Monthly Archives: September 2020

Freaky

Obsession Satisfied with “Freaky” as Horrific and Funny

comedy, horror, , , , , , ,
Freaky

Written and directed by Christopher Landon, Freaky gets twisted with a take on the body-swap movie genre. A teenage girl, played by Kathryn Newton, switches bodies with a relentless serial killer.

The story is simple, horrific, and, hopefully, funny, as seventeen-year-old Millie Kessler is just trying to survive the bloodthirsty halls of Blissfield High. It’s the cruelty of the popular crowd that gets her down. But when she becomes the newest target of The Butcher, played by Vince Vaughn, her town’s infamous serial killer, her senior year becomes the least of her worries.

When The Butcher’s mystical ancient dagger causes him and Millie to wake up in each other’s bodies, Millie learns that she has just 24 hours to get her body back before the switch becomes permanent. She’s trapped in the form of a middle-aged maniac forever. The only problem is she now looks like a towering psychopath who’s the target of a city-wide manhunt, while The Butcher looks like her and has brought his appetite for more carnage at homecoming.

With some help from her friends, ultra-woke Nyla, played by Celeste O’Connor, ultra-fabulous Joshua, played by Misha Osherovich, and her crush Booker, played by Uriah Shelton, Millie races against the clock to reverse the curse. The Butcher discovers that having a female teen body is the perfect cover for a little homecoming killing spree.

The film also stars Alan Ruck, Katie Finneran, and Dana Drori.

Produced by Blumhouse, and it’s a pitch-black horror-comedy about a slasher, a senior, and the brutal truth about high school.

2 Hearts

Based on a True Story, “2 Hearts” Rewards Challenge

drama, romance, true stories, ,
2 Hearts

Directed by Lance Hool and co-written by Veronica Hool and Robin U. Russin, 2 Hearts follows two couples. Their future unfolds in different decades and different places, but a hidden connection will bring them together in a way no one could have predicted. 

Based on a true story that inspires, 2 Hearts is a romantic journey that celebrates life, love, and generosity of spirit, and challenges audiences to believe miracles are possible.

The cast includes Jacob Elordi, Radha Mitchell, and Tiera Skovbye.

I am not sure where this story is going but I hope it’s not too syrupy, sweet.

The featurette tells us a bit about the story but not all of it. It looks like a tearjerker.

Powerful “Yellow Rose” With Genuine Performances

drama, music, , ,

Story by Diane Paragas and Andy Bienen and co-wrote with Paragas, Annie Howell, and Celena Cipriaso, Paragas also directed Yellow Rose. The movie follows a Filipina teen, played by Eva Nolblezada, from a small Texas town. She fights to pursue her dreams as a country music performer while having to decide between staying with her family or leaving the only home she has known.

Noblezada is a Grammy-winner and two-time Tony Award nominee for Broadway’s Hadestown and Miss Saigon. This is her feature film debut with award-winning country music artist Dale Watson, Princess Punzalan and Lea Salonga.

As her first narrative feature film, Paragas had this to say, “…a deeply personal story that is filled with heart, acceptance, and hope set to an unforgettable original soundtrack. This release has given us a unique opportunity to present the Filipino-American experience and the struggles of undocumented families to a wide spectrum of audiences, who we hope will embrace Rose’s story and leave the theater singing her songs.”

Simplistic and Powerful “Nomandland” Globe Winner Endorsed By Top Festivals

drama
Frances McDormand in Nomandland

Directed by Chole Zhao, Nomadland follows Fern, played by Frances McDormand. Following the economic collapse of a company town in rural Nevada, she packs her van and sets off on the road, exploring a life outside of conventional society as a modern-day nomad.

I saw the movie and found it very well written, directed and acted. The story is genuine about the struggle for the American Dream. It’s not something you’d want to watch for pure entertainment. Well crafted, it’s a movie that gets under your skin, and you think about it for days. You marvel at how internally deep Frances McDormand goes to tell us this amazing story.

Nomandland

The third feature film from Zhao, Nomandland features real nomads Linda May, Swankie and Bob Wells as Fern’s mentors and comrades in her exploration through the vast landscape of the American West.

“The American road fascinates me. It’s heartbreakingly beautiful and deeply complicated. I’ve traveled it for many years and always hoped to capture a glimpse of it. I’m thankful to be able to make Nomandland and excited for audiences to join Fern on her adventure,” said Zhao.