Movie Review - Blink Twice

Director: Zoë Kravitz
Genre: Thriller/ Mystery/ Horror
Runtime: 102 minutes
Year: 2024
Starring: Naomi Ackie, Alia Shawkat, Channing Tatum, Christian Slater, Haley Joel Osment, Simon Rex, Adria Arjona, Geena Davis, Kyle MacLachlan
 
Description: When tech billionaire Slater King (Channing Tatum) meets cocktail waitress Frida (Naomi Ackie) at his fundraiser gala, he invites her to join him and his friends on a dream vacation on his private island. As strange things start to happen, Frida questions her reality.

I WATCHED THIS MOVIE FOR MY 2024 MOVIE CHALLENGE
WEEK 49: A DIRECTORIAL DEBUT
 
Review: If you like a mysterious horror/ thriller with some female rage, Zoë Kravitz got you covered. In her directorial debut everything seems normal, but you know something is fundamentally wrong. Lots of red flag, but not sure why. It’s best to know as little as possible going in, because it will leave you gasping for air at the end.

Frida, a waitress at a gala hosted by Slater King (mocking Elon Musk, maybe?), can’t take her eyes of this charismatic man. She knows he has a dark side, as he went into therapy after an unspecified incident and apologized a thousand times. But Frida is ambitious and quite willing to get to know him. Fortunately, Slater also has an eye for her and, after some hesitation, he invites Frida and her best friend Jess to accompany him and his entourage to a Mexican island he just bought.

On site, Slater has all cell phones confiscated. A week of crazy fun begins. The guest enjoy the weather, the finest mansion with luxury chalets, a large pool, tasty dishes and champagne and drugs galore. Frida’s happiness is unstoppable, although she senses that another female invitee is jealous of Slater’s attention for her. This seems like a spring-break version for adults, but somewhere also the salutation of an impending plot from a mystery novel.

Kravitz takes her time. In doing so, she’s taking a risk, because except for Slater’s dark past and the confiscated phones, for a long time there’s no trouble. But little bizarre details nevertheless create this ominous tension and you are certain something is bad will happen. And you will never predict what it is.

“Blink Twice” is exciting, has occasional dark humor, has some satire to it, criticizes society very subtly and is really original. Nothing but praise for Zoë Kravits, who really succeeds with her first directing job. Same goes for Naomi Ackie, who carries the film on her strong shoulders. Her performance will hopefully launch her to the A-list in Hollywood. Channing Tatum, the all American boy, surprises in a role that is atypical for him,

Most of the other actors don’t stand out much, their characters are drawn very superficial. But it didn’t bother me, because in the and most do have a purpose in the film.
When the film starts, you have a feeling that something is wrong, but you can never predict the direction this film is heading. Such a good film, that will especially please female horror/ thriller fans.

Rating: 5/ 5

Movie Review - The Lost City

Director: Aaron Nee, Adam Nee
Genre: Comedy/ Adventure/ Action
Runtime: 112 minutes
Year: 2022
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe, Brad Pitt, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Oscar Nuñuz, Bowen Yang, Patti Harrison
 
Description: A reclusive romance novelist (Sandra Bullock) on a book tour with her cover model (Channing Tatum) gets swept up in a kidnapping attempt that lands them both in a cutthroat jungle adventure.

Review: Adventurers Lovemore and Dash are in deep trouble. Tied up, surrounded by snakes and villains. It’s a scene from Loretta Sage’s new romantic adventure novel, that she soon deletes. People love Loretta’s books and are waiting for the newest Lovemore and Dash adventure. Loretta herself is done with the series, but has to go on a book tour for her newest novel. Everyone visits these readings primarily because of the handsome cover model. This Alan, who is supposed to be Dash from the stories, is a muscular guy with long, blond hair and a smoldering look.  

It's your stereotypical opposites attract type of story. When Loretta is kidnapped by a rich industrialist, she ends up on a remote island in the Atlantic Ocean where she must decipher a hieroglyphic code that may lead to a treasure. Alan has to take action, but he is not the most heroic person. At least not as heroic as his character Dash. He sends in help.

