What would a former soldier-turned-window cleaner, trapped on a skyscraper cradle, do when witnessing murderous terrorists holding hundreds of people hostage inside the building?
That's the simple premise of "Cleaner," led by Daisy Ridley ("Murder on the Orient Express") and Clive Owen ("The American"). Ridley carries the picture "Die Hard" style, while Owen is obtusely wasted in his role.
A band of environmental extremists is doing a hostile takeover of an energy company gala celebrating its success, while camouflaging its dark dealings and darker life-changing consequences. The eco-terrorists are forcing out crime confessions of the frightened key players and broadcasting them out to the world. There's infighting among who's in charge of the operations, and it's a ruthless numbers game when it comes to who's left alive or end up dead and how and the total body counts.
Not only is Joey's life hanging in the balance - literally in the air - she has to find a way to alert the authorities with no means of communication, convince the authorities she's not one of the bad guys, get inside the building from the sides of the skyscraper, fight off said bad guys and survive, and save the explosive-strapped hostages.
It's a straightforward story, although not without a kink or two and suspension of disbelief. A confrontation between Joey and the terrorist group's rancorous leader would have more of an impact with a buildup story. Soap, fire, gun and grenade are deployed, along with hide-and-seek, hand-to-hand combat.
I received a screener link over a week ago and watched the movie through my small laptop screen with a relatively weak sound (even with the volume turned all the way up). It would be a stronger viewing experience seeing it at the theater or even with a large television screen and strong sound.
"Cleaner" is a generic action thriller executed well with edge-of-your seat and do or die moments.
This year will be the year of blockbusters! Check out the top 25 most anticipated movies in 2025 - filled with spies and superheroes, adventures and thrills, mystery and magic.
Breathtaking scenery (real-life, lush Machu Picchu) Cute, sweet, poignant, delightful... Fun family misadventures , Indiana Jones-like , filled with mystery and intrigue., tracing back to the origin of Paddington. If you haven't seen Paddington movies (2014 & 2017), highly recommended to stream. Very British, one of the best series of all time! Gentle and good-natured, endearingly hilarious. The 2017 one is a riotous Mission Impossible heist (starring nefarious Hugh Grant).
If you've only seen the first trailer of “Companion” a few months ago and not the second one that was released about a week ago, as well as reading the description of the movie, be forewarned that this review assumes you know the first major twist shown early on publicly in the latter.
I did see the description and second trailer prior to seeing the movie, and it didn't take away my viewing experience, as there are multiple, unpredictable twists, but your mileage may vary. Because this particular reveal is integral to the story, it's not possible to write a review without it. Turn back now or forever hold your peace...
“Companion” begins with a supermarket meet-cute. Girl (Sophie Thatcher, “Heretic”) meets boy (Jack Quaid) in a supermarket aisle. Iris and Josh fall in love at first sight, and next thing we know, they're in a relationship and driving to a remote lakehouse for a getaway, at the invite of Josh's friend, Kat (Megan Sun).
The luxury lakehouse belongs to Kat's wealthy boyfriend, Sergey (Rupert Friend). Joining the quartet are their mutual friend, Eli (Harvey Guillen) and his longtime boyfriend, Patrick (Lukas Gage). Kat knows where she stands, as a mistress to a magnate who may not be on the up and up.
Iris has met Kat prior to the trip and could sense that Kat doesn't really like her, although she couldn't put her finger on it. Sergey also makes a few off comments, which adds to Iris' uneasiness, but she keeps her smile on to keep Josh happy. Kat admits that she's a bit insecure around the porcelain-pretty Iris, even though Iris thinks of Kat highly.
After a violent confrontation between Sergey and Iris, a blood-soaked Iris freaks out Josh, Kat, Eli and Patrick, and they have to decide what to do next. This is when Iris realizes that something is terribly wrong. Iris startlingly finds out that she is a robot, a humanoid owned by Josh to be his companion, functioning like a human girlfriend.
Once a love link is established, Iris is programmed to be devoted to Josh's every need, want and desire. Her memories about her life have been implanted. Bewildered, Iris doesn't believe Josh at first, until Josh shows how he can control Iris through an app on his phone. Her eye color, voice, language, intelligence and aggression level.
Thatcher brings humanity home here, displaying Iris' palpable and deep emotions that look and feel real. Hurt, pain, anger, sadness, crushed. Quaid shifts seamlessly from a dorky guy-next-door to misogynistic manipulator, who will cold-bloodedly stop at nothing and no one to keep his destructive secrets.
