Pregnant Nadja and David decide to take a romantic trip to the north of Sweden, to try and rekindle their relationship. Little do they know, the nature of the nightmare that really awaits them.
Directed by Alain Darborg; Red dot stars Johannes Kuhnke, Nanna Blondell and Anastasios Soulis.
Like many other proudly shameless wusses out there, I already knew that camping is far from a good idea. Particularly in highly secluded and harsh environments. In which case, this rather well edited teaser trailer makes it look like Red Dot is going to be quite the ‘horror’ movie experience.
Who’s feeling most sorry for the dog? I am; even though I’m only half serious.
Superintelligence (2020), Melissa McCarthy, Warner Bros. Pictures
I enjoyed Superintelligence, the latest comedy from Melissa McCarthy, Bobby Cannavale, Sam Richardson and Ben Falcone more than I expected to.
Directed by Falcone, the story of Carol (McCarthy), a woman who’s been selected for observation by the world’s first superintelligence that may or may not take over the world isn’t perfect. Yet, if you’re a fan of the talented film making team and some good dialogue delivered with perfect comic timing; plus, laughter that you can’t always see coming, then give Superintelligence a chance.
Besides the above-mentioned highlights, there’s also the chemistry between Carol and Cannavale’s George to enjoy. And James Corden’s character is quite fun. So much so, that don’t be surprised if, for a good portion of the film, you find yourself thinking:
‘Should this be what a future with a superintelligent AI looks like, I think I’m in!’
As for what I didn’t completely love about Falcone’s movie, there’s the use of several common movie-making/comedy cliche’s that made the story experience that little bit less special.
Furthermore, just when I became comfortable with the direction the story was going in and the nature of the relationships , a semi-expected change happens that follows down a path that’s not quite as satisfying as it could have been. Nevertheless, even though Superintelligence has no chance of taking the place of Spy (2015) as my favourite McCarthy film, I have no regrets about watching it.
Watch it if you’re curious and because the performances are fun.
‘Yeah! Kurt Russell delivers another fun musical performance, a key highlight.’
‘My, my; that Santa coat is still as beautiful as the first time I laid eyes on it.’
‘I’m so glad this movie is better than the first one. Thanks to the story and a good performance by young Darby Camp.’
‘I’d love that star as my own personal light. Also looks like a perfect ornament.’
Considering the year that 2020 has been, The Christmas Chronicles 2, along with a few other good seasonal movies this year are precisely what my festive season mise en scène obsessed self have been needing.
It’s a fun adventure for Christmas fans of all ages. Especially, thanks to how positive it is and the way it fully embraces the Christmas spirit. From the engaging adventure story about saving Christmas to the stunning decorations and fun special effects.
Watch The Christmas Chronicles 2. Particularly if, like me, you’re into how beautiful the festive season makes everything look, and all else I’ve mentioned.
The only things I liked a little less than would have been ideal are the performances by the big brother character and the naughty elf. Both were okay. However, just not as fully believable at times as young Camp the others.
Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special (2020), Mariah Carey, Apple TV+
Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special is a Holiday special that promises music, dancing and animation. All of which is driven by a universally heartwarming story to bring us all together in 2020.
Directed by Roman Coppola and Hamish Hamilton; Mariah Carey’s Magical Christmas Special also stars, to name just a few, Jennifer Hudson, Snoop Dogg, Tiffany Haddish, Ariana Grande and Jermain Dupri.
I’ve personally been in the Christmas spirit for a while now, and this film right here is going to send me right over the edge. And I’m not mad about it.
As a Carey, Snoop, Haddish, Grande, Dupri and Hudson fan, I can’t wait to experience the seasonal spectacle, humour and oh, so beautiful voices.
Happiest Season (2020), Dan Levy, Kristen Stewart, Hulu
I haven’t seen all the Christmas movies due for release in 2020 just yet. Especially since it’s not even December as I write this. Nevertheless, let’s just say that it’s going to take something very special to dethrone Happiest Season as my favourite Christmas film of the year.
