The Movie Review Crew

Our Score - 4.34/10 (D-) Rotten Tomatoes - 85% IMDB - 5/10

Chosen By: Matt McNeal

The Angry Black Girl and Her Monster (2023) has some solid ideas and, but it fails to blend those ideas with the story, creating a confusing an uninspired letdown. That being said, director Bomani Story and lead actress Laya DeLeon Hayes are poised for big things in the future.

Our Score - 6.83/10 (C+) Rotten Tomatoes - 94% IMDB - 6.9/10

Chosen By: Steve Rushlau

Sisu is heavy on action and gore and, for the right audience, it will be a blast. Those looking for anything even remotely close to plausibility, however, will come away disappointed.

Our Score - 8.63/10 (A-) Rotten Tomatoes - 83% IMDB - 7.5/10

Chosen By: Nate Dudley

WE'RE BACK!! We've been away for a long while, but we're back and better than ever. . . or at least just as good. . . or maybe we've got some rust to shake off! You decide. Regardless, kick back and enjoy our review and discussion of Guy Ritchie's The Covenant (2023).

Our Score - 8.42/10 (B+)     Rotten Tomatoes - 54%     IMDB - 7.3/10

Chosen By: Steve Rushlau

Fantastic performances from the incredible cast, witty dialogue, and the overall fun vibe of 'Bullet Train' make it one our most enjoyable viewings of 2022. Because it's an action movie, Aaron Taylor-Johnson won't get any recognition for his performance, but it is truly one of the best of the year. 

Our Score - 4.34/10 (D-)     Rotten Tomatoes - 36%     IMDB - 4.9/10

Chosen By: Nate Dudley

There's no arguing how terrible this movie is. It's a nonsense plot with ridiculous writing, horrible writing and bad acting throughout. Somehow, though, we didn't absolutely hate it. It entertained us in the way that only truly horrendous movies can.

Our Score - 5.63/10 (C-)     Rotten Tomatoes - 40%     IMDB - 5/10

Chosen By: Shane Cronican

David Gordon Green and his crew took a bold swing at taking this franchise in a new direction. Unfortunately, they attempted to do too much with too little time, so the end product was a sloppy, rushed misfire with only moments of promise.

Our Score - 5.3/10 (D+)     Rotten Tomatoes - 99%     IMDB - 7.4/10

Chosen By: Shane Cronican

We're in the absolute minority on this one, but The Wailing just didn't work for us. It is well made, but lack of logic and numerous plot holes made this a frustrating watch. The unwarranted 2 hours 36 minutes runtime didn't help matters. 

Our Score - 9/10 (A)     Rotten Tomatoes - 89%     IMDB - 8/10

Chosen By: Steve Rushlau

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid (1969) has legendary talent in front of and behind the camera and it shows. This is an absolutely timeless classic that ranks among the best of the western genre, and among the best movies of all time. 

Our Score - 9.18/10 (A)     Rotten Tomatoes - 87%     IMDB - 7.8/10

Chosen By: Nate Dudley

Ron Howard returns to top form directing this tension filled adventure based on true events. This movie puts you right in the caves with the trapped children and the rescuers, and the entire cast, especially Colin Ferrell, Viggo Mortensen and Joel Edgerton, give flawless understated performances that bring this already incredible story to life. 

Our Score - 7.19/10 (B-)     Rotten Tomatoes - 69%     IMDB - 6.1/10

Chosen By: Aaron Cronican

Men is not for all audiences as it sacrifices traditional storytelling in favor of metaphors and themes. If you're looking for a very unique, VERY odd movie that will stick in your mind days after viewing, this will definitely do the trick.

Our Score - 6/10 (C)     Rotten Tomatoes - 92%     IMDB - 6.3/10

Chosen By: Matt McNeal

Hatching is an interesting story with interesting themes and ideas. Unfortunately, despite solid directing from Hanna Bergholm, making her feature-length debut, It never seems to go anywhere or say anything of substance.

