Sunday, September 29, 2024

If you're looking for an easy-to-watch action comedy with solid performances from Cena and Awkwafina, you are in luck. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 6.0/10. This flick surprised me,  taking place in a twisted future where a "Grand Lottery" offers a multi-billion dollar prize, but with one deadly stipulation—kill the winner before sundown to legally claim their jackpot. Enter Katie Kim, played by Awkwafina, who accidentally wins the lottery. Her survival depends on Noel Cassidy, a bumbling lottery protection agent played by John Cena, who strikes a deal to protect her in exchange for a cut of the fortune. The premise oozes dark humor, blending elements of action, satire, and chase-style adventure. Cena delivers once again with his trademark self-deprecating humor, poking fun at his own macho image. His chemistry with Awkwafina works well, balancing her transformation from an unwitting victim into an unexpected hero. Awkwafina’s performance as the clueless Katie, who reluctantly steps into the role of a fighter, adds a relatable touch of humor and heart to the film. While the concept is ripe for over-the-top violence, it keeps the tone dialed back, steering away from the more brutal feel of something like Death Race 2000. Instead, it leans into a lighter dark comedy, balancing the grim reality of the plot with a quirky, almost absurd tone. The film doesn't take itself too seriously, and that works in its favor. However, the narrative can feel a bit shallow at times, and while the humor is solid, the plot is pretty predictable. The dark humor doesn't fully explore the dystopian potential of the setting, keeping things too lighthearted for the premise. Still, if you're looking for an easy-to-watch action comedy with solid performances from Cena and Awkwafina, this flick delivers just enough entertainment to keep your interest. It worked for me.

This one is currently streaming on Amazon for Prime members.

https://jackmeat.wixsite.com/jackmeat/post/jackpot-2024

Thursday, September 26, 2024

I believe they found the right person to take this cult classic movie to the home streaming screen. #jackmeatstv

Deadline now reports today that Amazon MGM Studios is moving forward with their planned RoboCop television series, with horror master James Wan on board to executive produce.

Wan will produce through his label Atomic Monster.



https://bloody-disgusting.com/tv/3832942/james-wan-producing-robocop-tv-series-for-amazon-mgm-studios/

Monday, September 23, 2024

If you're in the mood for some creative kills and the ridiculousness of a B-budget horror flick, you might find yourself enjoying this mess. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 3.8/10. Well, that delivered exactly what you'd expect from a low-budget horror flick, and then some. Let's start with the obvious: the acting. "Horrible" doesn't quite cover it—this is the kind of wooden, disjointed performance that makes you question if the cast was pulled off the street five minutes before the cameras rolled. The fake car driving? A disaster. I mean, how hard is it to pretend you're driving? Even that felt like a bad afterthought. And don't even get me started on the camerawork—no, phone work. It seriously looks like a toddler took charge of the shots, creating a chaotic, shaky mess. But—yes, there's a but—the movie has a few redeeming qualities, specifically in the creativity of its gore. For a film with seemingly no budget, the splatter effects are surprisingly inventive. It’s clear they poured what little resources they had into making the bloodshed memorable, and in that department, they actually succeeded. This is where the movie shines, even if it’s in the most brutal of ways. And then there’s one scene, the infamous sex scene. Worth the price of admission? Maybe not quite, but pretty damn close and unexpectedly well done in an otherwise messy film. There’s something so absurd about a bunch of people partying in a slaughterhouse, as if any audience isn’t already shouting “What could possibly go wrong?!” from the first frame. Spoiler alert: it all goes wrong, and not just because of the script. In the end, this flick is a prime example of a so-bad-it’s-almost-good horror film. It's a masterclass in how not to make a movie, but if you're in it for the creative kills and the ridiculousness of the whole thing, you might find yourself enjoying the chaos. I am seriously curious what this crew does when they get an inkling of a budget.

