"Bring Her Back"

 2025 * R * 1h 44m I've seen quite a few horror films in my days. But this recent film from A24 has to be among the scariest and most disturbing movies I've ever witnessed. Warning: "Bring Her Back" is pretty much guaranteed to scare the living bejesus out of you.

Two young kids Andy (Billy Barratt) and his sister Cathy (Mischa Haywood) are sent to live with their new foster mom Laura, played brilliantly by Sally Hawkins. She vascilates between a sweet mother and a terrifying possessed she-devil. Also at the home is a super creepy, bug-eyed kid Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips) who doesn't say a word. Laura recently lost her daughter and we suspect she's in some dark magic to bring her back.

There's a scene near the beginning where Andy cuts a piece of melon for Oliver. He hands him a knife with the fruit on it. He turns his back for a minute, and when he turns back. Oliver has sliced his mouth to pieces. It's a gruesome scene that hints at what's to come. 

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Streaming on HBO and to rent on Apple TV, Fandango, YouTube, and Prime.

"The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare"

 2024 * R * 2h 2m Talk about a film that wall-to-wall action! This movie starts with a bang and never lets up. It's a remarkable WWII tale that's based on true events. When it's over, you'll be shaking your head in disbelief. But since it's from the director Guy Ritchie ("The Gentlemen" "Snatch"), you just know you're in for one wild ride!

During the Second World War, the Germans controlled the Atlantic Ocean, thanks to its extensive fleet of U-boats. Prime Minister Winston Churchill commanded a group of generals to assemble a team of ruthless soldiers to disable the supply line to the German boats. This was done in secret and if they failed, his career would be over.

What took place is so over-the-top, it's almost hard to believe. I'm sure Mr. Ritchie took some liberties with the actual events. But it sure makes for some great movie viewing! And as per usual, he's assembled a great cast for the film. 

4 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Netflix. And to rent on Apple TV, YouTube, Fandango, and Amazon Prime.

"Keanu"

2016 * R * 1h 40m I was a huge fan of the show "Key & Peele." If you've never seen it, I urge you to check it out. At least look for the doorman scenes on YouTube. They've compiled a series of some of the most outrageous comedy bits ever. When this movie popped up on Netflix, I had to watch it, since they both star in it. And I was not disappointed. Some very funny stuff indeed. 

Clarence (Keegan-Michael Key) and Rell (Jordan Peele) are cousins. They're just a couple of decent, normal Joes. One day, a cute little kitten enters Rell's life. He adopts it and names it Keanu. Soon after, Rell's apartment is broken into and his adorable kitten gets into the hands of a New Orleans drug lord. So the two cousins have to act like gangstas and confront the criminal and his henchmen. They have to do a couple jobs for him in exchange for getting the cat back. Seeing them fake being badasses is absolutely hilarious. 

As expected, all kinds of crazyness goes on before they succeed. If you're looking for some zany comedy, I don't think you'll be disappointed. 

4 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Netflix and to rent on Apple TV, YouTube, Prime, and other services.

"Ready or Not"

 2019 * R * 1h 35m This is one of those over the top outrageous horror films. I'm not a huge fan of the genre, but every once in a while I like a good scary movie. And this one was so crazy, it was almost comical. And I thought the plot was pretty unique.

Grace (Samara Weaving), is a young woman who marries into an ultra-rich family. On her wedding night, she has to partake in a special ritual. At midnight, she has to draw a card from a special deck. She draws the card  "Hide & Seek". In this version, she has to hide in the mansion, and the family has to find and kill her. As you'd expect, absolute mayhem ensues. This one will keep you guessing right until the end. If you up for some good bloody fun, you'll probably enjoy this one. 

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Currently streaming on Netflix and Hulu, and to rent on YouTube and Apple TV.

"How I Live Now"

 2013 * R * 1h 13m  I'll be the first to admit I'm a huge fan of Saoirse Ronan. I've loved everythng she's appeared n. For some reason I missed this early film of hers.  I must say, it's well worth watching. Here she plays Daisy, a young American girl who is sent to England  to stay with her cousins. When WW3 breaks out, they flee but are soon rounded up by the army and separated. She escapes the work camp and spends the rest of the movie trying to get back home. 

I thought Saoirse's performance was excellent and although there wasn't much to the story, I found myself captivated by the beautiful English countryside. One of the only beefs  have with the movie is the fact that she falls in love with her cousin. I thought that was a bit weird. 

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Streaming for free with your library card on Hoopla and Kanopy, Youtube, Prime and Tubi. Also to rent on Prime Apple TV, Prime, Youtube, Fandango and other services. 

"Good Luck, Have Fun, Don't Die"

 2025 * R * 1h 14m  I'm a big fan of sci-fi movies, especially ones about time travel. I've seen tons of them and after a while, they get fairly predictable. Well, this one's a bit different. It deals with a common topic, needing to make a few changes so the world isn't destroyed. But it's an irreverent and totally whacky take on the theme. 

An unhinged "Man from the Future" (Sam Rockwell) shows up at an L.A. diner and announces he needs recruits to alter the future or an evil AI will take over the world.  He's done it several times before but hasn't been successful. He's tried numerous combinations of people to join him but they've never worked out. He's hoping this mission will be the one that gets the job done. The journey is one crazy ride, but it's a ton of fun. 

Sam Rockwell does a great job, plus he has an excellent supporting cast which includes Juno Temple, Haley LuRichardson, and Michael Pena. If you're looking for some zany fun, be sure to check this one out. 

Currently streaming on Hulu and to rent on Apple TV, Prime, and YouTube. 

"Jimpa"

2025 * Not Rated * 1h 53m  I'm a huge Olivia Coleman fan. If she's in a film, it automatically goes in my queue. Add John Lithgow and you know you've got a winner on your hands. And that's exactly what you have with the film "Jimpa." It's an interesting film that deals with sexuality, family, and discovering who you are.

Hannah (Coleman) is a filmmaker working on a movie that chronicles her relationship with her father Jimpa (Lithgow). He left her, her mother and her siblings in Australia when she was a young girl to live his life as a gay man in Amsterdam.  She goes to visit him with her husband and their non-binary son Frances (Aud Mason-Hyde). Before they leave, Frances announces that he's planning on staying with his grandpa for a year. 

It's quite an entertaining movie that will keep you on your toes.  About the only negative criticism is the seemingly endless discussions involving the various terms for different kinds of sexual identification. It gets tired after a while. But overall,  I really enjoyed the film. 

4 out oof 5 stars

Streaming for free on Kanopy and Hoopla with your library card. Also on Hulu and to rent on Prime, Apple TV, Youtube, Fandango, and other services.