6/10
Novocaine was a decent, fun action comedy. Remarkably predictable, with occasionally poor green screen, but fun nonetheless. Much of the action, and even some writing, felt straight out of a late ought’s action movie, but seeing Jack Quaid do his “dramatic - but silly” gig worked well.
Maybe not worth a $20 ticket, but if you find a matinee and feel in the mood for a few laughs, and a few sharp exhales where jokes only kinda land, you’ll enjoy it.
3/10
This movie...just sucked. Disappointing from start to very-obviously-reshot-with-no-budget ending. With 2/3 of the Falcon & Winter Soldier writing team, and a director new to the genre, they took a ton of risks in terms of storytelling and I don't know that a single one worked out.
Unfortunately, a lot of those that argued that the new cast wouldn't hold up (arguing this for poor reasons I won't get into) ended up being correct, too. Anthony Mackie just doesn't have the…
11/10
This adaptation was absolutely perfect. So few movie musicals can keep the plot as interesting as it is when told on stage and have amazing singing, dancing, actors, sets, and costumes - but they fit it all in. Cynthia Ervo and Ariana Grande are amazing in their roles, and the production crew couldn’t have possibly done better. The set pieces blended practical and CGI so absurdly well, the costumes and make-up were Oscar-worthy.
The dancing is also next level; can’t think of a Broadway-to-film adaptation that even came close.
As a huge fan of both the original Wicked novel and musical, I can’t imagine a much better film.
6/10
Fun satire that allows Eckhart to shine as a lovable piece of shit. Solid writing, fun movie if you’re bored and curious about the lobbying side of it. Unfortunately, it still pulls plenty of punches regarding that subject (which is the whole movie…) but if you can get passed that and enjoy the stupid comedy, it’s pretty solid. Regarding the pulled punches, look at who the producers are and that will make sense.
