FRIDAY FAMILY FILM NIGHT

In which the Mister and Monsters join me in reviewing THE PRESTIGE (2006), from a script by Jonathan and Christopher Nolan, based on Christopher Priest's novel, the film is directed by Christopher Nolan.  In turn-of-the-century London, two rival magicians — Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) and Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) —become locked in a deadly competition to create the ultimate illusion, each willing to sacrifice everything ...

In which the Mister joins me in reviewing BRING HER BACK (2025), from a script by Danny Philippou and Bill Hinzman and directed by Danny and Michael Philippou.  The film is a tense supernatural horror story about two siblings, Andy and Piper (Billy Barratt and Sora Wong) who uncover terrifying secrets in their foster home with their new foster mother, Laura (Sally Hawkins).  As a sinister ritual unfolds around them, they must rely ...

In which the Mister and Monsters join me in reviewing A MINECRAFT MOVIE (2025), from a script by Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer, Neil Widener, Gavin James, Chris Galleta from a story by Allison Schroeder, Chris Bowman and Hubbel Palmer; the film is directed by Jared Hess (who also does double duty in voicing General Chungus).  When a group of unlikely heroes from the real world are transported into the pixelated universe of Minecraft,...

** This review was originally recorded months ago from a watch on TCM **

In which the Mister joins me in reviewing EVERY GIRL SHOULD BE MARRIED (1948), from a story by Eleanor Harris and script credits to Don Hartman and Stephen Morehouse Avery, the film is directed by Don Hartman.  The film follows Anabel Sims (Betsy Drake), a determined young woman who sets her sights on a handsome, confirmed bachelor pediatrician, Dr. Madison Bro...

In which the Mister and Monsters join me in reviewing THE CRUSH (1993), from writer/director Alan Shapiro.  When a young journalist, Nick Eliot (Cary Elwes), rents a guesthouse from a wealthy family, he catches the attention of their precocious 14-year-old daughter, Adrian (Alicia Silverstone). What begins as innocent flirtation quickly escalates into dangerous obsession as Adrian’s unreciprocated feelings turn vengeful. Nick finds...

In which the Mister joins me in reviewing THE BIRDCAGE (1996), from a script by Elaine May and directed by Mike Nichols, the story is based on the play "La Cage Aux Folles" by Jean Poiret.  Armand Goldman (Robin Williams), the gay owner of a drag nightclub in South Beach, and his flamboyant partner and star performer Albert (Nathan Lane) agree to play it straight when Armand’s son, Val (Dan Futterman) announces his engage...

In which the Mister and Monsters join me in reviewing TO WONG FOO, THANKS FOR EVERYTHING! JULIE NEWMAR (1995), from a script by Douglas Carter Beane, the film is directed by Beeban Kidron.  Three New York City drag queens—Vida Boheme (Patrick Swayze), Noxeema Jackson (Wesley Snipes), and Chi-Chi Rodriguez (John Leguizamo) — embark on a cross-country road trip to compete in a national drag pageant, but when their car breaks down in ...

In which the Mister and Kid 1 join me in reviewing MOONLIGHT (2016), from a script by and directed by Barry Jenkins, the story is based on the unpublished semi-autobiographical play In Moonlight Black Boys Look Blue by Tarell Alvin McCraney.  Winner of 3 Academy Awards (Best Motion Picture of the Year/ Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role [Mahershala Ali] and Best Adapted Screenplay [Barry Jenkins]).  The film is the c...

In which the Mister and Kid 2 join me in reviewing THE LAST DRAGON (1985), from a script by Louis Venosta and directed by Michael Schultz.  In 1980s New York City, a young martial artist named Leroy Green (Taimak), also known as “Bruce Leroy,” embarks on a spiritual and physical journey to attain the highest level of martial arts mastery known as “The Glow.” Along the way, he must protect a music video host, Laura Charles (Vanity) ...