The movie reminded me a lot of “Romancing the Stone” and its sequel “Jewel of the Nile’, which have similarities in theme and character types. In “The Lost City” the romance element is more in the background and not as big a part of the film as with the 80s films. Which is a good thing, because that’s the weakest point in the film. Bullock and Tatum are great apart and work well as a team, but not as a romantic couple.

Visually, “The Lost City” is all right. It looks good and the action sequences work well. It has a good adventure comedy mix. Plot-wise, there is not much to it. But the creators know that too. The film is self-conscious and they hint at that in their dialogues.

“The Lost City” is a fun and enjoyable film, pure popcorn entertainment.

Rating: 3/ 5

10s Movie Review - Kingsman: The Golden Circle

Director: Matthew Vaughn
Genre: Action/ Adventure/ Comedy
Runtime: 141 minutes
Year: 2017
Starring: Taron Edgerton, Mark Strong, Colin Firth, Julianne Moore, Halle Berry, Channing Tatum, Jeff Bridges, Pedro Pascal, Michael gambon, Elton John

Description: When their headquarters are destroyed and the world is held hostage, the Kingsman's journey leads them to the discovery of an allied spy organization in the United States. These two elite secret organizations must band together to defeat a common enemy.

Review: No lack of crazy characters in “Kingsman: The Golden Circle”. Like “Kingsman: The Secret Service” there are some ‘larger then life’ villains that threaten the planet with a idiotic and far fetched plan. Not Samuel L. Jackson this time, but Julianne Moore, who is hiding in the jungle of Cambodia and is a major drug lord.
If you didn’t like the first film, you won’t like “Kingsman: The Golden Circle”. The characters and situation shouldn’t be taken too seriously. Matthew Vaughns film is a spy parody with a more serious tone.
Eggsy and Merlin join hands with their American ‘brothers in arms’, who call themselves The Statesman. They hide in a distillery and all the agents have codenames of an acoholic beverage.
With the Kingsman being on new territory, doesn’t mean a completely different film. Vaughns keeps the ingredients and feel. And again has some amazing choreographed fight scenes, which are accompanied with a cool soundtrack.
The characters don’t develop the way they did in the first film. And although the chemistry between Eggsy and Harry isn’t completely gone, it’s a lot less interesting this time around. But both Colin Firth and Taron Edgerton deliver a strong performance.
Jeff Bridges and Channing Tatum don’t have a lot to do in this film, which is a shame. Because they scene that they do have, are so fun.
The film has a fresh, energetic style that doesn’t easily bore you. And the entertainment level is endless. But where “Kingsman: The Secret Service” was a surprise to everyone, this second installment just doesn’t do that. It’s fun and it is good, but not as good as the first film.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2016 - # 145: Hail, Caesar!

Director: Ethan Coen, Joel Coen
Genre: Comedy/ Drama/ Musical
Runtime: 106 minutes
Year: 2016
Starring: Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Ralph Fiennes, Scarlett Johansson, Tilda Swinton, Channing Tatum, Frances McDormand, Jonah Hill, Alison Pill, David Krumholtz, Wayne Knight, Patrick Fischler, Clancy Brown

Description: A Hollywood fixer (Josh Brolin) in the 1950s works to keep the studio's stars in line.

Review: Hollywood in the 1950s. That’s wat the Coen Brothers are focusing on in “Hail, Caesar!” It critizises, parodies and is also nostalgic about it. It was a time where actors starred in movies where they didn’t necessarily want to star in.
The film is funny and looks stylish. But the context doesn’t really support it. The central story is about fixer Eddie Mannix. He has to keep all his stars in control. Like a stubborn swim film actress who got pregnant. Or a western actor who can not act, who has to be part of a serious British drama film. But Mannix’ biggest problem is the kidnapping of big star Baird Whitlock. The popular actor is taken during the filming of Hail, Caesar!
“Hail, Caesar!” isn’t the sharp comedy it was supposed to be. The cast is probably the best part of the fim. Besides Josh Brolin as Mannix, there is no big part. All the others are supporting roles, which make the cartoonish characters work.
Not one of the Coen Brothers’ best work, I expecte a lot more.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 216 - # 10: The Hateful Eight