Your choices are Amazon and Tubi, take your pick.

https://jackmeat.wixsite.com/jackmeat/post/slaughterhouse-on-the-hill-2024

Friday, September 20, 2024

Sign me up for the upcoming #shocktober #jackmeatsflix

https://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3832031/dont-move-trailer-netflix-horror-movie-from-producer-sam-raimi-has-a-killer-premise/

Thursday, September 19, 2024

This video game adaptation has some wildly varied pros and cons that ended up giving me a mediocre action experience that was saved by the superb @EliRoth. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 5.1/10. As a fan of the Borderlands games, especially now that I'm playing Borderlands 2 VR on my Quest 3, I came into this film hopeful but cautious. I mean, it’s Hollywood taking on a beloved franchise—what could go wrong, right? Well, thankfully, this flick didn’t completely roast the franchise, but it didn’t hit the high bar I was hoping for either. Visually, they nailed it. Pandora’s desolate landscapes, littered with ruins, bandit camps, and deadly creatures, were a perfect homage to the world I’ve all spent countless hours exploring in-game. You can tell they wanted to stay true to the look and feel, and Eli Roth’s direction shines through in those chaotic, gritty environments. Seeing it brought to life on the big screen gave me that nostalgic thrill of hopping into a new Borderlands expansion. The cast was promising, Cate Blanchett Kevin Hart Jamie Lee Curtis Jack Black Gina Gershon, there’s no shortage of talent. However, this is where things got messy. The team-building aspect felt rushed, almost as if they were scrambling to get everyone together just to move the story along. Yes, the action scenes were packed, but the pacing took a hit. Instead of taking the time to build camaraderie or tension, it felt like we were jumping from one set-piece to the next. The character dynamics, one of the key charms of the game series, didn’t fully land here, which was disappointing given the all-star cast. That being said, the action was pure Borderlands chaos. From battling monsters to facing off against dangerous bandits, the film had plenty of mayhem, which kept things fun. The story, revolving around protecting a young girl with the key to unimaginable power, was standard fare for the genre but at least stuck close to the Borderlands spirit of wild, over-the-top adventure. With such a stacked cast and Eli Roth at the helm, I expected a little more, especially in the humor and emotional stakes department. While I still enjoyed it, especially as a fan of the games, it didn’t hit the heights it could have. If you love the franchise, there’s fun to be had here, just temper your expectations accordingly before going in.

Amazon and a few other streamers have this one already.

https://jackmeat.wixsite.com/jackmeat/post/borderlands-2024

Tuesday, September 17, 2024

I checked out this Aussie horror sequel a while back and gave it a rating so here is a quick one for you. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 5.4/10. I have been waiting for this one since the original. Click here for my review of Wyrmwood: Road of the Dead. Got an Evil Dead 2 homage scene going on in this one. In a zombie-infested Australian wasteland, soldier Rhys who is on an arc of redemption as he turns against his evil bosses and joins forces with a group of rebel survivors to help rescue a girl who holds the cure to the virus. I watched this a couple years ago and didn't take proper notes but I can say a few things recall about this flick. It definitely lacked in the creative gore department that the first one used so effectively. This one had a lot more action instead and it was almost comic book like in how it was used. This doesn't make it a bad film at all, just didn't hit the same chord with me that the first one did. Still worth checking out since these Aussie horror flicks that are actually worth your time seem to be few and far between. I would say these make a good double feature if you want to check out some more obscure flix.

Rent or B-rent this sequel on these streamers if interested.

https://jackmeat.wixsite.com/jackmeat/post/wyrmwood-apocalypse-2021

Monday, September 16, 2024

Here is a nice #shocktober deal that Regal Cinemas has conjured up. #jackmeatsflix

Here’s another Friday the 13th treat for you: Regal has announced A24 Presents: An Eerie Series with $8 tickets for five modern horror classics showing every Tuesday evening in October.

This A24 series of truly original fright flicks will be available at over 100 select Regal theatres across the country to celebrate the arrival of spooky season through Halloween. Catch select A24 genre titles on the big screen, throughout the month of October.

