For the Rom-Com Lovers:
The Big Sick (Amazon)
HER (Netflix)
Hitch (Hulu)
Jerry Maguire (Amazon)

For the Action Junkie:
Fast & Furious Franchse (HBO)
Avengers:Endgame and Infinity War (Disney Plus)
The Dark Knight (Netflix)
Inception (Netflix)

For the Comedy Nut:
Booksmart (Hulu)
Chasing Amy (Netflix)
Wine Country (Netflix)
Crazy, Stupid, Love (Amazon)

For the Drama Kings and Queens:
The Edge of Seventeen (Netflix)
Good Will Hunting (Hulu)
El Camino (Netflix)
The Departed (Hulu)

For The Ones Who Need Their Suspense or Horror Fix:
A Quiet Place (Hulu)
Gone (Hulu)
The Descent (Amazon)
Hush (Netflix)

As much as I love a good supernatural horror film (and as much as I really hoped John Cho being in this would make it worthwhile), the 2020 reboot of “The Grudge” is forgettable at best. While it gives you similar frightening scenes and situations that were seared into memory in the prior movies, it seems to not even try to make those moments different or original. All the scares fall flat because most of them have been done many times before in a more interesting way.

It’s also difficult to root for our lead, Detective Muldoon (Andrea Riseborough), because nothing about her character stands out- not to mention she pries in to cases she has no business being in, even after directly ordered to leave them alone. None of the decisions she makes are well thought out, and there is little about her life that you learn to make her relatable.

I give credit for the writers attempting to intertwine multiple stories and timelines, but unfortunately it was not executed well enough to keep you intrigued with what was happening. If the characters were more evenly fleshed out it would have made you care more, but sadly their development is limited, which doesn't allow for any real connection to them.

Aside from the strategic quietness in areas to play up suspense, and the music playing to build the tension, most other choices and directions the film went in did not pay off. It defintely gives you some jump scares, but nothing unique that can’t be found in another horror film.

Unfortuantely, you aren’t missing out if you pass on this one. I would stick with the 2002 or 2003 versions if you insist on checking out this story.

The cinematography of this movie is nothing short of phenomenal, as you can’t help but be captivated by the classic way they have shot each scene. It easily takes you in to this fantasy-like island filled with nothing but the sound of sea birds and crashing waves. However, the best aspect of this film is the truly breathtaking performances of both Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson, which carry this movie to the very end. Dafoe plays a jaded old man who has seen more than his fair share of strange things during his time as a lighthouse keeper. He clearly likes being the one in charge, and gives a sense that he feels entitled to this for his time of loneliness spent on the job. Ephraim (Pattinson) is the newcomer who is basically a grunt worker following the orders of Thomas (Dafoe), mostly to avoid quarreling with his only form of human contact. He is earnest and keeps to himself, which we later find out is because he is running from a past he cannot accept. The chemistry and dynamic between the two men, shown through their bickering, physical fighting, drinking until blacking out, and sharing of secrets, is noteworthy and fascinating up to the very last scene.

That being said, I want to mention that the symbolism in this film (depending on how you interpreted it) is genius and, quite frankly, beautiful. Director Robert Eggers has stated that these characters are derived from the mythological characters Proteus (a wise old man who never wanted to share his knowledge) and Prometheus (a thief who wanted to give intelligence to human life). These similarities can be especially seen in the final images of the movie which, let’s just say will stick with you for a while. Beyond that, this seems to heavily symbolize the cycle of man trying to understand himself, and never learning or moving on from his past. A lesson that, as we can tell from this story, has plagued humankind since the beginning.

From a story-telling aspect, "The Lighthouse" provides many elements that draw you in, and it makes you think beyond your own perspective. It is one of self-reflection and tragedy, but not without a purpose. The roles are made in to once in a lifetime performances, and as beautiful as the movie as a whole is, would be nothing without Dafoe and Pattinson guiding it.

This film, starring Jillian Bell as Brittany, is inspired by the true events in the life of Brittany O’Neill, who Director Paul Downs Colaizzo is real-life friends with. While it is not an exact replica of O’Neill’s journey, much of the story is influenced by her lifestyle change that Colaizzo saw first-hand through his friend. You can tell this story is a personal one, based on the genuine character development and consideration given to the key players.

Throughout the movie, the ups and downs that Brittany goes through to become healthier (and make better decisions in general) feels all too real to many twenty and thirty-somethings who struggle with this balancing act. Seeing her victories as well as her failures make this more compelling and quite frankly, cause you to root for Brittany even more. It’s almost as if you are on this journey with her, and a success for her is ultimately a success for you, too.

This film somehow masters the fine art of switching up cliché situations while also adding a few twists. This is a pleasant surprise, because in a movie that you know is set out to have the “happy” ending, they do not tie everything up in a neat bow to convince you that Brittany’s whole life is suddenly perfect now that she has changed some habits. Friendships are lost, drunken outbursts cause painful introspection, and a huge setback makes her question everything she has been working for. However, through all these winding roads, the story never loses you or veers off more than it needs to to drive home its point.

Not only is this film witty and captivating, it is incredibly inspiring. It is definitely a must-see, especially for those who need a little motivation to take that first step in their own journey in some way. At its heart it is about taking charge of your life one day at a time, and seeing the changes of that long-term goal come to fruition. Who doesn’t need more of that in their life?

That being said, the concept of this film and the overall plot are quite intriguing, yet not executed or fleshed out enough for this movie to stand out beyond the leading characters' perfomances. The relationship between the two is the only part of the story we really get to see played out in full, which causes the movie suffer due to the great potential the story had to be so much more. Maybe it needed a longer run time, or maybe the pacing of the story needed to be changed in order to fully have the effect a movie like this should. The mystery of the investigation is lacking, and does not fully come together in a satifying way, leaving the ending less on a mind-blowing note and more on an indifferent one.

