jeroduptown Reviews

Matriarch (I) (2022)

Troubled Child

[6/10 · 20 December 2022]

Is it bad parenting or something more? When a single, lonely working lady ODs on cocaine, she experiences something supernatural followed by a phone call from her mom and some black goo dripping from her nose. When she does go home after years of abusive parenting, things only get deeper and more creepy. For me, the visualization of the supernatural is where it fell short. The mystery of the small town, the maladies of its people and even her love interests were done well. But when everyone ends up at the chapel, things start to fall apart for me. Dad's role is the only thing that remains a mystery.

Father Stu (2022)

Almost Stu

[6/10 · 10 December 2022]

Big Wahlberg fan and the message of this movie is solid. Fun to see Gibson in a half-decent role these days. Jacki Weaver as the no-nonsense mom was also a spot-on casting. However, this film had so much more potential that was never realized. Stu's transformation through fighting and attempting to act was done well - but Ruiz as his love interest was cold for me. Dead in the water after their first meeting. The message was heavy handed and more time could have been given to Mel to round out what happened during Stu's childhood. Overall, a worthwhile watch - and by no means a typical "christian" film.

Good Luck to You, Leo Grande (2022)

Misguided Leo

[3/10 · 6 December 2022]

Emma's a great actress - and McCormack holds his own. But the premise of the movie, that pleasure is the pinnacle of happiness (and that sex workers are doing everyone a favor) is silly. The connection that they built, especially through sharing their pain, was cheapened by an implied answer that pleasure is found within yourself. They should've fast forwarded another year and shown Emma as still unhappy and lonely. I know my opinion will be an unpopular one - but when you have a moment to teach something true using talent like this, you'd better check that the message is one that's actually helpful.

Memoria (I) (2021)

You're Not Smart Enough

[3/10 · 26 August 2022]

Tilda hears crap. Is she dreaming? Is she alive? Can you stand watching a guy lie in the grass for 12 minutes? Too smart for its own good, Memoria is an intelligent wanna-be masterpiece.

A Mouthful of Air (2021)

Mental Movie

[5/10 · 25 August 2022]

Film about mental health/postpartum: okay. Seyfried with perfect hubby and firstworld problems: check. Jump cuts: check. Didn't make me sympathize with her or understand her mental plight.

The Rundown (2003)

Rock the Cradle

[6/10 · 24 August 2022]

The Rock travels to Brazil to bring back his crime boss' son (Sean William Scott). It's a shoot out with Walken and some Rosario with golden artifacts thrown in. A decent blend of action and comedy...

Raising Helen (2004)

New Mommy

[6/10 · 23 August 2022]

It's not a family masterpiece - but it's a decent family value film where Hudson goes from her high-powered exec career to one of taking care of her nieces and nephew when her sister dies suddenly.

Honor Society (2022)

Smarter HS Drama

[7/10 · 23 August 2022]

I'm a sucker for a narrated movie - and to do a decent job with a high school themed one is even better. Protagonist wants to get into her college of choice by taking out other front runners at her HS...but ends up finding friends. Cliche, maybe...but enjoyable.

C'mon C'mon (2021)

Sloggy Talking

[4/10 · 21 August 2022]

Beautifully shot, "c'mon c'mon" is a little pretentious yet well acted by Phoenix. But if you really listen, it's a bunch of hogwashy platitudes that will lead to that poor boy leading a miserable life.

Moloch (2022)

Bad Things in The Bog

[6/10 · 20 August 2022]

Moloch is a folk-horror film in the Netherlands where the legend of Feike is alive and well. When women are found preserved in the bog and are being unearthed, Moloch starts taking control of people, threatening Betriek's family.

The Stranger in Our Bed (2022)

Them Photos

[5/10 · 20 August 2022]

She's had an affair but when she goes to run away, her fling has flown. Her rich controlling hubby has some secrets he's hiding. But when mom n law dies and leaves all the money to her, hubby starts to crack. And there's nobody in your bed...

