Reviews

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "Priscilla" (R - 2023 - Max)

Genre: Drama/Biopic

My Score: 6.9 Cast=4 Acting=8 Trailer=4 Ending=7 Story=7 Visual=7 Direct=7 Sound=10 Genre=8 Sub-genre=7

When teenage Priscilla Beaulieu meets Elvis Presley, the man who is already a meteoric rock-and-roll superstar becomes someone entirely unexpected.

"Don't tell me to play goddamn Beatles in my house. We're in America, I swear to God." This had it's good and bad points, but I felt this was a pretty solid biopic of Priscilla Presley. The soundtrack is the best part and it's not just for the Elvis music. But like the movie Elvis, this was a miss in how Elvis himself is portrayed. At least this one doesn't have his name plastered on it. I believe this is worth a watch for fans of biopics, but it's a one and done for me.

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "Monolith" (R - 2022 - VOD)

Genre: Drama/Sci-Fi

My Score: 6.8 Cast=5 Acting=8 Trailer=7 Ending=5 Story=8 Visual=6 Direct=8 Sound=7 Genre=5 Sub-genre=9

A headstrong journalist whose investigative podcast uncovers a strange artifact, an alien conspiracy, and the lies at the heart of her own story.

"You have to stop what you're doing...you are in danger." What starts out slow begins to build...in intensity and suspense. When the sci-fi stuff started to kick in, I was fully on board...I couldn't wait for the ending. I think this just went a little too long and that caused the ending to be a little flat. This is available to rent on Prime for 3.99 and I feel this is worth a watch. I'll leave it up to you if you want to rent it or wait for it to appear on a streaming service.

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "Kung Fu Panda 4" (PG - 2024 - Theater)

Genre: Animated/Family

My Score: 8.5 Cast=10 Acting=6 Trailer=8 Ending=9 Story=10 Visual=10 Direct=7 Sound=7 Genre=10 Sub-genre=8

Po is tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace, and he needs to find and train a new Dragon Warrior while a wicked has plans of her own.

"Now...who wants to do the right thing for the wrong reasons?" This was a great sequel! Even though the furious five were not a part of this one, the returning and current cast more than made up for it. You get a lot of the same great action and comedy as the other films. I can't say this would be great for the really young, but I still think it's a good family film. If you are a fan of this franchise, I believe this is a must watch.

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "Napoleon" (R - 2023 - Apple TV+)

Genre: Drama/Biopic

My Score: 7.1 Cast=7 Acting=7 Trailer=6 Ending=5 Story=6 Visual=9 Direct=8 Sound=8 Genre=7 Sub-genre=8

An epic that details the rise and fall of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his wife, Josephine.

"I found the crown of France in the gutter...I picked it up with the tip of my sword and cleaned it and placed it atop my own head." This was good, but it should have been better. The highest points were in the battle scenes...those visuals were classic Ridley Scott. Everything else was good but not great...it dragged in the middle and the ending was a little flat for me. It is still worth a watch, but I'm not sure an Oscar is in its future.

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "Road House" (R - 2024 - Prime)

Genre: Action/Thriller

My Score: 7.2 Cast=10 Acting=5 Trailer=7 Ending=8 Story=7 Visuals=7 Direct=6 Sound=7 Genre=8 Sub-genre=7

Ex-UFC fighter Dalton takes a job as a bouncer at a Florida Keys roadhouse, only to discover that this paradise is not all it seems.

"Somebody else asked me if I was afraid today. I am afraid...I'm afraid of what happens when somebody pushes me too far." I enjoyed this, but I understand why this went straight to streaming instead of getting a theatrical release. As I compared this to the original, I found that certain things like the fight scenes (CGI excluded) were better with this one, but what I loved about the original was lost here. I think this is worth a watch...if you have trouble with reboots, think of this as a prequel instead.

