JackCowart34 Reviews

Sleeping Dogs (2024)

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie

[6/10 · 11 May 2024]

One sentence summary: To keep his mind active following an experimental medical treatment for Alzheimer's, a retired detective decides to revisit an old closed case.

While I would stop short of calling Sleeping Dogs a good movie, there is plenty to like about this Russell Crowe-led independent mystery. It unashamedly draws inspiration from films like Memento (2000) and, more recently, Memory (2022), but Crowe's performance is what gives this movie its own spark. The supporting cast provided him with little help, though, as he was noticeably a league above his co-stars. Inconsistent pacing also worked against the film at times, hampering the momentum that the twisty, occasionally convoluted story seeks to build. Luckily, the movie concludes with a bang, delivering a gut-punch ending that is equally satisfying and devastating.

In the Land of Saints and Sinners (2023)

"You have to be a sinner before you can be a saint"

[10/10 · 12 April 2024]

One sentence summary: A recently retired hitman must go toe-to-toe with a group of rogue IRA operatives in 1970's Ireland.

Robert Lorenz and Liam Neeson's most recent collaboration is one of the most remarkable films Hollywood has had to offer in years. Armed with beautifully layered central performances, particularly by Kerry Condon, In the Land of Saints and Sinners tells a fascinating story that's supplemented by impeccable craft. Under the director's steady guidance, the actors built off of each other's work to execute the eloquent script in a way that resonated with me emotionally. From the opening few scenes, the characters and the country of Ireland feel intertwined, both plagued by dejection and resorting to violence for answers. This connection helps the movie find its footing quickly and maintain a cohesive tone throughout. It may still be early in 2024, but we have an obvious frontrunner for film of the year.

Spaceman (I) (2024)

"Spaceman" Launches Itself Into Infamy

[1/10 · 27 March 2024]

One-sentence summary: When a mysterious cloud of gas appears at the edge of our solar system, an astronaut is sent on a solo mission to investigate.

Rarely does a film make me feel as if I am wasting my time like Spaceman did. When choosing his more dramatic roles, Adam Sandler typically has a good eye, which makes me wonder how he whiffed so badly here. The narrative was disjointed, the characters were underdeveloped, and the pace was methodical to a fault. You cannot, as a filmmaker, allow the entertainment value of a movie to slip by the wayside in favor of cinematic profundity. If the viewer isn't entertained, they've most likely already checked out, and therefore cease to care about any underlying thematic elements. The most interesting part of the movie were the interactions between Sandler's and Carey Mulligan's characters, but that's about the equivalent of saying that the most interesting part of watching paint dry is the occasional drip. Next time you are scrolling and debating what to watch, don't make the same mistake I did. Continue scrolling.

Lovely, Dark, and Deep (2023)

An Inspiring Directorial Debut

[8/10 · 16 March 2024]

One sentence summary: A woman returns to the national park that tormented her childhood to accept a position as a backcountry ranger.

Lovely, Dark, and Deep isn't a movie that should be viewed with a entirely literal mindset, instead it is one of the rare films that allows the audience to draw their own conclusions as to the meaning of the story. My thematic understanding was that tragedy often leaves one feeling isolated, but dwelling in your past only leads to anguish, terror, and self-doubt. Teresa Sutherland's directorial debut falls securely under the arthouse umbrella. However, the movie's heart, combined with its beautiful visuals and a stunning turn from Georgina Campbell, should give everyone something to enjoy. Although I recognize that this genre isn't some people's cup of tea, sometimes the emotion a film elicits should supersede a total understanding of the material.

Out of Darkness (2022)

A Solid Ancient Survival Film Spoiled by an Overwrought Ending

[5/10 · 1 March 2024]

One sentence summary: After embarking on a long voyage, a tribe of ancient humans must navigate a foreign land to find shelter while being hunted by unknown adversaries at night.