Knowing that Iris has consciousness, you think you might be able to predict what happens next, as Iris tries to gain control to outmaneuver Josh's power over her. You' d be wrong. The surprises and shocks keep coming; from why they are really at the lakehouse to the discombobulated dynamics among the friends, which lead to a bloody spiral out of control.
Now that we live in the age of artificial intelligence, it doesn't seem to be a distant science fiction to ponder what if androids gain self-awareness and existential identity, and evolve to the point that they independently gain a mind of their own and feel real emotions like human beings.
Topsy-turvy chain of events unfold with an unhinged edge and dark comedic tone, which make the movie enjoyable to watch, despite the macabre nature. The twists are well-constructed and unexpected.
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A woman who is planning her sister’s perfect wedding and the father of a young bride-to-be discover that they are double-booked for their destination wedding at a remote resort on an island off the Georgia coast. When both parties decide to share the small venue, chaos ensues and disaster awaits. Starring Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell.
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The inspiring true story of Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome) who was born with one leg but whose indomitable spirit and unbreakable resolve empowered him to defy the odds and pursue his dreams. With the unwavering love and support of his devoted mother Judy (Jennifer Lopez) and the encouragement of his coaches, Anthony fights through adversity to earn a spot on the Arizona State Wrestling team. But it will demand everything he has, physically and mentally, to achieve his ultimate quest to become an NCAA Champion.
A former green beret and other survivors take refuge inside an elaborate compound when an attack on America leaves the world in chaos. Starring: Neil McDonough, Bailey Chase, Dawn Oliveri.
You and a guest are invited to attend a new psychological drama called After the Hunt. The movie stars Julia Roberts, Andrew Garfield, and Ayo Edebiri and was directed by Luca Guadagnino ("Challengers," "Call Me By Your Name").
A gripping psychological drama about a college professor (Julia Roberts) who finds herself at a personal and professional crossroads when a star student (Ayo Edebiri) levels an accusation against one of her colleagues (Andrew Garfield), and a dark secret from her own past threatens to come into the light.
Has there been any movie that has a bigger gap of opinions between professional film critics and the general public?
I first saw “Red One” at a press screening nearly two weeks ago. Coming off “Heretic” and “Here” reviews, and onto “Wicked,” I ended up sitting this one out earlier, even though I was tempted to write a review. Then I've noticed that, while critics regard this as a lump of coal, the audience rave about it. And I feel like I've had to say something anyway... I'm firmly on the fan camp.
***
“Red One” has never tried to be more than what is – a fun, brainless holiday movie. Even the bonkers of a trailer shows it all. What the trailer doesn't show is that the movie is packed with even more special effects, has a pretty cohesive story overall, and dare I say, a sweet message. Yes, it's obviously a cash grab aiming for more than stocking stuffers - overstuffed with CGI creatures, loud and bloated, over-the-top wacky and sappy, but that's what makes it brainless fun.
Callum Drift (Dwayne Johnson, “Jungle Cruise”) is commander of the ELF (Enforcement, Logistics and Fortification), a Secret Service-type of agency headquartered in the North Pole, where Santa Claus (St. Nick, J.K. Simmons) is based in. After guarding Santa for hundreds of years, and seeing people's bad behavior, Callum has become really jaded. It's too many people on the naughty list than the nice list. He's told Nick that, after this Christmas, he's done and will be retiring.
On Christmas Eve, Santa is suddenly missing. Since Santa has been kidnapped, MORA (Mythological Oversight and Restoration Authority), the organization that monitors mythical creatures is now involved. Zoe (Lucy Liu), the head of MORA, and Callum, are determined to find Santa in time.
Not only for Santa's safety, the last thing Zoe wants to do is to have to explain to kings and queens, prime ministers and presidents, parents and children all of the world why their Christmas is ruined and there are no gifts under their collective trees. There is no substitute for Nick; it's his wise and compassionate spirit that makes him the one and only Santa Claus.
Imagine a sophisticated secret society like Wakanda (“Black Panther”). With its super high tech secretive operations, Callum and his team, with the help of captured hacker Jack O'Malley (Chris Evans, “Captain America” series, “The Avengers” series), are eventually able to track down the kidnapping to the White Witch (Gryla, Kieran Shipka).
A complete Christmas skeptic Jack's mouth-gaping reactions of the eye-popping E.L.F. and MORA, and the North Pole – all turn out to be real – are made for laughs. Along with his ex-wife, Jack tries to co-parent his young son, Dylan (Wesley Kimmel), although he's more of an absentee parent. Suffice to say, Jack is on Santa's naughty list.
