AlSkarla Reviews

Hocus Pocus 2 (2022)

Fan Service With No Substance

[4/10 · 30 September 2022]

Hocus Pocus 2 uses a plethora of nostalgic references to the 1993 film. It follows basic legacyquel rules - bringing back characters and repeating old narrative concerns for a new audience. However, it's almost exactly the same premise, just set in contemporary times and touches on contemporary discussions around female empowerment.

Some of the jokes are funny, and Bette Midler brings star power, but I can't help but think this sequel tarnishes the original. Hocus Pocus 2 didn't have the fun and thrills of the first film. It is very Disneyfied. More child friendly, and has no real antagonist.

As a fan of the first film who watched it as a child, I hoped this sequel would have a continuation of story, and would trigger nostalgia in a positive way. Unfortunately, it was a disappointment.

Lou (I) (2022)

Lou: Janney brings star power to a basic action feature.

[6/10 · 24 September 2022]

A conventional action movie that is entertaining, however predictable by the third act.

Janney truly delivers as the strong, dark, mysterious ex-CIA agent. But one has to question how a sixty year old woman can take down two large burly blokes.

The subtle feminist undertones are rife throughout. But whats interesting is the twist of Lou being the 'bad guy'. An anti-hero... maybe? Her previous actions and poor judgment led to her son being unhinged, resulting in him committing a kidnapping. To read her character as anything but the 'bad guy' is incorrect. Despite her trying to right her wrongs. This element was intriguing.

Lou is an enjoyable action film, however many will probably only watch it once. Without Janney carrying the movie, the reception would probably be a lot more negative.

Vampires vs. the Bronx (2020)

Nosferatu vs. Spike Lee

[5/10 · 2 October 2020]

Interwoven with Do the Right Thing and popular vampire movies, this teen comedy-horror attempts to be original with adding a blend of theme, location and social commentary into the mix.

However, it demonstrates perfectly the conventions found within its genre. It is very predictable and the intertextual references are in abundance, which became irritating.

That having said, there are moments of juicy ominous vampire fun, but they are very rare.

So, if you're a fan of the genre, it's an ok watch.

Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga (2020)

This film made me bang my head on the corner of my table.

[1/10 · 26 June 2020]

After sixty minutes of awkward acting, a predictable narrative, and jokes which didn't land, I got bored and went to the kitchen to make breakfast. Walking back into the lounge I tripped and fell head first into the corner of my coffee table. The pain I endured was by far more enjoyable than watching this film.

Regretfully, I continued to watch the second half to see how it ended. It was so bad that I contemplated, purposefully running headfirst into my coffee table, in the hopes it might erase the two hours of my life I spent watching this so-called comedy.

Don't waste your time.