The idea for which this film's plot was formulated had some interesting potential. The setting was expansive, the practical effects were outstanding, and the acting was mostly admirable, but the progression of the story led to an ending that left a sour taste in my mouth, to say the least. The core conflict of morality versus survival is certainly a well explored topic, however when portrayed correctly, it still packs a punch. With another rewrite and some fine-tuning of the script, Out of Darkness could've achieved something great. But as it stands, I'll mostly likely look back on this film as something of a missed opportunity.

Barbie (I) (2023)

Gerwig and Robbie Introduce a Whole New Generation to Existential Crises

[7/10 · 10 February 2024]

One sentence summary: Barbie's perfect existence enters a tailspin when she starts contemplating the meaning of life and the possibility of death.

A Barbie feature film was always in the cards for Mattel, but I'm not sure anyone other than Greta Gerwig expected it to grapple with such substantial themes. But even with the heavy topics, Barbie is colorful enough, both in its palette and its actors' charisma, to attract a wide variety of audiences. Hence the movie's staggering $1.4 billion box office return. Not every creative decision functioned to the film's benefit, but the project as a whole felt genuine and fluid. The steady stream of comedy, provided primarily by Will Ferrell, the Mattel CEO and the film's main antagonist, also worked nicely to balance the tone and add a bit of levity. While the movie may not be as perfect as Barbie's world, Hollywood couldn't have asked for a more impactful cinematic debut for the iconic children's toy.

Talk to Me (I) (2022)

Talk to Me is Lower-End A24

[4/10 · 16 January 2024]

One sentence summary: A girl sees an opportunity to communicate with her deceased mother when her friends show her an embalmed hand that has connections to the afterlife.

I feel as if I'm the odd one out on this film, as both critics and the general audience seemed to enjoy it when it was released this past July, but with the amount of subjectivity involved in cinema, not sharing in the majority's opinion happens from time to time. Talk to Me failed to interest me as either a horror or a drama, falling somewhere in the middle where indecision and poor judgment reign supreme. My lack of connection with Sophie Wilde's portrayal of the protagonist Mia didn't help matters, as her character's demeanor was more agitating than it was endearing. In fact, most of the characters in the movie suffered from this issue. The film wasn't without its moments, though, as I was sporadically amused by the script as well as some of the imagery and visual effects, but horror has taken such a dramatic step up in the past decade that I simply won't cut semi-scary, semi-entertaining movies like this much slack.

Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)

A Long, Arduous, Albeit Welcome Film From Scorsese

[6/10 · 21 December 2023]

One Sentence Summary: A man recently returned from WWI is employed by his affluent uncle to marry into an oil-rich family and then murder them one by one.

Martin Scorsese cemented himself as a legend in the world of cinema long ago, and for good reason. He consistently makes quality films, establishes new techniques and trends, and explores subjects that are universally interesting. I would consider Killers of the Flower Moon a good movie, but not a great one. The acting was terrific, the story was compelling enough, and all the technical aspects of the film were meticulously handled, but I couldn't help but feel as if the movie meandered during certain stretches. The longer a film, the harder it is to get the pacing right, so 3+ hours sometimes presents an insurmountable challenge. I had never seen Lily Gladstone in anything prior to this, but she more than held her own on screen with some of the modern-day acting giants. Although Scorsese's work continues to be solid, a film like this may be playing it a little too safe. I hold the opinion that some of his best work has come from some of his biggest swings, such as with The Wolf of Wall Street, Cape Fear, or Gangs of New York. If he decides to make another movie, I'm hoping it's a little bit more daring than Killers of the Flower Moon.

A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)

Nine, Ten, Never Sleep Again

[9/10 · 14 October 2023]

One-sentence summary: A group of teens committed to a mental hospital because of their horrifically similar nightmares team up with former victim Nancy Thompson to take on Freddy on his own turf.

