Special: Superman: Man Of Tomorrow, The Turning, Netflix Vs. The World Mini-Reviews

Superman: Man Of Tomorrow:

Synopsis: The Daily Planet hires an intern named Clark Kent. As Clark begins his training, he must go above and beyond the call of his regular duties to defend the city of Metropolis from the likes of Lobo and Parasite.

My thoughts: I really enjoyed the story Man Of Tomorrow had to tell. It was paced well opening up with a showdown between Lobo and Superman before realizing as the movie went on that the big threat was still yet to come and the two men must put their differences aside if they're to be victorious. My main issue with this movie is the art style they used which was very Archer-esque. Now I've never really seen Archer probably because I'm not drawn to the art but since it's a comedy I kept expecting comedic bits to happen in this film which of course never happened. 

Final verdict: 3.5 parasites out of 5.

The Turning:

Synopsis: For more than 100 years, a deeply haunting tale has been passed down to terrify audiences. Next February, DreamWorks Pictures' THE TURNING takes us to a mysterious estate in the Maine countryside, where newly appointed nanny Kate is charged with the care of two disturbed orphans, Flora and Miles. Quickly though, she discovers that both the children and the house are harboring dark secrets and things may not be as they appear.

My thoughts: I knew nothing of "The Turn Of The Screw" before seeing this film, I understand there are several adaptations of this, many of which are acclaimed... This one was not, and I can see why. The cast was strong enough but the script and plot were a mess. They also announce random characters just to move the plot along and they're never seen again. That being said the highlight was the cinematography as director Floria Sigismondi certainly has an eye for a beautiful shot.

Final verdict: 3 adaptations out of 5.

Netflix Vs. The World:

Synopsis: The story of how a tiny, broke Silicon Valley startup slew giants of the movie rental world, warded off Amazon and forced movie making and distribution into the digital age.

My thoughts: Easily the best documentary I've watched this year, ironically it's now streaming on Amazon Prime if you're interested. This doc tells the story of upstart Netflix that was trying to rent DVD's by mail that no one was interested in before becoming the leading streaming service in the world and defeating the mighty Blockbuster that at one point was a billion dollar company.  

Final verdict: 4 DVD rentals out of 5.

Top 10 Countdown: August 29, 2020

 10. Broadside - Heavenly
Last week: NEW!

9. A Day To Remember - Mindreader
Last week: 2.

8. State Champs - Crying Out Loud
Last week: 9.

7. Less Than Jake - Just Like Andy
Last week: 7.

6. Knuckle Puck Ft. Derek Sanders (Mayday Parade) - Breathe
Last week: 8.

5. I Prevail Ft. Joyner Lucas - DOA
Last week: 6.

4. Neck Deep - Fall
Last week: 5.

3. The Used Ft. Mark Hoppus (blink-182) - The Lighthouse
Last week: 4.

2. Neck Deep - When You Know
Last week: 1.

1. Machine Gun Kelly - Bloody Valentine
Last week: 3.

Special: The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge On The Run, Body Cam, Capone Mini-Reviews

 The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge On The Run:

Synopsis: After SpongeBob's beloved pet snail Gary is snail-napped, he and Patrick embark on an epic adventure to The Lost City of Atlantic City to bring Gary home.

My thoughts: Definitely stronger than the last full length SpongeBob adventure. Sponge On The Run has a bunch of non-canonical scenes that bothered me, an avid watcher of the early SpongeBob episodes. That bothered me a little but I was mostly able to put it aside as this film uses the "Kamp Koral" first meetings between all the characters is the driver behind the overall message of the film: Friendship. The live action roles of Snoop Dogg, Danny Trejo and Keanu Reeves were most excellent (heh). The soundtrack was also strong, with the highlight being Weezer's Bikini Bottom song which opens the film. The CGI animation took a bit to get used to even though it was partially used in it's predecessor but after a few minutes the minute details stopped bothering you.