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "Dune: Part 2" (PG-13 - 2024 - Theater)

Genre: Sci-Fi/Adventure

My Score: 9.4 Cast=10 Acting=8 Trailer=10 Ending=8 Story=10 Visuals=10 Direct=9 Sound=10 Genre=10 Sub-genre=9

Paul Atreides unites with Chani and the Fremen while seeking revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family.

"Our enemies are all around us, and in so many futures they prevail...but I do see a way, there is a narrow way through." This is my favorite movie of the year so far! If you are a fan or the books or the original movie, you know this will be a slow burn...but to feel my seat shake in the theater because of the sound and it wasn't an IMAX was awesome! If you haven't seen this in the theater, it is worth watching on the small screen if you get a chance. I won't recommend it if you hated the first part, though.

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "Argylle" (PG-13 - 2024 - Theater)

Genre: Action/Spy My Score: 7.5 Cast=10 Acting=6 Trailer=10 Ending=7 Story=6 Visuals=8 Direct=6 Sounds=8 Genre=9 Sub-Genre=5

A reclusive author who writes espionage novels about a secret agent and a global spy syndicate realizes the plot of the new book she's writing starts to mirror real-world events.

"So when you feel that fear, remember to focus on the only thing that's real...what's right in front of you." If you come into this with certain expectations, you may not like it. I treated this as more of a comedy than an action movie (Think Romancing the Stone meets Long Kiss Goodnight) and I enjoyed the movie more than a lot of people. I feel this is worth a watch but wait for streaming and lower your expectations.

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "Tiger's Apprentice" (PG - 2024 - Paramount+)

Genre: Animated/Family

My Score: 6.7 Cast=8 Acting=5 Trailer=7 Ending=7 Story=7 Visuals=7 Direct=5 Sounds=7 Genre=7 Sub-genre=7

After the death of his grandmother, a Chinese American boy has to be apprenticed to the talking tiger Mr. Hu and learn ancient magic to become the new guardian of the phoenix.

"Your grandmother was a guardian...sworn to protect humanity." I liked this, but it was not well written. It was like Wish Drago and Kung Fu Panda had a baby but it was born in captivity. This movie plays better to a younger audience...with its colorful animation and simple dialogue. But unfortunately, animals born in captivity are generally not as exciting as those in the wild. If you have a season pass to the Paramount+ Zoo though, this is worth seeing.

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "Justice League: Crisis on Infinite Earths Part One." (PG-13 - 2024 - Digital)

Genre: Animated/Comic

My Score: 7.2 Cast=10 Acting=5 Trailer=8 Ending=6 Story=7 Visuals=8 Direct=5 Sounds=5 Genre=8 Sub-Genre=10

The Anti-Monitor is released in the DC Multiverse and begins to destroy the different Earths that compose it. The Monitor attempts to recruit heroes from across the Multiverse but is murdered.

"The time comes when the most logical course of action is a stupid useless gesture." I am not a follower of DC, so this storyline is new for me. This first of a three-part series felt like it should have been its own standalone movie...it doesn't even get to the main story until the last 20 minutes or so. That being said, this was a good watch that I recommend to those who are a fan of the DC animated movies.

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "The Kitchen" (R - 2023 - Netflix) Country: UK

Genre: Drama/Sci-Fi

My Score: 6.0 Cast=4 Acting=8 Trailer=5 Ending=4 Story=6 Visuals=7 Direct=6 Sounds=10 Genre=4 Sub-genre=6

In a dystopian future London where all social housing has been eliminated, Izi and Benji fight to navigate the world as residents of The Kitchen, a community that refuses to abandon their home.

"But remember...they ordered us to leave, and we said no." Co-written and co-directed by Daniel Kaluuya, I wanted to like this but it didn't quite get there. They took a tired storyline and shoved in the future to make it more interesting. There were some things I liked about the sci-fi element (Ready Player One-esque without the VR world), the acting was good, and the music was fantastic...but it wasn't enough to save a poorly written movie. This was an ok watch but not something I can recommend.