Of the many Nightmare on Elm Street films that have been released since the series began in 1984, Dream Warriors distinguishes itself due to its subsisting influence and bold vision. This third appearance of Freddy Krueger is strikingly self-aware without sacrificing any of the movie's nasty scares. As the writer, Wes Craven does an admirable job of developing diverse characters and even works to cultivate a provoking backstory for the infamous dream-hopping demon. The special effects in the film are jaw-droppingly detailed, and the art department's contribution towards inventive imagery can't be dismissed. Patricia Arquette does well leading the cast of relatively unknown teenagers, and the incorporation of Heather Langenkamp helps advance the story while providing a tasteful connection to the first film. If I were asked to recommend one Nightmare on Elm Street movie to someone, this would without question be my choice.

John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

John Wick Stumbles in (Possibly) His Final Appearance

[5/10 · 2 October 2023]

One-sentence summary: Tired of the constant pursuit by The High Table, John Wick sets out to defeat the Marquis and secure his freedom.

I never thought there would come a day when I got tired of seeing John Wick slaughter his enemies by the hundreds, and although that day isn't quite here yet, it's coming closer. Wick's revenge-fueled rampage in the first film seems to have morphed into more of a survival effort as the franchise has progressed. So even if there are more kills in chapter four (as there should be with a runtime of 169 minutes), they lack the personal edge. What this movie does offer, however, is several attention-grabbing set pieces, pleasantly odd antagonists, and persistently elaborate fight choreography. I'm usually pretty good about suspending my disbelief, and they've previously established that Mr. Wick can take extensive beatings, but some of the punishment he's able to incur in this film while remaining relatively unfazed was nothing short of absurd. If this marks the end of the road for the Baba Yaga, regardless of my indifference to this movie, Keanu Reeves should be proud of what he was able to accomplish with the series as a whole.

Halloween III: Season of the Witch (1982)

A Halloween Sequel in Name Only

[2/10 · 20 September 2023]

One sentence summary: When a patient arrives in the emergency room injured and gripping a halloween mask, a series of events unfold that pit Dr. Challis against the clock to stop the murder of millions of children on Halloween night.

I'm sure there is a cult following that will stand behind the sheer boldness of this film, but what I can't justify is prioritizing eccentricity over quality. I will always commend originality, but most of the creative choices made in the third Halloween were incomprehensibly odd. Like the decision to be campy but not necessarily fun, or to be ruthless and then cut away right before the kill strike, and must I even mention the complete omission of Michael Meyers? The story showed promise early but then quickly derailed into all-out lunacy, while the acting also did the script no favors, sans Dan O'Herlihy, who brought some previously lacking ferocity to the role of the crazed CEO. That singular bright spot, though, wasn't near enough to save Season of the Witch from becoming a cheap gimmick.

The Boogeyman (I) (2023)

You May Want to Double-Check Your Closet After Watching the Boogeyman

[8/10 · 6 September 2023]

One-sentence summary: When a woman tragically passes away in a car accident, her family is left behind to try and survive the lingering effects.

As Halloween season approaches, people will inevitably be searching for new horror movies to indulge in, and so I'll let you know now to look no further than The Boogeyman. This is another worthy entry in the long line of Stephen King adaptations, helmed artfully by up-and-coming horror director Rob Savage. He establishes a subtle but affecting core at the center of the film, illustrated by the intricate character dynamics that occur when the Harper family's prolonged mourning is crashed by a creature that thrives off of their emotional isolation. But just because the movie functions seamlessly as a story about letting go doesn't mean it can't be enjoyed at face value as a creative and chilling monster movie. Multiple factors contribute to this duality, such as the camerawork, sound design, and score, which all come together to build an engaging environment that shrewdly sets the stage for a thrilling finale. So if being scared is on your docket, I'd dedicate a couple of hours to The Boogeyman to thrust you into the holiday spirit.

Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)

A Rebound of Sorts for Marvel

[6/10 · 21 August 2023]

One-sentence summary: Scott, Hope, Hank, Janet, and Cassie are pulled into the quantum realm, where they must contend with the all-powerful Kang the Conqueror.

