Tag Archives: Vanessa Hudgens

Action, Adventure, Comedy, No Spoiler Reviews

BAD BOYS – RIDE OR DIE (2024): The Things I Liked…

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I suspected I’d have a good time watching Bad Boys – Ride or Die, and I was right.

Starring Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Eric Dane and Jacob Scipio; the latest instalment of the Bad Boys franchise is another fun outing. Now, several typical buddy/cop drama and action movie tropes may be present, however, it’s all woven together well, thanks to an engaging shooting style that includes some ‘first person shooter’ video game-style action. The cinematography and story edit help ensure that the film feels fresh enough that you surrender and let yourself be entertained. 

Directed once again by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah; I expected the dynamic between Smith and Lawrence’s characters to be my favourite thing about the movie, along with the fun action. Turns out, not this time, because Scipio’s Armando is the star of my favourite scene. The kind that had me thrilled because of the fight choreography, the tension, how the scene is captured and my level of emotional investment in the outcome. 

We also have the ‘protect the family’ sequence that took an unexpected turn that was thoroughly engaging, plus the fight in the elevator. 

There is just one issue that I have with Bad Boys – Ride or Die, which is that I found Martin Lawrence’s Marcus to be quite annoying in parts. His character’s usual quirks seemed as though they were dialled up too high for my liking, and that’s before he has ‘the vision’.

Lastly, two more fun things about Bad Boys – Ride or Die? The numerous cameos, and Eric Dane as a bad guy. He’s great! 

I say watch it, especially if you enjoyed the previous films because this one is good, if not better. 

Happy Film Loving,

G

Action, Adventure, Comedy

BAD BOYS – RIDE OR DIE (2024): New Trailer Starring Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig…

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Read my spoiler-free movie review of Bad Boys – Ride Or Die (2024).

Will Smith and Martin Lawrence are back for the fourth instalment of the Bad Boys movie franchise.

Directed by Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah; this time, Mike lowrey (Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Lawrence) are on the run.

Hello, fun!

I say bring on the famous Lowrey/Burnett shenanigans and funny dialogue. I’m also looking forward to seeing Eric Dane, a.k.a. McSteamy from Grey’s Anatomy as what looks to be a villain.

Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Rhea Seehorn, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, Melanie Liburd, Jacob Scipio and Tasha Smith also star.

Bad Boys – Ride or Die Release Dates: June 7th, 2024 (US & UK)…

Happy Film Loving,

G

Christmas Movie, Comedy, Drama, Family, No Spoiler Reviews

THE PRINCESS SWITCH 2 – SWITCHED AGAIN (2020): The Things I Liked…

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The Princess Switch 2 – Switched Again (2020), Vanessa Hudgens, Netflix
The Princess Switch 2 – Switched Again (2020), Vanessa Hudgens, Netflix

When I decided to watch The Princess Switch 2 – Switched Again, I wasn’t expecting great things. I was hoping for a sort of watchable Christmas movie experience that I’d be able to get through with a smile on my face, in part thanks to the Christmas filled mise en scene.

Instead, what happened within 10 minutes of the viewing experience gave me a strong urge to reach for my phone and do other things while it played. I definitely could have aborted the whole experience, but something told me to leave it playing. Nothing improved with time, of course. But at least it made the room look extra ‘Christmassy’.

What exactly is wrong with The Princes Switch 2 – Switched Again? Let’s just say that it’s the kind of story and execution that’s really best enjoyed by preteen girls/children. I should have known.


Nevertheless, if, like me, you often leave less-than-great Christmas movies playing in the background because you like the ambience they help create, maybe, for that reason alone, hit play on The Princes Switch 2 – Switched Again. You could even leave it playing with the volume down while you pick a Christmas soundtrack to blast through your home. Now that’s an idea.

Happy Film Loving,

G

Comedy, Drama, Family

THE PRINCESS SWITCH 2 – SWITCHED AGAIN (2020): New Trailer From Vanessa Hudgens, Nick Sagar, Suanne Braun…

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The Princess Switch 2 - Switched Again (2020), Vanessa Hudgens, Netflix
The Princess Switch 2 – Switched Again (2020), Vanessa Hudgens, Netflix

Read my spoiler-free movie review of  The Princess Switch 2 – Switched Again (2020).

In 2018’s The Princess Switch, while competing in a Christmas baking competition in Belgravia, a Chicago baker bumps into a prince’s fiancée who happens to look just like her. Some things happen, and soon enough, the baker and the princess switched lives.

In the sequel The Princess Switch 2 – Switched Again, Vanessa Hudgens and Nick Sagar return and this time, something happens that requires the doubles to switch again, particularly before a new lookalike, party girl Fiona foils their plans.

Directed by Mike Rohl; additional key cast includes Suanne Braun and Lachlan Nieboer.

I’m watching for two reasons; to help get myself in the mood for Christmas, thanks to all those gorgeous decorations and attire. And to enjoy Hudgens’s rather pleasant accent.

It was likely quite the challenge to play three characters. But I imagine, probably also fun.

Mark Fleischmann, Grant Fergusson, Adele Lupton, Grant Crookes, Ricky Norwood and Jess Fergusson also star.

The Princess Switch 2 – Switched Again Release Dates: November 19th, 2020 (US)…

Happy Film Loving,

G

Action, Comedy, Crime, No Spoiler Reviews

BAD BOYS FOR LIFE (2020): The Things I Liked…

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Bad Boys For Life (2020), Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Sony Pictures Entertainment
Bad Boys For Life (2020), Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Sony Pictures Entertainment

I’m glad that Will Smith and Martin Lawrence waited for a decent script before finally saying yes to making Bad Boys for Life. Especially since the long-awaited sequel to the Bad Boys franchise is a fun, action-packed experience. 

Started in 1995 with Bad Boys and followed by 2003’s Bad Boys II – both directed by Michael Bay, the script for this latest instalment makes good use of Smith and Lawrence’s great chemistry and comic timing.

Much of the humour in Bad Boys for Life comes from the way both detectives Mike Lowrey (Smith) and Marcus Burnett (Lawrence) approach the fact that they’re now much closer to middle age than the rookies they once were. These very welcome humorous moments are balanced with visually impressive action sequences and the genuine brotherly bond between Burnett and Lowrey.

In terms of my engagement levels as the movie played, the way directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah captured the story kept my full attention almost throughout. Whether it was the energy, look and feel, filming style or the dialogue, I was right there and focused.

The only part of Bad Boys for Life that I found myself not fully on board with is the way the story is wrapped up after the film’s biggest revelation. For me, that last quarter of the movie was the weakest part because I didn’t quite buy how it unfolded, as it felt forced. Nevertheless, I wouldn’t say it’s a reason not to see it, because Bad Boys for Life really is fun, especially for fans of the previous films and the great comic duo that is Smith and Lawrence.

Lastly,  I’m certainly not a petrol head, but that stunning blue car, the Porsche 911 Carrera 4S, is quite the beauty. Looking at it against the Miami backdrop was an absolute treat.

Happy Film Loving,

G