Black Bear Pictures

Spa Weekend (2026): A Fierce Contender for the Worst Film of 2026 *SPOILERS*

Posted on by Jack Drees

“Spa Weekend” is directed by Jon Lucas and Scott Moore (Bad Moms, 21 & Over) and stars Leslie Mann (Blockers, Welcome to Marwen), Isla Fisher (Keeping Up with the Joneses, Now You See Me), Michelle Buteau (Babes, Clerks III), Anna Faris (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, Mom), and Adam Demos (Sex/Life, UnREAL). This film is about four women who reconnect for, you guessed it, a spa weekend.

While there is no Oscar for “most accurate movie title,” this one would certainly win it should it ever become a thing.

Also, in case the title of the post is not clear, this review contains spoilers. The movie has been out for a number of weeks as of this publication, so chances are that some of you reading this early have already seen it. Regardless, this is still a new release, and if you were looking forward to watching “Spa Weekend,” maybe wait to read this review until after you have seen the movie.

…Or don’t wait. If anything, this review should serve as a warning as to why you should skip this film altogether.

I want to share a true story that happened during my screening of “Spa Weekend.” I was in a tiny auditorium watching the movie. How tiny? It holds 28 people. You would think this was a private cinema in someone’s home. I went with three other people, and since my ticket was purchased last minute, I sat in the row behind them, where I stayed until the film’s conclusion. As the film was ending, I came down to the row where the other three people were sitting, and tripped down the stairs while falling into their row. Thankfully, I am okay. I had a minor sensation in my ankle, but it was not twisted or broken. Had it been twisted or broken, I would still debate whether that experience was worse than having to sit through “Spa Weekend” from start to finish.

I did not realize going into “Spa Weekend” that I have had quite a bit of experience with Jon Lucas and Scott Moore as creatives. These two are responsible for several comedies containing some of the hottest stars including “Bad Moms,” “Jexi,” “The Change-Up,” and “The Hangover.” Lucas and Moore directed the first two of these four movies in addition to writing them. The duo happened to write the last two movies as well, but they were directed by different people. To me, their resume, overall, is fairly mixed. While they have done more than these four, these are the projects of theirs that I have seen.

Well, unless you count part of “Four Christmases,” which is, by all accounts, a holiday movie that exists.

The only one of this duo’s films that I can genuinely say is worth watching is “The Hangover.” It is one of my favorite comedies ever. “Bad Moms” and “The Change-Up” are mixed at best, and “Jexi” nearly crosses the “so bad it is good” territory, but it is not quite on that level. It is just bad. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to congratulate these two for making a movie that makes “Jexi” look like “There’s Something About Mary.”

As mentioned, “Spa Weekend” is from the minds behind “Bad Moms,” and I am almost convinced that “Spa Weekend” is secretly part of the “Bad Moms” cinematic universe. I did not stay for the entire credits, but I would not be surprised if this movie ended with a title card that reads “Mila Kunis will return in ‘Spa Weekend: Doomsday.'”

At times “Spa Weekend” has a script that feels like it was meant to be a “Bad Moms” movie that did not quite end up working out, so they changed some of the names, cast members, and situations in which the characters find themselves. Granted, that does seem unfair as not all of the main characters are moms. See? It’s not “Bad Moms!” It’s “Bad Moms and Friends!”

You have Jane (Mann), a single mom who struggles to balance work and taking care of the kids. As a result, she does not have any time for herself or reliable resources to babysit. There is the workaholic, Sophie (Faris). She does not have any children, but she has a boss that sometimes acts like a child. Then you have another single mom, Coco (Butaeu), who in addition to dealing with her separation, comes off as a pessimist to other people around her. Her ex is, calmly, recommending she should see a therapist, and she is not bagging what he is raking. All three of these women are fed up and decide to go on a spa weekend to celebrate Jane’s birthday. It is at this point that they all agree not to invite Mel (Fisher), a wealthy, overexaggerated nutcase who also happens to be the friend of the group that the other three talk about behind their back.

And if you think that after the three souls plan this extravagant weekend that Mel is not going to show up, then look up in the sky! See that red cloud? The one shaped like an X? That’s for you!

Mel is a lot of things. A handful. A loudmouth. An ignoramus. But a fleshed out character is not one of them, as is the case with several others in the film. I will say, the film gets one thing right, and that is playing up the fact that Mel is definitely the annoying friend. And I know that because watching Fisher commit to unleashing the most over the top performance imaginable was like hearing nails on a chalkboard infused with rainbow dust. Fisher does not give the only overexaggerated performance in this film, but compared to everyone else, she is a cartoon.

It is actually kind of interesting watching Fisher play this annoying fourth wheel because that is what she is to the other women. I say this because when I think of the year’s most immersive films, I will inevitably think of something like “Project Hail Mary” or “The Odyssey,” but “Spa Weekend” turned out to pack in more immersion than I originally anticipated. I truly felt like I was at a hotel with some horny, loud chick whose mouth I would have liked to have duct taped just so I could relax. Just in the way that Mel ruined the spa weekend for the other three women, she also ruined the hour and a half I had to spend watching her on the big screen.

I am not going into “Spa Weekend” expecting to be changed as a person, but at least give me something that is funny. This movie could not even give me that. In fact, the funniest part of the film for me is one character who I would have liked to see more of, and that is Jane’s brother, who very much gives off “funcle” vibes. He is showing the kids “Pulp Fiction” and refuses to clean up dog poop that’s left inside the house. He does not give two squirts of urine about his laziness. In fact, he seems to embrace it. He only had a couple lines early on in the film, but they made me cackle. I would like to see a movie about this genius and shove the spa weekenders aside for a little bit. But only after about a minute of getting to see this “funcle,” the movie showcases about 80 to 90 minutes of gags that have most certainly been done before, and absolutely positively done ten times better.

The movie tries its best to fulfill the arcs of each of the characters, and in some ways, it is not awful. While I was not entertained with the journeys that this film takes its single moms, Jane and Coco, I do think their stories wind up being wrapped in a competent bow of sorts. As for the two women without children, I wish I had kinder things to say.