I wouldn't consider Quantumania a full-fledged return-to-form for Marvel, but it did act nicely as a vehicle for Jonathan Majors to flaunt his pristine acting skills. He gets plentiful screen time, especially from the midpoint on, and proceeds to steal every scene while single-handedly raising the stature of the film. Some other positives include a fast-moving pace, a solid amount of quirky comedy, and a smidge of self-awareness, though some of Disney's recent fallbacks still lingered, like the cheesy dialogue and shallow relationship drama. There is an obvious sloppiness to the movie, but there are also just enough pros to warrant checking out the newest Ant-Man.

Haunted Mansion (2023)

Disney With Another Throwaway Remake

[3/10 · 15 August 2023]

One-sentence summary: A family recruits a ragtag team of paranormal experts to help rid their newly acquired mansion of unwanted spirits.

I think it's fair to say that the majority of audiences are getting burned out on the sequel/remake binge that Hollywood has been on in recent years, and a large portion of the blame falls directly on Disney. This iteration in particular was even more inessential and uninspired than the usual cash-grab fair. I am a bit nostalgic towards the 2003 original, but as far as I'm concerned, that version tops this movie both in scares and laughs. The one advantage this film does hold is the supremely talented LaKeith Stanfield, who was done an injustice by the director for squandering such a quality performance. It truly is beyond me that they thought this could ever compete with Oppenheimer or Barbie.

Doctor Sleep (2019)

A "Shining" Example of Horror Excellence

[10/10 · 30 July 2023]

One-sentence summary: A now middle-aged Danny Torrance, struggling with the violence of his childhood, takes it upon himself to protect a young girl whose powerful shine attracts the attention of immortality-seeking Rose the Hat.

Stamped with the seal of approval from author Stephen King himself, Doctor Sleep did what many deemed impossible. Not only did the film manage to live up to The Shining, but in some ways was even able to exceed it. It all begins and ends with Mike Flanagan, who wrote a fearless script, made perfect casting choices, and brilliantly implemented equal parts horror and fantasy to create a modern classic. Every actor involved injected life into their characters, but none did so better than Ewan McGregor. He exhibits sensational range and charisma as the primary link between the two movies made almost 40 years apart. At points, the film is touching, and at other times ruthlessly brutal. It takes you on a journey both narratively and emotionally as you witness the character's arcs come to fruition in an absolute way. Flanagan deserves extensive laudation for his lofty aspirations, and Doctor Sleep deserves unequivocal acceptance as his crowning achievement.

65 (2023)

65's Big Heart Redeems Its Handful of Plot Holes

[7/10 · 24 July 2023]

One-sentence summary: After crash-landing an exploratory mission on earth 65 million years ago, Mills and Koa must traverse a dinosaur-infested landscape to get to their escape vessel.

The directing team of Beck and Woods have been on my radar ever since the release of their 2019 horror movie, Haunt. While I won't put 65 quite on that film's level, I was again impressed by their creativity and ambition. As preposterous as the story was, it succeeded in creating entertaining situations and earnest relationships. Adam Driver brought depth to the leading role, and both of the child actors understood the material and were up to the task. I'm not sure there was anything more that could've been done given the limitations of their script. Regardless, the directors have obviously proven their ability to build suspense, and I'm intrigued to see what project they choose to pursue next.

No Hard Feelings (2023)

Not Quite the Comedy Champion That Cinema So Desperately Needed

[5/10 · 17 July 2023]

One-sentence summary: Maddie, down on her luck, agrees to date a wealthy couple's socially awkward son in exchange for a car.

