Share: After sitting on Netflix’s shelf for years before producer Jordan Peele took it off their hands and brought the film to the big screen, “Monkey Man” finds Dev Patel rising to the top as an unlikely action hero who holds his own against the “John Wick” franchise. Patel, who broke through at 18 when he starred in Best Picture winner “Slumdog Millionaire,” serves as writer-director-star of “Monkey Man,” a far cry from the dramas he’s known for. In his stark departure, he punches against …
‘The First Omen’ delivers damn-good body horror
Share: Winter is over, and it’s time for Hollywood’s tortured and undying horror franchises to shamble their way into theaters one by one. Studios could have stuffed the spring schedule with series filler, but “The First Omen” brings a screaming start to the year, revitalizing the franchise with an experience that is visceral and shocking. Released last Friday, the feature-length debut from director Arkasha Stevenson is both a prequel and reboot. It knows when to foreshadow the Richard Donner original and when to ignore it …
‘Godzilla x Kong’ roars, leaving another win for the MonsterVerse
Share: “Godzilla x Kong” is the sequel to the smash hit “Godzilla vs Kong” where this time around the duo teams up to battle giant ape Scar King and his ice-breathing dragon Shimo while Kong continues his search to find others of his kind. When compared to previous films in the franchise, “Godzilla x Kong” is more on the cartoony side with one fight scene being in an antigravity room where Godzilla and Kong are flying through the air battling other titans. The duo also …
It’s superbloom season: Here’s SoCal’s best wildflower trails
Share: As we say goodbye to winter and welcome spring with record-breaking showers, it is the perfect time to go out and see the wildflower superblooms around Southern California. Here we’ll show you some of the best hiking trails and viewpoints to see some picturesque flower fields. 1. Starting off with Diamond Valley Lake, a man-made reservoir in Riverside county. This reservoir provides much to do with facilities such as an aquatic center, community park, hiking trails, and viewpoints. Diamond Valley Lake offers 3 trails: The …
Hozier’s new EP ‘Unheard’ is too sweet to pass on
Share: Hozier’s newly released EP, “Unheard,” has taken hold of his fans and the internet in the best way possible. The release of this new ep has showcased a new, unexpected kind of writing and sound from Hozier that fans haven’t seen before. Displaying his perspective of real-world issues through his songs as well as a new perspective on love, his usual muse for his music, Hozier composes such unique and extraordinary pieces that deserve their own spotlight in this EP. The collection of his …
‘Invincible’ suffers from overcrowded, anti-climactic second season
Share: Soaring to the skies of a bloody start from its previous season, the animated superhero show “Invincible” adapts the comic book series of the same name, picking up on its devastating note with even more gory and thrilling moments of a passionately told story. With new characters introduced and old characters refurbished to become fan favorites, this new installation of the series showcases a new direction that can feel too bloated while still highlighting the captivating draws of the series, like the conflict of …
Time to put the Ghostbusters in the deep freezer for good
Share: Two years after the Ghostbusters made their return to the big screen in “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” they’ve taken back to NYC to revel in their spirit-chasing antics. But despite their killer comeback in 2022, all that “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire” left me feeling disappointed and hollow. The story once again follows the Spengler family of Callie, Trevor, and Phoebe as well as Phoebe’s summer teacher Gary (played by Paul Rudd) who’s for some reason still palling around with his former student’s family. They’ve taken up residence …
‘Love Lies Bleeding’ is must-see madness
Share: “Love lies bleeding” is filled with twists and turns that will no joke have you on the edge of your seat. Director Rose Glass kicks off 2024 with a whirlwind queer love story. The romantic thriller set in the 80s is surely on its way to becoming one of A24’s greatest hits. It contains mature themes and stars Kristen Stewart, Katy O’Brian, Jena Malone, Dave Franco, and Ed Harris. This film had it all, the crowd was enthralled and so was I. It follows …
Growing up is not a ‘Bad Idea Right?’
Share: When the magic fades away, the world looks the other way. This is the case with many ex-Disney stars and how their rise to fame is flooded by criticism as they grow up and make a name for themselves away from the image attached to the company. Olivia Rodrigo, who at 18 years old became pop’s brightest new hope. Recently she released her newest album, “GUTS” which was followed by a fair amount of indignation from parents who reject this new ‘rowdy’ Olivia Rodrigo …
‘Problemista’ is an extravaganza you don’t want to miss
Share: After being delayed due to the Hollywood-stopping WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, the surrealist comedy flick with a fantastical twist, “Problemista” finally gets its well-deserved moment in the sun. It tells the story of an immigrant who jumps through expensive, time-consuming bureaucratic hoops to make it in America at the risk of losing his visa and being sent back to El Salvador. A24’s latest release showcases comedian Julio Torres’ outstanding ability to write, direct, and act as he shines in his first feature film “Problemista.” …