HIM Review — A Botched Attempt to Score In Sports Horror
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s HIM review says that this Jordan Peele produced sports horror film misses the mark completely, and devolves into bloody chaos. This a film that’s getting a lot of play from the fact that it’s produced by Jordan Peele, famous for original and stylish horror features including Get Out, Nope, Us and Candy…
WALTZING WITH BRANDO Review — Billy Zane Captures an Icon
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Waltzing with Brando review says that it’s a subtle but entertaining film that takes a fascinating look at a slice of Marlon Brando’s storied life, and is elevated by Billy Zane’s uncanny performance as the cinematic icon. Based on the memoir by Bernard Judge, (the real life architect depicted in the film)…
THE LONG WALK Review — A Different Type of Horror
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s The Long Walk review reveals why and how this multi-genre thriller ranks right up there with Steven King’s very best film adaptations. The title doesn’t exactly send you madly scrolling through your favorite movie ticket app, intent on scoring the best seats in your favorite theater in advance. In fact, it might…
CAUGHT STEALING Review — Strikes Out With Savage Violence
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Caught Stealing review says that the clever story and game acting are overwhelmed by astoundingly savage violence. Caught Stealing is literally painful proof that you can’t judge a movie by its trailer, poster or director. From the promotion, you’d think it might be violent but tongue in cheek, somewhat amusing crime caper,…
I REALLY LOVE MY HUSBAND Review – When Paradise Becomes a Psychological Thunderdome
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s I Really Love My Husband review says it’s a beautifully uncomfortable reminder that the heart wants what it wants, even when what it wants makes absolutely no logical sense. Imagine you’re trapped on a gorgeous island with someone who’s theoretically perfect for you, but every fiber of your being is screaming “Nope!”…
See the CCA’s Winners of the Annual Critics Choice Super Awards
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) just announced the winners of the 5th annual Critics Choice Super Awards, honoring the most popular, fan-obsessed genres across both movies and television. See if you agree. Because you all need to know what’s worth watching, I view as much as I possibly can, and pass along my opinions to you via…
FREAKIER FRIDAY Review — Crazy Cute But Shamelessly Sloppy
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Freakier Friday review notes that all the fabulous fun and frolic can’t make up for lack of attention to detail that results in mind-numbing audience confusion. Splashy colors and setups, slapstick comedy, actors we know and love plus a gorgeous and talented supporting cast, and the glories of L.A. at its glamorous…
TOGETHER Review — Bad Choices Make for Good Horror
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s Together review reveals that this real life couple knows how to take a terrifying tale to the limits and beyond. Well. I didn’t see that coming. Together starts out with a co-dependent, self awareness-free couple making really bad choices about their lives together. Real life mates Dave Franco and Alison Brie play…
SLOW HORSES Review, THE LAST OF US Review — 2 Big Drama Contenders
Tandy Culpepper and Lisa Johnson-Mandell’s Slow Horses review and The Last of Us Review reveal why they have opposite opinions about both shows on The Hollywood Beat podcast. Slow Horses Review The spy thriller Slow Horses, streaming on Apple TV+, is as sharp as it is grimy—a cold, gray tale of espionage and incompetence that…
THE NAKED GUN Review, THE BAD GUYS 2 Review — Big Fun for All
Lisa Johnson Mandell’s The Bad Guys 2 review and The Naked Gun review says the two comedies, one of them animated, usher in August with big laughs and lots of fun. The Naked Gun Review You need to keep your eyes wide open, think fast and stay alert, just like Frank Drebin Jr does, to…