Read on at the link below.
https://bloody-disgusting.com/movie/3831201/a24-presents-an-eerie-series/

Sunday, September 15, 2024

Still quite busy but I had time for this unnecessary remake of a John Woo classic action flick which he updated for 2024. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 5.8/10. This unnecessary 2024 remake feels like a tribute to John Woo’s earlier brilliance but ends up being a lesser version of what made his original work exceptional. The film follows an elite Asian assassin who accidentally blinds a beautiful singer and then risks everything to protect her. Along the way, she partners with an LAPD detective who is hunting her down. While the premise sounds intense, it doesn’t hit the emotional or action-packed highs you’d expect from Woo. It’s hard to understand why he even chose to remake his own classic. The 2024 version feels more like a self-parody, bringing back every cliché that action films borrowed from him over the years. From the slow-motion shots to the dove symbolism, it’s all here—but without the depth or flair that made them so iconic. It almost feels like Woo is making fun of his own style, which diminishes the impact. Nathalie Emmanuel does a decent job as the assassin, but she never quite convinces as an elite one. Her performance is more competent than commanding, which weakens the sense of threat and intensity that should come from someone in her role. Even if you haven't seen the original, the plot is laid out so simplistically that nothing comes as a surprise. Every twist is telegraphed well in advance, making the film feel formulaic. The action scenes, while solid, don’t rise to the level expected from Woo. They are competently shot and have some flair, but none of the sequences feel as masterful or groundbreaking as his previous work. Ultimately, this remake just wasn’t necessary. It brings nothing new to the table and doesn’t do justice to the legacy of Woo’s original. This is a film that’s competent but lacks the punch and innovation that once made John Woo a master of the genre. And if you are thinking of remaking Hard Boiled next, PLEASE do it justice.

As the poster says, this is a Peacock original so you'll have to stream from there lol.

https://jackmeat.wixsite.com/jackmeat/post/the-killer-2024

Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Part one of this story stands out as a great sci-fi fantasy adventure despite the language barrier and the obligatory dance numbers. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 7.0/10. Diving into my first Hindi sci-fi flick with Kalki 2898-AD was quite the experience. The movie follows Bhairava, a bounty hunter disillusioned with his harsh reality and eager to trade it for a cushier life in the Complex. However, his quest lands him amidst a group of rebels fighting to free humanity from the clutches of malevolent forces. The creativity in this film is its strongest point, delivering an impressive blend of futuristic and mythological elements that kept me engaged throughout. The world-building and character development are top-notch, painting a vivid picture of this dystopian universe. Prabhas, who plays Bhairava, carries the film with ease. His charisma shines through, especially in the hand-to-hand combat scenes where he slips in some well-timed comedic expressions. While I'm not familiar with many Bollywood actors, it's clear why Prabhas is one of the highest-paid in the industry—he has a magnetic screen presence. However, the film isn't without its quirks. As much as I appreciated the detailed narrative, the sudden musical dance number felt out of place. It was a jarring reminder of Bollywood's traditional insistence on incorporating song and dance into every genre, which, while charming in other contexts, felt a bit shoehorned here. I had hoped Bollywood had moved past this particular trope, especially in a serious sci-fi setting. That being said, it’s a minor blemish on an otherwise solid film. The action sequences are delightfully over-the-top, blending comic book-style choreography with a mix of mythical and technological weaponry. Disha Patani as Roxie left me wanting more—her brief but impactful role had potential that wasn’t fully explored, which was a shame. Oh, who am I kidding, she is a hot woman throwing around roundhouse kicks, what movie couldn't do without more of that? At nearly three hours long, the film certainly takes its time, and just when I thought I was nearing the end, it became apparent that this is just the beginning of a larger story. I wasn’t expecting a multipart narrative, but it successfully hooked me for future installments. Despite the language barrier and the obligatory dance numbers, this flick stands out as a great sci-fi fantasy adventure. I’m definitely intrigued by the potential of the Kalki cinematic universe and will be keeping an eye out for what comes next.

