Comedy

You’re Dating a Narcissist! (2025): Marisa Tomei Gives a Performance That’s Way Out of This Comedy’s League

Posted on by Jack Drees

“You’re Dating a Narcissist!” is directed by Ann Marie Allison (Don’t Neg Meg, Lift) and stars Marisa Tomei (Spider-Man: Homecoming, The King of Staten Island), Sherry Cola (Joy Ride, Good Fortune), Ciara Bravo (Cherry, Wayne), Marco Pigossi (Invisible City, High Tide), José María Yazpik (Madame Web, Narcos), and Jonah Platt (The List, Trolls: The Beat Goes On!). This film follows a psychologist who is trying to stop her daughter from getting married from someone who she claims is a narcissist.

If there is anything that got me into “You’re Dating a Narcissist,” it would be the stars. Not just because they are who they are, but some of them have the bonus of being in a film I previously reviewed. A couple years ago I had the privilege of attending South by Southwest in Austin, Texas. I was not there the entire time, but I did end up going to a couple screenings during my visit, one of which includes “High Tide.” I do not remember the entirety of that movie, but I do remember enjoying it and finding it to have likable characters. Two of the films’ stars included Marisa Tomei and Marco Pigossi. Little did I know these two would reunite within a year or two for another movie, that being this one. Not to mention, this film stars Sherry Cola, who has grown on me as a performer. She has proven she a has knack for comedic roles through “Joy Ride,” one of the finest comedies of 2023.Not to mention “Good Fortune,” which made me laugh consistently.

Although just because this movie has stars on screen, does not automatically guarantee it is going to be a five star experience. Is this film worth watching? Eh…

This is not the worst film I have ever seen. But saying that comes off as if I am trying my darndest to be nice.

I truly want to like this movie, because it is based on the experience of the director, Ann Marie Allison, being in a relationship with someone she realized was a narcissist. Yet there are times where I found Judy (Tomei) to be annoying as a lead. I understand the movie dolls her up as a psychologist who happens to have written a book on the movie’s titular subject matter. However, she often comes off as judgy in her line delivery and mannerisms. Sure, in her mind, she is trying to do what she sees as the right thing, protecting her daughter from marrying someone she believes would not be the right person. But watching her overanalytical tendencies and hearing her critical dialogue is sometimes cringe-inducing. Overall, the relationship between Judy and her daughter, Eva (Bravo) is somewhat uncomfortable to watch at times. Perhaps one could argue that is the point, but even so, as a viewer, I would watch these two on screen together and find certain moments between them to come off as mind-numbing.

It took me awhile to think about why exactly Marisa Tomei was the lead of this movie, rather than Ciara Bravo, who is the one who happens to be dating the… Well, “narcissist.” On the surface, Tomei is the most recognizable star in the cast and has top-billing. But there is more than name recognition alone. There is a connective tissue tying the story together, specifically clips featuring Tomei letting out an endless stream of thoughts. These clips match several scenes of the movie and the characters’ actions within them. The way these scenes are put together are neatly edited and well-timed. In fact, as much as I at times was not exactly fond of Tomei’s character, her acting is nevertheless top-notch in these scenes. She kills every moment despite sitting down in front of a camera the entire time. At the same time though, having Tomei’s character as the lead is what occasionally makes the movie irritating. The movie spends so much time with this character, who deep down, means well, but gives off such an overcritical vibe.

Going back to the idea that this film is based on Ann Marie Allison’s personal experience, part of me thinks Judy is almost designed to be the character that most resembles her, having gone through the troubles of her relationship. If anything, Allison resembles two characters. The recently mentioned Judy, as well as the more obvious candidate, her daughter Eva. Each time Eva does something in this movie, Judy often sounds like the voice that is trying to tap into her head telling her, “I’ve seen this, girl! Get out of there!” In that way, the film tends to work. But I had no idea prior to this review that this film was based on reality, so it took me time to further appreciate the film. Why? Because this is designed to be a comedy. It is kind of an unusual subject matter to try to make funny, but having watched enough “Family Guy,” people can take heavy topics and whip upan effective joke or two out of them. That said, this movie is not that funny. I did not laugh much, and anything that I found funny at the time of watching this movie, I have likely forgotten. I could not quote a single line at this point that had me chuckling. Not the best of signs.

Parts of the movie are mildly entertaining as we see the characters sometimes getting into some wild, goofy antics. Some of the secondary characters stand out, such as Daniel (Yazpik), a charismatic hotel employee. Although the film is somewhat predictable the further the story goes. I can see this movie working as PSA on narcissism. Whether it means reminding people that they might know someone who is a narcissist, or heck, maybe it could warn that a viewer that they themselves could be a narcissist. You never know. When it comes to being a comedy, that is where this movie fails at times. When it comes to being a romance, or something along that line, that is where this movie fails at times. There are ingredients for a decent movie somewhere and while I appreciate the message, I thought the delivery could have been better.