If the unravelling of the murder and offender had been given more time or attention, this could have been a pretty fantastic film. Instead, it is quite jumbled and confusing, seeming to care more about getting to the end result than allowing us the journey of getting there. This is by no means a terrible story or film, but is a prime example of how incomplete or rushed story telling makes a huge difference in the overall viewing.

As mentioned before, the acting is phenomenal, and that alone makes this movie honestly worth the watch. However, if you are looking for a more intense and complete ride with a crime thriller, I would suggest something more like "Prisoners" or "Mystic River."

One of the most impressive qualities of this film is the well-paced story telling, and smooth transitions of the scenes that make the plot complete. The way the secrets of the characters unfold keeps the audience invested throughout the entire film, and takes you on an unexpected ride. Another element that makes the film stand out is the excellent portrayal of Julie by Rachelle Dimaria. She is quick on her feet, and truly displays the frightening nature of the situation she’s put in with conviction. That’s not to say Kathy Rose Center doesn’t hold her own as the chillingly eccentric Grandma; especially when you are privy to her acting process behind the scenes in Rebel Without a Crew: The Series.

Seeing the details come together in the creative light that Ryan gives this movie is quite inspiring, and an excellent start in the realm of film-making. Whether it’s the questionable interactions between characters, the mind-blowing secrets and unforeseen twists, or seeing a house go up in flames as people attempt to escape with their lives, this movie will definitely not be forgotten by those who see it.

Seeing Phaedra’s mental battle become an eventual psychotic break as she continues down a path of recklessness is extremely captivating to watch. It causes you to feel sympathy for her while also being incredibly worried for her well-being. To see these emotions portrayed so well by Sarah Burkett is a huge part of what draws you in to the story being told. You also can’t help but be entertained by the supporting characters of the film (including a cameo by Moreno). These roles are essential in their own right, but the story telling proves as a tastefully executed demonstration on how to elevate the central character above the others, just as in her own mind Phaedra is a star that shines brighter than everyone around her.

It would be remiss of me if I did not also talk about the fantastic camera shots and lighting, which are very reminiscent of something you would see in a Wes Anderson film. Not only that, but the costumes and scenery are retro-fabulous in every way. The music and language are also very fitting for the time, which enhance the idea that you are in a completely different era when watching this film. It’s trippy, takes you on the same journey Phaedra is on, and reveals some shocking moments you will not see coming.

All of the choices made in shooting and editing are brilliant, and you would be hard pressed to find someone who wouldn’t feel as if they were taken out of their own world when viewing this. Props to Moreno for the bold statements that totally pay off and make this film as enjoyable as it is. Don’t miss this amazingly artistic film!

This story is incredibly creative, infused with a blend of both light-hearted humor and an action-packed adventure. Not only will you appreciate the dynamic between Jim (Jamie H. Jung) and his best friend Paul (Kenneth McGlothin), you will be impressed with the female powerhouses who portray Sam (Sofia Embid), the secondary protagonist helping Jim out of some tricky situations, and the hit woman (Anna Schatte), out to complete her mission at any cost. You can see the intricate care Marin gives to the characters, which is only magnified by the way the actors command the audience’s attention with every move. Every camera shot encapsulates the tone of the particular moment, and gives it a fresh and modern vibe.

The entirety of this movie will make your totally forget that it was made on so many restraints. If this is what Marin can do in two weeks’ time, I can only imagine what he will be capable of in any future endeavors. "Monday" is a visual treat, with the perfect soundtrack to amp up any movie-going experience. You will be delighted at the work of Marin, and will be itching for a sequel.

If there was ever an example of “less is more” when it comes to dialogue choices in a movie, this would be at the top of the list. It shows that leaving a lot of the story telling to visuals can be extremely effective if done the right way. While the dialogue that is there is beautiful and smart, this particular film is made full and complete by seeing the surroundings just as much as hearing what is being said. Ogun’s performance is more than just solid, and really drives the story. There is enough mystery to keep you wondering why these bounty hunters are after her, and captivates the audience to the very last scene. The pacing stays on point, and the slow reveals are timed perfectly. This is honestly a film that could be done well as a television series, or a franchise of films if given the chance.

"On The Run" is true to Sci-Fi form, and feels right at home in that genre. It never has to try hard at all to sell its plot underneath the awesome effects, and leaves you actually wanting more when the credits roll. You will want to give this indie film more than one viewing!

"The Good Exorcist" is about an eccentric priest who is tasked with banishing a demonic presence from a family-owned ranch in Texas. In the midst of the strange happenings, interesting encounters, and rather unexpected vessels the evil entity chooses to take the form of, Father Gil wrestles with some fairly profound questions about his beliefs that are made more compelling to the audience when paired with the humorous interactions he has with the other residents during his stay.

The film is a rather ambitious undertaking, but with an awesome payoff. The performances are excellent, the script has substance, and the story is incredibly well- rounded in every area. It is as entertaining as it is surprising, and definitely does some fun homages to familiar movies that have very clearly inspired it. It’s the kind of movie that has so many subtle factors to it, you could find something new to appreciate every time you watch it. It’s also a story that has potential for later sequels or spinoffs because of how well it is written. It is innovative and witty, but always keeps consistent in the tone.

So if you are looking for a non-stop, hilarious adventure with a refreshing take on the glamorous world of exercising demons, keep an eye out for this hidden gem- you will not be disappointed. Also be on the lookout for Stifter's upcoming film, "Greywood's Plot".