Contagion Of Fear (2024) What could have been a taut, timely thriller ends up as a muddled piece of propaganda that barely scares and hardly entertains. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 3.8/10. Another flick attempts to ride the wave of pandemic-themed thrillers but unfortunately derails almost as spectacularly as the fictional train that sets off its chaotic narrative. Set in Sydney, the film opens with a catastrophic train derailment that plunges the city into immediate disarray. However, budget constraints mean viewers must rely on their imaginations for what should have been a dramatic, pulse-pounding sequence. Following the derailment, a biological gas attack leaves survivors collapsing and dying within minutes, setting off a rapidly spreading sickness that sends the city into panic. This premise, rife with potential for intense, edge-of-your-seat moments, quickly reveals itself to be a superficial take on a bio-thriller. The film's lack of genuine horror is replaced by an onslaught of what appears to be thinly veiled political commentary. It seems more focused on mocking "Trump"-like supporters rather than building a cohesive and terrifying storyline. Zoe Carides stands out as the film's lone bright spot, delivering a performance that deserves a far better script and supporting cast. The rest of the cast, unfortunately, is largely forgettable, struggling to bring depth to their underdeveloped characters. This lack of engaging characters makes it difficult for viewers to invest in their plights, further diminishing the film’s impact. The climax, if it can be called that, is a major letdown. Just when you expect the narrative to take a gripping turn or provide some form of resolution, it falls flat, leaving you with a sense of unfinished business. The anti-climactic ending feels more like a sudden stop rather than a satisfying conclusion, capping off a film that had already been teetering on the edge of mediocrity. Ultimately, the movie fails to deliver on multiple fronts. What could have been a taut, timely thriller ends up as a muddled piece of propaganda that barely scares and hardly entertains. That 3.8 rating is a generous reflection of its few redeeming qualities, most notably Carides' performance. Unless you're in the mood for a disappointment, it's best to skip this one.

There is a limited number of streamers for this one including Amazon.

https://wix.to/UVXnoUS

At long last, we have information on when season 2 of Severance is coming. #jackmeatstv

https://youtu.be/ULC9M8CCn28?si=J7-eHMwCGOIaGsWQ

Latency (2024) is a thriller that doesn't thrill and a horror that doesn’t horrify, leaving it stranded in a cinematic no-man’s-land. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 4.1/10. This flick presents an interesting premise for me being a gamer. Professional gamer Hana (Sasha Luss), battling acute agoraphobia, receives advanced gaming equipment that seemingly reads her mind, sparking questions of whether it’s aiding her or controlling her. Despite the potential, the execution sure leaves much to be desired. The film, marketed as action-horror, falls short on both counts. The few scares involving ghosts feel forced and lack genuine tension. The action is minimal, which may disappoint viewers expecting more dynamic scenes typical of the horror genre. Instead, it leans more towards being a psychological thriller, though it doesn't fully commit to this path either. A significant flaw is the absence of immersive gaming scenes. We never actually see Hana playing the game this revolutionary equipment is supposed to enhance, which disconnected me from the central plot device. This missed opportunity undermines the film’s ability to fully engage its viewers. Set primarily in a single, gloomy room, the film's production design does convey Hana's isolation and mental state effectively. However, the one-location setup might contribute to the overall sense of stasis and monotony that plagues the narrative. Luss delivers an adequate performance as Hana, capturing her character's vulnerability and growing paranoia. Alexis Ren, playing Hana’s friend Jen, is also noteworthy, although her striking resemblance to Luss had me momentarily confused. The cast’s efforts are commendable, but they are hindered by the film's lackluster script and direction. At 94 minutes, "Latency" still manages to feel padded with filler. Writer-director James Croke struggles to find a cohesive tone, neither fully committing to horror nor excelling in action elements. The central concept of control and mind games has potential but feels underdeveloped, making the film seem like a stretched-out short story rather than a fully realized feature. As it stands, it’s a thriller that doesn't thrill and a horror that doesn’t horrify, leaving it stranded in a cinematic no-man’s-land.

Amazon and Microsoft are the only streamers listed as of 07.10.24.

https://wix.to/OTwRaI9

Above the Law (1988) I recently checked out the flick that put Steven Seagal on the map and it happens to be one of his best flix if you are into martial arts action. If Facebook deletes this as well I will be on forced hiatus until they get their shit straightened out. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 6,1/10. This fight for no-reason government conspiracy action flick still holds up quite well. If you are familiar with Steven Seagal's work, this is one of his best. He plays Nico Toscani, an Italian immigrant, American patriot, ex-CIA agent, aikido specialist, and unorthodox Chicago policeman. He is as committed to his job as he is to his personalized brand of justice—expert and thorough bone-crushing. Pam Grier plays his partner as they bust a typical drug deal that turns out to be a far deeper conspiracy causing them to have no one to trust. The hand-to-hand fight scenes were well done and for his first time film, Seagal established himself as a box office action star almost immediately. Seems sort of timely right now with some high ranking official believing they are "immune" to the law.

Check this one out on Amazon or a few other streamers.

https://wix.to/xIOmPgi

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024) I was apprehensive about this sequel but Murphy and the whole cast take us on an amusing and action-filled trip down memory lane. #jackmeatsflix

My quick rating - 6.8/10. As a fan of the original Beverly Hills Cop series, the announcement of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F brought back a wave of nostalgia for me. This latest installment manages to merge the charm of the past with the sensibilities of modern cinema, delivering another amusing romp through the iconic streets of Beverly Hills. The plot centers around Axel Foley, played by the ageless Eddie Murphy, whose daughter, Jane's (Taylour Paige) life is threatened. This new twist in the storyline gives the film an emotional depth that adds to the usual mix of comedy and action. Foley teams up with a new partner, Abbott (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) bringing a fresh dynamic to the screen, while old pals return to lend a hand in unraveling a conspiracy. Both Judge Reinhold and John Ashton return as Rosewood and Taggart and continue their amazing comedic chemistry. Murphy's performance is as vibrant as ever, proving he hasn't lost his touch. His comedic timing and charismatic screen presence anchor the film, making it feel like a natural continuation of the series and not a sequel 30 years after the last installment. Kevin Bacon steps in as the villain, delivering a subtle performance that adds a layer of menace to the story. Bacon's ability to play a good villain is once again on display, providing a formidable adversary for Foley. The action sequences are well-executed, keeping us engaged with a mix of high-stakes chases and intense confrontations. The film also succeeds in delivering solid laughs, blending humor seamlessly with the action. There are plenty of nods to the original films that will please long-time fans, while the new elements ensure it stands on its own for newcomers. I was a bit apprehensive but this flick is a worthy sequel that outshines one or two of its predecessors. It captures the essence of what made the original series great while updating it for today's audience. The film strikes a balance between honoring the past and embracing the present, resulting in an entertaining and satisfying experience. Whether you're a fan of the original films or just looking for a fun movie night, this latest installment is definitely worth a watch.

This one went straight to Netflix so check it out.

https://wix.to/1MRLDiJ

In A Violent Nature (2024) A breath of fresh air in the slasher genre that shifts the focus to the killer's point of view and the brutal kills he doles out after his accidental resurrection. #jackmeatsflix

https://wix.to/xLqhUJA

Knuckles: Season 1 (2024) I believe even kids will be disappointed with the Wade Whipple show with guest star Knuckles since that is really what this mini-series is. #jackmeatstv

https://wix.to/JCwWDh7