Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Here we have a stylish, well-acted crime thriller with some great action set pieces that is worth a revisit every now and then. #jackmeatsflix
My quick rating - 5.9/10. I seem to pop this one on once a decade, but for some reason, I’ve never actually reviewed it—so what better time than now while I’m updating jackmeat.com?
Directed by James Foley, this flick brings a stylish crime-thriller approach to the well-worn “veteran cop and rookie partner” dynamic, with Chow Yun-Fat carrying the movie—as expected. Mark Wahlberg plays the fresh-faced recruit, while Chow Yun-Fat’s seasoned officer navigates the murky waters of corruption within New York’s Chinatown. The story follows the duo as they attempt to take down the Chinese Triads, but moral lines blur when the criminals attempt to bribe Wahlberg’s character, leading to complications in trust and loyalty.
The film takes clear inspiration from John Woo, showcasing stylish action sequences and well-choreographed gunfights. While nothing here is groundbreaking, the shootouts are well executed, and the tension in certain moments keeps the film engaging. Some of the dialogue can feel a bit jumbled, especially when dealing with non-English-speaking actors, but the overall narrative holds up well. The double-cross and resulting plot points all get wrapped up in a very dramatic and convenient way.
Many considered The Corruptor to be Chow Yun-Fat’s first strong Hollywood outing, though I’d argue The Replacement Killers did a better job the year before highlighting his talents. That said, this is still a solid action flick that has aged decently, even if my younger self might have rated it higher back in the day. The chemistry between the two leads is believable, and the film effectively balances action with character drama, even if it doesn’t quite hit classic status. It's a stylish, well-acted crime thriller with some great action set pieces, even if it doesn’t break new ground. Still worth a revisit every now and then.
Plenty of streaming options along with Amazon for you to check this one out.
Tuesday, February 11, 2025
If you love schlocky, boob-centric horror throwbacks, this might be your kind of trash just don't expect much horror. #jackmeatsflix
My quick rating - 3.2/10. If you’ve ever thought, “What this horror movie needs is more boobs, a hot tub, and a pillow fight before the killing starts,” then this flick is here to say, “Hold my beer and watch this.”
Writer/Director Steve Hermann clearly went to the ‘80s Sorority Horror starter pack for inspiration and wasted no time diving headfirst into every single cliché possible. Our fresh-faced pledges, eager to join Gamma Rho Kappa, quickly learn that the initiation process involves more than just beer pong and hazing—it includes evil, bloodthirsty witches with a taste for new recruits (literally).
Lynn Lowry and Ann Myrna head up the sisterhood of supernatural shenanigans, chewing scenery (and possibly flesh) as they lure in their unsuspecting pledges. Lowry’s connection to Troma Studios only adds to the camp factor, making this feel like a long-lost love child of Sorority Babes in the Slimeball Bowl-O-Rama and a rejected The Bad Batch sequel.
For those wondering if there’s any actual horror in this horror movie, the practical effects are appreciated but scarce—because, let’s be honest, the budget was probably split evenly between fake blood and baby oil. The kills that do happen are fun but too infrequent, which is a shame because more ridiculous deaths might have really taken this to “so-bad-it’s-good” territory.
The acting? Exactly what you'd expect. It delivers with the same energy as a college group project where half the team forgot the deadline—but hey, that’s part of the charm. The twist? Oh, it’s there. And it’s just hokey enough to make you groan and chuckle at the same time.
If you love schlocky, boob-centric horror throwbacks, this might be your kind of trash. But if you were hoping for a legitimately terrifying sorority horror film, well, you must be new here.
Streaming choices are slim for this one which may be a blessing.
Monday, February 10, 2025
This flick is a fun diversion for die-hard fans of the character, but it misses the mark as a compelling origin story. #jackmeatsflix
My quick rating - 5.3/10. Sony’s introduction for Kraven takes a stab at reimagining one of Spider-Man’s iconic foes, delivering an R-rated origin story steeped in blood-soaked vengeance. While Aaron Taylor-Johnson gives it his all as the titular antihero, the film struggles to rise above its predictable script, overused tropes, and uneven performances.
The movie focuses on Sergei Kravinoff (Taylor-Johnson) and his tumultuous relationship with his ruthless gangster father, Nikolai (Russell Crowe). Their strained dynamic sets the stage for Sergei’s transformation into a brutal predator, driven to become the world’s greatest and most feared hunter. Unfortunately, while the premise has potential, the execution falls flat. The story is bogged down by clichés, leaving little room for meaningful character development or engaging twists. It’s a paint-by-numbers origin tale that never strays far from what the trailer promises.
Despite the weak script, Taylor-Johnson shines. His physicality and commitment to the role inject energy into an otherwise lackluster film, especially during the action sequences. The R rating allows for some visceral, gory moments that suit Kraven’s savage nature, and these scenes are easily the film’s highlight. Crowe also brings strength to his role as Nikolai, but his talents feel wasted on a character as one-dimensional as the script renders him.
