’ve seen this story too many times before, and this film doesn’t add anything new or exciting to the mix.

The plot kicks off with Garfield enjoying his typical lazy life when he and Odie are kidnapped by Jinx, a criminal who used to be part of Vic’s crew. Jinx, who blames Vic for not saving her during their criminal past, demands Garfield and Vic work together to retrieve a quart of milk for each day Jinx spent locked up more than four years. It’s a rather bizarre request, but it sets off a new heist style adventure, for both father and son.

You can see all the possible potential this movie has, but sadly the execution was poor. The father and son dynamic was same old same old Hollywood formula, and their struggles to reconnect didn't add the emotional depth it seemed to promise. Watching them try to work together as they faced various challenges was more tedious than heartwarming.

What I can say is that, if you enjoy watching predictable and cliché filled movies and don’t mind the lack of innovation, you may find something to enjoy here.

Despite mine and others critic of this movie, it was a box office success. So, I wouldn’t be surprised if a sequel is already in the works. But for now, this movie stands as a rather forgettable chapter in Garfield's cinematic journey.

Outrageous Fortune (1987)

Outrageous Fortune (1987)

 

3/10

Starring          

Shelley Long

Bette Midler

 

Directed by Arthur Hiller

 

In life, when you get some free time, you want to make the most of it. You could go for a walk, have a picnic, or just simply relax. I decided to watch this movie, and let’s just say it was a regrettable decision.

Outrageous Fortune is a complete letdown. It’s hard to understand how this film made so much money at the box office or earned Bette Midler a Golden Globe nomination. Because if it is possible to go into my head and remove every trace of this movie, I will.

The plot is ridiculous, and honestly, the whole thing feels like a poorly executed joke on me. Two women, Lauren (Shelley Long) and Sandy (Bette Midler), who are both romantically involved with the same man, Michael. Which alone is not the ridiculous part. You see, Michael is on the run from the CIA after stealing something, he then uses the women to pass secret messages. I can think of a less complex way to get that done, but this seems very simple for Michael, I guess I lack the charm to get two women to fall for me, is why this seems far-fetched.

Then to make it more ridiculous, the CIA is too incompetent to find Michael when he goes on a run. But these two women, when they found out about one another, by some sheer luck, manage to track him down.

I do not know how this movie got past the development table. I kept wondering how Michael was passing the messages, because we were just told about it. That year, must have been a bad year for movies, because the acting is so dreadful that it becomes almost painful to watch. As the plot progresses, it exposes plot holes that make no sense.

I just couldn’t buy into it. It’s one thing to stretch the limits in a film, but Outrageous Fortune just throws any attempt at making any sense out the window. And the worst part? The humor is flat. The movie drags on, hoping to make up for its weak plot with unconvincing gags that fall completely short.

If you somehow find yourself watching this movie, I feel sorry for you. If you haven't seen it yet, trust me you’re not missing anything. Skip it. It's not worth your time. Don’t waste a single second of your life watching it. Save yourself the frustration and find something better to do with your free time.