Underrated Films - Midnight Run

 

Before we get into the review I do what to tell you a few things. Originally there was gonna be a Cinematic Disasters review, but due to a losing a family things got all jumbled around and instead you're getting another Underrated Films review. So I hope you enjoy.

Midnight Run is an action-comedy thriller that was produced by City Light Films with distribution being done by Universal Pictures. George Callo wrote the screenplay while Martin Brest directed.

The story is, bounty hunter Jack Walsh is enlisted find accountant Jonathan Mardukas who embezzled $15 million from a Chicago crime boss and bring him to Los Angeles. But things aren't gonna be easy on this road trip with not only the mob chasing them but also the F.B.I. and a rival bounty hunter are also chasing after them. While these won't be able to stand each other they'll soon start to become a strange pair of friends.

Why It's Underrated

Be honest with yourself, out of all the Robert De Niro films who know or heard of is this one of them? If you said no don't be ashamed. Like myself I didn't know this existed until doing research for this post.

My Thoughts

There is one downside to the movie and that's it's not at all groundbreaking. It doesn't really add too much to the whole buddy road trip flicks. However despite that I felt like the execution and it's charm does save it from it's otherwise familiar premise.

Since by the end of the day this is a comedy how well does it do in that department? I found it very funny. With these there's plenty of times I wish I could go into spoilers for these (along with my reviews for more recently released films) I won't to avoid spoilers that way you can go in fresh, so I won't give too much away. Having said whether it's psychical or dialogue the comedy is a joy. One of favorites is when Walsh is making a fake ID and he actually ask the kid next to him "How does that look?" It's a very simple moment but it's just funny he wanted the opinion especially to a kid of all people.

Then there's the plot. The story offers plenty of well-placed humor along with simple but enjoyable action scenes and twist and turns. But the strongest aspect comes from Jack and Jonathan. Their friendship going from antagonistic to reluctant respect to actually caring for one another was the movie's true driving force. It was a nice journey to see transport job turn into a hilarious odd-couples dynamic.

The last thing I'll praise is Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin's performances. De Niro perfectly brings out the Walsh's dry wit and simmering frustration and Grodin is offering a chatty annoyance but his performance is where the movie's heart is. Together their chemistry was a joy to watch and the back and forth banter was another highlight to the movie. These two are great albeit underrated comedy buddies but hopefully as time continues to go by more and more discover this movie and these two great ranked higher on some best of lists.

So yeah, Midnight Run, if you haven't seen it check it out. I wish I could tell you what streaming service it's on, but as it currently stands there's no way to stream it for free. So find a store or something. But the point is, Midnight Run is a great comedy movie.

My final rating is, Great.

That's all for now. Come back on Saturday, Mar 28th, for review of Ready or Not 2: Here I Come. Until then, enjoy the rest of your day.

A Look Back at Daredevil: Born Again - Season 1

Season two is quite literally around the corner, so let's do the old tradition of reviewing season one.

Daredevil: Born Again is a tv series and a revival and continuation of the Netflix Daredevil series. It's produced by Marvel Televison and is distributed by Disney+. The show is created by Dario Scardapane, Matt Corman, and Chris Ord. This season consist of nine episodes.

The story is, it's been several years since the events of Netflix's Daredevil and during that time Matt Murdock stopped being the vigilante known as Daredevil after someone close to him was killed. Now he's focusing on serving justice solely as lawyer while in the meantime his arch rival Wilson Fisk aka Kingpin is the newly elected Mayor of New York. Both men are trying to fight off their darker urges but they'll soon find themselves put on a collision course.

• Negatives

I've got nothing.

• Mix

Let's start off with the tone. When watching this and looking back at the Netflix series it's very noticeable that this isn't as intense as Netflix's. Sure there were plenty of shocking moments but I didn't get enough of that edge of your seat vibe like I did with the original show.

Then there's the fights. Now there pretty good but the major downside is there's not that many of them. I get it was because Matt gave up being Daredevil and he's story is about fighting off that urge, but it was still kind of a bummer. It also doesn't help there was some noticeable use of CGI.