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Genre: Drama/ Thriller

Runtime: 167 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Kurt Russell, Tim Roth, Michael Madsen, Bruce Dern, Jennifer Jason Leigh, Channing Tatum, Demian Bichir, Walton Goggins, Zoë Bell, James Parks

Description: In the dead of a Wyoming winter, a bounty hunter and his prisoner find shelter in a cabin currently inhabited by a collection of nefarious characters.

Review: “The Hateful Eight” is Quentin Tarantino’s eight film and his second official western. At the same time it’s a return to his first film from the nineties, with Samuel L. Jackson leading an ensemble cast and almost every scene takes place in one location.

Samuel L. Jackson and Kurt Russell are the leading men. They play two bounty hunters who are stuck in a snow storm somewhere in Wyoming. Russsel’s John Ruth delivers a life one, Daisy Domergue, who is going to be hanged, while Jackson’s Marquis Warren delivers his bounties dead. Because of the weather, they have to stop at Minnie’s Haberdashery. They are not the only guests there.

“The Hateful Eight” is one of Tarantino’s meanest films. Lots of racism and violence, which gives us both entertaining and uneasy moments. Tarantino’s dialogues are good as always and all the actors seem to enjoy being in the film.

“The Hateful Eight” is very violent and bloody, but when you’re familiar with Quentin Tarantino’s work it comes as no surprise. What makes it a bit different is that the film is not stuffed with pop songs or references to other movies. The music was composed by Ennio Morricone. This all makes it surprising.

The movie starts a bit slow, but be patient. It will get a lot better.

Tarantino used 70 mm film, something that hasn’t been used since 1996. It’s an unique, very wide format. The snowy landscapes and the interior of Minnie’s Haberdashery get an extra dimension. You’re sometimes so close to the characters, that you can experience how small the room is they are in. This wide screen really does make a different. the lighting is also warm and more subtle.

“The Hateful Eight” is a true show, with great dialogues and performances. It’s not one of his best, but still a very Tarantino like film for any Tarantino fan.

Rating: 4/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 101: Magic Mike XXL

Director: Gregory Jacobs

Genre: Comedy/ Drama

Runtime: 115 minutes

Year: 2015

Starring: Channing Tatum, Joe Manganiello, Matt Bomer, Kevin Nash, Adam Rodriguez, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Elizabeth Banks, Amber Heard, Donald Glover, Andie MacDowell

Description: Three years after Mike (Channing Tatum) bowed out of the stripper life at the top of his game, he and the remaining Kings of Tampa hit the road to Myrtle Beach to put on one last blow-out performance.

Review: Channing Tatum broke through as the lead in a dance movie called “Step Up”and returned to his ‘roots’ in “Magic Mike”. This Steven Soderbergh directed movie was loosely based on Tatum’s past as a stripper. The movie was a hit and fans were really excited about a sequel. This time without Matthew McConaughey and director Soderbergh, but some extra women in the cast and more sexy dance movies and six-packs.

Like the character that Donald Glover plays says in the movie: “All we got to do is ask them what they want”. And that is “Magic Mike XXL”. We get more naked body parts and lap dances. The ‘Kings of Tampa” have to practice for their last performance, where Mike returns after being absent for three years. During their road trip they get in trouble a couple of times and they meet some colorful people along the way. Like Rome, played by Jada Pinkett-Smith, the owner of a club. She actually outplays all the guys in the film.

There isn’t as much humor in this film as the first. The story on the other hand, has become more important. This takes the pace out of the movie, it drags a bit. And that final dance act should be the highlight of the film. For many people it probably is, but I hated it. Male strippers should look masculine, but for me it’s a big turn off.

For the fans of the first movie, they get what they want: more half naked men and more sexy moves. But for the people who want a bit more, like humor and pace, it’s a letdown. The movie was saved by the women, pretty strange when it’s about stripper men.