© Cool Girl Productions

In the end, “You’re Dating a Narcissist!” is not the greatest movie I have ever seen. Is it an abomination against humanity? Absolutely not. Is it a masterpiece? Not quite. The movie falls somewhere in the middle of those two extremes. I am sure Ann Marie Allison has some good ideas ahead for future projects. I am glad she got to tell a personal story, but I wish that story were presented differently. I am rooting for her in whatever she does next, but I have to be honest. I am going to give “You’re Dating a Narcissist!” a 5/10.

“You’re Dating a Narcissist” is now playing in theaters. Tickets are available now!

Thanks for reading this review! Tomorrow, look forward to my third episode of Movie Requests featuring “Dodgeball” actor Joel David Moore! Movie Requests is a series featuring yours truly asking celebrities what movies they think I should watch. You can check out the promo teasing the episode. What film do you think Joel suggested? Find out tomorrow, Sunday, April 19th! And if you want to see the episode as soon as possible, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel!

I also have plenty more reviews coming! Look forward to my thoughts on “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” “The Drama,” “Exit 8,” “Normal,” and “Lorne!” 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 “You’re Dating a Narcissist?” What did you think about it? Or, what is a film that you think has a good message on dating and relationships? For me, I would highly recommend everyone should watch “Don Jon” at least once in their life. Specifically, men. The film has a lot to say about male behavior. Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

They Will Kill You (2026): Cult Craziness Ensues in This Stylish Action Flick

Posted on by Jack Drees

“They Will Kill You” is directed by Kirill Sokolov (Why Don’t You Just Die!, No Looking Back) and stars Zazie Beatz (Deadpool 2, Joker), Myha’la (Swiped, Leave the World Behind), Paterson Joseph (Wonka, Timeless), Tom Felton (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, Fackham Hall), Heather Graham (The Hangover, Boogie Nights), and Patricia Arquette (Boyhood, Severance). This film follows a woman named Asia, a recent hire at a high-rise in New York City, as she uncovers its ties to a Satanic cult and does what she can to survive against those who make up the place.

Part of me wonders what the heck Warner Brothers was thinking with the release of “They Will Kill You.” Not the fact that they put it out at all, but rather that they put it out when they did. As someone who loves the first “Ready or Not” movie to death, I figured it would be inevitable that “They Will Kill You” would end up reminding me of that absolute piece of cinema. But seriously, what prompted Warner Brothers to release this movie the week after “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come?” While these movies are not exactly the same, they have similar plots and vibes… Both films feature a woman who is forced to take on a mob of people who are trying to kill her. Oh, and that mob is connected to a cult.

Questionable release date aside, I was interested in “They Will KIll You.” Of course, with a title like that, how could I not be? The concept intrigued me, and the movie looked like an overall gory fun time. To me, that is exactly what this movie was. Is this film going to win any awards? Probably not. Though I would not start a debate if you thought this film should be recognized for its production design.

What makes this film great is more than just its style. And I say that realizing its style is quite pleasing. What makes everything work is the connection between Asia (Beatz) and Maria Reaves (Myha’la). The film starts with the younger versions of the two as they try to run from their abusive father. Asia shoots him and gets arrested, while Maria remains in his custody. The film then flashes forward a decade to where Asia becomes a housekeeper at a New York City high-rise. As she takes on the job, she learns more about the building’s history, as well as what could happen to her if she is not careful.

The progression of the story unveils the sisters’ backgrounds and capabilities. Asia is more than able to defend herself, and as the film’s action sequences reveal, she can look cool while doing it. Turns out Maria also made it into the high-rise. When Asia runs into her, we learn not only how she got there in the first place, but how she managed to stay for as long as she did. The backstory as to how Maria ended up surviving for so long makes for some meaty material. It added depth to her character, the high-rise itself, as well as the others inside it.

This is not the first time I have watched Zazie Beatz on screen. I enjoyed watching her supporting roles in “Deadpool 2” as well as “Joker.” That said, this is the first time I have seen her as a leading lady, and she carries this movie. After seeing her take on the leading role of “They Will Kill You,” I would not mind seeing another movie where Beatz plays the main character. She has proven herself to be a fine action star and carries a commanding presence.

When I talk about the things I enjoy in a movie, I will often go for the big guns and talk about performances, direction, writing, and so on. But at other times, there are films where “the little things” tend to stand out, and “They Will Kill You” is no exception. I will save the context for your viewing experience, but there is an important point of the story involving an eye. I thought what exactly they did with it was clever. The film also showcases what people in the high-rise like to do. We find out that there is an entire floor where groups of people could be in the same place having sex at the same time. For the record, the people living in this building are immortal, so they have to find things, or perhaps more accurately, people, to do, otherwise they might become bored.

This film cost $20 million to make, but each frame almost looks like a trillion bucks between the color palette, the action, and the sets. This film is directed by Kirill Sokolov. I had not seen any of his work prior to this movie. Having seen “They Will Kill You,” I was convinced that its style is what would happen if a Matthew Vaughn movie and a Guillermo del Toro movie had a baby. The movie is a perfect mix between fast-paced, boisterous action with a pinch of color to balance things out.