The folklore here dives into Santa's background and his estranged relationship with Krampus (Kristofer Hivju), his devil-like, horned brother, as well as Gryla. Krampus and the White Witch want to punish misbehaved adults and kids alike... permanently.
Considering that the bar is very low for the definition of misbehaving, that would be the majority of the world's population. To Callum's and Jack's chagrin, they must work together and beat the Christmas clock to prevent mass imprisonment.
When Jack hopelessly finds himself and his son trapped at the hands of the White Witch, he realizes that he can still makes a choice to be good and breaks free, in more ways than one. The morale of the story is, regardless of which situation you are in, you can still make conscious choices. The nice impact is not lost on Callum, and in turn, he realizes his purpose again.
For a movie that doesn't take itself seriously, Christmas is a serious business here. The Marvel-ized action is laden with neat special effects. It goes beyond murderous snowmen. The chase scenes through enclosed glass slide, snowmobile, drone and jet in a wintry night are off the rail. Most memorable goes to the sleigh ride pulled by flying reindeers with illuminated antlers speeding off a suspended runway into the night skies.
With a twist on the mythology, "Red One's" action-and-gadget packed, comedic Mission Impossible-style Santa movie will put you in an early holiday cheer. And if the child in you ever wonder how Santa can drop off gifts to billions of people around the world at precise places and moments in one night, you'll be in for a fantastical holiday treat!
“Are people born wicked or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?”
The movie opens with a musical celebration, but is not for the reason you may think. Oz is awash in pastels and sweeping vistas of the yellow brick road, rainbow field of tulips, colorful village with wildflower-adorned thatch huts. The villagers are mesmerized by the arrival of Glinda the Good Witch (Ariana Grande). Holding a magic wand inside a floating bubble, Glinda tells them about the fate of the Wicked Witch of the West (Cynthia Erivo).
Then Glinda's memory flashes back, revealing the untold story between her, formerly named Galinda, and the Wicked Witch, Elphaba, when they were students at the Schiz University. The palatial school has elegant stone columns with cascading flowers and chic canals, bordered by sea cliffs, verdant forest and golden meadow.
The eldest daughter of the governor, Elphaba was born with a green skin and extraordinary powers. Rejected by her parents from birth, she grows up as an outcast. While her parents end up having a normal-looking, younger daughter in a wheelchair, Nessarose (Marissa Bode), the familial relationship doesn't get better due to an even more tragic reason.
While pretty, popular and pink-preoccupied Galinda instantly becomes the most popular among her peers on the first day of school, predictably, that day, and the days after, aren't going well for misunderstood Elphaba. Growing up the way she did, Elphaba seems to be used to the unfavorable, unwanted attention though. While there's simmering umbrage, surprisingly, she looks relatively comfortable and confident in her own green skin.
When Elphaba causes an incident with her mysterious ability, she attracts the attention of Madame Morrible (Michelle Yeoh, “Crazy Rich Asians”), the magical arts professor. Morrible is very impressed by Elphaba and takes her under her wing.
While Elphaba thinks of her quirk as something to suppress or hide, Morrible recognizes her super talent and believes that if Elphaba could learn to harness her emotions the right way, she could channel her powers for good. Coincidentally, Galinda, not only aspiring to be perennially popular, aims to learn sorcery and get tutored by Morrible.
Due to a comedy of errors, Galinda and Elphaba become an accidental roommate. Talk about opposite sides. Frilly frocks and flamboyant versus utilitarian and substance. The entrance of Prince Fiyero (Jonathan Bailey) as a love interest complicates the relationships. A musical number in the library atop books and tables, and along rotating ladders inside a giant clock-like wall space, is a standout.
Things come to a head when even Galinda realizes she went too far and witnesses the painful influence of her action, and everyone's whispering and laughing at Elphaba. Elphaba is human and feels hurt. Thankfully, this is a turning point of their relationship, which begins to shift toward friendship. The vocal-and dance performance that follows is emotional and impactful.
Grande adds dimensions into her bubbly role, fluctuating from shallow and self-absorbed to supportive, conflicted and tempted by power. Erivo is a powerhouse, conveying a deep range of emotions both subtly and powerfully.
When Elphaba receives a solo invite from the Wizard of Oz to meet him, she invites Galinda to hop onboard the retrofuturistic train to Emerald City with her.
Ensconced in the gleaming green palace, the Wizard is worshipped by all citizens for his purported powers. Even though he turns out to be a man (Jeff Goldblum, “Jurassic World Dominion”), it seems that he fulfills the prophecy as the all-mighty who enters the skies in a hot air balloon and falls into the land of Oz.