Sophie spends a portion of the film dealing with her less than stellar boss. He complains if even the tiniest thing does not go his way. Some of his complaints have to do with “second homes,” as well. As a premise, this sounds like a case where I can root for Sophie. At the beginning, that was the case. This boss was a spoiled brat.

But… As this arc progresses, we see Sophie do something that, quite frankly, is just as, if not twice as despicable, as some of the things her boss did to her.

I hate doing this in reviews, but I have to spoil something that happens in the movie. This may affect your experience should you watch this film down the line. You’ve been warned.

About two-thirds or so into the runtime, Sophie, who is now fired from her job, gets a call from her boss. He is calling because he forgot his password to get into his alternate home. Okay, sounds snobby, but still. Sophie takes this information, and declines to provide assistance all the while calling him a prick. Okay, she does not work for this person anymore. She is not being paid. She is not on the clock. Fine. That is technically true. But what is ALSO true, is that her boss was being attacked by dogs. As far as I am aware, these were not his dogs. It is not clear if they are someone’s pets, police dogs, or if they live in the wild. Nevertheless, he is being attacked by dogs. I do not care how much you hate your boss, or former boss for that matter. If they are in a situation where they are being attacked, my first instinct is not to tell them to screw off. For all I know, this boss could have died, and Sophie played a role in his murder! She is evil! As far as this film is concerned, Sophie is secretly the villain. She is a monster!

Some of you reading this have probably seen this movie. Then again, judging by the fact that this movie was outgrossed domestically on its opening weekend by a rerelease of “The Fast and the Furious,” a 25-year old film, I am not so sure. But for those who have seen this movie, you might say that I should stop taking this film so seriously and turn off my brain. Let me make something clear. I can enjoy dumb fun as long as that is exactly what it is. Dumb fun. This movie was just dumb. And it made me feel dumber for having watched it. Many of the characters, main and supporting, act like complete buffoons. On top of that, some of the main characters who the movie tells me I am supposed to like, I cannot even tolerate because they wind up doing questionable things. Every other so-called attempt at comedy in this film had me rolling my eyes, shaking my arms in question, or staring in dead silence. I thought “The Breadwinner” might have been the worst comedy of the year. But it has some competition.

In the end, “Spa Weekend” is an absolute travesty of a film that is about as lazy as a suburban dad on a Sunday in the fall. I had low expectations for “Spa Weekend,” and in some ways, they were met. I want to like every movie I go into. I was hoping “Spa Weekend” could have been the pleasant surprise of the year. But it wound up being the definition of an insufferable waste of time. Jon Lucas and Scott Moore are by no means untalented. Again, I love “The Hangover” and think it is a masterful film. But when it comes to making movies, not only do I think their batting average is not the best, but this film tanks it. “Spa Weekend” might be my least favorite film from them. I am having a tough time coming up with something I genuinely enjoyed in “Spa Weekend,” other than the “funcle” who shows up for a minute. It is not enough. I am going to give “Spa Weekend” a 1/10.

“Spa Weekend” is now playing in theaters. Tickets are available now.

Thanks for reading this review! If you have not done so already, be sure to check out the latest episode of Scene Before’s Movie Requests, it is an original series where I ask celebrities what movies they think I should watch, and I report my thoughts on those movies! The latest episode features actress Melissa Barrera, who requested I should watch “Roma.” To find out my thoughts, click the video above! If you enjoy the video, leave a like, subscribe to my YouTube channel, and hit the notification bell that way future videos will come into your feed as fast as possible!

My next review is going to be for “Coyote vs. Acme.” Stay tuned! Also coming soon, I will be sharing my thoughts on “Idiots” and “Don’t Move.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Spa Weekend?” What did you think about it? Or, what is the worst movie you have seen so far this year? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

I Want Your Sex (2026): A Wilde, Sexy Ride

Posted on by Jack Drees

“I Want Your Sex” is directed by Gregg Araki (13 Reasons Why, Now Apocalypse) and stars Olivia Wilde (Don’t Worry Darling, Tron: Legacy), Cooper Hoffman (The Long Walk, Licorice Pizza), Mason Gooding (Ballers, Love, Victor), Chase Sui Wonders (The Studio, Generation), Johnny Knoxville (Jackass, Action Point), Margaret Cho (30 Rock, All American Girl), Roxane Mesquida (Now Apocalypse, Gossip Girl), Charli XCX (The Moment, UglyDolls), and Daveed Diggs (Black-ish, The Boys). This film is about a man named Elliot who takes a job at a company specializing in erotic art. Soon after taking said job, he finds himself in a sexual relationship with his boss.

© 2026 – Magnolia Pictures

Sex sells. End of story. Well, unless your sex-centric movie comes out against “Spider-Man,” then that’s a different conversation entirely. As Tom Holland, Zendaya, and Jon Bernthal continue their box office domination with “Spider-Man: Brand New Day,” released just two weeks after their smash hit “The Odyssey,” a significantly smaller title is getting, unsurprisingly, nowhere near as much spotlight. That movie being “I Want Your Sex.”

The concept of this film is intriguing, as it places a 23 year old man with a much more experienced woman in a series of sexual situations. The kicker to this, the 23 year old man just so happens to be working for said woman at, amazingly enough, a company dedicated to erotic art.

Couple things to note… First off, my family does read this blog, and I have no problem with them knowing that I very much enjoyed this raunchy, sexy movie. I would like to shoutout one cool aunt who was confused as to why I recommended “Anora,” which she deemed “pornagraphic.” Auntie… That’s tame compared to what “I Want Your Sex” has to offer. You’ve been warned. Now for all the sick human beings who have not clicked away from this review, you are in for a good time.