Not to digress from this movie, but having looked at Sokolov’s IMDb page, it mentions that one of his previous works, “Why Don’t You Just Die!,” is inspired by one of his favorite filmmakers, Quentin Tarantino. Filmmaking has been around for some time, so it is not surprising to know that newer filmmakers are copying older filmmakers that inspired them. This film reminds me of “Reservoir Dogs” or “Pulp Fiction” to a degree. These all have sick action scenes and are not afraid to show some blood and gore. It has been nearly seven years since a Quentin Tarantino-directed movie has hit theaters. If you are looking for a filmmaker that has a pinch of Tarantino’s DNA, then Sokolov seems to get the job done. Time will tell if Sokolov will have the career or name recognition of Tarantino, but if he keeps making good films like this one, that could end up being the case. Sokolov has a twisted mind, and his screenwriting efforts alongside Alex Litvak, who also has a story credit for the “Masters of the Universe” movie releasing later this year, prove to make for a solid hour and a half.

The film’s cast may be small, but its action sequences prove to feel giant. I am not in an immediate rush to watch “They Will Kill You” again. In fact, of the two big movies coming out within the span of a week that involve women surviving against cults, I would prefer to go back and watch “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” a second time. Maybe it is because I have an attachment to the 2019 original, so there could be some bias. Nevertheless, I recommend “They Will Kill You.” Give it a watch sometime.

In the end, “They Will Kill You” is killer fun. The film is fast-paced, never boring, and is packed with brilliant setpieces. When I watched the trailer for this movie, I was intrigued by how the action sequences presented themselves. Having seen the movie, they lived up to the trailer. I was not surprised. However, what did surprise me was the film’s ability to get me engaged towards the two sisters’ connection. The movie has a good hook featuring the duo and successfully builds upon that. Go check this flick out. I am going to give “They Will Kill You” a 7/10.

“They Will Kill You” is now playing in theaters everywhere. Tickets are available now.

Thanks for reading this review! If you want to see another review, I am dropping a new episode of Scene Before’s brand new series “Movie Requests” Sunday, April 19th. It is going to feature “Avatar” actor Joel David Moore. I look forward to talking about his suggestion. If you want to see this review as soon as it drops, consider subscribing to my YouTube channel!

© Cool Girl Productions

My next review is going to be for “You’re Dating a Narcissist!” Stay tuned! Also coming soon, I will be sharing my thoughts on “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” “The Drama,” and “Exit 8.” 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 “They Will Kill You?” What did you think about it? Or, in the spirit of Tarantino, what is your favorite Quentin Tarantino movie? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Ready or Not 2: Here I Come (2026): The Sequel to My Favorite Film of 2019 is Finally Here… Was it Worth the Wait?

Posted on by Jack Drees

© 2026 SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES

“Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” is directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the same directing duo behind the original “Ready or Not” released in 2019. This film stars Samara Weaving (Bill & Ted Face the Music, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri), Kathryn Newton (Blockers, Freaky), Sarah Michelle Gellar (All My Children, Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Shawn Hatosy (Animal Kingdom, Southland), David Cronenberg (The Fly, Scanners), and Elijah Wood (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring, Grand Piano). This sequel once again follows Grace (Weaving), who just survived a nightmarish game of hide and seek against the Le Domas family. Now, she must face off against several elite families that make up the Council to play the same game with a twist.

“Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” is a movie I did not have on my bingo card. I say this as someone who loves the first film to death. “Ready or Not” remains my favorite film of 2019. Prior to watching this sequel, I took the opportunity to rewatch the original. It holds up tremendously. The ending is chef’s kiss. The simple utterance of “In-laws” is a top five final line in the history of cinema. It is up there with “Nobody’s perfect” from “Some Like it Hot.” I am not the most knowledgeable horror nut, but “Ready or Not” is an easy favorite of mine within the entire genre.

As much as I was looking forward to this movie, it had a lot to live up to. The original had a simple but fun concept. It contained a plethora of funny lines. It had a fantastic cast carried by Samara Weaving. If you know how the first movie went down, you would know that it would be impossible to bring most of that cast back. But to my delight, Weaving, once again, is leading this film and cooking up a killer performance with fire. She is one of the film’s many positives. Also, I know the term scream queen gets thrown around a lot amongst horror circles. To take that concept literally, Weaving’s screams are some of the most unique I have ever heard. It is to the point where I cannot imagine another soul playing her character.

Even you, Margot Robbie! I know you and Samara look so much alike, but I highly doubt your screams sound alike!