When The Wizard wants to grant Elphaba's her true desire, Elphaba discovers that something has... changed within her. Something deeper inside of her and it's not for the chance to be normal. She wants the Wizard to help her find what's going on with with animals losing their voices and ability to talk, and gone missing at school and in town.
When the truth comes out, Elphaba and Galinda are faced with impossibly tough choices. At perilous crossroad, their friendship is tested beyond limit, and the choices they make will change their lives and the people around them forever.
Power-propelled propaganda corrupts and controls people. It's scary to see how easily people can be manipulated en masse with a twist of the narrative.
This is a story about an outsider trusting her instinct and coming into her own power, charting her path to do the right thing, even when the odds are not in her favor. The penultimate scenes are visually spellbinding, with powerful poses and flying freely across the skies at sunset. Defying gravity, it ends with a chillingly empowering ending.
The movie has a lavish production, powerhouse acting, great musical numbers, feast of visuals, striking vocals and sound. It's a regal Broadway show on a silver screen. If part 2 is anything like part 1, it will be worth the wait.
Evoking fantasy and wonder grander in scale than the "Oz: The Great and Powerful"), “Wicked” is wickedly wondrous.
Action-packed, gadget-filled, comedic "Mission Impossible" style Santa story with a twist on the mythology that will put you in early holiday cheers. Over the top and overstuffed, but it's wacky fun. It reminds you to make conscious choices and believes in the magic of Christmas.
Director Robert Zemeckis (“The Walk,” “Polar Express”), known for his penchant for experimenting with technological advances, reunites Tom Hanks (“Saving Mr. Banks,” “Captain Phillips”) with Robin Wright, 30 years after they starred in “Forrest Gump.”
In “Here,” they are de-aged down to more than 40 years with remarkable believability, although it's clearly not perfect and noticeable in some aspects. The de-aging technology, combined with the fixed camera angle framing the spot, which eventually turns into a window-facing living room, as well as vignette storytelling style, results in a unique film. It also appeals as a family movie or something to watch together during the holiday season.
“Here” begins all the way back in time, zooming in on the exact same spot where the eventual living room would exist – when dinosaurs roam free on Earth, meteor strikes, ice age, greening of the planet, and human civilization.
The story is told in numerous vignettes non-linearly, going back and forth between pre-colonial, colonial, jazz era, war periods, early and mid 20th century, and the current 21st century. The view seen from the same window turns from the lush forest into the house across, people, street, horse-drawn carriages, steam engine cars and modern vehicles.
Multiple couples and families occupy the house, and the story flashes back and forth, although the Young families, starting in the 1940s and all the way through the present time, are the focus of the film. Al (Paul Bettany, “Transcendence,” “The Avengers” series) and Rose (Kelly Reilly) first make the house their home. Al is dealing with the aftermath as a soldier returning from war. Rose, being a woman of that era, is the dutiful housewife and mother, with no other option.
Richard (Tom Hanks) is the Young's son and Margaret (Robin Wright) is his girlfriend. Richard has a passion for painting and Margaret aspires to be a lawyer. Their dreams come crashing down when Margaret becomes pregnant at 18. Richard has to earn a living and turns into sales and Margaret becomes a housewife.
When Violet, their daughter, is born, the multi-generational families continue to live in the same house due to financial reasons, even as Margaret really wants to move out and have a place of their own. Through time, they get older and realize that the lives they build together are no longer what they want. They discover themselves, grow, drift apart, although they still love each other.
The way the movie is filmed makes it like a stage play. Contrivance is inevitable with the one-room setting, and sometimes scenes are cut and fade away before an emotional element truly makes an impact. The sheer number of characters doesn't allow us to get to know most of them. Understandably, the film has its critics. It might have been better if the stories were told linearly, still, it's easy to follow the Young families and feel invested in their lives. A throughline from the earliest native American couple makes a sentimental surprise.
The film touches on patriarchy, slavery, war, sexism, women's agency and independence, racism, and the pandemic. Life events happen and evolve through multiple families over a 100-year period in the house. House search, coupling up, domestic bliss, pregnancy, wedding, birth, kids, career, aging, illness, death, funeral service, reunion, celebrations and holidays. Happiness, heartbreak, tears, struggles, success, fights, loss, grief, love, laughter and joy are seen or heard from the same vantage point. Right here, these same walls witness so much history and significance.
Through centuries and generations, “Here” is a full circle of life, filled with moments, milestones and memories.
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