Rating: 2/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 54: 22 Jump Street

Director: Phil Lord, Chris Miller

Genre: Action/ Comedy/ Crime

Runtime: 111 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Channing Tatum, Jonah Hill, Ice Cube, Dave Franco, Nick Offerman, Peter Stormare, Rob Riggle, Wyatt Russell, Jillian Bell, Amber Stevens, Dax Flame, Ashlyn McEvers, Jimmy Tatro, David Stephen Mitchell, Johnny Pemberton, Joe Chrest, Kate Adair, Libby Blanton, Amber Carollo

Description: After making their way through high school (twice), big changes are in store for officers Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) when they go deep undercover at a local college.

Review: In 2012 we got the movie version “21 Jump Street”, a TV show which starred Johnny Depp. The movie, starring Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum and a huge amount of jokes, was a success. So when a movie is successful, there will off course be a sequel.

This time Schmidt and Jenko have to go undercover again. Not at a high school, but college. They have to infiltrate the dealers and find the supplier. Technically the same story, but then set at college. But the makers know that and mock it. That’s why “22 Jump Street” is better than I initially thought, because of the self-mockery.

Schmidt and Jenko are two completely different guys. Schmidt is smart and thinks things through, Jenko has a physical strength and is more impulsive. Those differences are also a central theme in the movie. This often gives us some clichés and stereotypes.

What is left is a movie that has much of the same, but still was surprisingly funny. Especially the way the movie mocks itself (stay for the end credits) and the great chemistry between Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum, make this a fun night at the movies.

Rating: 3/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2015 - # 29: Foxcatcher

Director: Bennett Miller

Genre: Drama

Runtime: 134 minutes

Year: 2014

Starring: Steve Carell, Channing Tatum, Mark Ruffalo, Sienna Miller, Vanessa Redgrave, Anthony Michael Hall

Description: The greatest Olympic Wrestling Champion brother team joins Team Foxcatcher led by multimillionaire sponsor John E. du Pont (Steve Carell) as they train for the 1988 games in Seoul - a union that leads to unlikely circumstances.

Review: “Foxcatcher” starts with the message that the movie is based on a true story. Dangerous, because the genre of sports movies often fall into clichés and a lazy story. “Foxcatcher” manages to avoid it for a big part. That’s because the story doesn’t only focus on wrestler Mark Schultz, it also centers coach John Du Pont. Mark leads a lonely and apparent agonized life. Everything is about sports. It gets him a gold medal at the Olympics in 1984. Years later it’s just train, eat, sleep for Mark. Untill he gets a mysterious call that changes his life forever. The call is from John Du Pont, an eccentric millionaire with big plans for Mark and wrestling in general. Du Pont, rich due to arms trade, decides to sponsor the wrestler.

There is a reason for that. Wrestling isn’t only a passion, their characters match. DuPont is also a loner. Where Mark has no one else besides his brother, Du Pont has a similar past. Together the two outsiders complement each other and manage to be successful. With excellence, intensity and dominance the world is at their feet. Until all of this also affects their mutual relationship. What started as a dream, is slowly turning into a nightmare.

Although the tension isn’t always there and some supporting characters don’t really work, the story is solid. An extra plus is the sublime acting. Steve Carell convinces, in this unconventional, serious role. Mark Ruffalo also does a very good job. But it’s Channing Tatum that impressed me the most. Off course he has the physique of a wrestler, but he also shows his acting skills. Everyone talks about Carell and Ruffalo, but I think Tatum’s performance was the best.

The developments in the movie, including the wrestle matches, are very detailed. The movie has a dark tone and atmosphere. You feel that throughout the entire movie. Same as the length and slow pace of the movie.

“Foxcatcher” is a powerful movie, with a strong story and great acting. But due to the length and the slow pace I would not rewatch this movie.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

Video of the Week (27)

Jimmy Fallon Always puts a smile on my face. And his item "Box of Lies" is super funny. Here he is with Cahnning Tatum.