© 2026 – Magnolia Pictures

The best thing about this movie is the cast, not necessarily because of anyone’s star status, although it does contain a few recognizable names including Cooper Hoffman and Olivia Wilde, whose chemistry together is electric. For those who have followed me for a while, you may be aware that I was not the biggest fan of another film in which Hoffaman stars, “Licorice Pizza.” It is not entirely his fault the movie did not work for me, Hoffman played his part as he was instructed to do so. But the dynamic between Hoffman and Wilde in this latest film reminded me a bit of the dynamic the former had with Alana Haim in “Licorice Pizza.” This is yet another case of a much younger man having feelings of some sort for a woman much older than him. While the relationship in “Licorice Pizza” felt uncomfortable, I actually found quite a bit of enjoyment in what “I Want Your Sex” had to offer. Partially because one, the relationship is… Well, legal… Also, whereas I found Hoffman’s character in “Licorice Pizza” to be a pervy creep, I found myself occasionally sympathizing with the one he plays in “I Want Your Sex…”

As for the opposite end of the dynamic, Olivia Wilde, she is a knockout. Erika is packed with all kinds of range. Every once in a while you can see Wilde portraying her as a stern conversationalist. Sometimes she enters boss mode. Other times she gloriously loses her temper. And then there are those moments where her actions speak louder than her words. Every scene between Erika and Elliot had my eyes glued to the screen because I genuinely had no idea where things were going to go with them at certain points. This movie is a rather unpredictable ride.

The surprise star of the film… Charlie XCX. I never cared for her music, but even I must admit that she is brilliant here. On top of everything that is going on between Hoffman and Wilde, the former also just so happens to be in a relationship with XCX’s character of Minerva. One would think that my favorite sex-centric moment of the movie is between Hoffman and Wilde, but it is actually between the former and Charlie XCX, because it says a lot about where both characters were in the relationship and further tapped into Hoffman’s sexual tendencies. The scene perfectly establishes Hoffman’s need for sex in order to stay sane, as opposed to Charlie XCX, who clearly could not give two craps about it in addition to the relationship itself. Of all the characters in the film, Charlie XCX’s seems to be the least expressive, perhaps on purpose. I have no problem with it. The character works.

On top of the awkward intimate moments shared between Minerva and Elliot, the film occasionally has a hint or two that highlights how, let’s just say, important sex is to the latter. Elliot’s roommate, Apple (Wonders), asks him if he has ever faked an orgasm, to which he responds, “Well, I’m a guy, so…” It also puts a spotlight on unrealistic standards people seem to have for sex, especially when one is so often exposed to it in parts of their daily life outside of the actual activity.

If anything, the film is a love letter to, and at the same time, a parody of Gen Z, which I happen to be a part of. There is a lot of media coverage suggesting that some members of this generation do not exactly have a complete interest in sex, or have fears about engaging in said activity. Granted some of these people are younger, so sex is probably not something they want to think about. But others, like myself, are in their twenties, which some would stereotype as a time where sex winds up playing some kind of role in one’s life.

At the same time, I wonder how accessible this film will wind up being to my generation, considering how part of said media coverage on Gen Z suggests they want to see less sex in film and television. That said, this film has a lot of sex, and just about every scene ends up contributing to the story in some way.

But this film is a lot more than just sex. It is often quite funny and dramatic. The film, in addition to being about a May-December sexual relationship, also interweaves an intriguing part of the story having to do with the Los Angeles art gallery scene. There is never a boring moment in “I Want Your Sex,” which if there were, would be shocking, as the film is only 90 minutes. Is this the best film I have seen this year? No. But in terms of pacing and messaging, it is top-notch. This is my first Gregg Araki film, and I can say I am a new fan. He has a knack for brisk storytelling. I would love to see him helm another feature down the line.

© 2026 – Magnolia Pictures

In the end, “I Want Your Sex” is wildly entertaining. The film combines comedy, drama, romance, and blends everything together in a neat package. This is not a film for everyone. It is also one that should be watched only with certain individuals. But it was certainly a film for me. Olivia Wilde and Cooper Hoffman have incredible chemistry as the leads, and the film’s supporting cast members are also by every means an asset to the production. I am not the biggest Charli XCX guy, but even I was surprised with her performance as Minerva. She was perfect. I am going to give “I Want Your Sex” a 7/10.

“I Want Your Sex” is now playing in theaters everywhere. Tickets are available now.

Thanks for reading this review! For those new here to Scene Before, in addition to written reviews, I also have recently been doing video reviews! Be sure to check out my latest episode of Movie Requests, the original series where I ask celebrities what movies they think I should talk about, and give my official thoughts! My latest episode features the very funny Amy Sedaris, who suggests I should review two of her favorite movies, “The Elephant Man” and “Babe.” To find out if I liked these movies as much as her, click the video above! And if you enjoy the video, please leave a like and subscribe to my YouTube channel. I have more episodes coming featuring celebrities including Adam Conover, Rosario Dawson, Joe Gatto, Michael Rooker, and Tessa Thompson,. The next episode, which will be released on a future undetermined date, will feature Melissa Barrera (Abigail, In the Heights). Be sure to look out for that when it drops!

My next review is going to be for “The Invite!” Stay tuned! Also coming soon, I will be sharing my thoughts on “Cookie Queens,” “Tony,” “Spa Weekend,” and “Coyote vs. Acme.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “I Want Your Sex?” What did you think about it? Or, what is your favorite film that you would think twice before watching with your family? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

In the Grey (2026): A Surprising Snooze from Guy Ritchie

Posted on by Jack Drees

“In the Grey” is written and directed by Guy Ritchie (The Gentlemen, Snatch) and stars Henry Cavill (Man of Steel, Mission: Impossible – Fallout), Jake Gyllenhaal (Stronger, Spider-Man: Far from Home), Eiza González (Baby Driver, Ambulance), Kristofer Hivju (Force Majeure, Game of Thrones), Fisher Stevens (Hackers, Short Circuit), and Rosamund Pike (Gone Girl, Saltburn). This film is about a group of operatives who try to recover a billion dollar debt from a criminal organization.