Lastly there's the storytelling. Let's start off with the good, that being Matt & Wilson's arcs. I did really enjoy see these two try to be normal men but they just get help themselves when it comes to their darker sides. But sometimes we have story elements that aren't given full depth. One example being the villain Muse. He could've been used far more as the straw that broke the camel's back to make Matt come out of retirement but everything with his arc is wrapped up very quickly.

• Positives

The one praise I can fully give is Charlie Cox and Vincent D'Onofrio's performances. Despite the decent at best material these two were great. They brought intensity and nuance to the screen and they haven't lost their chemistry at all. They were truly carrying this season.

So yeah, Daredevil: Born Again, not bad but it definitely didn't capture that same vibe as the original Netflix series. Although I guess that tends to happen when a show is reconstructed from an original plan and has to be reshot and rewritten.

My final rating is, Okay.

Hopefully season two will be much better. But this is all for now. Come back on Thursday, Mar 26th, for an Underrated Films review of Midnight Run. Until then, enjoy the rest of your day.

Project Hail Mary Review

 

Phil Lord and Christopher Miller are back in the directing chairs after twelve years of being away from it and mostly being writers and producers. But the question is did they come back directing a hit or a miss?

Project Hail Mary is a sci-fi adventure film based on Andy Weir's 2021 novel of the same name. The companies that produced it are Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Pascal Pictures, Open Invite Films, Waypoint Entertainment and Lord Miller Productions with distribution by Amazon MGM Studios. As previously mentioned Phil Lord and Christopher Miller directed but it was Drew Goddard that wrote the screenplay.

The story is, Dr. Ryland Grace wakes up in a spacecraft with no memory of why he's there but after some time he pieces it all together. He learns he was sent to space to figure out what's going on with the sun's surface and prevent a global cooling disaster. It's a huge task but thanks to an unexpected friendship Dr. Grace won't have to do it alone.

Initial Reaction

If you read my Most Anticipated list then you know I've been looking forward to this because Lord and Miller are directing and they haven't done that since 22 Jump Street back in 2014. So I was curious what they'd be bringing to table but only this time as directors.

Cons

I've got nothing.

Middle Ground

It's the pacing. While some parts move along gracefully, there were also some sections that dragged. It also didn't help that scenes are go flashback, present, flashback, present.

Pros

At first I was gonna start off this review by praising Ryan Gosling's performance and I will later, but I gotta give the biggest praise to how the film looked. Greig Fraser has done amazing cinematography for films like Dune, Dune: Part Two, The Batman, and The Creator, but I think Project Hail Mary is just might amaze people more than those movies. There's rich textures, beautiful set designs, and gorgeous cosmic images. I just couldn't take my eyes off the screen. Alright now it's time to Ryan Gosling. He brought his usual charm and wit, while also providing great bits of physical comedy. But his best parts were vulnerability and being deeply human. Because of these aspects Dr. Grace is a very likable character. Now I did love the story for its scientific and adventurous feel, but what I loved most was the growing friendship between Dr. Grace and Rocky. While teaming up on the same mission was a great part of their story, seeing them interact and become friends was both moving and very heartfelt. The friendship was the story's biggest highlight.

While I had a slight issue with the pacing, I still think you should check out Project Hail Mary. It's a modern day sci-fi film worth watching.

My final rating is, Great.

So that's all for now. Sorry I didn't post this Saturday like I usually do for newer movies, but sadly yesterday I had to attend a funeral for a family member and it didn't feel right to be thinking about uploading a review when my main focus should be on something far more important. Sorry to just drop that on you but I just wanted you to understand what's going on.

But in more brighter news, come back on Monday, Mar 23rd, for A Look Back at review of season one of Daredevil: Born Again. Until then, enjoy the rest of your day.

Road to Scary Movie (2026) - Scary Movie 2 Review

 

As promised, two reviews for two Scary Movies in the same month. So let's get to it.