 

 

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 71: The Vow

Director: Michael Sucsy

Genre: Drama/ Romance

Runtime: 104 minutes

Year: 2012

Starring: Channing Tatum, Rachel McAdams, Sam Neill, Jessica Lange, Scott Speedman

Description: A car accident puts Paige (Rachel McAdams) in a coma, and when she wakes up with severe memory loss, her husband Leo (Channing Tatum) works to win her heart again.

Review: “The Vow” is based on a real life story. In the opening scene we meet Paige and Leo, a happily married couple that doesn’t know their life is about to change forever. Their car is hit from behind and Paige smashes through the window. When she wakes up, she doesn’t remember Leo. The past five years of her life are gone. Her parents, who she hadn’t seen since she met Leo, see it as a chance to reconnect with Paige. And the man who Paige used to be engaged too, who she does remember, also turns up and makes it even more difficult for Leo.

Leo is a character that is too good to be true. Not only because of his perfect body, but also because of the love he feels for his wife and everything he does to win her back. That his recording studio isn’t doing well, doesn’t seem to bother him. All he wants is Paige.

Channing Tatum isn’t a very diverse actor, but does manage to portray Leo as believable and honest as possible. He wins over the audience easily. Rachel McAdams is perfect for roles like this. And both actors, who have great chemistry, don’t make this one of those overly sweet romance stories but a very watchable romantic drama.

“The Vow” can’t avoid the clichés that are known to the genre. And the makers know how to touch the viewers. This movie is perfect for the lovers of the genre and Channing Tatum fans. It’s an enjoyable movie that I almost hate to admit I liked.

Rating: 3 / 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 26: Side Effects

Director: Steven Soderbergh
Genre: Drama/ Thriller/ Crime
Runtime: 106 minutes
Year: 2013
Starring: Rooney Mara, Jude Law, Channing Tatum, Catherine Zeta-Jones

Description: Emily Taylor (Rooney Mara) becomes severely depressed with emotional episodes and suicide attempts. Her psychiatrist, Jonathan Banks (Jude Law), after conferring with her previous doctor, eventually prescribes an experimental new medication called Ablixa. This medicine has some strange side effects, which will change Emily’s life.

Review: Soderbergh has a great variety of genres and themes. “Side Effects” is a psychological thriller full of complots, deceit and twists.
The movie starts as a drama, when 28-year old Emily welcomes home husband Martin after him being in prison for four years. When things should get better, Emily’s depression gets worse and she even tries to commit suicide. She comes in contact with Dr. Jonathan Banks, who prescribes her Ablixa, a medicine that isn’t on the market yet. Emily starts to experience some side effects, which lead to her doing something that can never be undone. From there on the movie takes a different turn and it leaves the viewers gasping for air.
Like I said in the beginning, “Side Effects” starts as a drama but makes a switch to a psychological thriller halfway through. The unexpected plot twists are what make this film exciting and unpredictable. You can not see it coming. Although some of the storylines are a bit absurd and especially towards the end it feels a bit improbable, it doesn’t take the tension and surprise element away.
Soderbergh decided to stop making films, but this is a good movie to end off a series of movies he made in the last 24 years. He gave the audience a worthy goodbye, because “Side Effect” is a movie that surprises and shocks you. It’s definitely more than meets the eye.

Rating: 3,5/ 5

100 Movie Challenge 2014 - # 23: Magic Mike

Director: Steven Sodenbergh
Genre: Drama/ Comedy
Runtime: 109 minutes
Year: 2012
Starring: Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConaughey, Cody Horn, Joe Manganiello, Matt Bomer, Adam Rodriguez, Oliva Munn, Kevin Nash

Description: Mike Lane (Channing Tatum) is a thirty-year old living in Tampa, Florida. By day he works as a roofer whilst at night, as Magic Mike, he is the star attraction of the Kings of Tampa, a group of male strippers. Secretly he wants out in order to further a projected furniture-making business, but instead he teaches the young Adam (Alex Pettyfer) how to party, pick up women, and make easy money.