With this film being a sequel, it tends to follow the “bigger is better” cliche. Although if you are aware of my thoughts on various sequels over the years, you would know that I do not think they always live up to that phrase. “Ready or Not” is a beautifully simple movie that takes a childhood game as pure as hide and seek and turns it into an absolute nightmare. “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come,” puts its main character, Grace, in a situation where she has to play hide and seek against a ton of rich family members. Again. The before, during, and after, are a little different from the original. Although another similarity is that if these family members do not kill Grace by dawn, they die. The film does a fairly decent job at laying out some of the complications that make this experience different, and it also raises the stakes for the main character by bringing her sister Faith (Newton) into the mix and holding her captive. It also puts the elite family members in a situation where they have to do more than simply kill Grace. While doing so, they are competing for the Council’s “High Seat” now that the person who used to be associated with that position has died.

Bringing Faith into the picture does come as a bit of a surprise, as we learn a little bit about Grace’s backstory in the original movie, but not once does she mention she has a sister. Nevertheless, the sequel does a good job at making me believe these two are sisters. For starters, they look quite a bit alike between their blonde hair, big eyes, and expressive personalities. Also, knowing what we know about Grace from the original, I buy the fact that the two siblings had a bit of a falling out. It enhances that scene from the 2019 film where Grace talks about her family life, or lack thereof.

I enjoyed both “Ready or Not” and its sequel, but if you were to ask me which of these two movies I prefer, I would easily pick the original. The main reason is because Grace seems to go on a more personal journey. Sure, her sister is in the sequel, but as we get to the inciting incident of the first movie, it makes her rethink everything about her partner, her love life, her in-laws, whether she wants to be married… The first film was more interesting because it involved people she once trusted trying to kill her. The second film is an extension of that killer family, but without her partner, Grace is simply trying to defend herself against a group that held her captive.

So, the film may not be as memorable as the original, but to me, this could almost be the “Gladiator II” of the “Ready or Not” franchise. Is the story as exciting? Probably not, though it did keep my interest. But the action and humor more than make up for the film’s less intriguing plot. Every kill is terrifically done and the antagonistic family members come off with as much personality as those in the 2019 predecessor. The changes they made for how the game works were fun to see play out. It was also nifty to see Elijah Wood play a bad guy. Wood is not the first person I would associate with the term villain, but this film did make me reconsider. I was quite pleased with his quiet yet commanding performance. He reminded me of Grand Moff Tarkin in the original “Star Wars.” He does not have a big mouth, but every word that seems to come out of it sounds like it matters.

This sequel came out a little more than six and a half years following the original’s release date. As an avid fan of the original, I knew I was going to be in the cinema as soon as possible to see it. But even as a fan, I questioned if a sequel was the most sound idea. Judging by the fact that I liked the second movie, I could say it was. But even as someone who likes it, I recognize that the original is out of this film’s league. That said, I did dig the finale of the film. Much like the original, there were one or two out of left out of field moments that stuck the landing. I walked out of this film having a fun time. It added some exciting new material to the lore, maintained a good pace, and ended up having some genuine laugh out loud moments.

In the end, I really liked this film. It offers a lot of familiar aspects from the original. Sometimes expanding upon them. I prefer the first film’s simplicity and cast a bit more, but this new cast is by no means bad. They are actually quite fun to watch. That said, this film is directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, the same duo behind the original, and it shows. The duo helm each scene with perfect timing, balance scares and humor fantastically, and refuse to compromise on blood and gore. Kathryn Newton, who previously worked with these two in the excellent horror-comedy “Abigail,” is a lovely addition to the cast, and so is Elijah Wood. This film came out the same weekend as “Project Hail Mary,” which is doing very well at the box office. If that film is sold out, then “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” is not a bad option to have as a backup as long as you are okay with violence and intense sequences. I am going to give “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” a 7/10.

“Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” is now playing in theaters. Tickets are available now.

Thanks for reading this review! As a reminder, Scene Before is now officially 10 years old, and I am doing a brand new video series by the name of Movie Requests in honor of the occasion. Feel to check out my latest episode featuring “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” actor Jason Mewes, who requested I should talk about “House Party.” If you want to see more episodes, leave a like on YouTube and subscribe to my channel so you can stay up to date!

I am also happy to remind everyone that the next guest in the Movie Requests series is going to be “Avatar” actor Joel David Moore. You can catch that episode Sunday, April 19th. I have yet to watch his movie of choice, but I look forward to checking it out and talking about it!

My next review is going to for “They Will Kill You.” Stay tuned! Also coming soon, I will be sharing my thoughts on “You’re Dating a Narcissist!,” “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” “The Drama,” and “Exit 8.” 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 “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come?” What did you think about it? Or, which of the two “Ready or Not” movies do you prefer? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Project Hail Mary (2026): A Spectacular, Awe-Inspiring Adaptation of Andy Weir’s Hit Novel

Posted on by Jack Drees

“Project Hail Mary” is directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, The LEGO Movie) and stars Ryan Gosling (La La Land, Blade Runner 2049), Sandra Hüller (Anatomy of a Fall, Zone of Interest), James Ortiz (Cryptid, The Woodsman), and Lionel Boyce (Loiter Squad, The Bear). This film is based on a novel by Andy Weir, who also wrote the book “The Martian,” which has since been adapted into a hit movie starring Matt Damon. “Project Hail Mary” follows a middle school teacher-turned-astronaut by the name of Ryland Grace who is put on a mission to stop a mysterious substance from destroying the earth’s sun.