Scary Movie 2 is a parody film and the sequel to the 2000's hit, Scary Movie. Where as the first film made fun of slashers, the sequel pokes fun at supernatural and haunted house films mainly The Haunting, The Amityville Horror, and both the 1959 and 1999 versions of House on Haunted Hill among others. Shawn and Marlon Wayans return to write the screenplay but this time around they're join with Alyson Fouse, Greg Grabianski, Dave Polsky, Michael Anthony Snowden, and their nephew Craig Wayans. Keenen Ivory Wayans also returns to direct. This was for the longest time the final Scary Movie to have any involvement of Shawn, Marlon, and Keenen Ivory Wayans until Scary Movie (2026).

The story is, Cindy and her friends are tricked by their professor to spend a night in Hell House for a school project. Despite not being the brightest the gang quickly releases the house is haunted and the man who once owned the house is planning on tormenting then killing them. The friends must work together to find a way to put an end to this ghostly menace.

• Negatives

I've got nothing.

• Mix

Once again it stems from the humor. There were a couple of gross jokes that I found funny, the opening Exorcist scene was actually pretty good despite being a majority of gross out gags, and other jokes not so much. However I did found myself laughing a lot with this movie. Cindy's fight with the cat and Ray's assault on the clown doll had me dying. Those two scenes were just amazing.

After doing some research I found this movie was rushed into production because of the success of the first. Which really shouldn't be that shocking in hindsight considering this did actually come out a full year after the first movie. But because of that you'll notice somethings feel less polished than the first movie. In my eyes you get that sense with the cinematography. Granted you could argue the first movie didn't really have an inspired look to it, but with Scary Movie 2 everything looks even more generic.

• Positives

Much like the previous movie the pacing is perfect. The sequel never waste anytime. It's an easy watch through and through.

Another thing that's just like the original is the cast. Anna Faris, Regina Hall, Marlon Wayans, and Shawn Wayans once again shine. They've got great chemistry. Even newcomers such as Tim Curry, Chris Masterson, David Cross, Tori Spelling, and Kathleen Robertson do great with the material and they also play off well with the previous cast members.

While I did have more issues with the sequel than the first, I still found myself having a lot of fun with this.

My final rating is a very low, Good.

That's all for now. Come back on Sunday, Mar 22nd, for my review of Project Hail Mary. Until then, enjoy the rest of your day.

Road to Avengers: Doomsday - Fantastic Four: The Peril and The Power Review

Alright, we return to the Road to Avengers: Doomsday and we got yet another classic Doctor Doom story.

The Peril and The Power is a 1966 storyline published in the 1961 edition of Fantastic Four within issues #57-60. As always this was distributed by Marvel Comics, and our creative time is once again Stan Lee being the writer and Jack Kirby being the artist.

The story is, Doctor Doom has stolen the cosmic powers of the Silver Surfer. Now wielding unlimited power at his disposal, Doom sets out to do whatever he pleases. This leaves the Fantastic Four with a dangerous situation and one big question, how do the stop the unstoppable?

• Negatives

I've got nothing.

• Mix

It comes down to the pacing. The first issue that being #57 is a big victim of bad pacing. Because we bounce from one story beat to another. First it's the Fantastic Four, then we jump to what Human Torch is doing, then we jump to the Fantastic Four, then we jump to see what Doctor Doom is up to. And so on and so forth. Thankfully it does get just a little bit better in the later issues, but man that first part guys, it's kind of drag.

• Positives

Let's get this one out of the way quickly while at the same time praise it briefly. Am I of course referring to Jack Kibry's art. Here's a couple of really great pics.

Even if you're not a fan of Jack Kirby or older comic book art and prefer more modern comic book artists like Jim Lee, Jason Fabok, David Finch, Marco Checchetto, Dan Mora, Jorge Jiménez, or maybe into more manga art styles, you can't deny that Kirby did amazing work here. The use of bright colors, the cosmic energy effects, the scope, and how dynamic it is, is all great stuff.

