Netflix has been busy releasing new content over the past few months during quarantine and here are a few of the movies I caught during this time:
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The Old Guard is an action, fantasy movie starring Charlize Theron, Kiki Layne, and Chiwetel Ejiofor. It tells the story a group of centuries old warriors with regenerative powers and a newcomer who threatens to disrupt their entire existence. The action in the movie is well done and the story has plenty of twists and turns to keep you engaged, but perhaps one turn too many. It is ambitious but does not necessarily have the budget or script to keep up with the ambition.
Score: 6/10
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The Kissing Booth 2 is a romantic comedy starring Joey King, Joel Courtney, and Jacob Elordi. It continues the story of the first movie, as a new student in high school threatens Elle and Noah's long distance relationship. I hated this movie. So many of the problems the characters face could be solved with just a little honesty. The central through line feels so stupid and trite. And of course (no spoilers) she picks the wrong guy in the end.
Star Rating: 1/10
Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga is a comedy starring Will Ferrell and Rachel McAdams. It tells the story of two Islandic singers getting to represent their country at the annual Eurovision Song Contest. This movie has some great shots and feels like the big budget comedies of the mid 2000s, yet misses on many of the jokes. Ferrell has had a string of misses for me of late and I wish he and McAdams both had a little more to work with.
Star Rating: 5/10
Da 5 Bloods is a new Spike Lee joint starring Delroy Lindo, Jonathan Majors, Clarke Peters, Norm Lewis, and Chadwick Boseman. It tells the story of a group of aging Vietnam War veterans return to Vietnam in order to find the remains of their fallen leader, as well as uncover a hidden treasure. The quarantine period led me to deep dive Spike Lee's entire filmography. Da 5 Bloods helps to feel like Spike is back after a rough period prior to BlacKkKlansman. It features some great performances and set pieces, but slightly overlong and unpolished.
Star Rating: 7/10
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Extraction is an action movie starring Chris Hemsworth. It tells the story of a black ops mercenary who must rescue an Indian drug lord's kidnapped son. The action in this movie is pretty great, with some incredible one take action sequences. However, it is almost all style and zero substance. I want to care about the people and situation in which action takes place and unfortunately this movie left me feeling cold.
Star Rating: 3/10
Quick Takes:
The Wrong Missy - 1/10
The Lovebirds - 5/10
The Half of It - 6/10
Eric Andre: Legalize Everything - 3/10
Middleditch & Schwartz - 7/10