I found plenty to enjoy in this Clea Duvall co-written/directed story about needing to be exactly yourself, wanting your family’s acceptance and trying hard not to ruin Christmas.
First, there’s the good performances by all, particularly Mackenzie Davis who I’ve been a fan of since Always Shine (2016). Then comes the musical score that I believe is near perfection.
Additionally, Happiest Season manages to feel fresh, even though the holiday/romance/comedy film category is far from new. And the ‘freshness’ is, in part because the central characters are a young lesbian couple. However, it’s simply good writing, editing, acting, music and all else necessary that makes Duvall’s movie the perfect holiday film experience I’ve been needing. Happiest Season is also funny in all the right places. Plus, it features a good mix of memorable dramatic moments too. I say, watch it at once! Because it’s good.
Lastly, like myself, by the end you may feel that you’ve finally come across your favourite Kristen Stewart performance. Especially if you’re not too busy appreciating the noteworthy family wisdom, plus the good examples of friendship and kindness in the story.
Holiday Home Makeover With Mr. Christmas (2020), Netflix
I watched Netflix’s Holiday Home Makeover with Mr Christmas to do one of my favourite things this time of year; feast my eyes on other people’s Christmas decorations.
Starring Benjamin Bradley (Mr Christmas), and the decorated premises of four families, watching the four-episodes will likely show you a few new tips and tricks for decorating your home during the holiday season. However, when it comes to the final results, decoration-wise, I found myself less wowed than I expected to be.
In fairness, there’s no doubt that Christmas decor tastes can be very personal. Nevertheless, for me, I enjoyed the first and last episodes most because of the decor and the personalities involved. It’s during these episodes that the show about a decor expert helping four families decorate their homes came close to being the best it could have been. For the two middle episodes, I, unfortunately, could not stop the urge to fast forward to the finished decor instead of sitting the stories and steps it took to get there.
Perhaps season 2, assuming it’s coming will have a bigger production budget, more engaging stories and a touch more elaborate and awe-inspiring decor.
In the meantime, should you find yourself super curious, give Holiday Home Makeover with Mr Christmas a chance. At the very least, you’ll learn a few DIY decorating tips.
The Boss Baby – Family Business (2021), Alec Baldwin, James Marsden
The sequel to The Boss Baby (2017) is here, meaning the smart/adult-like, briefcase carrying baby who’s voiced by Alec Baldwin is back.
Also starring James Marsden, Jimmy Kimmel and Jeff Goldblum; in The Boss Baby – Family Business, the Templeton brothers are now grown up and have drifted apart. However, not if a new boss baby with a cutting-edge approach has anything to do with it.
Directed by Tom McGrath; additional key cast includes Amy Sedaris, Lisa Kudrow and Eva Longoria.
I’m so glad to see Alec Baldwin back for this sequel. I’ve just recently finished re-watching his great work in 30 Rock. So I’m definitely in for this one. And it helps that the first Boss Baby movie was so imaginative and fun.
Dakota Johnson, Jason Segel and Casey Affleck’s latest drama is Our Friend. A story about the support a couple gets from their best friend after they receive life-altering news.
Directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite; Additional key cast includes Gwendoline Christie, Cherry Jones and Marielle Scott.
I find myself surprised by this mix of actors is. It’s perhaps most surprising because of Segel, an actor I always picture first in comedy films (Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008), I Love You, Man (2009) and This is 40 2012), rather than dramas.
I’m in forJohnson’s performance and to see how this friendship triangle story is navigated. I say ‘triangle’ but there’s also the forth element; Segel’s character’s girlfriend who’s waiting for him to return.
Ahna O’Reilly, Violet McGraw, Reed Diamond, Azita Ghanizada, Michael Papajohn, Ritchie Montgomery, Isabella Kai, Chandler Head and Jennifer Pierce Mathus.
