A DOG’S WAY HOME (2019)

 

Directed By: Charles Martin Smith 

Written By: W. Bruce Cameron and Cathryn Michon

Based On the novel by: W. Bruce Cameron 

Cinematography: Peter Menzies Jr. 

Editor: David S. Clark, Debra Neil-Fisher and Sabrina Pilsco

Cast: Ashley Judd, Jonah Hauer-King, Alexandra Shipp, Edward James Olmos, Barry Watson, Wes Studi, Chris Bauer, John Cassini, Brian Markinson, Patrick Gallagher 

As a puppy, Bella finds her way into the arms of Lucas, a young man who gives her a good home. When Bella becomes separated from Lucas, she soon finds herself on an epic 400-mile journey to reunite with her beloved owner. Along the way, the lost but spirited dog meets a series of new friends and manages to bring a little bit of comfort and joy to their lives.

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These are the perfect family films as they are filled with innocence cute show, survival and loving, as well as offer adventure.

They are also manipulative as hell because they want you to get emotionally invested in the film. This is in a film you watch for the filmmaking necessarily or even the story but you will find yourself emotionally involved no matter how long you watch the film.

Especially as they usually focus on the dogs as they know that it is a weakness for the majority of the population to fall in love with these films, or find them more personal or personable.

No, like most of these films this one is based on a novel it still is more about a dog. The people who is a fax and who effect it has every scene seems to be introduced to new characters and get their story and leaves at the right moment, to affect their lives, and more positive ways.

Will admit that these films are guilty pleasures, even for me, and I’m not a dog owner, but I continuously watch the sermons once in a while and find myself charmed, even though I know the tricks, and I know better. They are even diverse and to reach each possible member Of a demographic of the audience.

Which then makes her feel all the more designed rather than natural

at least this one is directed by Character actor, and veteran Director, Charles Martin Smith, which might be why I give this one just a little bit more credit than it deserves.

Grade: C+

MISS CONGENIALITY 2: ARMED & FABULOUS (2005)

 

Directed By: John Pasquin Written By: Marc Lawrence  Based on characters Created by: Marc Lawrence, Katie Ford & Caryn Lucas  Cinematography: Peter Menzies Jr.  Editor: Garth Craven 

Cast: Sandra Bullock, Regina King, Enrique Murciano, William Shatner, Ernie Hudson, Heather Burns, Diedrich Bader, Treat Williams, Abraham Benrubi, Nick Offerman, Eileen Brennan, Octavia Spencer, Elisabeth Rohm, Stephen Tobolowsky, Leslie Grossman, Eve Gordon, Affion Crockett, Adam LeFevre 

F.B.I. Agent Gracie Hart is assigned to promote the F.B.I., touring with the brutal Agent Sam Fuller as her bodyguard. While traveling around the country, her friend and the Miss United States Cheryl Frasier is kidnapped along with Stan Fields, and Gracie decides to investigate the abduction in Las Vegas on her own, and against the direct orders of local F.B.I. Assistant Director Walter Collins. 

After the surprise success and enjoyment of the first film. Most I can imagine would think this would naturally be pleasing? No

First of all the series gets rid of Benjamin Bratt’s character and all hope of a love interest with him. So that this film can focus on more two mismatched partners working together. While taking matters differently. So in other words this becomes more of a buddy comedy with the audience having a history with at least one of the partners.

In the first film, it seems there was more room for side characters to make their mark. As they seemed to have something to do and were allowed to be as funny as the lead. Instead of just feeling like suspects and a plot device.

Sandra Bullock’s performance here seems more indebted to vaudeville. As she is more at the center of things but also seems more silly and wants to dress up in silly disguises.

Regina king is really the only one who has a chance to come through with her head held high. In making this a buddy comedy, just a more female-centered one that feels more predictable than the first film but also more stilted and outdated even for the time period in which it was made.

The film doesn’t feel as fun or silly as Ms. Bullock’s performance and the fun she seems to be having. Even as the situations and script get sillier. As do William Shatner and the usually hilarious Heather Burns in their roles.

As usual when a formulaic film is likable and comes as a surprise enjoyable hit. The sequel tries to replicate the formula all wrong. As it seems to be focusing on the wrong chemistry and elements. Leaving the product lacking in flavor that the first one brought that made audiences enjoy it in the first place.

It’s a shame as Regina king is a good and enjoyable actress, especially with the right material. But this is the second sequel where she plays a tough-as-nails thankless buddy in a buddy comedy that is bad (LEGALLY BLONDE 2 Is the other) she deserves better.

One can guess most of us expected the same from Sandra Bullock as she seems such a likable screen presence and films she stars in are usually enjoyable and passable but her me while she seems to be having fun. Watching this feels like the equivalent of homework

Grade: C-

ALL EYEZ ON ME (2017)

Directed By: Benny Boom 
Written By: Jeremy Haft, Eddie Gonzalez & Steven Bagatourian 
Cinematography: Peter Menzies Jr. 
Editor: Joel Cox 

Cast: Demetrius Shipp Jr., Kat Graham, Hill Harper, Danai Gurira, Annie Ilonzeh, Lauren Cohan, Keith Robinson, Jamal Woolard, Cory Hardict, Clifton Powell, Jamie Hector, Deray Davis 


Tells the true and untold story of prolific rapper, actor, poet and activist Tupac Shakur. The film follows Shakur from his early days in New York City to his evolution into being one of the world's most recognized and influential voices before his untimely death at the age of 25. Against all odds, Shakur's raw talent, powerful lyrics and revolutionary mind-set propelled him into becoming a cultural icon whose legacy continues to grow long after his passing.

THE GETAWAY (REMAKE) (1994)

Directed By: Roger Donaldson 
Written By: Amy Holden Jones & Walter Hill 
Based On The Novel By: Jim Thompson 
Cinematography By: Peter Menzies Jr. 
Editor: Conrad Buff 


Cast: Alec Baldwin, Kim Basinger, Jennifer Tilly, Michael Madsen, Philip Seymour Hoffman, James Woods, Richard Farnsworth, David Morse, Burton Gilliam

HARD RAIN (1998)

Directed By: Mikael Soloman 
Written By: Graham Yost 
Cinematography By: Peter Menzies Jr. 
Editor: Amnon David, Paul Hirsch & Gillian L. Hutshing 

CAST: Christian Slater, Morgan Freeman, Minnie Driver, Randy Quaid, Edward Asner, Ricky Harris, Michael A. Goorjian, Betty White, Richard Dysart.

DIE HARD: WITH A VENGENCE (1995)

Directed By: John Mctiernan
Written By: Jonathan Hensleigh & Roderick Thorp
Cinematography By: Peter Menzies Jr.
Editor: John Wright

Cast: Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, Jeremy Irons, Sam Phillips,Graham Greene, Collen Camp