Our Score - 6/10     Rotten Tomatoes - 39%     IMDB - 5.4/10

Chosen By: Aaron Cronican

Spiderhead (2022) looks great and has an incredible cast that deliver wonderful performances, but the poor writing, unfunny comedy and underdeveloped themes make it a bit of a mess to sit through. 

Our Score - 8.31/10 (B+)     Rotten Tomatoes - 46%     IMDB - 6.5/10

Chosen By: Steve Rushlau

The Gray Man (2022) suffers from it's familiar blockbuster beats and the obvious attempts to make it a franchise, but the fantastic cast, especially Ryan Gosling, the energetic pace and the well-executed action make it an enjoyable ride. 

Our Score - 6.58/10 (C+)     IMDB - 8.1/10     Rotten Tomatoes - 95%

Chosen By: Nate Dudley

Bong Joon-ho is an incredible director, and some consider Memories of Murder (2003) to be his best work. For us, the odd tonal shifts and some interesting character choices prevented this from being great.

Our Score - 7.58/10 (B)     Rotten Tomatoes - 83%     IMDB - 7.1/10

Chosen By: Shane Cronican

On the surface, Narc (2002) may seem like a stock police thriller. However, thanks to powerhouse performances from Ray Liotta and Jason Patrick, and an injection of style and energy from director Joe Carnahan, this manages to rise above its counterparts.

Oure Score - 8.17/10 (B+)     Rotten Tomatoes - 84%     IMDB - 5.9/10

Chosen By: Matt McNeal

Nia DeCosta and Jordan Peele expand upon the Candyman lore while continuing with and, in our opinion, improving upon the themes presented in the original.  The great performances are matched by the great visuals, creating a timely horror experience that will linger in your head after the credits roll.

Our Score - 3.5/10 (F)     Rotten Tomatoes - 85%     IMDB - 8.2/10

Chosen By: Steve Rushlau

We've said it before on this show; Quentin Tarantino is a talented director, we just don't like his style. We are absolutely in the minority on this one but, in our opinions, Kill Bill has obnoxious style, laborious pacing, and horrendous dialogue. Those are signatures of Tarantino's trademark style, and many people love him for it. We are not including among those people. 

Our Score - 7/10 (B-)     Rotten Tomatoes - 51%     IMDB - 7.3/10

Chosen By: Nate Dudley

In 13 Hours (2016), Michael Bay's action sequences are as good as always, while his typical weaknesses are minimized due to a more mature approach on his part. Is that enough for Dudley and Shane to convince Aaron this is a good movie?

Our Score - 7.25/10 (B-)     Rotten Tomatoes - 33%     IMDB - 6.6/10

Chosen By: Shane Cronican

Some may have an issue with the thin, one-sided message of Tears of the Sun (2003). If you can get past that and watch it for what it is, a straight-forward military thriller, you'll find a lot to enjoy. Bruce Willis and Cole Hauser shine among a great cast, and Antoine Fuqua directs some hard-hitting, exhilarating action sequences. 

Our Score - 6.6/10     Rotten Tomatoes - 76%     IMDB - 6.3/10

Chosen By: Matt McNeal

It's Matt and Shane against Aaron in this episode. Depending on which one you ask, Malignant is either a gloriously nutty homage to campy horror movies of the past or it is an unenjoyable, silly bore.

Our Score - 8.75/10 (A-)     Rotten Tomatoes - 85%     IMDB - 8/10

Chosen By: Aaron Cronican

The Batman establishes a fresh identity that lays a fantastic foundation for a new franchise. Robert Pattinson makes for an interesting Batman and the supporting cast are all at the top of their game. Director Matt Reeves and cinematographer Greig Fraser bring Gotham to life with beautifully, and the haunting score from Michael Giacchino is the cherry on top of this great film. 

Our Score - 8.75/10 (A-)     Rotten Tomatoes - 95%     IMDB - 8.4/10

Chosen By: Steve Rushlau

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) is a timeless classic. Its characters, theme, scenes, stunts, and dialogue are still incredible these 40+ years later, and this remains the gold standard for adventure movies. 