I am not that much of a reader. Although there have been rare occasions where a movie would come out and I would read the book sometime before seeing it. I did this years ago for “The Martian,” by Andy Weir, which has become one of my favorite reads. The movie, while not as good as the book, is utterly amazing. Much like the book, I found the movie to be extremely funny and endlessly engaging. As someone who found myself to be a fan of Andy Weir’s writing style, I thought I would give the “Project Hail Mary” book a shot. I barely finished it before I saw the movie, but I really liked the book. It maintains the humor that Weir mastered in “The Martian,” while delivering something more complicated and adventurous. I think “The Martian” is the superior read, but both books are winners.

The hype train was real going into “Project Hail Mary.” Not just because it was based on a well received book… Not only because I happen to concur with those who say the book is great… Not just because I am a sci-fi junkie… Not just because it stars Ryan Gosling… Not just because it is directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller… But the trailers and the footage leading up to the movie, for the most part, looked incredible. The effects were pure eye candy. The sets looked great. The camerawork looked awe-inspiring. The film was even shot in true IMAX… Granted, it is technically digital. But still.

Maybe I am overexaggerating my excitement a bit. If there is any movie this year I would have been looking forward to more than any other, it would be “The Odyssey,” but “Project Hail Mary” was up there based on everything that I have seen, heard, and read prior to checking it out, including the overwhelmingly positive reviews.

Ladies and gentlemen, believe the hype. Actually… No. The hype might actually be too small.

“Project Hail Mary” is the best movie I have watched in years.

It has not been since “Godzilla Minus One” that I walked out of a movie buzzing so excessively.

As previously mentioned, I have read the book. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I thought the way Weir told the story was unique. I think I prefer the movie. If you told me that Steven Spielberg directed this film, I would believe you. I said this some time ago with “Arco,” but I meant that more as a statement on the film’s style rather than its quality. This not only reminds me of some of Spielberg’s past movies, but it is just as watchable as some of his greatest hits. My dad, who for the record did not read the book, saw the movie with me. He had a great time. He said the movie reminded him of “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” To me, “Project Hail Mary” feels like “E.T.” for a new generation. Only this time around, not as much of the story is set on earth.

Honestly, there are a number of filmmakers whose work I could compare this to, and I mean that as a positive. This film reminds me of some of my favorite projects said filmmakers have done. In addition to this film delivering Spielberg vibes, it comes off as what would happen if a Christopher Nolan epic had a baby with a James Gunn adventure. It has the scope and ambition of one of Nolan’s blockbusters and the humor and fun of Gunn.

This movie is a pure bundle of joy. I should not be surprised, as this movie is done by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, who have produced some of my favorite films of the past decade like “The Mitchells vs. the Machines” and the “Spider-Verse” movies.

They have also done “The LEGO Movie,” which is so much better than it should be. If I ever have a conservations with people discussing my personal favorite films of all time, I am proud to say “The LEGO Movie” and “Project Hail Mary” will both likely be part of said conversations.

No, seriously, who is Ryan Gosling’s agent? Because his resume, especially over the past ten years, is filled with banger after banger after banger, with this film being the latest example. “La La Land” is extravagant and otherworldly. “Blade Runner 2049” was amazing despite not doing so hot at the box office. “First Man” was moving. “Barbie” was not just a good movie, but Gosling practically stole the show. When I think of the best actors working today without an Oscar, Gosling is somewhere close to the best of the best. After seeing “Project Hail Mary,” I am convinced that not only is Gosling capable of being nominated, but also of winning an Oscar next year. Granted, it is only spring. The Oscars are practically a year from now. But I have a feeling that Gosling’s performance can sit well with people through the coming months as he is given lots to do and handles all of it with excellence.

It also helps that he plays such a likable character. There is a line in this film where Ryan Gosling’s character, Ryland Grace, says he puts the “not” in astronaut. As corny as that may sound, that line solidifies his entire journey. I do not want to spoil everything that happens in this movie, but the narrative constantly unfolds bits and pieces of the character as it goes along through its clever non-linear format. Much of the film is set in space, but there are portions that take place on earth, and those portions are surprisingly engaging. Grace is a middle school teacher, which only adds to his likability. Remember “Interstellar?” Arguably the biggest drive Cooper has in that film that allows him to try to save earth are his children. Grace does not have any kids, but his middle school class, while temporary, almost comes off as a set of children he never had.

In a multitude of other possible movies, Grace would be the star of the show. But one character constantly steals the spotlight, and that is Rocky. Much of the film features these two in close quarters as they learn about each other, their worlds, their backstories on how they found each other, to the point where they end up working together not only to save earth, but Rocky’s own planet.