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "Bitconned" (TV-MA - 2024 - Netflix)

Genre: Documentary/True Crime

My Score: 7.0 Cast=4 Acting=7 Trailer=6 Ending=8 Story=9 Visuals=7 Direct=7 Sounds=6 Genre-9 Sub-genre=7

In this true-crime documentary, three guys exploit the freewheeling cryptocurrency market to scam millions from investors and bankroll lavish lifestyles.

"Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be a criminal." A successful documentary is one that can educate or infuriate...and this was able to achieve both for me. Ultimately not a topic I cared much about, but I had a little knowledge of cryptocurrency. The focus of this documentary is a prick from the word go, but I found myself understanding why people were giving their money to him. If you are interested in true crime or the subject matter, this is worth a watch.

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "Badland Hunters" (TV-MA - 2024 - Netflix) Country: South Korea

Genre: Action/Post Apocalyptic

My Score: 7.2 Cast=6 Acting=6 Trailer=8 Ending=8 Story=7 Visuals=9 Direct=6 Sounds=6 Genre=8 Sub-genre=8

When an earthquake turns Seoul into a lawless badland, a fearless huntsman goes on to rescue a teenager from a mad doctor who is using teenagers to help people to be more adaptive to the environment.

"There is one doctor that survived the day of the earthquake." This was a fun watch! Great action and some funny dialogue made this enjoyable to watch either subtitled or dubbed. Enter in some Train to Busan effects and you get a movie that crosses genres. This has something for the action, comedy, and even the horror fan. If you are willing to watch foreign movies, this South Korean gem is worth a watch for sure.

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "Society of the Snow" (R - 2023 - Netflix) Country: Spain

Genre: Drama/BOTS

My Score: 8.9 Cast=4 Acting=10 Trailer=7 Ending=10 Story=10 Visuals=10 Direction=9 Sounds=9 Genre=10 Sub-genre=10

The flight of a rugby team crashes on a glacier in the Andes. The few passengers who survive the crash find themselves in one of the world's toughest environments to survive.

"There is no greater love than that which gives one's life for one's friends." This is the best movie I have seen so far in 2024. It may not sound like much now, but it will be in my top 10 by the end of the year. Parts of this movie were filmed at the actual crash site...which seemed to make it more real to the cast. If there was one Netflix film that deserves to be seen...this is the one. I will be eagerly waiting for my Criterion 4K.

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "Foe" (R - 2023 - Prime) Genre: Sci-Fi/Drama

My Score: 6.4 Cast=4 Acting=8 Trailer=6 Ending=7 Story=5 Visuals=7 Direct=6 Sounds=7 Genre=6 Sub-genre=8

A couple farm a secluded piece of land that has been in the husband's family for generations, but their quiet life is thrown into turmoil when an uninvited stranger shows up at their door with a startling proposal.

"Looks pretty ridiculous...I mean, why would you spend money up there when you should be fixing thing here?" There were parts I liked and didn't like about this film. A dystopian Earth where it seems the only way to survive is for us to leave...just like Wall-E. Add in here a psychological element that makes you wonder about love and infidelity in 2065. I think this is worth a watch, but it was really slow and not something I would see again.

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "The Beekeeper" (R - 2024 - Theater) Genre: Action/Thriller

My Score: 7.5 Cast=10 Acting=6 Trailer=8 Ending=6 Story=7 Visual=9 Direct=6 Sounds=5 Genre=10 Sub-genre=8

One man's brutal campaign for vengeance takes on national stakes after he is revealed to be a former operative of a powerful and clandestine organization known as "Beekeepers".

"We have laws until they don't work...then you have me." With the swing and a miss that was Meg 2 in its wake, I completely underestimated the Beekeeper. It is standard Jason Statham flair, but with better action scenes and acting by Josh Hutcherson and Jeremy Irons. This is well worth a look for the action fan...I will buy the physical release and rewatch it when it comes out.