My relationship with Guy Ritichie is iffy. I like some of his movies, that is of the ones I have seen. In fact, while it may have the DNA of a typical Jason Statham flick, I still remember really enjoying “Wrath of Man.” I thought it was well shot, had great action, and contained likable characters.

While “In the Grey” may not have Jason Statham, it does come packed with a ton of other stars including Henry Cavill, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Eiza González just to name a few. It is always nice when a movie is able to have notable, talented names in front of and behind the camera. So, my question is… Why did everyone waste their talent on this absolute chore of a movie?

This was BORING. And it is really weird to say that, because I could tell that this movie felt like it came from a singular vision. It is definitely Guy Ritchie’s film through and through based on the creative editing choices, the fast pacing, and unique layout of the screenplay. Also, note the use of the word “fast.” If your movie is fast, but also boring, then that is a different kind of special.

I am not going to pretend that “In the Grey” does not have anything good in it. I just wish that this talented, A-List cast who I enjoyed in other projects could have delivered something just as solid as some of their previous work. This movie feels like a step down for them, and I would not go as far as to blame the talent specifically.

That said, there are positives. A lot of the camerawork was eye-popping. Granted, I thought the movie’s color palette was quite underwhelming and looked more like something that belonged on Netflix. But there were quite a few shots I liked, including one at the beginning where we see Maggie Q’s character falling to the side. It reminded me of a similar shot of the same thing happening in “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” earlier this year. The locations and production design are also neat. The set up of the movie does a halfway decent job at giving a sense of the tone, but what followed did not quite live up to what was given in the beginning.

The more I try to think of redeeming qualities, the more I wish I were talking about better movies released just a short time before this one like “Mortal Kombat II” or “Lorne.” While those are not the best movies I have seen in recent memory, I found something in those movies that this one tends to lack. Personality. Perhaps it is unfair of me to say that considering I already said that this film feels like a singular vision from Guy Ritchie. After all, it technically is. He wrote the movie itself in addition to directing it. If anything, this film reminds me a lot of “The Gentlemen.” Like this movie, that one contains a stacked cast, moves at a breakneck pace, and has a fair amount of action. I think I had more fun with “The Gentlemen” than I did watching this film, partially because I got to watch a rather unhinged Matthew McConaughey.

While I could tell that the actors were doing their best with the characters, they did not stand out in any significant way. Perhaps “In the Grey” does have personality, but said personality is not sitting well with me. You know that saying “Don’t judge a book by it’s cover?” My apologies, I think that saying lacks merit when “In the Grey” sometimes emits a sense of so-called personality that could best be described as grey.

Sometimes the characters will have a good line or two, and other times they won’t. No, seriously. For all I know, maybe the dialogue reads well, but as I watched certain scenes in this movie, the dialogue came off as something one would find in a “Saturday Night Live” parody of a generic action film. It is sometimes overemphasized, uninspired, and somewhat cliche. The movie itself does not entirely feel cliche. Getting from point A to point B is not exactly done in the most usual of manners, but the specific manners did not sit well with me.

In today’s world where second-screen viewing is a common occurrence for some people, “In the Grey” seems to challenge that concept with its constant need to put captions for certain things that may matter throughout the movie. I am not saying that this movie feels like it was designed to cater to the second-screen viewer. In fact, if you partake in second-screen viewing for everything you watch now, good luck with this movie, because the dialogue is some of the least digestible I remember hearing. I wish I could quote some of the characters for you off the top of my head, but I cannot, because every line is given as quickly as the other. The way the dialogue is laid out during the entire movie reminds me of an extended YouTube vlog where there happens to be a jumpcut every five seconds. I am not saying this movie has noticeable jumpcuts, but if you like nonstop talking, this movie is probably going to be Heaven for you.

I like my auteur directors. Christopher Nolan, Quentin Tarantino, and Denis Villeneuve are a few that come to mind. I have come to this conclusion previously, but if anything, “In the Grey” reminds me that maybe Guy Ritchie’s style is not exactly my jam. He is quick, and I do not mind quick. But there is no room to breathe. I would hate to see him do a “Run Lola Run” remake. Also, I do not care what you all think. That movie sucks.

In the end, “In the Grey” is a completely fitting title for what is ultimately one of the dullest flicks of the year so far. After seeing this movie, I am starting to question whether my artistic tastes line up with Guy Ritchie’s. I am sure he is a friendly human being and could be interesting to work with. But this movie is not quite doing it for me. On top of the well-known director, the movie comes with an A-list cast who deserve a script that is much more in line with their talents. I am probably not going to remember “In the Grey” for any reason other than the fact that it nearly put me to sleep. I am going to give “In the Grey” a 3/10.

“In the Grey” is now available to rent or by on VOD.

Thanks for reading this review! If you have not done so already, be sure to check out my latest episode of Movie Requests, featuring “Clerks” actor Brian O’Halloran! In this video I review his recommendation, the 1970 war film “Patton.” To hear my thoughts, click the video above! Be sure to like the video if you enjoyed it and subscribe to my YouTube channel if you want to see more new episodes as soon as they drop! They will also be posted here on Flicknerd.com, but if you want the fastest way to view the episode, subscribing to my channel will do the trick.

My next review is going to be for “Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu.” Stay tuned! Also coming soon, I will be sharing my thoughts on “I Love Boosters,” “Backrooms,” “Masters of the Universe,” “Another World,” and “The Breadwinner.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “In the Grey?” What did you think about it? Or, what are some Guy Ritchie movies that you enjoy? I liked one of his more recent features, “Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre.” It was a lot of fun. I did not have a chance to review it a few years ago, but if I saw it early enough to do so, I would have given the film a positive score. Let me know your favorites down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Train Dreams (2025): One of 2025’s Most Atmospheric Films

Posted on by Jack Drees

Just a note before we begin this post…

For those who missed it, I finally announced the guests that are going to be featured in my upcoming video-based film review series, Movie Requests. In honor of Scene Before’s tenth anniversary, I asked ten people if they wanted to be in a ten second or so video where they request a movie for me to review. The ten guests you see here agreed and gave me their unique suggestions.