Remember the Grogu craze when “The Mandalorian” came out? It felt like for months that Grogu fever, and by extension, merchandise, was everywhere. Heck, I own a pair of Grogu socks that are worn out, but I cannot get rid of them. They’re comfortable, and I like the design. There is a fine line that a film rides with a “merchandisable” character, which I would say Rocky just so happens to be. For me, to get me to buy a character’s merchandise, I would prefer to realize I like said character before wasting my money. Thankfully for this film, Rocky is a riot. Having read the book, I had no clue how they were going to portray him in the movie, but I was actually surprised with how much I loved his first moments on screen. He is adorable, but also rather smart. Rocky is a winning combination. James Ortiz does an excellent job on the voice. Given how Rocky is an alien, the communication styles vary significantly between him and Grace, but I enjoyed getting to see how the movie showcases both characters as they learn how to communicate back and forth.

Rocky also has the best line in the movie, and without giving any context to the situation, all I will say is that it involves a guy named Mark. You will know it when you hear it.

I said before that this film reminded me a lot of “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” and I could sum up the basic reasons… Both films heavily feature bonds between a human and an alien. Both have inspiring musical scores. Both have characters who want to do what they can to get home. But the real reason why I find this to be “E.T.” for the next generation is that the film is an incredibly emotional experience. I did not cry during “Project Hail Mary,” but I would not be surprised to be sitting during this film again and seeing other people wiping tears off their faces. This film has everything that reminds me of why I love the movies. Well-realized characters with their own quirks… A great story that enlightens the soul… Stunning visuals and audio that excite on every level.

Some could argue that I am rather predisposed to liking “Project Hail Mary.” Not only did I read the book and like it, but if you know me well, you would know that sci-fi is my preferred genre. It does not mean every science fiction tale is great. I have seen a few “Star Wars” movies I would rather forget. In fact, having read the book, I recognize that not everything from the source material is going to find its way into the film. It is too long, and I think the general audiences can only take so much technical and scientific jargon. Are there things from the book that I am disappointed are not in the movie? Yes. There is a pinch of backstory involving Stratt towards the book’s end that moved me. But these are two separate things. I am not going to let the dismissal of that material affect my verdict of the film, because as a general movie, regardless of what it was based on, this was one of the most unbelievable experiences I have ever had.

“Project Hail Mary” presents a universal problem, as a mysterious creature is causing the sun to die. On the surface, one would think this film is about saving the world. And in a way, it is. But as soon as Rocky is brought into the picture, the film basically gets to the point where both he and Grace think bigger. The journey these two go on together as friends is truly something. I could honestly watch a weekly sitcom starring these two. But the film, as fun and joyous as it is, is simultaneously sad. You have this protagonist who minute by minute is trying to remember every little thing about himself. He finds out he is alone. He is tasked with mankind’s most important mission, and his only escape appears to be Rocky. And you might think he has people back on earth to save. Sure, he has the people he knows from his school. But he has no lover, no pets. Nobody. All he has is himself, the children he will likely only see for portions of his life, and Rocky. But the film manages to balance the sadness with more optimistic moments, hilarious lines, and a satisfying ending. This is the kind of movie that I can see a lot of people going to multiple times, bringing new people with each go. Heck, I am already thinking about who I would bring for a second viewing. If you are still reading this and have not seen this movie, please stop what you are doing and go check it out. Do not pirate the film. Go to a theater. See it on a big screen. Do it as soon as you possibly can.

In the end, I cannot stop thinking about “Project Hail Mary.” I read the book before checking out this movie, but I have to say I enjoyed the movie more than I did the book. There are certain scenes in this film that honestly play out ten times better as visuals rather than text. I have a pretty active imagination, but even I have to say some of these scenes were better than how I interpreted them. Ryan Gosling gives the performance of a lifetime. James Ortiz is fantastically cast as the voice of Rocky. Sandra Hüller does a great job as Stratt. Overall, the cast brings their A-game. The musical score is riveting. The cinematography is easy on the eyes. Phil Lord and Christopher Miller deliver a spectacle for the ages. Everything in the story from the beginning to end had me hooked. It is a longer film at two hours and thirty-six minutes, but it is never boring! Please go see this movie. It will make you laugh. It may even make you cry. Amazon does not have a long history as a film distribution company, but this is easily my favorite film they have put out thus far. If you are reading this review around its publication, do not wait for Prime, if there is a prime time to go see “Project Hail Mary,” it is now. I am going to give “Project Hail Mary” a 10/10.

“Project Hail Mary” is now playing in theaters everywhere. Tickets are available now.

Thanks for reading this review! I want to remind everyone that in honor of Scene Before’s 10th anniversary, I started a new series called Movie Requests and if you would like, you can now check out my latest episode, where “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back” star Jason Mewes requests I talk about “House Party.” And if you want to see future episodes, please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel that way you can see them as soon as they drop!