The last thing I'll praise is the story. Since the theme of this road is Doctor Doom, I gotta praise how this is the story that elevated him. Sure he was still a very threating villain, but this story turned him a dangerous earthbound tyrant into someone who is capable of getting his hands on godlike power. But what the story also did was up the stakes. For a majority of the story Doom is winning and the Fantastic Four are losing. And that situation makes the Four go down a road of thinking they may not win this, which also really tested their family bound. Then in the end we get a really fun climatic battle in the final issue. Granted I wish it didn't end with a deus ex machina-style solution, but a majority of this story still gives you a lot good so I can kinda brush that off, note that I said "kinda". But the point I'm getting at is the story is a must read as a Marvel Comics fan, a Fantastic Four fan, or a fan of Doctor Doom.

So yeah, overall a really fun story arc. I think you should give it a try.

My final rating is, Good.

So this is the final time I'll be reviewing a Doctor Doom story made by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby. The next part and afterwards will be by different creative teams. Anyhow, that's all for now. Come back on Thursday, Mar 19th, for the second part of the Road to Scary Movie (2026) with my review of Scary Movie 2. Until then, enjoy the rest of your day.

A Look Back at Invincible - Season 3

 

Season 4 of Invincible will be upon on soon. So it's that time again to review the previous season.

Invincible is an adult animated series based on the Image Comics series of the same name that was created by Robert Kirkman. Production is done by Adelaide Productions, Sony Pictures Productions, Skybound North, Skybound Animation, Wind Sun Sky Entertainment, and Point Grey Productions along with Amazon MGM Studios, with distribution by Amazon Prime Video. Robert Kirkman created the show and this season consist just like the previous one has eight episodes.

The story is, it's been three months since Mark's battle with Angstrom and Mark is still feeling guilty for everything that has happened. Despite this guilt, Mark plans to move on with his life by helping his little brother Oliver with his powers and starting a relationship with Atom Eve. But soon his personal life and superhero life will blur together with distrust with a man once trusted, an old enemy returning, and him questioning if he's truly a good man. Meanwhile, Nolan and Allen the Alien are not only becoming friends but are starting the building blocks of a rebellion against the Viltrumite Empire.

• Negatives

I've got nothing.

• Mix

First up is the animation. At first it starts off pretty rough. You'll notice how stiff it is in a lot of places and sometimes things just don't have a consistent look or characters can be off model in some shots. Thankfully it improves in later episodes where things move more smoothly, and characters and settings are also improved.

Then we have the story. Let's start off with the good. I absolutely love how Mark is really going through it this season. He's struggling with not only trying to have a normal relationship with Atom Eve but also being a good example to his younger brother while also trying said brother's powers. But he's also struggling with not wanting to kill but situations are really forcing his hand, on top of that he's also struggling with guilt over collateral damage. But even supporting characters some good stories as well. Rex aka Rex Splode is having a great relationship with Shrinking Rae, but he's also terrified of starting a more normal life because being a superhero is all he's ever known. Where the story drives me crazy is Mark's conflict with Cecil. Now Cecil is doing some shady stuff by working with characters who aren't exactly good guys. But what drove me crazy is Mark acting holier than thou. Again yes, Cecil is doing some very questionable things, but what Mark needs to realize or should already know is there's an army of Supermen and Superwomen coming to invade and conquer Earth! I get this is setting Mark to realize he also will have to make compromises, but this is the same Invincible who got his ass kicked but two full blooded Viltrumites in both season one and two.

• Positives

One praise I'll give is the same as the previous seasons. The voice cast is amazing. Steven Yeun is incredible bringing out both Mark's vulnerability and rage. Sandra Oh also continues to kill it as Debbie, bringing out the characters motherly love, worry, and being stern when she has to be. Then you had J.K. Simmons who continues to bring out Nolan/Omni-Man's more regretful and humane voice. I also liked Jason Mantzoukas as Rex. I mean I already liked him before, but I really enjoyed how he brought out Rex's more softer side.