The guests are…

  • Rosario Dawson
  • Sandi Harding
  • Chris Hardwick
  • Bryce Dallas Howard
  • Jason Mewes
  • Joel David Moore
  • Brian O’Halloran
  • Michael Rooker
  • Katee Sackhoff
  • Amy Sedaris

I want to thank each and every one of these guests for participating in this series, it means the world. I cannot to watch all of your movies. I am also pleased to announce that this series starts Saturday February 28th and will feature Bryce Dallas Howard, as well as a review of the movie she requested! The video will be shared here on Flicknerd.com, but if you would like to see it as soon as it comes out, then please subscribe to my YouTube channel! I also recently put out a trailer for the series. If you would like to check it out, click the link here and give it a watch. I hope you are looking forward to the series, and now onto your regularly scheduled programming!

© 2025 Netflix, Inc.

“Train Dreams” is directed by Clint Bentley (Jockey, Sing Sing) and stars Joel Edgerton (The Gift, The Great Gatsby), Felicity Jones (Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, The Brutalist), Nathaniel Arcand (FBI: Most Wanted, The Birds Who Fear Death), Clifton Collins Jr. (Jockey, Triple 9), John Diehl (The Shield, Miami Vice), Paul Schneider (George Washington, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford), Kerry Condon (The Banshees of Inisherin, Night Swim), and William H. Macy (Everyone’s Hero, Fargo). Based on Denis Johnson’s novella of the same name, this film is about Robert Grainier, a logger and railroad worker. Throughout the film we get to see the journey of his life, as well as his perspective of the world as it changes around him throughout the early 20th century.

This review is coming to you about a month before the 98th Academy Awards, which, per usual, will recognize 10 Best Picture nominees. Each and every year, I try to catch all the nominees before the show. My degree of success for such a task tends to vary from one year to the next. As soon as this year’s nominations dropped, “Train Dreams” was the one Best Picture nominee I needed to see. Flash forward to a little more than a week later, I am sitting in a theater to check out the film, presented on a 35mm print. I could have checked this movie out in 2025, but “Train Dreams,” for whatever reason, was never on my radar. If I had to guess a reason, it is partially because Netflix is not that good at marketing their content, unless said content is called “Stranger Things” or “Squid Game.” While I do not recall seeing any trailers or ads for the film, “Train Dreams” is one of those movies whose word of mouth from audiences would find its way into my social media feeds, all of which seemed to be positive. Plus, when it comes to streaming services, Netflix is not usually my goto, so there is that.

That said, “Train Dreams” is quite good. There is a lot to like about this movie. First off, the cast is amazing. Everyone is well placed in their role and plays their part well. Unfortunately, I do not think anyone from “Train Dreams” is going to win an Oscar following their performance. Although everyone here deserves their flowers. Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones in particular are standouts. Not just because they have arguably the most name recognition of everyone in the cast, but because they feel at home in their respective roles. As a couple, the two have great chemistry and I really enjoyed any scene where the two happened to be together. For the record, before seeing this movie, I did not look up a whole ton about it. If I did see the cast, I barely skimmed it. I have seen Joel Edgerton in other movies like “Red Sparrow,” and having seen him in projects like that, I felt a sense of shock based on my experience of watching “Train Dreams.” I could not believe this whole time I was watching him. One of the grandest compliments I can give an actor is to say that their performance is a transformation. I did not see Edgerton in Robert Grainier’s shoes. I just saw Robert Grainier.

Another thing I love about this movie is the general progression of the story. At times, this is not so much a movie as much as it feels like an extended journal. For whatever reason, it almost comes off like a documentary rather than a feature narrative with actors. It dives into several chapters of one’s life, with each chapter delivering something interesting in its own way. If anything, this film made me think about the beauty of life, and the magic of seeing the world change right before your eyes. Whether that change is good or bad is another conversation for another time. But this film takes me back to when I was 9, 10, 11, 12 years old and I would think about my future. I am pretty sure many kids within the last 50, 60 years have asked themselves when things like flying cars would exist. At times, seeing Grainier working in railroad construction had a vibe that basically screamed something along the lines of “the future is now,” even if this movie was set many years ago.

I have been a student of film going back to my teen years. In high school, one of the classes I had been blessed with taking for four years straight was TV production. One of the first things the teacher taught us in that class is about the rule of thirds. This is a traditional method used for framing subjects. A good example is when you see two people having a face-to-face conversation. In cases like these, you often see the main person in a shot on one side of the frame, with their head often nearing the top depending on how close the angle is. When the other person is on screen, this is also the case, but mirrored. This film manages to break that rule on a frequent basis. Several shots are set to the point where the subject is on the lower portion of the frame, allowing for images that focus more on the film’s natural beauty towards the top. Could this film have been done as well with a greater use of the more traditional rule of thirds? Perhaps. That said, I have no problem with the way this movie is shot. Every frame looks gorgeous and the way the shots are pulled off allows me to focus more on each scene’s environment. It kind of reminded me of seeing a movie shot on IMAX film like “Sinners,” which has a series of eye-popping shots that reveal more of the movie’s neat locations and sets.

In fact, the film’s aspect ratio also falls into the rulebreak territory. The film is presented in 1.5:1, which is not quite widescreen, but it is also wider than the old school 4:3. Perhaps that is why the film reminded me of a true IMAX experience, because it is formatted fairly close to the ratio for IMAX film, which is 1.43:1.