I've seen movies before that are able to toe the line between drama and comedy eloquently, but it's a damn difficult thing to do. No Hard Feelings has moments where the comedy is golden and the drama is charming, but the inability to balance the tone between heartfelt and slapstick is inevitably what renders the film average. The chemistry between the two leads left me puzzled as well. Sometimes I felt as if there was a romantic connection, and other times it seemed more like a maternal connection. It's a strange dynamic to be caught in. On the acting front, Matthew Broderick was the lone performance that I thought stood above the rest in terms of eliciting laughs. I'm not saying the rest of the actors were lousy, but the word unremarkable feels fitting. Nevertheless, it was refreshing to have some laughs in the theater again.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

I'd Rather Not Remember Indy Like This

[4/10 · 3 July 2023]

One-sentence summary: Indy and his goddaughter embark on a globe-spanning adventure to keep a powerful ancient relic out of the hands of the evil Nazi, Dr. Voller.

Maybe my expectations were too high going into Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. I didn't think the series was going to recapture the magic of the original trilogy, but with James Mangold behind the camera, I thought there was a good probability of high-quality cinema. Can you blame me? He's done some fantastic work over the course of his career, directing movies like 3:10 to Yuma, Knight and Day, Walk the Line, and Ford v Ferrari, just to name a few. This sequel, released 42 years after the character debuted, clearly had insurmountable odds. Harrison Ford is an eighty-year-old man, and the job given to Mangold was to somehow make his stunts look convincing to an audience. To try and realize that objective, he ended up over-editing the action scenes involving "Old Indy" so extensively that it's near impossible to follow. That would be a major issue in any adventure movie, and Indiana Jones isn't an exception. There were segments here and there (the prologue, the parade) that I thought were memorable, and whenever Ford and Mads Mikkelsen were on the screen at the same time, I was locked in, but I can't say that made it worth sitting through the long 154-minute runtime. I went in wanting to enjoy myself, and now I find myself pleading for Disney to finally retire Indiana Jones.

The Flash (I) (2023)

Miller and Muschietti to the Rescue!

[10/10 · 22 June 2023]

One-sentence summary: Barry Allen uses his faster-than-light speed to travel backwards in time with the hopes of rewriting his tragic past.

What sets Andy Muschietti apart as a director is his ability to consistently make quality character driven films with depth without sacrificing watchability and pace. The Flash isn't going to wow you with an uber-original story, but what might drop your jaw is the steadfast vision and a litany of incredible performances. Ezra Miller has had his troubles in his personal life, but his acting talent can't be denied. He displays a thorough understanding of the character Barry Allen and excels not only in the dramatic moments but has spot on comedic timing as well. His lead performance is further augmented by the terrific work of Michael Keaton and Sasha Calle, who both bring unique mentalities and motivations to their roles. The script is well written and surprisingly digestible, with multiple scenes that had me uncontrollably cackling. Muschietti handles the camera smoothly with natural instincts on close versus wide shots and an affinity for capturing imposing visuals. This is easily one of the most complete movies I've seen in recent years, and I will certainly be returning to the theatre for a second viewing.

The Wrath of Becky (2023)

If You've Ever Wanted to See Stifler Play a Cult Leader, Here's Your Chance!

[6/10 · 13 June 2023]

One-sentence summary: Two years after the events of the first film, Becky finds herself at the center of a small-town insurrection with far-reaching implications.

In all honesty, it never crossed my mind that Becky (2020) would get a sequel, so it took me by complete surprise when I saw that The Wrath of Becky was playing at my local theater. The story is a standard mishmash of previously successful movies. Think John Wick meets Home Alone. Nevertheless, the filmmakers nailed the tone and style, balancing the lighthearted fun and brutal violence nicely. The script could've been a tad tighter, but I admire how they continue to offer longtime comedic actors an opportunity to demonstrate their range. Even if Seann William Scott doesn't quite match Kevin James' performance from the first film, he is still one of the biggest reasons to watch the sequel. I'm not going to tell you to move this to the top of your watchlist, but The Wrath of Becky is a fun way to kill 90 minutes.