The last thing I'll praise is the action. Yes, it's hard to watch in most places, but once the improvements start coming around there amazing. My absolute favorite this time was Invincible's fight with Conquest in the season finale. It was awesome. It's got great one-on-one fights, other heroes coming to help, and some insane moments that I won't spoil.

While I had some issues with this season, it still has a lot of enjoyment aspects.

My final rating is, Good.

That's all for now. Due come back on Monday, Mar 16th, because we're getting back on the Road to Avengers: Doomsday! Until then, enjoy the rest of your day.

The Bride! Review

 

Maggie Gyllenhaal is now directing her second feature film. Did she do a good job or is it a flop?

The Bride! is a gothic romantic film that draws inspiration from the 1935 movie Bride of Frankenstein, which was also based around the Mary Shelley's classic 1819 novel Frankenstein. First Love Films and In the Current Company produced while Warner Bros. Pictures was in charge of distribution. Maggie Gyllenhaal both directed and wrote.

The story is, in 1930s Chicago Frankenstein's monster ask Dr. Euphronius to create a companion for him. Together they bring a murdered woman back to life as she's now known as "The Bride". What nobody knows yet is this event will not only spark romance but also things nobody saw coming.

Initial Reaction

Despite not seeing a trailer and only a brief TV spot, I decided to see this movie basically it simply looked like it was gonna be fun. Especially since it looked like a mash-up of Frankenstein meets Bonnie and Clyde.

Cons

NOTE!: I WILL BE GIVEN A LOT OF SPOILERS IN THIS SECTION! SO IF YOU DON'T WANT TO BE SPOILED JUST SKIP OFF THIS!

Oh boy, do we have problems. The biggest one being the story. Holy hell, Maggie Gyllenhaal seriously needed someone to polish this because damn. Firstly there's a recurring thing where Ida aka The Bride makes a big grand speech and her actions are inspiring people (or in this case just women) who feel like they're not being heard. And when that happened I couldn't help but have a familiar feeling. I mean we have a story set in the past, we have rioters inspired by the title character by the end of the movie. Only I think the character in that movie was more of a comedian. No that's not the word, I think he was more of a clown, a joker if you will. But even if you can ignore that the movie has a very not so subtle message about sexism and the "Patriarchy". Not only is it eye rolling and feels like something we would've gotten back in 2017, but it doesn't make sense. One example of it not making sense comes from the character of Dr. Euphronius. She went by a male's name because nobody was gonna take a female scientist seriously. Expect there were some very respected female scientists. One being Marie Curie who won a Noble Prize in Physics in 1903 and won another for Chemistry in 1911. Then there was Irène Joliot-Curie, she won a Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1935, ya know, the same 1930's this movie is set in. I guess Gyllenhaal couldn't be bothered to do a Google search like I did. Then we have some confusing things like Mary Shelley (or in this case her ghost) exist in the same world as her fictional characters? Don't bother asking me cause I don't got a single clue how that works. And when we're not dealing with story issues then we got a problem with the genre mashing. Now mixing genres can work there's plenty of movies that do it and do it well, but not here. Because one moment it's a dark romance movie, then it's a surrealist movie, then it's a period drama, then it's this, then it's that. The genres in this are more stitched together than Frankenstein himself.

Middle Ground

Sadly the mix bag is the performances. Sure they're all trying but your heart kinda aches for them. Christian Bale is doing decent but a lot of time his lines sounds like he's screaming them. Then we have Jessie Buckley who is good but more in an over the top sense. Then there was the cinematography. Some of it actually looked pretty good, but then there was instances where it made you feel like you were on drugs.

Pros

I've got nothing.

So yeah, this was the first real letdown of 2026. Hopefully the next movies I review will be much better.

My final rating is, Bad.

That's all for now. Come back on Thursday, Mar 12th, for my A Look Back at review of season three of Invincible. Until then, enjoy the rest of your day.