Amazon or Netflix are your choices right now. (09.03.2024)

https://jackmeat.wixsite.com/jackmeat/post/kalki-2898-ad-2024

Wix wants people to pay to use their crap yet cannot get a simple sharing issue fixed. You might get that review later, who knows. #jackmeatstv


Tuesday, September 10, 2024

Monday, September 9, 2024

Bag Boy Lover Boy (2014) This is a strange, slow-burn of a movie that flirts with shock value but doesn’t quite hit the mark. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 4.3/10. For a movie that clocks in at just 77 minutes, this flick somehow manages to feel like an eternity. This dark comedy follows the oddball journey of Albert (Jon Wachter), a socially awkward hot dog vendor in New York City who unexpectedly becomes the muse of Ivan Worthington (Theodore Bouloukos), an enigmatic and eccentric photographer. As Albert attempts to navigate the bizarre and cutthroat world of art, he discovers that success isn’t as easy as he thought, leading him to create his own unsettling and amateurish photographs. The film flirts with shock value but does so in a way that feels more tepid than truly provocative. There’s a tame necrophilia scene, and the disposal of meat from dead bodies is hinted at in a manner that’s more suggestively gross than graphic. The violence remains off-camera, leaving the film lacking in any visceral impact Adrienne Gori plays Lexy, Albert’s love interest, though her role feels more like an afterthought than a fully realized character. The film tries to delve into the dark underbelly of the art world, but it never fully commits, leaving you with a sense of missed potential. Ultimately, it is a strange, slow-burn of a movie that doesn’t quite hit the mark. Despite its short runtime, it drags, leaving you more bored than shocked. If you’re looking for something truly dark and unsettling, this might not be the film for you.

Amazon and a few freebies have this one for you.

https://jackmeat.wixsite.com/jackmeat/post/bag-boy-lover-boy-2014

Saturday, September 7, 2024

The Apocalypse Box (2024) Just FYI, between moving off Wix, and now moving our little family to a new place, I may not be on schedule or as generous as I was with this flick. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 4.0/10. Going into this flick without any prior knowledge felt like a gamble, but unfortunately, it didn't quite pay off. The film centers on Piers Stonesmith (Tom Butcher), a right-wing politician pushing his "Keep Britain British" agenda, who gathers six strangers on the eve of his election to unlock the secrets of a wish-granting box. A great deal of the focus is on the politician's make up woman played by Eva Best and how she tries to keep everything under control in a situation she absolutely has no grasp of. The film’s core plot—a spin on the “genie in a bottle” tale with a twist that wishes come with consequences—had the potential to be interesting but ultimately fell flat. The pacing is one of its biggest weaknesses. It drags too often, and there's far too little explanation about the box itself. While a sense of mystery is clearly intended, the film fails to generate enough intrigue around the box’s nature or its impact to make me care. The story events surrounding it don’t provide enough depth or engagement to maintain tension, so scenes that should feel suspenseful or dramatic end up lackluster. What little entertainment the indie film provides is overshadowed by poor execution, though it’s saved slightly by a satisfying conclusion. The wrap-up helps alleviate the frustration built up by the plodding middle section. However, with more care in pacing and fleshing out the characters and stakes, it could have been a more impactful film. Overall, it had promise but missed the mark in execution. My rating feels fair, largely for that conclusive ending. Without it, the score would have likely dipped lower.

Amazon is the only streamer now but here is the Justwatch link in case that changes.

