Adventure
Finding ‘Ohana
Netflix’s adventure flick Finding ‘Ohana is a Hawaiian twist on the classic 80s kids caper The Goonies. It’s a movie connection the filmmakers want you to be aware of either through easter eggs (casting Ke Huy Quan who played Data in The Goonies, another character bellowing “hey you guys!”), or in the film’s direct lifting of an undoubtably similar story following young adventurers pursuing hidden treasure.
A Wizard’s Tale
It’s embarrassing to admit, but A Wizard’s Tale – a film intended for small children – took me a while to finish. The storytelling, so hyper. The humour, so random. And no matter how many times I rewatched pivotal parts, I was still left dumbfounded. When our heroes reached a kingdom of “balloon-people”, I knew I wasn’t losing it – the movie was.
Wylie Writes’ One-On-One with Veronica Ngo
Furie, the highest grossing Vietnamese movie of all time, took North America’s digital platform by storm last month. What’s perhaps even more notable is how the vehicle has propelled Veronia Ngo to action heroine status. Ngo (Bright, Star Wars: The Last Jedi) stars as provoked mother Hai Phuong who will do anything (and fight anyone) to save her kidnapped daughter.
Lu Over the Wall
In Masaaki Yuasa’s energetically animated Lu Over the Wall, shy student Kai makes an interesting discovery with music.
Dave Made a Maze
Bill Watterson’s Dave Made a Maze will receive comparisons to Dan Harmon’s TV show Community. Their quirky in similar ways, the characters are alike, and there’s an uncanny connection to pop culture in both. Most importantly, just like in Harmon’s cult hit, Dave Made a Maze is a story of misfits trying to define their self-worth while “adulting” by way of their own arrested development.
Power Rangers
By: Nick Ferwerda How do you take one of the cheesiest television shows of all time and turn it into a solid standalone movie? Believe it or not, but Power Rangers does a commendable job at doing so.
Blood, Sand and Gold
Blood, Sand and Gold is touted as a low-budget blockbuster. The globetrotting adventure was made for $258,000 in less than two months, and it doesn’t show. The film isn’t modest (lavish scenery and accessories hog the screen), but the production does a commendable job disguising itself. In spite of cutting costs, Blood, Sand and Gold is still 24 karat schlock.
The Babymoon
The Babymoon is still admirable for its efforts despite its imperfections. The premise is also surprisingly layered – another element that earns our respect. When the movie slacks on convincing dialogue or it loses subtlety in the performances, writer/director Bailey Kobe isn’t afraid to send his audience into a feverous tailspin, making us wonder in amusement how our jilted characters wound up on this crazy adventure in the first place.