By Michael C. Woody | Lake Panorama Times
“The Bad Guys 2”
The original “Bad Guys” movie was great fun about a group of animals that robs banks and creates other hijinks. It was funny, smart and different than most kid films. Unfortunately, the sequel is nothing more than a retread of the first film — less the funny, smart and different parts. It appears to be a simple money-grab by the studio. Too bad. Grade: C
“The Naked Gun”
Liam Neeson taking over the role that Leslie Nielsen made famous back in 1988 sounded risky. Why would they mess with a film that many consider a classic? Will it work? I am happy to report that it not only works, but it works quite well. Plenty of big laughs and crass, off-color jokes. I laughed hard and often at a movie I feared would fail miserably. I was wrong. This is a funny movie. Grade: B+
“Freakier Friday”
So far, I’ve reviewed six remakes or sequels and one original film. Here’s No. 7. It must be summer. Whoever thought it would be a good idea to get Jamie Lee Curtis and Lyndsey Lohan back together to recreate the crazy hi-jinks of “Freaky Friday” was wrong. Way wrong. The story is dumb, and the jokes are lame. Why these two actresses agreed to this remake is a mystery to me. Grade: D
“Weapons”
Finally, an original idea and one of the best horror films I’ve seen in a handful of years. Like most films of the genre, the less I tell you, the more you will enjoy it. I can tell you that it has literally torn up the box office since it opened. “Weapons” is still in theaters, and that is exactly where this movie needs to be seen. And soon. Grade: A
“Sketch”
This is another horror film that had the misfortune of following in the footsteps of “Weapons,” and it suffered because of it. The film was also weakened due to a lack of focus and special effects. It is the story of a child’s drawings that are dropped in a “special” lake and somehow come to life. It is too scary for younger kids and not compelling enough for the older ones. Trying to be special to both groups was this movie’s downfall. Grade: B
“Nobody 2”
“Nobody 2” brings us back to the tale of a one-man wrecking ball who takes on bad guys and does so with a smile and smart-aleck remarks. Bob Odenkirk reprises his role from the first film, and the action scenes are equally solid. Unfortunately, the story is silly as he takes his family (including wife Connie Nielsen and father Christopher Lloyd) on a vacation to a Branson-like theme park where fights start almost at check in. The action is OK, but there is little to no story line to keep you involved. Grade: C+
“Highest 2 Lowest”
Any time Denzel Washington teams up with director Spike Lee, my level of excitement rises. “Highest 2 Lowest” gives us the story of a record company executive (Washington) whose son has been kidnapped and held for ransom. It is, as you might expect, a tense thriller with a satisfying twist ending. Washington is great, and Spike Lee is at the top of his game. “Highest 2 Lowest” is also director Lee’s love letter to the City of New York. Grade: A
“East of Wall”
This low-budget, independent film looks at a family living on a horse ranch in South Dakota. Times are tough, and money is short, but the work ethic and the love of their jobs are high. The South Dakota scenery is stunning, and the horse work is excellently filmed. Grade: B
“Honey Don’t”
Ethan Coen wrote and directed this super-dark movie about a series of deaths in a small town. Coen doesn’t skimp on sex or violence and also gives us some of the Coen brothers’ quirky humor. It is edgy for sure but not at the level of “Fargo” or their other hits. Still it has its moments.
Grade: C+
“Relay”
“Relay” is a brilliant film about a woman with company secrets that she intends to turn over to authorities. She is being tracked by “bad guys” but is being assisted through secure “relay phone messaging” that will keep her anonymous and safe. This movie is fantastic from start to finish and as tense as you might expect. Riz Ahmed and Lily James star in this thriller that will have you guessing all the way to the end. Grade: A
“The Roses”
Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman step into the shoes of Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner from 1989’s “War of the Roses.” He is an architect, and she is a master chef. Their relationship is strained, to say the least. The movie is a bitter and mean version of the original, and though it does have some humor, it seemed more uncomfortable than necessary. Grade: C+
“Caught Stealing”
Austin Butler is a talented actor and knows his way around a fight scene. What happens when the movie is nothing more than one long fight scene and seems to get more preposterous as it goes along? The answer is, you quit caring. If Butler punches one person, he punches 100 (maybe 200). In the real world, these people don’t exist, and this movie wore out its welcome early and often. Grade: D
“Prince: Sign O’ The Times”
To be able to see this concert film from Prince and the Revolution in an IMAX theater is a real treat. Obviously, the movie was not shot in IMAX, but the soundtrack holds up brilliantly. The movie also showcases not only the musical skills of Prince but also drummer Sheila E, who blows it away. If you get a chance, see this while it is still playing in Waukee at the IMAX. Grade: B+
Michael C. Woody has been reviewing movies on radio and television since 1986. He and his wife, Susan, are residents of Lake Panorama.