Final verdict: 4 fish in the sea out of 5.

Body Cam:

Synopsis: When a routine traffic stop results in the unexplained, grisly death of her colleague, a cop (Mary J. Blige) realizes footage of the incident will play for her eyes only. As the attacks mount, she races to understand the supernatural force behind them.

My thoughts: Firstly I was very surprised when this turned out to be a thriller/horror instead of action. I didn't read anything into it, just went based on the cover of the DVD which lead me to imagine a Black & Blue type movie but with the supernatural horror vibes I definitely got more than I bargained for. They turn the gore up to 11 and tries to add equal scares but it doesn't really land all that often. The cast is strong enough and the story tries to add some racial undertones that (SPOILER) ends up being the driving force behind the action but falls flat and forced early on in it's runtime.

Final verdict: 3 tales of revenge out of 5.

Capone:

Synopsis: Once a ruthless businessman and bootlegger who ruled Chicago with an iron fist, Alfonse Capone was the most infamous and feared gangster of American lore. At the age of 47, following nearly a decade of imprisonment, dementia rots Alfonse's mind and his past becomes present. Harrowing memories of his violent and brutal origins melt into his waking life. As he spends his final year surrounded by family with the FBI lying in wait, this ailing patriarch struggles to place the memory of the location of millions of dollars he hid away on his property.

My thoughts: Tom Hardy excels as a dementia ridden former crime lord... Everything else is a jumbled mess of a film that doesn't surprise anyone it ended up on VOD as soon as COVID closed theatres. The only intriguing part other than Hardy's performance is the action sequence near the end of the movie but it was too little too late to save Capone. 

Final verdict: 2.5 adult diapers out of 5.

Top 10 Countdown: August 22, 2020

 10. Courage My Love - Everybody's Lonely
Last week: 10.

9. State Champs - Crying Out Loud
Last week: NEW!

8. Knuckle Puck Ft. Derek Sanders (Mayday Parade) - Breathe
Last week: 9.

7. Less Than Jake - Just Like Andy
Last week: 8.

6. I Prevail Ft. Joyner Lucas - DOA
Last week: 7.

5. Neck Deep - Fall
Last week: 5.

4. The Used Ft. Mark Hoppus (blink-182) - The Lighthouse
Last week: 4.

3. Machine Gun Kelly - Bloody Valentine
Last week: 3.

2. A Day To Remember - Mindreader
Last week: 2.

1. Neck Deep - When You Know
Last week: 1.

Special: First Listen Thoughts: Neck Deep "All Distortions Are Intentional", Broadside "Into The Raging Sea", Taylor Swift "Folklore"

Neck Deep - All Distortions Are Intentional

Label: Hopeless Records

Press release: This latest set is more conceptual in nature, following the story of a loner named Jett who lives in a place dubbed "Sonderland," which is viewed as a combination of "Wonderland" and the word "sonder" which is the realization that everyone else may be living a life as complex and rich as your own. “It’s that strange existential realization that you are not the entire world,” explains singer Ben Barlow. “Everyone around you feels and lives the same way that you do. You’re just an extra in their story.”

My thoughts: This record is definitely different but still enjoyable. There's no certified bangers after one listen but there's enough to enjoy. The singles thus far have all been great choices and the only songs I'm not into is Quarry (big yikes) and Little Dove.

Broadside - Into The Raging Sea

Label: Sharptone Records

Press release: Broadside will release their new album Into The Raging Sea on July 24 via SharpTone Records. On the new album, frontman Ollie Baxxter shares: “All of the people I’ve idolized always say songs just flowed out of them, not because they wanted them to necessarily, but because they had to. Up until recently, that didn’t feel realistic for me. I didn’t think I was capable of creating art with that pureness of spirit.“

My thoughts: Outside of the closer which is a snoozer after one listen, this is a solid album top to (almost) bottom. I was worried they were going extra dark and melancholy on this release with the singles they've released and with the signing to Sharptone, however Broadside keep the punchy guitars and upbeat bangers like Dancing On The Ceiling and Overdramatic.