My next review is going to be for “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come!” Also, coming soon, I will be sharing my thoughts on “They Will Kill You,” “You’re Dating a Narcissist!,” “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie,” and “The Drama.” 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 “Project Hail Mary?” What did you think about it? Or, did you read the “Project Hail Mary” book? What did you think about that? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Hoppers (2026): A Dam Good Animation

Posted on by Jack Drees

“Hoppers” is directed by Daniel Chong (We Bare Bears, We Baby Bears) and stars Piper Curda (A.N.T. Farm, Teen Beach 2), Bobby Moynihan (Saturday Night Live, The Secret Life of Pets), Jon Hamm (Mad Men, Keeping Up with the Joneses), Kathy Najimy (King of the Hill, WALL-E), and Dave Franco (Together, The Disaster Artist). This film is about a young girl named Mabel who uses a new technology to allow her consciousness to hop into a robotic beaver. Despite discouragement from those working on the tech, Mabel uses her newfound beaverhood as an opportunity to save a glade from being replaced by a freeway.

You ever hear the saying “Just another Tuesday?” Well, that phrase applies to Pixar. Specifically, when it comes to describing their ability to pump out one solid movie after another. Not every one is perfect, but the studio has unleashed a ton of hits over the years, including a couple all-timers like “The Incredibles” or “Inside Out.”

Watching a new Pixar movie always feels like an event, because while they are not the only group dedicated to making animations, I always see Pixar as the gold standard. It has come to the point where I find inferior Pixar projects to be better than most movies. Do I think “Elio” is a masterpiece? No. But did I enjoy it and take something from it? Absolutely. Even with “Elemental” turning out to be lackluster, I continue to find myself onboard Pixar’s train for whatever they have in store.

As much as I look forward to seeing what Pixar brings to the table with franchise extensions including “Toy Story 5” and “Incredibles 3,” I am often more engaged when I find out about one of their original projects, including “Hoppers.” That said, while the movie did look fun and hilarious based on what I saw in the marketing, I will admit that the movie did turn me off slightly even while watching the trailers, as they admit how much their concept sounds like “Avatar.” Although in fairness, if you break down “Avatar,” it has ripped off quite a few other films like “Pocahontas” and “Dances with Wolves.”

Despite the film’s self-admitted ripping off of sorts, there is plenty in it to enjoy. In fact, I think it is just about as enjoyable as the first “Avatar.” Much like how I think “Avatar” is not James Cameron’s best work, I would have to say the same is true for “Hoppers.” Nevertheless, both movies are worth watching. These two stories just so happen to play around with similar ideas beyond just having someone take on the form of another living thing. They both highlight how humanity tends to mistreat other creatures, intentionally or not. “Hoppers” also taps into the idea that humans often fail to realize that they are not the center of the universe. As humans we are taught to appreciate nature, but in the past couple hundred years we have become so reliant on convenience and industrialization to the point that we forget to care for other animals.

I saw this film with a couple friends, and one of those friends said this film is Pixar’s closest cousin to “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom.” I would partially agree with them as, like that film when put next to others in its franchise, is not exactly the best one. But also, like “Temple of Doom,” there are some surprisingly dark moments. There is a particular death that comes in this film. Wow. Characters die in a movie. What a spoiler. But without specifying, there is one death involving a clap that caught me by total surprise. You will know it when you see it. If you saw the trailer, you would know that a good chunk of the movie is dedicated to other creatures trying to “squish” humans for everything they have done. That said, the trailers make this film look totally lighthearted. It was a bit darker than I anticipated. There are some segments involving the animals’ aspirations that lead to some eerie visuals or concepts. I do not want to spoil much, but the end of the movie has some “facial expressions” if you will, that I cannot stop thinking about.

Speaking of things I cannot stop thinking about, I like the film’s protagonist, Mabel. She comes off as smart, though a bit rebellious. Yet she is not necessarily pushy. The movie does a great job at creating someone whose passion for nature is as strong as her desire to preserve it. While this film is not as emotionally charging, there are some sentimental moments between Mabel and her Grandma Tanaka that felt reminiscent of watching earlier moments of “Up.” Much like that Pixar classic, “Hoppers” works so well because not only is Mabel doing what she’s doing for herself, she is thinking of the people in her life each step of the way. She is an individual who clearly wants something to go her way, but oftentimes cares enough about others during her journey to see said thing play out.

Story-wise, this film reminds me of a lot of other movies, including some of Pixar’s own like “Up,” “Ratatoullie,” or “A Bug’s Life.” This film is not exactly the same as all of these, but it borrows a lot of elements from their stories like large insect casts, the “humans are dangerous” cliche, or the general appreciation of nature. “Hoppers” is far from Pixar’s best film. To me, it is mid-tier Pixar, which is still better than a lot of movies. I would probably put it in the same boat as “Onward” or “Inside Out 2.” Yet “Hoppers” borrows a lot of traits from some of Pixar’s most memorable stories and creates a fun remix out of them.

In some ways, I think you would be forgiven if “Hoppers” also reminded you of a recent DreamWorks film, specifically “The Wild Robot.” For one thing, both films, on a technicality, primarily feature “robots” as their main characters. These “robots” if you will, are their respective universe’s fish out of water. Both Roz and Mabel have to adapt to the ways of the wild. They take on completely different adventures and carry completely different motivations, but on the surface, both films would seem like distinct cousins if watched back to back. This is especially true when you consider both films suggest that humans the reason why the world is changing for the worse.

