Hey Mofos!

I went to the movies again! This time to screen the new film The Running Man starring that fine Glen Powell! 

I wasn't sure what the film was going to be about and then my dad mentioned that it was a remake of a 1987 film of the same name. Oh. 

Clearly I haven't seen the 1987 version, but this one was action packed from the moment we sat down in our seats. 

The new version, out this Friday, November 14, isn’t your dad’s version. It’s slick, stylish, and surprisingly smart. Director Edgar Wright really made a fan out of me with this one. But first let me tell you about the movie plot without any spoilers of course. 

Glen Powell plays Ben Richards, a working-class man desperate to save his sick daughter with the timeline being in the future. When life backs him into a corner, he does the only thing he can do to make money, he joins a violent reality competition where contestants have to survive being hunted on live television.  If that sounds wild, it is but tell me it doesn’t also sound like something we’d all tune into in 2025. Also, tell me this doesn't sound like today's economy when people are desperate to eat and for money. Can I pause right here to say his wife in this film is a Black queen (Jayme Lawson) that is GORGEOUS. 

Wright builds a world that feels a little too familiar. The screens, the spectacle, the social media blood bath because of course, everyone is still filming every little thing they see to post it online. It’s giving Black Mirror energy with a blockbuster budget. Powell carries the movie with the perfect balance of vulnerability and swagger, reminding you why he’s Hollywood’s favorite “next big thing.” He runs, he fights, all while looking sexy with blood on his face. I promise I'm not weird, that man is just gorgeous. 

The pacing and energy doesn't make the film seem like it's taking too long to get to the point. The action sequences kept the audience on edge, and the show commentary is a bonus in all of the right places. 

One of my favorite things in the movie aside from Glen Powell was seeing Coleman Domingo dressed to impress as usual as the host of the reality game show, and who isn't excited to see Spencer James, errr Daniel Ezra coming to the rescue as usual?

There were some cheesy moments that involved VHS tapes but I can overlook that. Overall,  The Running Man is about spectacle, survival, greed, and what happens when entertainment eats empathy. Sounds familiar doesn't it? 

There are several parallels to today's administration and the attempt to silence everything and everyone and paint a picture of "everything's all good, we'll show you what we want you to see even if we have to use AI or edited versions to rile you up, or calm you down or turn you against who we want the enemy to be."

Ben Richards is the instigator and I'm here for it. He is the one that bucks the system and it's insanity all to protect his family. It gets no realer than that. Love can conquer hate. 

I would say, definitely check out the film if action in a dystopian thriller is your jam. 

It's in theaters on 11/14! 

Let me know what you think! 

Until later, 

~Meik

Bad Boys, Bad Boys, whatcha gonna doooooo?

You can't help but sing the song while waiting for the fourth installment of the film, "Bad Boys: Ride or Die."

This film was sooooo much better than the 3rd "Bad Boys for Life" film. This one felt like it took all of their past films in the franchise and tried to thread together the pieces to pull this one off and they did it. You just have to be good at recalling what happened all the way back to the 1990s and 2003. My memory ain't the greatest, but the film shows some flashbacks. I suggest re-watching the other films before heading to the theater. 

Here's the trailer for this one:

Here's the short version of the story:  

This time out, Mike and Marcus are working to redeem the good name of their beloved Captain Conrad Howard (Joe Pantoliano) who was killed in the last film, That quest sends the Bad Boys on the run and it has lots of action and hilarity ensues.

NOW, I was glad to see Will Smith back in his element as Mike Lowery and as a man that has finally settled his ass down. Marcus has a life changing experience and the comedy of that is a common thread through the film. One thing he believed is that it wasn't his time and that he had been here in another life along with Mike.

It was so good to see the fellas in their 50s taking on action scenes, falling prey to sweets, and holding each other down. It was also great to see Marcus' son Reggie take on a role that had the entire theater cheering for him all the way through the film. Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Núñez and Jacob Scipio are among those reprising their roles from Bad Boys for Life in the new film.

I was on edge the entire film, hoping they would solve the crimes, as if they wouldn't, and catch the bad boys. I was also glad to see Mike experiencing PTSD in a way that we can all relate, fight or flight or just freeze mode. It was refreshing to see that even in the toughest situations anybody can have a flashback and freeze up. 

It was also nice to see Mike's son, Armondo (Scipio) (who we all hated last film, but good lawd that man is fine.) He and Mike don't exactly see eye to eye but when they have a mission in common, they can put aside their differences, especially with Marcus being the Iyanla Vanzant of the trio. 

It was weird with a recast of Marcus Burnett's wife from Theresa Randle from the first 3 films and this one is Tasha Smith. I could tell she was trying to hold in her loud side, but it wasn't too off putting, but it was noticeable the change. 

El Abri and Fallah, billed as Adil & Bilall did a fabulous job directing it and treating the film like a video game sequence setting it up for what hopefully will be a franchise that rivals "The Fast & Furious." I really enjoyed this film and love seeing Martin and Will's chemistry and the shade they sling through the movie. This is one I'd watch again and again. 

The film hits theaters on June 7. Let me know what you think! 

~Meik