“Train Dreams” does not exactly fall within the stereotype of what I consider to be a “Netflix movie.” This is not to say that Netflix cannot churn out an artsy title like “Roma,” but “Train Dreams” feels much less manufactured and reliant on star power than say “Red Notice,” which I do not understand why it is still popular today. Though I did recognize Felicity Jones as soon as she appeared. Also, the film has narration, which one could argue may serve as an aid to second screen viewers, or to the people who use the movie as background noise. That said, if I were a Netflix executive, and I were to think about this movie as a product of its streaming service, I would say one of the main reasons people would wind up watching the movie is due to its sense of atmosphere. It is a film in every other frame, sucks you in to the point where you end up being part of its world. The film, despite being eventful and sometimes packing a punch with its sound mix, feels like it is on the quieter side. It is a film that if it were late at night, that I could see myself putting on to help me fall asleep. I am not saying this in the sense that the movie is boring, but rather that it is soothing. I never use anything like the Calm app to put me to sleep at night, but “Train Dreams” sounds like a nice alternative as a sleeping aid. Heck, it literally has “Dreams” in the title! I guess you actually can judge a book by its cover!

In the end, “Train Dreams” is a superb movie. I have very few, if any complaints about it. There may be a scene or two that did not connect with me as much as certain others. Maybe some of the supporting characters are forgettable. Perhaps I would be able to appreciate those things more during a rewatch. Then again, this movie reminded me of life itself, and I admit, there are likely people in my life who may have stood out 10, 15 years ago whose names I would not be able to tell you now. The film, just like life itself, moves fast. There is not a moment in the movie’s runtime that feels like filler. The film is beautifully shot, terrifically acted, and Clint Bentley brought a killer vision to life. Not only did he do a good job directing the film, but he did just as good of a job writing it. I should not be surprised, as this is his latest screenplay collaboration with Greg Kwedar. Prior to this film, both of them penned the brilliant and emotional “Sing Sing.” While I am not sure that “Train Dreams” is going to have as big of an impact on me as “Sing Sing” did, I think this is yet another exciting addition to both writers’ resumes. If you have Netflix, or if this is playing somewhere near you, go check out “Train Dreams.” I recommend it. I am going to give the movie an 8/10.

“Train Dreams” is now playing in theaters and is available on Netflix for all subscribers.

Thanks for reading this review! My next reviews are going to be for “Arco” and “Solo Mio.” Stay tuned! Also, I want to thank everyone who read the 8th Annual Jack Awards, and I want especially thank those who read all 11-thousand words of it. You guys have earned yourself a much deserved pat on the back. Thanks for your support and I am honored to continue one of Scene Before’s traditions! If you want to see my upcoming reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Train Dreams?” What did you think about it? Or, here is a two part question… What movie do you think will take Best Picture at the Oscars this year? And… What movie do you want to see win Best Picture at the Oscars this year? Personally, I think “One Battle After Another” will take the win. It has a great lead performance, excellent technical aspects, an amazing supporting cast, and it is in some ways a relatable concept. That said, if I had to pick a favorite amongst the nominees, I would say that “Sinners” might be the one. The film has gotten a decent amount of replay value from me since I first saw it in April. Leave your comments down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Sing Sing (2023): A Feel Good Drama Showcasing Light in the Darkest of Places

Posted on by Jack Drees

DISCLAIMER: Before we begin this review, I want to remind everyone reading this, while I do my best to keep certain details away regarding the film, there are parts of this review that involve some things in the movie that surprised me. I talk about those points in this review and chances are it COULD affect your viewing experience if you see them yourself. It is hard to call these points spoilers, because it does not necessarily have to do with the plot, but it does involve something that if you had zero idea about it going into this movie, I will probably ruin the reveal for you. All I will say is, if you want to see these surprises the way I did, click out of this review, and go see “Sing Sing” yourself. Otherwise, enjoy my thoughts on the movie!

“Sing Sing” is directed by Greg Kwedar (Transpecos, Rising from Ashes) and stars Colman Domingo (Lincoln, Fear the Walking Dead), Clarence Maclin, Sean San José (Life Tastes Good, Dream for an Insomniac), and Paul Raci (Parks and Recreation, Sound of Metal). This film is set in a maximum security prison where a group of men who work on plays together do all they can to bring their latest production to life.

When you go to the movies as often as I do, chances are you will run into an endless barrage of trailers. Sometimes you might get anywhere between four to eight in a single screening. Despite my constant eyeing of the screen, I cannot say I am able to witness everything the studios are putting out. Heck, I recall only seeing a trailer for “Deadpool & Wolverine” in theaters once before it came out. Although if you count that little thing they did before certain movies with the two leads telling the audience not to use their phones, I guess you can say I saw some other marketing material for the film as well. But my point is, my experience with the marketing for “Sing Sing” is next to none. At least for what I recall. I say this despite knowing one of the problems of being a frequent AMC customer is that I get so many trailers in select screenings that it is sometimes difficult to remember them all. I heard about the concept of the “Sing Sing” and I figured it could be a pleasing time. But the only reason why I went to go see this movie in the first place is because the screening for it was free.

It feels nice going into a movie blind. Especially as someone who is so constantly exposed to everything the studios are trying to sell me. But of course, compared to some of the other movies out this summer, I did not have a ton of excitement for “Sing Sing.” Although that is for good reason, because I did not know enough about “Sing Sing” to get excited. However, I can confirm I am quite excited to discuss this movie because it was a great experience. This is one of those movies, kind of like “CODA,” that is going to stick with me emotionally months after leaving the theater. To be clear, I do not think this film is as good as “CODA,” but much like “CODA,” “Sing Sing” was wholesome, moving, and beautiful.

There is a saying that you should not judge a book by its cover. And “Sing Sing” sort of fits that idea. Because when I look at this title, I think of innocence, I think of unity, I think of community, I think of… Well… Singing… For those who do not know, and I did not know this going in, Sing Sing is the name given to a prison where this movie is set. The name is derived from a Native American tribe. Despite that, this movie shows how much the act of performing is in the blood of several people staying here. You have a set of people who take plays seriously, some who enjoy being comedic, and you also have people doing this in order to forget about their troubles. The reality is that as someone who has never set foot inside of a prison, I will never know what it is like to be incarcerated, to spend a night in jail, to do time. Nothing of that sort, but this movie presents the universal concept of escapism and does so through the lens of people who perhaps deep down hope to achieve it more than most. I go to the movies as often as I can, but I realize how lucky I am to be able to do that on a regular basis. These are people who have the plays at Sing Sing as one of their only ways to forget their troubles. Whether they are there for a crime they committed or put there for the wrong reasons, all of these people share a common bond, and it is nice to see here.