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "Origin" (PG-13 - 2023 - Theater) Genre: Drama/History

My Score: 8.6 Cast=10 Acting=10 Trailer=7 Ending=8 Story=8 Visuals=7 Direct=9 Sounds=7 Genre=10 Sub-genre=10

The unspoken system that has shaped America and chronicles how lives today are defined by a hierarchy of human divisions.

"Most relationships end...friendships, romances...they break." Based on the book, "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents" by Isabel Wilkerson, this movie is an enlightened and heart-wrenching take on how certain groups of people can view other groups as less. With a startling revelation for me that was as surprising as it was hard to sit through. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Jon Bernthal are amazing in this movie...I'm sure some will not like this, but I feel this is an excellent one-time watch.

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "Role Play" (R - 2023 - Prime) Genre: Comedy/Action

My Score: 6.5 Cast=7 Acting=6 Trailer=7 Ending=8 Story=6 Visuals=7 Direct=6 Sounds=6 Genre=5 Sub-Genre=7

A woman has a wonderful family in the suburbs of New Jersey. She also has a secret life as an assassin for hire, a secret that her husband discovers when the couple decide to spice up their marriage.

"I love you and I love our family...we will get through this." Even though it's a role reversal of True Lies, this was a fun watch. At first, I was disappointed with the lack of action by the lead until the last 20 minutes, but then I found out she was pregnant during filming. There were some cute parts, but it wasn't very funny for me. This movie is all about the destination...the ending is the best part. This was a pretty good watch on Prime, but not one to hire a hitman to take out.

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "The Retirement Plan" (R - 2023 - Hulu) Genre: Action/Comedy

My Score: 5.7 Cast=10 Acting=4 Trailer=5 Ending=6 Story=7 Visuals=4 Direct=5 Sounds=5 Genre=6 Sub-genre=5

"Hand me a bag of s#!t and tell me it's fish and chips." This was ok...it had a great cast, but it seemed like everyone just phoned in there acting. The fight scenes were fine but seemed like they were in slow motion. The saving grace here was that my five-year-old brain liked some of the jokes. It was kind of a fun ride that won't take you too far. I can't say it's worth a watch, but if you're desperate for something on Hulu...you could do worse.

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "Lift" (PG-13 - 2024 - Netflix) Genre: Action/Heist

My Score: 7.4 Cast=10 Acting=6 Trailer=8 Ending=8 Story=7 Visuals=7 Direct=6 Sounds=9 Genre=6 Sub-genre=7

A master thief and his Interpol Agent ex-girlfriend team up to steal $500 million in gold bullion being transported on a passenger flight.

"Kind of hard to steal half a plane." This was way better than I thought it would be. The direct of this also directed The Italian Job and I see shades of that movie in here. Ultimately, I had trouble picturing Kevin Hart as the leader...he will always be the backpack guy to me. Still, he did a pretty good job in this one. It's on Netflix now and it's worth a watch.

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "Ferrari" (R - 2023 - Theater)

Genre: Drama/Biopic

My Score: 7.9 Cast=8 Acting=9 Trailer=5 Ending=9 Story=8 Visuals=9 Direct=9 Sounds=7 Genre=9 Sub-genre=6

With Enzo Ferrari's auto empire in crisis, the ex-racer turned entrepreneur pushes himself and his drivers to the edge as they launch into a treacherous 1,000-mile race across Italy.

"What do you want me to say...I must ask my wife for permission?" I liked this, but it was not as good as I thought it would be. Penelope Cruz shines in her role as Mrs. Ferrari, but Shailene Woodley soured the milk for me with her attempt at an Italian accent. I thought of it as a prequel to Ford v Ferrari and it seemed to work for me. For a racing movie, this this was slow enough where it would not get any speeding tickets. It's worth a watch but wait for it to hit streaming or catch it on a matinee or sale price.