Crazy Eights (2006)

Unraveled Eights

[3/10 · 20 August 2022]

It's a journey down trauma lane when one of the eight friends dies and they open a time capsule to find a dead girl's skeleton. Then, they all the sudden remember they went through experiments and trials...and it literally is a cluster.

Dreamer (2005)

Horsey

[6/10 · 20 August 2022]

Dakota Fanning's an interesting little girl determined to save this horse and win the cup. It's predictable, but family friendly. No secretariat, for sure. Kurt Russell is a solid dad figure.

Secret Headquarters (2022)

Mediocre Man

[5/10 · 20 August 2022]

It's a power core from outer space and Russell Wilson is chosen to protect the universe. And you'd think he'd make it interesting. But it's not. It's like Ironman without any punch.

Orphan: First Kill (2022)

Stiles Wiles

[5/10 · 19 August 2022]

Stiles joins the crazy camp in this sequel and tries to use her "daughter's" imposter life to her advantage. Campy but also decently tense considering the whole thing is nuts from the top.

The Three Musketeers (2011)

Meh Musketeers

[5/10 · 19 August 2022]

A middle of the road remake that tries to blend some new elements in slow-mo fighting and Jovovich special moves. The cast is capable of much - but the lack of an engaging plot line causes it to peter out.

What Is a Woman? (2022)

One Big Circular Definition

[8/10 · 19 August 2022]

It's mind blowing to think that this question could be the premise of a documentary. Walsh allows "progressive thinkers" to show their brilliance in the area of women's studies and gender affirmation.

Resurrection (2022)

What's Real?

[7/10 · 19 August 2022]

Margaret (Rebecca Hall) loses it when a man from her past shows up in town. The man from her past ate her baby. No joke. And Hall's abuse and crazy past sets up the wildest ending. It's truly a break from reality.

Gone in the Night (2022)

Slow Reveal

[6/10 · 16 August 2022]

Ryder may not have signed up for an award-winner in this one, but if you can hang on to the plot line long enough - it's a good kind of crazy turny. When her and her boyfriend show up at an Airbnb and find a couple already there, the backstory starts to play.

The Butterfly Effect 3: Revelations (2009)

Butterfly Change of Direction

[5/10 · 16 August 2022]

The 3rd in a non-cohesive series, Carmack takes this installment in a new direction where he's trying to hunt down a killer instead of avoid disaster. This butterfly comes with a smidge more gore, too.

He Got Game (1998)

Not a Slam Dunk

[6/10 · 16 August 2022]

Denzel holds down the part as a dad in prison trying to strike a deal with son. What doesn't hold is Ray Allen as an actor, super long sequences that we *think* are supposed to have underlying meaning, and sideways roles of women.

The Butterfly Effect 2 (2006)

Moth Effect

[3/10 · 13 August 2022]

The 2nd butterfly effect gets off to a wobbly start with its final destination car wreck that Lively jumps back in time to evade. We never find out why he has the ability to look at pictures and poof into a different life. But with all the possibilities, this movie hits all the lame expected ones.

Nightmare Alley (2021)

It's a Long Alley, Too

[6/10 · 13 August 2022]

Nightmare Alley's story is pretty epic, but its pace struggles to keep you engaged in all its mystery. Cooper grinds his way to the position of psychic medium, but his little empire of tricks comes back in some true karma.

American Siege (2021)

Yikes Willis

[2/10 · 12 August 2022]

Ooof. Another low budget Willis movie that's set in Georgia and involves some delinquents trying to figure out what happen to Hindman's sister. And Hindman really ruins the acting.

The Tender Bar (2021)

Affleck Uncle

[6/10 · 12 August 2022]

Little JR has a loser for a dad, but is instead raised by Affleck (the neighborhood barkeep). Pushed by his mom to go to Harvard or Yale, JR finds out there's more than one way to define success. Little slow.