In which the Mister joins me in reviewing COMMANDO (1985), from a story by Jeph Loeb, Matthew Weisman and Stephen de Souza and a screenplay by Steven de Souza, the film is directed by Mark L. Lester.  A deposed South American dictator, Arius (Dan Hedaya) foolishly unleashes hell upon himself when he attempts to extort a retired elite soldier named John Matrix (Arnold Schwarzenegger) into an assassination plot by kidnapping his daug...

In which the Mister and Monsters join me in reviewing I LOVE MY DAD (2022), from writer/director James Morosini. Chuck (Patton Oswalt), a father, desperate to be in his son's life, befriends his son Franklin (James Morosini) online through social media, while pretending to be a young woman named Becca. But things descend into an absolute cringe-filled nightmare when his son falls in love with Becca.  The film clocks in at 1 h a...

** This review was recorded in February **

In which the Mister joins me in reviewing I SAW THE TV GLOW (2024), from writer/director Jane Schoenburn.  An awkward young boy forms a bond with a teenage girl obsessed with a television show. This obsession leads to her disappearing and him questioning his reality.  The film clocks in at 1 h 40 m, is rated PG-13 and is currently available on Max but also to buy/rent on Prime Video.  Plea...

** Please note this review was recorded before the Oscar nominations were announced this year **

In which the Mister and Monsters join me in reviewing TANGERINE (2015), from a screenplay by n Baker and Chris Bergoch; the film is directed by Sean Baker. A transgender prostitute embarks on a quest to find the woman her pimp/boyfriend cheated on her with while she was in jail. The film clocks in at 1 h and 28 m, is rated R and is cur...

In which the Mister and Kid 1 join me in reviewing MICKEY 17 (2025), from writer/director Bong Joon Ho, from Edward Ashton's "Mickey 7" novel.  Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson), a disposable worker on a recently colonized planet endures one horrific death after another as he is cloned each time he dies. But when a new clone is created while he’s still alive, the ramifications of his survival threaten to upend the orde...

In which the Mister and Kid 1 join me in reviewing SINNERS (2025), from writer/director Ryan Coogler.  Twin brothers (Michael B. Jordan TIMES 2) return to their rural home to open a juke joint, but beyond the challenges of launching their business and facing their pasts, they must confront a sinister supernatural threat.  The film clocks in at 2 h and 17 m, is rated R and is currently in theaters.  Please note there are SPOILERS in...

In which the Mister joins me in reviewing ONE FALSE MOVE (1991), from a screenplay by Billy Bob Thornton and Tom Epperson, the film is directed by Carl Franklin.  After a series of brutal murders, three criminals head toward a small Arkansas town where they plan to hide. As detectives close in, a local sheriff finds the case hitting closer to home than he ever expected.  The film clocks in at 1 h 45 m, is rated R and is currently a...

In which the Mister and Monsters join me in reviewing FRAILTY (2001), from screenwriter Brent Hanley, the film is directed by Bill Paxton.  A man who claims to know the identity of a serial killer recounts his childhood under a father who believed he was divinely commanded to destroy demons disguised as people.  The film clocks in at 1 h and 40 m, is rated R and is currently streaming on Tubi, Plex and Amazon Prime.  Please note th...

In which the Mister joins me in reviewing RUSHMORE (1998), from a screenplay by Wes Anderson and Owen Wilson, the film is directed by Wes Anderson.  The film tells the story of Max Fischer (Jason Schwartzman) and his friendship with local industrialist Herman Blume (Bill Murray) and Rosemary Cross (Olivia Williams), the woman they both love who comes between them.  The film clocks in at 1 h 33 m, is rated R and is currently streami...

In which the Mister and Monsters join me in reviewing SOONER OR LATER (1979), from writers Bruce and Carole Hart, the film is directed by Bruce Hart and based off their novel of the same name.  Thirteen year old Jessie (Denise Miller) is a young girl who dreams of romance and reads romance novels, while putting on makeup to come across as older and more exciting.  She meets musician Michael Skye (Rex Smith) as he and his band do a ...