Monkey Man Review: A brutal quest for vengeance.

MaXXXine is the ending to a trilogoy we welcomed but didn't ask for, and it almost took the director from Ti West to You Tried West.   Luckily, Pearl and X are just so strong that it pretty much makes MaXXXine the 3rd Back to the Future film.  A film that's just as far from worthless as it is from worth it, mainly due to a nothing new here story, an unearned reveal, but still somehow a variety of perfectly casted supporting role performances.  MaXXXine gets so many things right yet still does nothing to push the genre forward.  Streaming now on Youtube, Apple TV, FandangoAtHome, Amazon Video, etc ♦♦   Director:  Ti West Writers:  Ti West Starring: Mia Goth, Kevin Bacon, Sophie Thatcher, Moses Sumney Runtime:  1 Hour 44 Minutes Synopsis: A porn star lands her first big Hollywood break while being black mailed by a dirtbag PI who knows her dark X past, and stalked by an L.A. serial killer murdering everyone close to her.    Like what you hear? Subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Follow us on Twitter: @Phenomblak @InsanityReport @TheMTRNetwork   Our shirts are now on TeePublic.  https://teepublic.com/stores/mtr-network   Want more podcast greatness? Sign up for a MTR Premium Account!

Alien Romulus is proof that anything with a Xenomorph in it should only allow Ridley Scott on set as a Producer.  It's a much needed return to the Xenomorph-verse that gives the audience nonstop nerve-wrecking action, just enough sci to fi, nostalgic easter eggs, and fun elements adapted directly from the more recent Aliens videos game like Alien: Isolation.  This film does an amazing job if amping up the anticipation for the upcoming FX TV Series, Alien: Earth. Cailee Spaeny fills the shoes of Ripley very well and David Jonsson deserves all the praise for his performance as Andy, an android who gets an upgrade in autonomy.  Streaming now on Youtube, Apple TV, FandangoAtHome, Amazon Video, etc ♦♦   Director: Fede Alvarez Writers: Fede Alvarez, Rado Sayagues Starring: Cailee Spaeny, David Jonsson, Aileen Wu, Archie Renaux Runtime:  1 Hour 59 Minutes Synopsis: Rain and her android Andy join a group of young workers and attempt to escape their indefinite indentured servitude by boarding an abandoned Weyland-Yutani  space station only to discover the station is the home of a Xenomorph with some new toys to impregnate.    Like what you hear? Subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Follow us on Twitter: @Phenomblak @InsanityReport @TheMTRNetwork   Our shirts are now on TeePublic.  https://teepublic.com/stores/mtr-network   Want more podcast greatness? Sign up for a MTR Premium Account!

Sebastian Stan gives us a complex and riveting performance in this psychological, dark comedy character study, A Different Man, directed by Aaron Schimberg and also staring an arguably Best Supporting Actor performance from Adam Pearson.  A Different Man is the Uglies we deserve. Streaming now on Youtube, Apple TV, FandangoAtHome, Amazon Video, etc ♦♦   Director: Aaron Schimberg Writers: Aaron Schimberg Starring: Sebastian Stan, Adam Pearson, Renate Reinsve, Michael Shannon Runtime:  1 Hour 52 Minutes Synopsis: A disfigured, struggling actor goes through an experimental procedure that gives him a Hollywood face and with it the attention he always wanted.  Or so he thought.   Like what you hear? Subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Follow us on Twitter: @Phenomblak @InsanityReport @TheMTRNetwork   Our shirts are now on TeePublic.  https://teepublic.com/stores/mtr-network   Want more podcast greatness? Sign up for a MTR Premium Account!