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "Naga" (TV-MA - 2023 - Neflix) Country: Saudi Arabia Genre: Drama/Thriller

My Score: 3.7 Cast=4 Acting=4 Trailer=3 Ending=5 Story=2 Visuals=4 Direct=3 Sound=3 Genre=4 Sub-genre=5

Stranded amid Riyadh's desert dunes, a local Saudi girl escapes heartaches and the vengeance of a vigorous camel after sneaking out for a romantic date that turned horribly wrong.

"Come enjoy a cup of tea...a cup of tea to go." I could not get behind this one...I normally like international films but this one was all over the place. It was ok as a thriller but there was too much going on. I think the best part was the ending...something finally made sense with the lead's actions. I would like to check out some more movies from this country, but I can't recommend this one.

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "Mother's Day" (TV_MA - 2023 - Netflix)

Genre: Action/Thriller

My Score: 7.0 Cast=4 Acting=6 Plot=7 Ending=8 Story=7 Violent=9 Pace=8 F/X=7 Intense=8 Twist=6

A secretive ex-NATO Special Operations agent must use all her lethal skills to save her son who has been kidnapped by ruthless gangsters.

"You won't find him...blood for blood...life for life." This Polish film is another foreign film that I enjoyed which Netflix has put out. Having similarities to Taken with the story, I liked the action here more than J-Lo's "The Mother". The script hurts the acting here, as the dialogue is weak (so watch it dubbed or not it won't matter). The lead more than makes up for it with her fighting skill...but it's her resilience as a mother that weighs this out as worth a watch for me.

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "Talk to Me" (R - 2023 - Theater) Genre: Horror/Paranormal

My Score: 8.4 Cast=5 Acting=8 Plot=9 Ending=10 Story=9 Scare=8 Jump=7 F/X=10 Creep=10 Twist=8

When a group of friends discover how to channel spirits using an embalmed hand, It becomes the next party game. But a game can turn deadly with the wrong player.

"I heard it was the hand of a satanist...and the other hand's just out there." Horror movie of the year so far for me! I was very happy they made this a rated R movie...that's what it needed to be to creep people out. This is very much a paranormal film, but there are elements or gore, psychopathic, monster, and even slasher to tickle all horror movie fans a bit. I believe this movie is worth a look for all horror fans and for paranormal fans like me it's worth seeing in the theater.

Here's The 4K Lowedown on "Spider-man Across the Spiderverse" (PG - 2023 - Theater) Genre: Animated/Comic

My Score: 9.0 Cast=10 Acting=8 Plot=8 Ending=6 Story=10 Art=10 Voice=10 Music=10 Comic=10 Funny=8

Miles Morales hurtles across the Multiverse with Gwen, where he encounters a team of Spider-People charged with protecting its very existence.

"Miles, being Spider-man is a sacrifice...you have a choice between saving one person and saving every world." This was an epic sequel to an amazing first film! I thought it was a lot busier than the first, so be ready everyone. The only problem I had was that I didn't like where it ended. Now that the negatives are out of the way...CRASH, BOOM, ZIP, DODGE, FLIP, and sticks the landing! Across the Spiderverse fires on all cylinders and I can wait for Beyond the Spiderverse to come out. This is worth a watch for sure!

Here's The 4K Lowedown on the advanced screening of "Gran Turismo" (PG-13 - 2023 - Theater) Release date: August 11, 2023

Genre: Drama/Sport

My Score: 8.4 Cast=6 Acting=8 Plot=9 Ending=10 Story=8 Interest=9 Script=8 Cinema=9 Sport=7 Triumph=10

A struggling, working-class gamer, a failed former race car driver, and an idealistic motorsport exec risk it all to take on the most elite sport in the world.

"If you miss a line in the game, you reset...you miss it on the track, you could die." I liked this a lot more than I thought I would. I think you have to at least have knowledge of the game to appreciate the cinematography, but this is not a video game movie. It checked all the boxes for me with the action, racing, and the triumph over adversity. This is definitely worth a watch and was a good change of pace after watching Oppenheimer.