https://jackmeat.wixsite.com/jackmeat/post/the-apocalypse-box-2024

Friday, September 6, 2024

Dune: Part Two (2024) One of the rare occasions that the sequel surpasses the first on all levels and this is must-see for any fans of the genre. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 8.5/10. Continuing the epic saga began in its predecessor, and it's a rare sequel that manages to surpass the original. This film takes us on a mythic journey filled with grandeur, intrigue, and breathtaking visuals. Following the footsteps of Paul Atreides, played with depth by Timothée Chalamet, the story delves deeper into Paul's transformation as he unites with Chani (Zendaya) and the Fremen in his quest for revenge against those who destroyed his family. As Paul grapples with the weight of his destiny, he faces a pivotal choice between his personal desires and the fate of the entire universe. What sets this sequel apart is its ability to build upon the groundwork laid by its predecessor while expanding the scope of the story. Director Denis Villeneuve once again demonstrates his mastery of visual storytelling, crafting awe-inspiring landscapes and intricate set pieces that transport viewers to the world of Arrakis. The performances are stellar across the board, with Chalamet delivering a nuanced portrayal of Paul's internal struggles. Rebecca Ferguson shines as Jessica, bringing depth and emotion to her character, while the supporting cast, including Josh Brolin and Zendaya, add layers to the ensemble. One strength I immediately caught lies in its exploration of themes such as power, destiny, and sacrifice. As Paul grapples with his newfound abilities and the responsibilities they entail, the narrative delves into the consequences of his choices, both for himself and those around him. Moreover, part two maintains a perfect balance between action and introspection. While there are thrilling sequences that keep audiences on the edge of their seats, there are also quiet moments of reflection that allow for deeper exploration of the characters and their motivations. In conclusion, this flick is a masterpiece of modern cinema, a sequel that not only lives up to its predecessor but surpasses it in every aspect. With its stunning visuals, compelling performances, and thought-provoking themes, it's a film that demands to be seen on the biggest screen possible.

Amazon and several other streamers have this one along with MAX.

https://jackmeat.wixsite.com/jackmeat/post/dune-part-two-2024

Wednesday, September 4, 2024

Straightheads (2007) Gillian Anderson stars in this average revenge thriller that drags a lot before getting to the point and ends up being very far-fetched. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 5.1/10 If you go to find this flick, it may be under Closure as well. Not your standard Gillian Anderson role. There is instant chemistry between Alice (Gillian Anderson), a businesswoman, and Adam (Danny Dyer), a younger working-class man who installs a security system in her London apartment. She takes him to a party in the country, and they end up making love. But the night turns horrific when they encounter three thugs who maim Adam and rape Alice. The incident turns them into fearful recluses until Alice spots the leader of their attackers (Anthony Calf) -- and the two victims plot a brutal revenge. I will say this one has a single scene that is very memorable, to say the least.

Only a limited number of streamers including Amazon for this one.

https://jackmeat.wixsite.com/jackmeat/post/straightheads-2007

Tuesday, September 3, 2024

Site 13 (2023) The nauseating camerawork makes a jumbled story even less bearable as much as I enjoy trips to Lovecraft's Miskatonic University #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 3.4/10. I can see by the insane amount of background information they are telling that they really want us to take this one seriously. After watching this one, you can tell this whole thing is a vanity project for Nathan Faudree. The credits point that out but I hadn't looked until after to verify my theory. When Dr. Nathan Marsh (Faudree) awakens from a catatonic state in a mental institution, he must relive his last expedition by watching tapes from the site visit, only to discover he's unleashed an unstoppable horror. Inspired by Lovecraft with the mention of the Miskatonic University but it didn't seem to get the mythos quite right. Hardcore Lovecraft fans will be all over pointing out the issues here and probably far more than I would even notice. The camera work is pretty nauseating throughout the whole film which detracts from the weak plot. The story was just a jumbled mess and never caught onto any rhythm to explain the narrative. This wasn't aided at all by the poor use of found footage material which you all know I loathe. But I will still always give it a chance since there has been good use of it every now and then. Just not this time. I wanted to enjoy this one being a fan of H.P. Lovecraft but it just wasn't help together in any way that could capture my interest. Maybe if counterparts Tony Urban and Faudree could've spent more time on the story itself and less time winging the cameras around at break-neck speeds to hide the lack of special effects budget, they could've dreamt up a plot that Lovecraft would be proud of but instead it was a lot of cheap shaky camera with Cthulu mythos baked into it. Speaking of, the all powerful entity here just didn't come across as very ominous at all. Overall, it is just a bewildering experiment that may have had potential if the makers could've put a bit more effort into it. I tend to be very lenient with Lovecraft stuff since it is some out-there material and very few can ever seem to get it right. I read somewhere this is a "cosmic horror" film. Ehhh....