If you're unfamiliar with the plot of Broadway stunner, Wicked, fear not, director Jon M. Chu's (Crazy Rich Asians) big screen adaptation is a splashy note-for-note faithful interpretation of the acclaimed musical. If your gateway is Gregory Macguire's book by the same name, however, expect more committment to the musical's book than his source material. Wicked, a prequel to the Wizard of Oz, tells the backstory of the classic's central villian Elphaba, The Wicked Witch of the West and it's symbol of goodness, Glinda the Good Witch of the South. It's story opens with a Glinda arriving in Munchkinland in a glimmering bubble. To confirm for the citzenry that the witch is dead. It's a majestic start complete with a spectacular ensemble number.  Under Chu's stewardship OZ comes to sparkling life. There are recognizable set pieces as well as a more expansive look at the land of OZ.  The film adaptation retains the "PG" light touch by inferring much more than showing the darkness decending upon the land. Cynthia Erivio and Ariana Grande-Butera are hands down a triumph as the film's Elphaba and Glinda. Both their vocals and dramatic interpretation of the characters distinguish their performances previous iterations. In this meticulously built world the duo lead their talent-packed ensemble to create one of the best film-adaptation of a stage production ever. Wicked offers plenty for those longing for bright and colorful escapism. You'll laugh, gasp, and be amazed at each cinematic success (perhaps enough to forgive its varied visual effects shortfalls).  The narrative leans heavily on its cast for its emotional peaks and valleys and they than more ably respond. Christopher Scott's propulsive choreography delivers again and again. Erivo's blend of stoicism and defensive boldness aid a growing necessary edge. While Grande's pitch perfect switches between self-absorption, ambition, and perky benevolence adds the bounce and flair. Each balancing out the other in a delightful chemistry. But Holzman and Fox' decision to add only hints of the novel's deeper themes, and darker direction, expose a script that fails to fully serve the narrative underpining all the visual pizzazz. Every shallow plot point and thin (secondary) character development between musical numbers turns into glaring oversight in the spotlight of Wicked's exhaustive runtime. So. if you were hoping that 2 hours 40 minutes - and cutting the story into two films - meant more (extremely important) parts of Macguire's Wicked would find its way into the screenplay, well then you'll likely come away disappointed. Perhaps the second half of this story coming November of 2025 will fill in those gaps. But despite this missed opportunity hindering Wicked from truly defying gravity, its technical prowess behind and in front of the camera are worth a watch. Chu's sprawling production brings this origin story to life such verve and vibrancy your inner song-and-dance loving kid will not leave dissatisfied. Listen as Ro and Phenom discuss Wicked and somehow manage to keep it spoiler-free Wicked opens in theaters Friday, November 22. ♦♦ Director: Jon M. Chu Writers: Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Marissa Bode, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum Runtime: 2 Hour 40 Minutes Synopsis: Misunderstood because of her green skin, a young woman named Elphaba forges an unlikely but profound friendship with Glinda, a student with an unflinching desire for popularity. Following an encounter with the Wizard of Oz, their relationship soon reaches a crossroad as their lives begin to take very different paths. Like what you hear? Subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Follow us on Twitter: @Phenomblak @InsanityReport @TheMTRNetwork   Our shirts are now on TeePublic.  https://teepublic.com/stores/mtr-network   Want more podcast greatness?

It's What's Inside is a visual and visceral psychological rollercoaster playing out on screen over 103 minutes of just wacky cinematography and mind games.  With a goofy ensemble of untrustworthy friends, playing an insanely dangerous game this story goes every which way but right.     Director:  Greg Jardin Writers:  Greg Jardin Starring:  Brittany O'Grady, James Morosini, Gavin Leatherwood, Nina Bloomgarden, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Madison Davenport, Devon Terrell, David Thompson Runtime:  1 Hour 43 Minutes Synopsis: When a group of mismatched friends meet up the night before a wedding for one last hoo-rah, an estranged friend from their past randomly shows up to help them celebrate with a freaky out of body mind game he's invented.  Things quickly spiral out of control when his true intentions are revealed, while animosity and old grudge amongst members of the group erupt and nobody is who they claim to be.    Like what you hear? Subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Follow us on Twitter: @Phenomblak @InsanityReport @TheMTRNetwork   Our shirts are now on TeePublic.  https://teepublic.com/stores/mtr-network   Want more podcast greatness? Sign up for a MTR Premium Account!

Our new favorite demonic jester is back and has found itself a new host to torture.  Naomi Scott displays an amazingly horrified performance as Skye Riley, a pop star struggling to keep her grasp on reality in the face of grinning figures who do anything but give her something to smile about.  Smile 2 picks up right where we left off in the last film, with bigger set pieces, interesting cinematography choices, and many creepy performances all set to a bop of a soundtrack.  Listen as Ro and Phenom discuss Smile 2 and somehow manage to keep it spoiler-free Smile 2 opens in theaters Friday, October 18th. ♦♦ Director: Parker Finn Writers: Parker Finn Starring: C Noami Scott, Rosemari DeWitt, Lukas Gage, Peter Jacobson, Raul Castillo Runtime: 2 Hours 9 Minutes Synopsis: While preparing for a new tour after a tragic accident, fresh out of rehab, a young pop star witnesses a horrific event putting in motion a cycle of hallucinations brought on by a Smiling demonic entity that can take the form of anyone.  As her time and grasp on reality is running out, Skye Riley desperately tries to regain control of her life as it terrifyingly spirals out of control. Like what you hear? Subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Follow us on Twitter: @Phenomblak @InsanityReport @TheMTRNetwork   Our shirts are now on TeePublic.  https://teepublic.com/stores/mtr-network   Want more podcast greatness? Sign up for a MTR Premium Account!