To Catch a Killer (2023)

The Longest Episode of NCIS Ever Made

[1/10 · 5 June 2023]

One sentence summary: A police officer with a checkered past is recruited by the FBI to help identify the man behind a New Year's Eve shooting in Baltimore.

I actually had some semblance of hope for To Catch a Killer. That was until I made it about a quarter of the way through the film. Ben Mendelsohn usually chooses roles that suit him well, and Shailene Woodley's filmography is nothing to sneeze at. After finishing the movie, I'm convinced that it wouldn't matter which actors were chosen to play the lead roles. The dialogue and script were too crude to allow for any sort of elevation by the cast. A bare bones premise like this leaves no room for error in execution, but because both the premise and execution fell flat, the end result was nothing more than the sum of its disastrous parts.

Ex Machina (2014)

A Fascinating Examination on the Qualities of Humanity

[8/10 · 25 May 2023]

One-sentence summary: A computer programer wins a trip to the secret headquarters of a tech billionaire, where he's introduced to the most complex AI ever created.

Ex Machina is up there with "Get Out" as one of the most successful feature film debuts for a director in the past decade. Alex Garland emphatically proved he belonged behind the camera when this sci-fi thriller was released in 2014, which ended up reeling in two nominations at the Academy Awards, including a win for Best Achievement in Visual Effects. It's compelling as both a character study and a social commentary regarding the disadvantages humans face when engaging with AI. The performances are all spectacular, even if at times I didn't fully buy into Oscar Isaac as a Zuckerberg/Musk type of character. He was nevertheless pleasingly eccentric and irrefutably likable. The ending left a slight sour taste in my mouth, but I can say with absolute certainty that it was the right choice narratively. It's a movie that's become increasingly relevant since its inception, not only due to its subject matter but also because of the precision filmmaking involved.

Inside (I) (2023)

Survival in a Lavish Locale

[4/10 · 17 May 2023]

Willem Defoe has chosen some atypical projects over his long career, and Inside definitely fits the mold. The easiest way I can think to describe it is as an arthouse survival movie, where Defoe, per usual, turns in a fully committed performance battling the artificial elements from the inside of a luxurious penthouse apartment. There are some complex philosophical themes present in the film, but it's missing the entertainment value necessary to make it a movie worth watching. Strangely, it lacked urgency, and plot developments were few and far between, so you felt every second of the 95-minute runtime. I would've liked to have seen this script in the hands of a different director because it has an intriguing premise, but you need more than a good idea to make a good film.

Scream VI (2023)

Another Horror Franchise That's Been Run Into the Ground

[3/10 · 10 May 2023]

I made the decision to wait for Scream 6 until it became available on streaming, and I'm glad I did. Although this entry in the franchise is set in a new city, it doesn't bring anything fresh to the table. The same core of young, questionably qualified actors is back to fend off another ghost-face killing spree, this one even less entertaining than the last, which itself set the bar pretty low. The mystery was too bland for any legitimate investment, and I cared so little for the characters that their ultimate fate was inconsequential. They too often deviated from gruesome kills to focus on weak interpersonal relationships, which slowed down the pace of the film and hampered the overall mood. The only elements this movie had in its corner were an enjoyable opening scene and some nice set pieces. Growing up, Scream was a franchise that stood out due to its self-awareness and mean-spirited humor, but that feels like a distant memory now.

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (2023)

Come for Chris Pine, Stay for a Three Foot Tall Bradley Cooper

[8/10 · 2 May 2023]

Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is a great example of how to make a big-budget movie the right way. It's well cast, with a briskly moving narrative and charm to spare. The film does feature a hefty amount of CGI, but I never felt that it was obnoxious. Hugh Grant, on the other hand, was the cause of some annoyance, giving a performance that progressively grated on me as the movie went on, though it wasn't enough to alter my opinion of the film as a whole in any significant way. D&D was much funnier than it had any right to be, and it made a sincere effort to incorporate some emotional stakes. I had a fun time at the theater, so if it's still out near you, I'd confidently give it my recommendation.