Taylor Swift - Folklore

Label: Republic Records

Press release: Surprise 🤗 Tonight at midnight I’ll be releasing my 8th studio album, folklore; an entire brand new album of songs I’ve poured all of my whims, dreams, fears, and musings into. Before this year I probably would’ve overthought when to release this music at the ‘perfect’ time, but the times we’re living in keep reminding me that nothing is guaranteed. My gut is telling me that if you make something you love, you should just put it out into the world.

My thoughts: Taylor, I love your pop sensibilities but this record completely lacks that. Maybe I'll come around on some tracks eventually but as of now the standout that I'll come back to is The Last Great American Dynasty.

Top 10 Countdown: August 15, 2020

 10. Courage My Love - Everybody's Lonely
Last week: NEW!

9. Knuckle Puck Ft. Derek Sanders (Mayday Parade) - Breathe
Last week: 10.

8. Less Than Jake - Just Like Andy
Last week: 9.

7. I Prevail Ft. Joyner Lucas - DOA
Last week: 8.

6. Silverstein Ft. Princess Nokia - Madness
Last week: 2.

5. Neck Deep - Fall
Last week: 7.

4. The Used Ft. Mark Hoppus (blink-182) - The Lighthouse
Last week: 5.

3. Machine Gun Kelly - Bloody Valentine
Last week: 4.

2. A Day To Remember - Mindreader
Last week: 3.

1. Neck Deep - When You Know
Last week: 1.

Special: The Grudge, The Banker, The Willoughbys Mini-Reviews

The Grudge:

Synopsis: After a young mother murders her family in her own house, a detective attempts to investigate the mysterious case, only to discover that the house is cursed by a vengeful ghost. Now targeted by the demonic spirits, the detective must do anything to protect herself and her family from harm.

My thoughts: I'll be honest I don't really remember the original Grudge films but I remember being scared... And yes I'm a big scaredy cat generally. So with that in mind I was never scared once watching this reboot. I had to look away because they were showing gross stuff but that's about as scary as this gets. The cast was filled with talented enough actors we've seen pull off great performances but none really stand out here, not that I blame them entirely as the scripting was not great. The plotting also left a lot to be desired. It seemed they decided they wanted to make a "smart horror" film and instead ended up banging their head against a wall repeatedly and making a convoluted mess of a plot that really doesn't move anything forward.

Final verdict: 2 out of 5 severed fingers

The Banker:

Synopsis: Inspired by true events, "The Banker" centers on revolutionary businessmen Bernard Garrett (Anthony Mackie) and Joe Morris (Samuel L. Jackson), who devise an audacious and risky plan to take on the racist establishment of the 1960s by helping other African Americans pursue the American dream. Along with Garrett's wife Eunice (Nia Long), they train a working class white man, Matt Steiner (Nicholas Hoult), to pose as the rich and privileged face of their burgeoning real estate and banking empire - while Garrett and Morris pose as a janitor and a chauffeur. Their success ultimately draws the attention of the federal government, which threatens everything the four have built.

My thoughts: I'd like to say this film pulled no punches but it definitely did which is upsetting given our current political and societal climate, however the strong acting overshadows any flaws in the script and direction.

Final verdict: 3.5 real estate tycoons out of 5.

The Willoughbys:

Synopsis: Convinced they'd be better off raising themselves, the Willoughby children hatch a sneaky plan to send their selfish parents on vacation. The siblings then embark on their own high-flying adventure to find the true meaning of family.

My thoughts: The Willoughby children left me wanting more after a watch, but it's not the way you think... The voice cast is very funny and does well in this Netflix animated feature film. My big gripe is that animated dark comedies aren't attempted often, especially for children, but they have been done and it has a lot to explore given it's lack of options but The Willoughbys seem content to play it safe and not explore the genre further which holds it back, thus leaving me wanting more from the film. 