Only a couple streaming options as of 09.03.2024 and Amazon is one of them.

https://jackmeat.wixsite.com/jackmeat/post/site-13-2023

Monday, September 2, 2024

#amfad All My Friends Are Dead (2024) If you're in the mood for some sinfully good gore this is a fun watch with decent kills, but don't expect anything revolutionary. #jackmeatsflix #eikid

My quick rating - 5.2/10. This flick is yet another entry into the ever-popular slasher genre, this time with a twist based on the seven deadly sins. The premise is straightforward: a group of college friends rent an Airbnb for what should be a weekend of carefree partying at the biggest music festival of the year. However, things quickly turn dark as they start getting picked off one by one, each death corresponding to one of the seven deadly sins. The movie kicks off with character introductions, and it's immediately clear that these people are not long for this world. Almost all of them exhibit toxic traits, making it obvious who’s going to bite the dust—and in this genre, that’s part of the fun. As expected, they all seem to loathe each other, adding to the tension and setting the stage for their inevitable demise. It takes a full 20 minutes to reach the opening credits, but the wait is worth it. The credits sequence features a stylish 1950s filmstrip-style instructional video about the seven deadly sins, which I found to be a creative and entertaining touch. The movie doesn’t offer anything particularly new to the slasher genre. The acting is typical for this style of film—nothing spectacular but serviceable for what the movie is trying to achieve. Jade Pettyjohn got the most screen time and did fairly well to keep me interested in what happened to her. She was my pick for ending up the final girl, although I won't say if I was correct or not. The twists are decent, and the kills are where this film shines. The deaths are creative, and the movie doesn't shy away from showing the gore, which should satisfy any slasher fan’s craving for brutality. Where the movie falls short is in the middle. I wish there had been more focus on the sin-themed killings and their setups. The concept had a lot of potential, but it felt somewhat underutilized. The film is fun and has its moments, but it's not going to stand out as a classic in the genre. The ending does set up a sequel in a clever manner, so there may be more to explore in this world. #EIKID

Amazon and a few other streamers have this one for viewing.

https://wix.to/pyQnBJ5

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Pemukiman Setan (The Devil’s Lair) (2023) This Indonesian horror flick is worth a watch if you're into gory supernatural horror that has a certain Evil Dead type feel to it. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 5.4/10. Indonesian horror has been gaining traction for delivering some truly terrifying experiences, and this flick joins the ranks with a blend of horror and blood-soaked mayhem. The film centers around a woman scarred by the trauma of family violence and economic hardship, who finds herself reluctantly dragged into a robbery of an antique house alongside three friends. The mission is clear: take only the valuable items and leave everything else untouched. Simple enough, right? Of course, things don’t go as planned. What stands out initially is the interesting premise that suggests a controlled heist but spirals into chaotic terror. The creepy main demon lurking in the house is a definite highlight, giving off serious Evil Dead vibes with its malevolent presence. The film leans heavily on blood and gore, often more than on building tension, which is both a strength and a weakness. For fans of visceral horror, there’s plenty to feast on, but those seeking a more suspenseful, edge-of-your-seat experience might find the balance a bit off. Visually, I found it a mixed bag. At times, the special effects deliver striking and eerie visuals, but other moments fall flat, looking downright cheap. This unevenness in quality detracts from the overall impact, making it feel less polished compared to Indonesia's recent horror successes. So we aren't getting treated to anything on the level of Satan's Slaves. Despite this, there’s enough here to keep you engaged, even if it doesn't fully deliver on its promise. The film teases a sequel, and while Pemukiman Setan isn’t perfect, it’s intriguing enough that I’d be curious to see where they take the story next. It’s not a bad horror film by any means and is worth a watch if you're into gory supernatural horror, but keep your expectations in check.

Justwatch doesn't have any streamers for this as of now.

https://wix.to/ZdNaDqt