Let's Start With This One...

 

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Remember a few years ago, the incredible feature Sing? Well, it is back for a second outing. One that is still all singing and all dancing. Just with animals instead of humans. Making it even more of a winner in my eyes. 

With many familiar voices returning, including Matthew McConaughey, Taron Egerton, Bobby Cannavale and more, the film also introduces Letitia Wight and Bono into the mix too. McConaughey’s Buster Moon is looking for a new challenge for his stars, seeking the biggest stage he can find for them. Yet, when he is threatened by Mr Crystal (Cannavale), he has to work hard with them to save everything they have built. 

Taking on covers of some of the biggest songs of the moment, such as Coldplay’s A Sky Full of Stars and more, there is something magical about seeing a gorilla giving the performance of its life. Especially, when there is so much talent within the film to spend it guessing who is who. 

Proving that they can sing, no matter what the song maybe, this film isn’t as strong as the first, where they proved they could do what they had come to do. Yet, for a family feature, it is fine. For older viewers though, there is a sense of why has it been made, however. Even with the new additions to the cast, such as Bono, who plays musician Clay Calloway, the idea of a new production being troubled is something we have all seen before. Really the real winner of the film is the songs, which everyone can sing along with. Especially with singer Halsey stealing the show with her new character, Porsha Crystal. 

The film may have and aspire to have the energy of the first, yet it fails to make it flow in the same way that it once did. Enjoyable for the young ones, older viewers may find it hard to watch what they have seen before. Just get the karaoke mic ready to help you get through it if so. 

3 Stars

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies, 

Who doesn’t love a rom-com? Especially when it features one of the queens of the genre, Jennifer Lopez. Out today on DVD, Blu-Ray and digitally, the star plays pop icon Kat Valdez, a woman about to marry her long-term boyfriend. Yet, upon the big day arriving, she finds out that he has been unfaithful, leading to her pulling a random man from the crowd and marrying him. Something teacher Charlie Gilbert (Owen Wilson) is definitely not expecting. Together, the pair must work to find out if they want to be together or not in the end. 

With all the cheese that you would expect, this light-hearted feature film, see drama be pushed to the side, with catchy songs, glitter and sparkles taking over instead. Oh, and of course love. From early on, you can guess where the story will go, but it doesn’t make it anymore less special. Especially, when the world has been filled with many dark features recently. 

Lopez and Wilson play a likeable couple, who upon meeting and marrying under unusual expectations, bring happiness to the audience. Lopez’s character is funny and sweet, with Wilson’s bringing the reality but charm to the feature that it needs to give it those old-school early 00s romance film vibes. Both are irresistible to the viewer.

Director Kat Coiro appears to have another message she wants to give audiences though. She obviously wants to show audiences the dark side of fame. As well as the loneliness and comical elements of it too. Yet, she doesn’t really get a chance to, with a story based like this. However, it doesn’t make the film any less enjoyable. Especially when it feels like it might touch on the personal life of Lopez and her public relationships. All of which build on her character and the way she appears on the screen.

Ultimately though, the film is a likeable feature, with beautiful shots of Lopez on stage, singing her heart out. The feature begins where many would end, giving it a fresh revamp, which works for all watching. It is a fun, charismatic film that wins due to the connection made between Wilson, Lopez and the audience. All looking for comfort in all the right places. 

4 Stars

Joey X

Good Morning Lovelies,

Jackass has a special place in my heart. Often watched by my brothers late at night when it was on MTV, the series created some of the most dangerous and out of this world pranks that anyone had ever seen. Something that those within it are still managing to do, shown in the newest feature film, Jackass Forever, out today on DVD, Blu-Ray and Digitally. 

With over a decade passing since the last film, the crew are back to share all kinds of misadventures that should never be done at home. Knowing how many bones will be broken, hospital visits had and possible deaths, the Jackass team don’t seem to be phased by any of it, with all stunts being done. Leaving viewers shocked and excited. 

Bringing nostalgia back to life, at a time when we all really need it after a saddening pandemic, the gang make us laugh from the get go. Of course, there are moments that leave you nervous or feeling sick, but ultimately you find that you still love it just as much as before. 

Watching, you can tell that Johnny Knoxville and co are getting on a bit, but age is just a number to them and they don’t let it hold them back. Especially with the game show stunt antics you see. Through scars, lost teeth and bones still out of place, this is the kind of team that you are thankful can still make these features, because god knows what they would be up to if they were in a care home. 

At the very end of the film, reflections are made in a way that makes it feel like this is the real end. A saddening fact. However, if this is the case than they have gone out with a Big Bang - quite literally at times - that all Jackass fans will be left happy with. Jackass truly will live on forever.

4 Stars

Joey X