Unfortunately, the supporting cast doesn’t fare as well. Ariana DeBose’s performance is particularly underwhelming, with her scenes often dragging down the film’s momentum. Her portrayal feels out of sync with the movie’s tone, and her character lacks the complexity needed to leave a lasting impression.
The visual effects are hit or miss, with some poorly rendered CGI animals breaking the immersion. It’s disappointing, especially in a movie centered on a master hunter. While there are moments of brutal fun, the overall visual presentation leaves much to be desired.
Perhaps the most glaring issue is Sony’s continued reluctance to directly tie these spin-off films into the broader Spider-Man universe. The absence of Spider-Man—or even a meaningful connection to him—makes Kraven the Hunter feel isolated and detached. Including subtle nods or cameos would have added depth and legitimacy to the storyline, reminding audiences that these characters exist in a shared world.
Ultimately, Kraven is a mixed bag. It has flashes of excitement, mostly thanks to Taylor-Johnson’s dynamic performance and the film’s commitment to bloody action, but it never rises above being a mindless popcorn flick. For those intrigued by the trailer, what you see is exactly what you get—no more, no less. If you’re hoping for something with depth or a compelling Spider-Man connection, you’ll leave disappointed.
Amazon along with these streamers have this one for theater-at-home pricing.
Sunday, February 9, 2025
This action/comedy is nothing groundbreaking, but a fun way to kill some time featuring a great cast. #jackmeatsflix
My quick rating - 6.1/10. A suburban couple (played by Zach Galifianakis and Isla Fisher) finds their quiet cul-de-sac life thrown into chaos when their impossibly attractive new neighbors (Gal Gadot and Jon Hamm) turn out to be secret agents. As they get entangled in an international espionage plot, hijinks and awkward situations ensue.
This is a spy-comedy that doesn’t reinvent the genre but delivers enough laughs and well-paced action to keep things moving. The cast is undoubtedly the film’s biggest strength—Gadot is always a welcome presence, and Galifianakis brings his usual comedic charm, albeit in a slightly toned-down manner compared to his more outlandish roles. Fisher and Hamm also play their parts well, adding to the chemistry and comedic energy.
While the story is one you’ve seen before, the execution is solid, and the humor lands more often than not. The action sequences are decent, never overstaying their welcome, and they serve their purpose of keeping the comedy flowing. They aren't quite as drawn out or elaborate as Mr. and Mrs. Smith, which is the first movie this reminded me of, but still kept me entertained. Overall, Keeping Up with the Joneses is a light, entertaining watch—nothing groundbreaking, but a fun way to kill some time.
You have some streaming options including Amazon but no freebies this time.
Saturday, February 8, 2025
A beautifully acted, abstract film that falls short of horror but succeeds as a metaphorical deep dive into the complexities of motherhood. #jackmeatsflix
My quick rating - 5.5/10. This was a deeply introspective and artsy film that takes the concept of motherhood to wild, metaphorical extremes. Based on Rachel Yoder's novel, the story follows an unnamed mother (Amy Adams, in a career-highlight performance) as she grapples with the isolation, monotony, and identity shifts of stay-at-home parenthood. Slowly, she begins to believe she’s transforming into a dog, a bizarre but poignant metaphor for the feral instincts and untamed power that come with motherhood. Adams is exceptional, fully embodying the complexity of her character’s emotional descent. Her portrayal is raw, layered, and powerful enough to warrant serious awards consideration. The film itself is an intimate exploration of the psyche, blending motherhood, identity, and societal expectations in a surreal and symbolic package.
However, Nightbitch’s classification as a horror film is puzzling. There isn’t a single moment that evokes fear or dread, despite the premise hinting at potential body horror or werewolf-like transformations. Instead, the film plays out as a psychological drama with heavy arthouse sensibilities. Its refusal to lean into genre tropes may disappoint viewers expecting something more visceral or thrilling.
The nameless characters, referred to only as Mother, Son, and Husband, add to the film’s abstract, universal tone but also create an emotional distance that makes it harder to connect with their personal struggles. The pacing drags at times, with the narrative focusing more on themes than plot progression, leaving some sequences feeling repetitive or overly indulgent.
While Nightbitch is undeniably well-crafted and thought-provoking, it’s not for everyone. Its artsy, symbolic approach to storytelling will resonate with those who appreciate introspective dramas but may frustrate those expecting a more dynamic or genre-driven experience. I can attest to hoping for horror for much of it. For all its creativity and ambition, it’s a film that bites more than it barks, leaving you with an intriguing but ultimately uneven viewing experience.
As of now, Hulu is the only place to stream this one.
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