Final verdict: 3 odd siblings out of 5.

Top 10 Countdown: August 8, 2020

10. Knuckle Puck Ft. Derek Sanders (Mayday Parade) - Breathe

Last week: NEW!

9. Less Than Jake - Just Like Andy

Last week: 10.

8. I Prevail Ft. Joyner Lucas - DOA

Last week: 9.

7. Neck Deep - Fall

Last week: 8.

6. All Time Low - Getaway Green

Last week: 3.

5. The Used Ft. Mark Hoppus (blink-182) - The Lighthouse

Last week: 7.

4. Machine Gun Kelly - Bloody Valentine

Last week: 5.

3. A Day To Remember - Mindreader

Last week: 4.

2. Silverstein Ft. Princess Nokia - Madness

Last week: 1.

1. Neck Deep - When You Know

Last week: 2.

Special: First Listen Thoughts: New Found Glory "Forever And Ever x Infinity", Protest The Hero "Palimpsest", Casa Loma "This Is Coping"

New Found Glory - Forever And Ever x Infinity:

Label: Hopeless Records

Press release: NEW FOUND GLORY will release its tenth studio album, "Forever + Ever x Infinity", on [June 19] via Hopeless Records. The band has put together a quintessential record, supremely catchy with sing-along anthems, trademark breakdowns, and sweetly poignant lyrics.

My thoughts: It's a great New Found Glory record overall however I will say that there are a few songs (Himalaya and Same Side Sitters mostly) that have subpar chorus' but are otherwise great. Stay Awhile, Like I Never Existed and Trophy are the non-preview tracks that stand out after one listen but I'm excited to give it multiple listens.

Protest The Hero - Palimpsest

Label: Spinefarm Records

Press release: “Palimpsest is by far the most challenging record we have worked on,” says lead guitarist Luke Hoskin. “The writing and recording process saw so many delays, it’s honestly hard to keep them straight. We are very proud of how each hurdle was handled though, and the end result is a record that we believe is deserving of such an endeavour.”

My thoughts: Palimpsest is a strong Protest The Hero album. I'm not a music nerd but I'm well aware the band are great musicians, that being said in past albums it seems they were trying to hard to impress the music nerd crowd which made for a less enjoyable experience for me however they've toned that down here and upped the lyricism and story-telling which makes for an interesting dive into American history.

Casa Loma - This Is Coping

Label: Pure Noise Records

Press release: “I did this for sanity” is the bold opening statement from bassist and co-vocalist of Man Overboard Nik Bruzzese, as to how his new solo project Casa Loma was born. The upcoming debut EP This is Coping  showcases a collection of songs Nik recorded as an artistic expression to channel events in his life the only way he knew how. 

My thoughts: I'd love to say that this is a great project but I just can't see myself getting into it. Nik's vocals are so different than what I'm used to. It's not until track 4 & 5 that I get what I know of Nik, the instrumentation is also best on those songs. I can appreciate this was a personal project for Nik but I'm just not sure it's for me but I'll give it some time before I put a nail in that coffin.

Top 10 Countdown: August 1, 2020

10. Less Than Jake - Just Like Andy
Last week: NEW!


9. I Prevail Ft. Joyner Lucas - DOA
Last week: 10.


8. Neck Deep - Fall
Last week: NEW!


7. The Used Ft. Mark Hoppus (blink-182) - The Lighthouse
Last week: 8.


6. blink-182 - Happy Days
Last week: 2.


5. Machine Gun Kelly - Bloody Valentine
Last week: 6.


4. A Day To Remember - Mindreader
Last week: 5.


3. All Time Low - Getaway Green
Last week: 1.


2. Neck Deep - When You Know
Last week: 4.


1. Silverstein Ft. Princess Nokia - Madness
Last week: 3.