Review: No, he isn’t a magician, Magic Mike is a stripper. Channing Tatum based parts of the film on his own life, because he started out as one. Tatum had woman swooning for him in movies like “Step Up” and “She’s the Man” and this film is right up his alley. But it’s not as cliché as I thought. This comedy, with a semi-original theme, is entertaining and light and it sometimes even hits a nerve.
Mike is the center character, who is a thirty-year old playboy who performs as a stripper in a club called Xquisite, runned by Dallas. Mike meets Adam, a young guy who wants to explore the exciting night life. It appears he also has potential as a stripper and he joins the group.
It’s an outstanding theme. Although there are movies about the stripper profession, but it’s mostly women who take off their clothes. So the fact that it’s about male strippers makes the movie unconventional. Between all these half-naked guys there is also a love story, where Mike falls for Adam’s sister Brooke. It seems to go into the same old direction, but the movie avoids all the sweetness and cheesiness. Channing Tatum and Cody Horn don’t really seem to have that much chemistry though. Horn isn’t the best choice for the role.
The movie goes in a different direction then the audience would expect. That makes this a surprising movie. Although for woman it’s a joy to watch all those handsome men getting rid of their clothes, I never found male strippers very masculine, but it’s not just a movie about male strippers. It has more layers, which makes it bearable to watch for men and women. It’s a lovely, fresh film.

Rating: 3/ 5

CSI, Robert, Avengers, 50/50, Anna, Emma, Chris, James and Channing

I've been creative, because I made some nice wallpapers again. I realized I haven't posted any in a while so I have a lot to share with you. The first is from CSI. With Catherine being gone, Morgan Brody is my favorite female character. And Nick is still my male favorite. I decided to make a wallpaper with the two of them.

Then Robert Downey Jr. Needs no explanation.

Some wallpapers for the movie "The Avengers".

And for the film "50/50". Plus one of the actresses Anna Kendrick.

This photoshoot of Emma Stone is so nice, I just needed to make a wallpaper with those pictures.

I loved "Snow White and the Huntsman". And Chris Hemsworth is one of the reasons why I liked it so much. This man is perfect.

And James Franco is beyond perfection.

This wallpaper of Channing Tatum is currently on my desktop. I saw "21 Jump Street" on the plane when I was flying to Uganda. It wasn't a fantastic movie, but I always enjoy watching Channing Tatum. And I really, really, really want to see "Magic Mike" but nobody wants to go with me....

Top 5 Thursday: Rachel McAdams’ Leading Men

Rachel McAdams has been one of my favorites since I saw her in “The Notebook”. Besides this one she has been in a lot of good, fun and awesome movies. But her leading men are sometimes also very interesting and practically all of them have great chemistry with her. Here are my favorites.

5. Channing Tatum in “The Vow”
Two good looking actors and both very wanted by moviemakers. How could that go wrong? I haven’t seen the movie yet, but I did see how well they work together. Nice couple.

4. Eric Bana in “The Time Traveler’s Wife”
It didn’t top the novel, but both Rachel and Eric did such a great job and made it very believable. Their portrayal of Clare and Henry was very solid and they have great chemistry.

3. Robert Downey Jr. in “Sherlock Holmes” and “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows”
I was so excited to hear about their collaboration and they formed a surprisingly good and sexy duo. They both have a clever sense of humor and are very intelligent.

2. Owen Wilson in “Wedding Crashers” and “Midnight in Paris”
They did two movies together. In the first movie their characters met and fell in love and in the second they were in love and grew apart. In both movies Owen and Rachel did a great job and I love them together and apart.

1. Ryan Gosling in “The Notebook”
The two had such great chemistry, that it also worked off screen for a while. I love this movie, one of the best romances I’ve seen in a long time. And we can thank Rachel and Ryan for the great performance.

They almost made the top 5: Cillian Murphy in “Red Eye” and Russel Crowe in “State of Play”

Pic Spam: Channing Tatum

I loved Channing Tatum in "Dear John" and a dancing movie like "Step Up" would never be worth watching without him in it. I really want to see him star opposite Rachel McAdams in "The Vow", but first his best pictures. And he has a lot of them.