The star of this movie is Colman Domingo, and he easily shines in the lead role. He comes off as the serious one of the group sometimes, but I feel deep down he is willing to drive himself out of his comfort zone. Domingo has some memorable scenes as John “Divine G” Whitfield and it still feels too early to tell if this performance will be up for awards contention, but I think Domingo has given one of my favorites so far this year. This film is not the strongest at the box office. It has been out for weeks and only recently crossed the two million dollar mark. Granted, it never had a large number of showtimes, and it does not have the star power of say “Deadpool & Wolverine.” Colman Domingo is without a doubt the movie’s biggest name. The only other person I recognized in the cast, and it actually took me a bit to figure out what his name actually was despite knowing his face, was Paul Raci. Boy oh boy is it great seeing him here, because I loved his performance in “Sound of Metal” and he manages to bring a similar feel to his portrayal here. He comes off as the voice of wisdom of the bunch. Much like his outing in “Sound of Metal,” Raci brings a calming, welcoming presence to his character. I very much enjoyed seeing him in another role and hope this is not the last I see of him.

As mentioned, this film does not have the biggest stars. However, as far as I am concerned, I do not think that is a bad thing. Because “Sing Sing” manages to cast a group of people that may not have been my first choice, but seeing this film made me realize I would not want this cast to be any different than the way it is.

This movie reminds me a bit of “The 15:17 to Paris,” Clint Eastwood’s biographical drama about three men and their journey leading up to a train attack. For those of you who have not read my review, I can tell you it is absolutely insufferable and obscenely uneventful. But one thing I remember from that movie is that the main characters are played by the real people attached to the true event the movie bases itself upon. While creative, I could honestly tell they were not the greatest thespians. This leads me to one of my praises for this film, I am marveled by the performances given by some of the prisoners, especially because they are played by actual people who were imprisoned at Sing Sing. And while I may not be able to recognize these people compared to some of the big movie stars we see on screen today, when the credits rolled and the cast was revealed, I was taken aback by this group’s acting abilities. Granted, maybe I should not have been too surprised considering they have acting experience through plays, but I thought this was a professional group of people trying to be someone else. The definition of acting is playing pretend, that is traditionally what I would expect from most situations. Can you have people play themselves? Sure. There have been cases where it has happened and it has worked. But “Sing Sing” is not just a case where it worked, it is a case where I found myself heavily immersed into each performance on display.

Going back to “The 15:17 to Paris,” when the film was over, I looked at the actors on screen, thought their performances could have been better, and came up with my own interpretations of some more professional people that could take their place. That is not the case with “Sing Sing,” as every single person in the cast kills their respective role. It is hard to tell if these actors playing themselves are going to be contenders for awards in the coming months, but I think it would not just cool to see, but legitimately fitting, to see these people get a Best Ensemble nomination at the SAG Awards, because I bought the entire group, and I think you will too.

“Sing Sing” tackles a lot in one picture. It deals with people’s reputations, toxic masculinity, and the value of teamwork just to name a few topics. And all of these ideas are handled well. Above all, “Sing Sing” shows how art can bring people together. It also shows the value of escapism and being able to become the person you want to be. It is definitely a serious picture at times, but if you are looking for straight-up fun, this movie has a shockingly decent amount. I found myself smiling quite a bit during this film’s runtime.

One last thing, this regards the film’s ending. The film makes a certain choice at the end, and honestly, I was surprised by the direction they decided to take things. It almost felt unfinished and out of left field, like I was waiting for the big event to happen, only for the movie to tell me it is not happening. But as I saw what the film presents as an alternative, I thought it was a brilliant move. This direction was wholesome, it was lovely, and it was satisfying. As I said, I smiled quite a bit during this movie, and this was one of those times. This film is not all smiles and laughs, but I would recommend you check this movie out. Maybe it will bring out some emotions of your own.

In the end, “Sing Sing” totally sings. This is one of the better movies I have seen this year. While it is probably not my favorite, it is one that I will be thinking about as we get closer to awards season. Unfortunately, not many people saw this movie. Remember how I mentioned the rather low box office total for this film? Sadly, I could not contribute to it, I was able to see this film for free. But I urge you to check this movie out as soon as you can. Whether you are able to buy a ticket for this movie, watch it when it comes out on home video, or even at a free screening like I did, I hope you see it and enjoy it as much as I did. I hope more people spread the word about this picture. It is a must watch for sure. I am going to give “Sing Sing” a 9/10.

“Sing Sing” is now playing in theaters. Tickets are available now.

Thanks for reading this review! My next review is going to be for “Borderlands,” the new film based on the video game of the same name. Also coming soon, I will share my thoughts on “Skincare,” the new thriller starring Elizabeth Banks as an aesthetician. And if that is not enough to satisfy you, I will also be talking about films like “My Old Ass,” “Reagan,” and “It Ends with Us.” If you want to see these reviews and more from Scene Before, follow the blog either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Sing Sing?” What did you think about it? Or, is there any way that art has helped you in your life? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Dumb Money (2023): A True Story Rich in Humor and Stars

Posted on by Jack Drees

“Dumb Money” is directed by Craig Gillespie (I, Tonya, Cruella) and stars Paul Dano (The Batman, The Fabelmans), Pete Davidson (The King of Staten Island, Big Time Adolescence), Vincent D’Onofrio (Daredevil, Full Metal Jacket), America Ferrera (Barbie, How to Train Your Dragon), Nick Offerman (Parks and Recreation, The Founder), Anthony Ramos (In the Heights, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts), Sebastian Stan (Captain America: The First Avenger, I, Tonya), Shailene Woodley (Divergent, Big Little Lies), and Seth Rogen (Neighbors, Sausage Party). This film is inspired by Ben Mezrich’s “The Antisocial Network,” a book based on true events. The story of “Dumb Money” captures ordinary people subverting the expectations of Wall Street and turning GameStop into the hottest company on the stock market.