Director Josh Cooley's (Toy Story 4, Inside Out) Transformers One weaves the vast (and varied) backstorys and lore into a top-tier re-introduction that sweeps away all previous attempts to repackage this longstanding property. And the best part? This orign story blends unique characters and set peices into a engrossing friends-to-enemies journey into exciting, yet familiar, galaxy-spanning territory. Live-action could never. Seriously, Transformers One follows best friends, a low-ranking minors, Orion Pax (Chris Hemsworth) and D-16 (Bryain Tyree Henry) as they uncover their society's hidden history and the real reasons for its class divisons. Each revelation sets the duo on collision course with their enemies, and each other.  Whether you're steeped in the lore, a fan of the live-action franchise, or a coming in with zero knowledge, Transformers One is a vivid adventure certain to capture - and keep - your attention until the credits roll. Listen and Ro and DPalm discuss how Cooley - and this suprisinging fitting A-list voice cast - perfectly threads the action-comedy needle turning an epic bromance gone wrong into an incredibly immersive parable about liberation, friendship, and the cost of losing faith.  Transformers One released in theaters September 20, 2024 and arrives on VOD and digital Tuesday, October 22, 2024.    Like what you hear? Subscribe so you don't miss an episode!   Follow us on Twitter: @TheMTRNetwork Our shirts are now on TeePublic:  https://teepublic.com/stores/mtr-network   Want more podcast greatness? Sign up for a MTR Premium Account!

Uglies doesn't really land anywhere and should be left to float through space in timeout for eternity.    Director:  McG Writers: Jacob Forman Starring:  Joey King, Keith Powers, Chase Stokes, Brianne Tju Runtime:  Too Damn Long Synopsis: In a world wear your un-botched face is deemed ugly, a child awaits her celebrated body dysmorphia glow-up.  But, when a friend goes missing and she's tasked to help find her, she embarks on a meaningless journey to misunderstand what beauty really is or isn't or could be.  Maybe.  Or maybe this whole movie is just dumb and we are all now dumber for watching it.    Like what you hear? Subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Follow us on Twitter: @Phenomblak @InsanityReport @TheMTRNetwork   Our shirts are now on TeePublic.  https://teepublic.com/stores/mtr-network   Want more podcast greatness? Sign up for a MTR Premium Account!

This review is for people who think they might want to give Platform 2 a chance after seeing the first film, or even if they have never seen the first film.  Listen as Ro and Phenom discuss The Platform 2 and somehow manage to keep it spoiler-free The Platform 2 streaming now on Netflix. ♦♦ Director: Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia Writers:  David Desola, Pedro Rivero, Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia Starring: Hovik Keuchkerian, Milena Smit Runtime:  1 Hour 41Minutes Synopsis: In a dystopian vertical prison with 333 floors, a women voluntarily commits herself after a tragic accident.  Insanity corrupts as a group of zionist enforcers called Loyalists descend through the prison holding court and enacting brutal, inhumane justice on Barbarian who violate the food rules.     Like what you hear? Subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Follow us on Twitter: @Phenomblak @InsanityReport @TheMTRNetwork   Our shirts are now on TeePublic.  https://teepublic.com/stores/mtr-network   Want more podcast greatness? Sign up for a MTR Premium Account!

If a random couple you met on vacation invited you to their rural area farm to stay with them, would you accept and also bring your kids?  Speak no Stupid asks this of it's audience and shows you exactly why it's a diabolically idiotic idea. McAvoy gives the audience an amazing performance as the host from hell, in this The Shinning inspired psychological cat and mice escape thriller.  If you enjoy playing with you food, you'll enjoy this dish.  Listen as Ro and Phenom discuss Speak No Evil and somehow manage to keep it spoiler-free Speak No Evil opens in theaters Friday, November 22. ♦♦ Director: James Watkins Writers: James Watkins Starring: C James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Aisling Franciosi, Alix West Lefler, Dan Hough, Scoot McNairy Runtime: 1 Hour 50 Minutes Synopsis: An American couple suffering from marital issues is invited to vacation at a rural farmhome of a world renowned British Doctor and his wife in Devon, England.  The family quickly realizes after meeting the couple's mute son, things are not what they seem with this Doctor. Like what you hear? Subscribe so you don't miss an episode! Follow us on Twitter: @Phenomblak @InsanityReport @TheMTRNetwork   Our shirts are now on TeePublic.  https://teepublic.com/stores/mtr-network   Want more podcast greatness? Sign up for a MTR Premium Account!