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Catching Up (Week Ending 2/20/22)

Hello again! This catching up will be a little shorter than usual, since it was a busy week, but there are some interesting inclusions on here. Let's start with the films reviewed on the podcast this week!

Jumanji (1995) REVIEWED ON PODCAST

SCORE: 67/100 

Directed By: Joe Johnston
Starring: Robin Williams, Bonnie Hunt, and Kirsten Dunst

Synopsis: When two kids find and play a magical board game, they release a man trapped in it for decades - and a host of dangers that can only be stopped by finishing the game.

Quick Review: While its nostalgia status and Robin William's performance are clear winners, the film definitely starts to show its age, and isn't as fun as I remember. 

If you'd like to watch it, it's available on Netflix.

Zathura (2005) REVIEWED ON PODCAST

SCORE: 46/100 

Directed By: Jon Favreau
Starring: Josh Hutcherson, Jonah Bobo, Dax Shepard

Synopsis: Two young brothers are drawn into an intergalactic adventure when their house is hurled through the depths of space by the magical board game they are playing.

Quick Review: It's too bad that the main characters in this film are so unlikable and annoying that it tanks what could have been another nostalgic classic like Jumanji.

If you'd like to watch it, it's available for rent only.


Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) REVIEWED ON PODCAST

SCORE: 78/100 

Directed By: Jake Kasdan
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan, Kevin Hart

Synopsis: Four teenagers are sucked into a magical video game, and the only way they can escape is to work together to finish the game.

Quick Review: Welcome to the Jungle is a welcome return to the world of Jumanji that, surprisingly, surpasses the original and is a hell of a lot of fun.

If you'd like to watch it, it's available for rent only.


Jumanji: The Next Level (2019) REVIEWED ON PODCAST

SCORE: 75/100 

Directed By: Jake Kasdan
Starring: Dwayne Johnson, Karen Gillan, Kevin Hart

Synopsis: In Jumanji: The Next Level, the gang is back but the game has changed. As they return to rescue one of their own, the players will have to brave parts unknown from arid deserts to snowy mountains, to escape the world's most dangerous game. 

Quick Review: The Next Level brings more humor and action, but severely lacks in the villain department, as another surprisingly fun film that almost matches the previous film.

If you'd like to watch it, it's available for rent only.


My Bloody Valentine (2009) 

SCORE: 58/100 

Directed By: Patrick Lussier
Starring: Jensen Ackles, Jaime King, Kerr Smith

Synopsis: Tom returns to his hometown on the tenth anniversary of the Valentine's night massacre that claimed the lives of 22 people. Instead of a homecoming, Tom finds himself suspected of committing the murders, and it seems like his old flame is the only one that believes he's innocent.

Quick Review: While it's a little predictable, and not always well paced, this valentine can be mine because of so many fun kills and reveals.

If you'd like to watch it, it's available on HBO Max.


The King's Man (2021) 

SCORE: 65/100 

Directed By: Matthew Vaughn
Starring: Ralph Fiennes, Djimon Hounsou, Gemma Arterton

Synopsis: In the early years of the 20th century, the Kingsman agency is formed to stand against a cabal plotting a war to wipe out millions.

Quick Review: While it's undeniably fun and just as crazy as its predecessors, the film's charm wears thin as the film plods through an overlong story. 

If you'd like to watch it, it's available on Hulu.

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