I never got involved in the stock market in any capacity throughout my life. It is just something I have never gotten around to. But even as someone who has never gotten involved, there were times in 2021 where I could not scroll through social media without seeing something related to GameStop, or heck, even AMC Theatres. Both companies were the talks of the town at the time because a ton of people kept buying their stock, and on the surface, it felt like an ongoing joke, but for some people, it was more than that. This is a fascinating story. Therefore, I was surprised, but also delighted, that people were making a movie of this caliber on it as soon as they were. On the surface, the cast is fantastic. Many of them either had recent roles that were highlights of their respective works or have maintained careers that have kept my attention for a long time.

When I think of the GameStop stock story, part of me wants to laugh about it. I mean, come on! It is a physical media company that is as much the butt of the joke as it is synonymous with its own industry. If you live in an area where used game stores are a rarity, chances are you will, even with recent closures, have a GameStop or two within close distance. I am a GameStop customer and shop there multiple times a year. I don’t think all their business practices are great, but they usually provide a decent experience if you are looking for something in particular. In fact, I almost ended up working for GameStop in my teens. Having seen this film, I realize that as much as it highlights the people who are investing in GameStop, it is not afraid to joke about some of the things the company has done. Additionally, “Dumb Money” seems to satirize retail environments in general. I previously worked in retail. Not at GameStop, but still. And this kind of took me back in a way. One of my favorite segments of the movie is this bond between a GameStop employee and their boss. Each scene between them got a laugh out of me. This movie highlights, as I previously knew, the fact that GameStop remained open during the pandemic as an essential business. Sure, it sold certain technologies that people often used during the pandemic, but it is far from the most essential of businesses.

My favorite dig this movie does towards the large gaming chain is when they reference the idea of employees doing a TikTok dance challenge as part of a company contest. This is true by the way. The moment I heard that joke, I was in shock, and then in amazement. Because I nearly forgot that happened. Or more specifically, that it almost did. For those who don’t know, GameStop proposed a challenge to its employees to dance to a song on TikTok in the hopes of achieving extra hours on Black Friday week. This is the thing I love about “Dumb Money,” it is a film that balances humor and respect towards its subject matter. But at the end of the day, it is also a film that tells marvelous tales of underdogs.

There are several underdogs in this movie, and their stories are all compelling. In fact, one of those underdogs is a GameStop employee played by Anthony Ramos. If I did not suggest it already, I enjoyed his presence in the film and his character was well written. Meanwhile you have a couple college students trying to strike it rich. Both of whom are wonderfully played by Myha’la Herrold and Talia Ryder. On another side of the spectrum is a struggling nurse named Jenny, played by America Ferrera, whose presence oozed of charisma every moment she was on screen. But at the center of it all is Keith Gill, who spends his off time from his job on the Internet talking about stocks and Wall Street. The working man and family background of this character made him a compelling protagonist, in addition to Paul Dano’s acting method.

I like all the characters in “Dumb Money,” and I must say the antagonists of the film, specifically those more connected with Wall Street such as Seth Rogen’s Gabe Plotkin, are also fun to watch. At times, this movie basically spitballs who to root for, which is not a hard thing for me to do considering the personality traits and backbones of the antagonists. But there is one scene that perhaps over-embellishes the necessity to root against Gabe. This movie is set during the early-ish days of the COVID-19 pandemic. And one of the earliest things we learn about Gabe is that he and his family now own a new place in Florida so they could party hard during the pandemic. I was, and still am to a degree, one of those people who takes the recent events of the pandemic seriously. I am not perfect, but I still keep everything about it in the back my mind. I remember when the pandemic first started, my family and I had to balance our finances because of the way the economy flipped on its head. And I was primarily concerned about getting my grandparents sick. Meanwhile, this guy is more concerned about being able to party like an animal. The difference here is obvious.

“Dumb Money” is one of those stories that highlights the divide between classes. You have Wall Street up at the top and people like Keith Gill, who is not poor, but making chump change in comparison. It shows how even people at the top feel like they might not have enough despite their enormous success. Meanwhile, this GameStop story, whether it will be remembered more as a triumph for people outside Wall Street or as a silly meme that caught a lot of people’s attention, shows that there may be room for regular people when it comes to striking it big on the stock market. This is a story set in recent times that often delivers humor highlighting said times. I am wondering how well this movie is going to age as a comedy because some of its humor is COVID-driven, but there are plenty of other jokes emitting a more timeless feel to balance it out. “Dumb Money” is very funny, entertaining, and brings out a heck of a story. Before this movie, I looked at the GameStop stock trend as a silly fad, but this movie presents it as something more. And that’s probably the best thing about it. It added depth to this subject for me that I was not expecting. A job well done is in order to everyone involved with this movie.

In the end, “Dumb Money” is rich in excellence. It is not my favorite movie of the year, but when it comes to comedy, this movie has a ton of laughs, and as a drama, it is way more compelling than it needs to be. It presents all these individual stories from different walks of life and makes one big, masterful connection out of all of them. “Dumb Money” is neither short on stars or chuckles. Go check it out if you get a chance. I am going to give “Dumb Money” a 7/10.

“Dumb Money” is now playing in theaters everywhere. Tickets are available now.

Thanks for reading this review! Stay tuned because I have reviews coming for “It Lives Inside,” “Dicks: The Musical,” and “Killers of the Flower Moon!” But in addition to those reviews, I have my last review of the Ridley Scottober series dropping this week. If you want to read my reviews in the series so far, you can check out my thoughts on “Body of Lies,” “Gladiator,” and “All the Money in the World.” As for this last review coming up, I must claim it is a big one. I am talking about “Blade Runner!” Make sure you check out these reviews, past and future, when you get a chance! And you can do so by following Scene Before either with an email or a WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Dumb Money?” What did you think about it? Or, do you shop at GameStop? If not, what is your gaming store of choice? Do you even play video games? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!