Our Score - 8.09/10 (B+)     Rotten Tomatoes - 84%     IMDB - 8.2/10

Listener Request From: Jay V

Jay V, a listener of the show, wanted us to review Warrior, which he believes is a sports drama masterpiece. Guess what? We agree!

Our Score - 7.17/10 (B-)     Rotten Tomatoes - 57%     IMDB - 6.8/10

Chosen By: Nate Dudley

We Own the Night (2007) is a very good movie with some powerful scenes and performances. Unfortunately, the human elements feel a bit cold and disconnected so it lacks the emotional punch it needed to be great. 

Our Score - 6/10 (C)     Rotten Tomatoes - 79%     IMDB - 6.4/10

Chosen By: Aaron Cronican

The Third Day has tremendous acting across the board and an intriguing mystery at its core, but it had too many elements that we didn't enjoy. 

Our Score: 6.5/10 (C+)     Rotten Tomatoes - 80%     IMDB - 7.2/10

Chosen By: Michael Lucas

'Free Guy' is a fine movie with no serious faults, but it never feels fresh or original and suffers because of that. Fans of Ryan Reynold might appreciate it, but anybody growing tired of his shtick won't be impressed.

Our Score - 7/10 (B-)     Rotten Tomatoes - 86%     IMDB - 7.5/10

Chosen By: Matt McNeal

A Monster Calls has some issues with its tone, and it lacks the depth needed to make it great, but it is still a very solid movie with tremendous performances from all involved. If you're looking for an easy watch that aims to pull at your heartstrings, you could do a lot worse. 

Our Score - 3.17/10 (F)     Rotten Tomatoes - 72%     IMDB - 7.4/10

Chosen By: Michael Lucas

Ready Player One (2018) has its fans, as evident by the scores on Rotten Tomatoes and IMDB, but we are not among them. While the visual were good, there really wasn't anything else about this one we enjoyed. Unfortunately, this was a major disappointment from a legendary director.

Our Score - 7.5/10 (B)     Rotten Tomatoes - 95%     IMDB - 7.7/10

Chosen By: Shane Cronican

Enter the Dragon is an absolute must-see classic. Its an iconic martial arts movie that had a huge impact on films and pop culture, and it still entertains all these years later. If you haven't seen it, watch it now!

Our Score - 7.25/10 (B-)     Rotten Tomatoes - 97%     IMDB - 6.9/10

Chosen By: Steve Rushlau

Pig (2021) is an original and unique movie that features Nic Cage at his absolute best. Though not perfect, this is a great debut for writer/director Michael Sarnoski and it marks him as a talent to keep an eye on going forward

Our Score - 8.75/10 (A-)     Rotten Tomatoes - 82%     IMDB - 8.2/10

Chosen By: Aaron Cronican

Dune suffers a bit for only being half a story and it can be dense to those unfamiliar with its universe, but every aspect of it is done masterfully. The visuals are jaw-dropping, the acting is flawless from everyone involved, the soundtrack is unique and impactful, and Denis Villeneuve has never been better as a director. This is an absolute must-see for fans and newcomers alike. 

Our Score - 7/10 (B-)     Rotten Tomatoes - 59%     IMDB - 6.5/10

Listener Request From: Max

Though it doesn't come close to the heights of the The Exorcist (1973), The Exorcist III is an incredibly well made sequel. Thanks to the return of the original writer, William Peter Blatty, this is able to continue, and build upon, the world and themes the original presented.

Our Score - 6.59/10 (C+)     Rotten Tomatoes - 69%     IMDB - 7.6/10

Chosen By: Michael Lucas

Funny Games (1997) is very well made, but the material is disturbing, making this a hard movie to enjoy or recommend to others.

Our Score - 5.5/10 (C-)    Rotten Tomatoes - 86%     IMDB - 6.2/10

Color Out of Space is a weird (in a good way), atmospheric cosmic horror movie, that will please fans of H.P. Lovecraft. For general horror fans, it has it's moments, but it isn't as dark or crazy as it could have been. 

