FeastMode

My friends all complain about too many sequels and remakes. I argue that if you do it right, if you put care into it, anything can be good. Final Destination: Bloodlines is a great example of this. It doesn't feel like a cash-grab or something trying to capitalize on name recognition.

As much as I enjoy this series, I wouldn't necessarily call them "good movies" as I would "fun horror flicks." Bloodlines feels like a step up in most technical aspects like directing and sound design. Even the performances which I would say are just solid, are miles ahead of the CW-level acting from the rest of this series (Mary Elizabeth Winstead was the only exception).

They do a good job expanding the premise and story so it's not just the same thing again. They keep teasing you and playing with your emotions, building awesome tension and suspense. I also laughed a lot, sometimes at clever humor, other times at the carnage...

The carnage... best kills of the entire series. I am NOT sensitive, yet it had me squirming in my seat, dropping my jaw and even jumping a few times. Not from jump scares, but from an OMG moment.

Bloodlines is my favorite of the series. This is how you do a sequel/remake/requel. Studios need to learn that if you actually try to make something good instead of just trying to make some money, you may actually succeed at both.

(1 viewing, opening Thursday IMAX 5/15/2025)

You are significantly more likely to enjoy this movie if any of the following are true: You are a Jenna Ortega stan. You love The Weeknd and his music. You like ethereal movies where metaphors and symbolism are the main draw. You don't mind visual storytelling with minimal actual story.

None of the above are true for me. I think Jenna Ortega is a highly talented actress and does not disappoint with this performance. The Weeknd also does a good job, although it's hard to tell since he's playing himself. And they are two of the realest celebrities out there, never afraid to stand up for what's right.

As for the movie overall, I found it overly slow and pretty boring. The story is super basic and could have been told in half the time. The visuals are cool but feel pointless. It will really depend on each viewer if the visuals and music are enough to make this an enjoyable experience.

(1 viewing, early screening UltraScreen 5/14/2025)

Fight or Flight is a perfect example of a fun movie. So, what makes a fun action flick? Let's explore.

First, you have to have good pacing. Things need to move, plot points need to happen frequently, slow parts/character moments need to be relatively short. This movie succeeds.

Second, the action needs to be on the crazy side, a bit over-the-top. No holding back, no cowardly PG-13 rating. Blood and gore are a plus. And a cherry on top would be if the action is filmed clearly, easy for the viewer to see. This movie succeeds.

Third, add some humor, preferably organic to the premise as opposed to inserting random jokes. If the tone of the movie is bloody, then use the bloodiness for humor. Make me laugh at the extent of the carnage. This movie succeeds.

Josh Hartnett does a great job in this role, especially with the humor. I had an awesome time with this movie and would watch it again.

(1 viewing, 5/5/2025)