Author: Matt Conway

Great family films are a dime a dozen these days, which is what made the original Paddington such a wonderful surprise. Similar to its earnest original, Paddington 2 is a warm and delightfully crafted charmer that is nearly as good as the original. Now settled into the Brown household, Paddington is on a mission to find his Aunt Lucy the perfect 100th birthday present. His search for a London pop-up book gets him mixed up with a mischievous man who will do anything to get that book. If you were a fan of the original, I can almost guarantee that you will enjoy this…

Featuring the wonderfully vivacious Taraji P. Henson in a throwback to genre films of the 1970’s, Proud Mary has a lot of potential conceptually. Due to its cheap execution and tired script however, Proud Mary is a plodding January actioner that’s more fitting for the bargin bin than a theatrical release. Proud Mary follows Mary, a hit woman who works for organized crime in Boston. Once she meets a young boy during a hit, she begins to question her career path and her loyalties to crime. Opening with a flashy and fun 70’s inspired intro, its sad to see just how quickly Proud Mary losses that positive…

Tonya Harding’s storied rise and fall is a common known story, but its fascinating details have always made it ripe for adaptation. Similar to its subject’s brazen attitude, I, Tonya is a confidently made and balanced biopic that brings the nuances of the story to life. I, Tonya follows figure skater Tonya Harding and her journey towards Olympic Competition. Her dreams of winning gold are put into question when her husband intervenes in a dangerous manor. What makes I, Tonya different than your average biopic is its unique framing. Writer Steven Rogers creates a script that encompasses the different view points of Harding and those…

Nearly a decade since the smash hit Taken, Liam Neeson has become a bonafide action star, with films like Non-Stop and The Grey cementing his status as a bad*ss hero. The Commuter may be one of Neeson’s lesser entries, but its still an entertaining ride told with rigorous energy. The Commuter follows Michael, who after a getting fired from his job is presented with an odd scheme to make money. This scheme eventually gets him involved in a conspiracy of power figures, leading Michael on a mission to fight for what is right. After ten-plus action films, its no surprise that Liam Neeson continues to be a great action…

The first releases of a new year are typically not very good, with studios using the month as dumping ground for their worst content. Feeling the fatigue of being the fourth entry in a franchise, Insidious: The Last Key is a tired and clumsy horror flick that often descends into “so bad, its good” territory. The Last Key follows parapsychologist Dr. Elise Rainier, who is faced with her most haunting mission yet when she has to return to her old home to explore the undead. With it being nearly seven years since the first Insidious, its clear that the franchise has lost some of its…

Like most DC films, Justice League was one of the most controversial releases of 2017, as its mixed critically and fan reaction caused a lot of chaotic arguments. What fans and critics of the film can agree on is that a director’s cut of the film would be an interesting watch, as much of Zach Snyder’s vision was modified by fill-in director Joss Whedon. Fans are continuing to beg and plead for a Justice League director’s cut, as prominent YouTuber Itzmoe is now organizing a protest to support its release. This was his official release for the protest: L.A. #ZackSnyder FANS! Come take…

Aaron Sorkin is easily the most dynamic writer in the industry, with his trademark fast-talking dialogue being the basis of some of the decade’s finest films (The Social Network, Moneyball, and Steve Jobs). As the scribe and first-time director of Molly’s Game, Sorkin creates an absorbing look into the gambling underbelly and woman who managed it all. Molly’s Game is based on the life of Molly Bloom, a perennial overachiever who gets involved in a underground gambling racket for celebrities. The film follows Bloom’s astronomic rise to wealth and power, as well as the constant threat of the government taking it all a way. I can…

Originally set for release in 2015, Before I Wake has been delayed several times, now finally being released as Netflix’s first release of the year. Despite being shelved for a long period, this is a well-executed genre flick that has more on its mind than most similar flicks. Before I Wake follows Jessie and Mark, a couple who are still trying to move on from the accidental death of their young son. They decide to foster a boy named Cody, but they soon find out that Cody may have some magical powers that could both excite and haunt the family. To label Before I…

After a great career filled with versatile roles, Gary Oldman is set to win his first Oscar in his role as Winston Churchill in The Darkest Hour. His performance, and the film itself, is more of a mixed bag than a true Oscar contender however. The Darkest Hour follows Winston Churchill as he enters office as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. With the country on the brink of war against Nazi Germany, Churchill must make key decisions while maintaining his position in office. Oldman has already been pencilled in as the Best Actor winner, which to me is slightly puzzling. While I…

Guillermo del Toro is one of Hollywood’s most distinct and beloved directors, and while he has only made one truly great film (Pan’s Labyrinth), each film he directs is always left with his distinct mark. Del Toro’s latest film The Shape of Water is not only his best film yet, but possibly my favorite film of 2017. The Shape of Water follows Elisa, a mute janitor who works in a top secret facility. She stumbles upon an aquatic creature, and the two begin to form a significant bond with one another. Brought to life with precision and wide-eyed creativity, Del Toro’s creates a…