Our Score - 6.5/10 (C+)     Rotten Tomatoes - 88%     IMDB - 6.8/10

Chosen By: Brent Fruge

News of the World is a well made movie with fine performances. Unfortunately, it plays it too safe, so it ultimately feels familiar and underwhelming. 

Our Score - 4.59/10 (D)     Rotten Tomatoes - 96%     IMDB - 5.4/10

Chosen By Matt McNeal

The Old Ways looks slick, has some ideas, and has some interesting scenes. Unfortunately, it doesn't deliver on some of the great ideas it brings up. A stronger actress and a deeper dive into the demons and this culture would have saved this from mediocrity. 

Our Score - 9.3/10 (A)     Rotten Tomatoes - 97%     IMDB - 8.3/10

Chosen By: Michael Lucas

Aliens (1986) has it all. The writing, directing, acting, sound effects, and the production design are all exceptional. This is a must see classic that is still just as effective and thrilling 35 years later. 

Our Score - 5/10 (D+)     Rotten Tomatoes - 79%     IMDB - 7.2/10

Chosen By: Shane Cronican

Though there are many great aspects of Southern Comfort (1981), such as the atmosphere, music, and lead acting, the narrative is continuously propelled by poor decision making from the characters, making it difficult for us to get invested. 

Our Score - 7/10 (B-)     Rotten Tomatoes - 84%     IMDB - 6.7/10

Chosen By: Steve Rushlau

Let Him Go (2020) looks beautiful and Diane Lane and Kevin Costner give subtle, Oscar worthy performances, but questionable character decisions and and a script too afraid to delve into grey areas hold this movie back from being great. 

Ours Score - 5.92/10 (C-)     Rotten Tomatoes - 73%     IMDB - 7/10

Chosen By: Brent Fruge

Though the characters are iconic, this first of the trilogy seems a bit dated now, and the jokes don't hit as hard as they did when we were younger. Maybe skip this one and go straight to the second installment?

Our Score - 8.09/10 (B+)     Rotten Tomatoes - 88%     IMDB - 7.7/10

Chosen By: Aaron Cronican

Though modern moviegoers may find the pacing a bit slow, The Verdict will have plenty of things for anybody to enjoy. Director Sidney Lumet, writer David Mamet, and star Paul Newman are all at the top of their games. The cast of amazing supporting actors are just icing on the cake.

Our Score - 7.34/10 (B-)     Rotten Tomatoes - 52%     IMDB - 6.8/10

Listener Request From: A Fan of Musicals

Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny is a hilariously good time if you are the right audience. Fans of Tenacious D the band, old-school rock, or low-brow stoner comedy will love every minute of it. Others might find it to be an unfunny chore to sit through. 

Our Score - 7.75/10 (B)     Rotten Tomatoes - 61%     IMDB - 7/10

Listener Request From: Bat Fastard

Although The Mummy (1999) is far different from it's classic movie monster origins, it carves its own path by being a thrilling action adventure movie. The actors are all superb, the sets and locations are intriguing, and the CG remains impressive and effective to this day.

Our Score - 8.5/10 (A-)     Rotten Tomatoes - 38%     IMDB - 6.7/10

Listener Request From: Greg Grosse

We can't deny it, Armageddon (1998) is a loud, stupid, silly, AWFUL movie. That being said, the actors play their parts well, a lot of the humor works, the non-stop action makes the time fly by, and you're lying if you claim you didn't cry at least once during it. The point is, it's amazing.

Our Score - 7/10 (B-)     Rotten Tomatoes - 63%     IMDB - 6.5/10

Chosen By: Brent Fruge

Sonic the Hedgehog is a well made movie that seamlessly blends the actors with the CGI and features the most fun Jim Carrey performance in years. Its light, charming tone should please child and adult audiences alike. 

Our Score - 5/10 (D+)     Rotten Tomatoes - 56%     IMDB - 6.4/10

Chosen By: Shane Cronican

While it does have it's moments of fun and gore, Mortal Kombat's story is weak and it takes itself entirely too seriously, making it feel lifeless and dull. If this is to become the franchise the producers clearly want it to be, there's a lot of work in store for the sequel.