Overall, “Hoppers” is a hoot. It is quite funny, wonderfully ridiculous, and like a lot of other Pixar fare, beautifully animated. The studio has only gotten better at making their films look as crisp as can be through the years and “Hoppers” is just the latest example.

In the end, I recommend “Hoppers.” This is not going to end up being my favorite film of the year, but it is one that I think is fun for all ages. It does get a bit dark, but it is not the first film of its kind to do so. The mostly star-studded voice cast brings their A-game. The story is a lot of fun, but also important. For the younger viewers, the film offers positive lessons about environmental preservation and not messing with nature. The film is fast-paced, never boring, and an overall good time. I am going to give “Hoppers” a 7/10.

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

Thanks for reading this review! If you like this review, I have more coming including for “Project Hail Mary,” “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come,” “They Will Kill You,” “You’re Dating a Narcissist!,” and “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.”

Also, if you have not done so already, please check out my latest episode of Movie Requests featuring special guest Jason Mewes, who asked me to review “House Party.” If you enjoy the episode, leave a like on YouTube, and subscribe to my channel so you can stay tuned for more episodes as they drop!

If you want to see 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 “Hoppers?” What did you think about it? Or, if you could experience life as another living creature? What would it be and why? For me, I would pick a mayfly. Their lives are short, but they sound interesting, as they only tend to live one or two days as soon as they become adults. Let me know which creature you’d want to be down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Send Help (2026): See This Thrilling Survival Flick One Way or Another

Posted on by Jack Drees

“Send Help” is directed by Sam Raimi (Spider-Man, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness) and stars Rachel McAdams (Mean Girls, Game Night), Dylan O’Brien (The Maze Runner, Teen Wolf), Edyll Ismail (La Brea, Ghosts), Xavier Samuel (Blonde, Tell Me Your Secrets), Chris Pang (As We See It, Blade of the 47 Ronin), and Dennis Haysbert (24, Now and Again). This film follows office employee Linda Liddle and her boss Bradley Preston as the two individuals, whose personalities and backgrounds could not be more different, do what they can to survive while stranded on an island.

Photo by 20th Century Studios/20TH CENTURY STUDIOS – © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

Sam Raimi is a director who defined my love for movies and the art of filmmaking. Raimi directed Tobey Maguire in three “Spider-Man” movies, a trilogy that defined my childhood. Since then, I have gone on to enjoy some of his other works including “Evil Dead,” “Army of Darkness,” “Oz the Great and Powerful,” and “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness.” Raimi is a master storyteller whether he is doing something original or working with popular IPs. If there was any reason for me to be excited for “Send Help,” he was it. Not to say that the film lacked talent in front of the camera, as the film starred Rachel McAdams, who recently worked with Raimi in “Multiverse of Madness.” Alongside her is Dylan O’Brien, who I have grown to appreciate with each role he’s taken through the years.

Having talented people on your project is a great start. Though that does not guarantee the movie will be good. For example, I love me some Wes Anderson. But his last couple movies have been a bit too off the rails for me. Hopefully, that would not be the case with Sam Raimi’s latest flick. Thankfully, “Send Help” brings out the best in its cast and crew in just about every regard.

Given his past work, some would say Sam Raimi is a master of horror. “Send Help,” while not Raimi’s scariest film, undoubtedly taps into his horrific tendencies when it comes to showing the brutality of a plane crash or the adrenaline rush of hunting in the woods. One of my favorite scenes of the film is a one on one between Linda Liddle and a boar. Despite her clear obsession with the outdoors and nature, the scene does a good job at showing she is still afraid of the near inevitability of doom while in an unfamiliar environment.

As a master of horror, Sam Raimi also manages to implement perhaps one of the scariest concepts of all time… Office culture. The concept is probably a pinch scarier knowing that a woman is the protagonist. While the film is set inside the office, we come to realize that employees are sometimes punished for having lunch at their desk, even if time does not allow them to have it elsewhere. For people like Linda, it is difficult to achieve career growth. Part of this is because the higher-ups tend to maintain a bro culture, one of whom happens to be Bradley Preston, the son of Linda’s former boss.

The script for “Send Help” starts off fantastic and only becomes more compelling by the second. It is full of twists and turns, each of which made sense despite some colossal shock value. Everything feels very contained. There are not many characters in the film, which works in its favor as it allows each individual to stand out. The movie perfects the chemistry between Linda and Bradley. They are finely tuned frenemies. Throughout the movie, we learn about these characters’ pasts and personalities. Both are well written, and when it comes to Linda Liddle in particular, it is the little things that stand out like her passion for “Survivor,” the fact that she has cats, or her karaoke song of choice being Blondie’s “One Way or Another.” Is this a “Mean Girls” easter egg? Perhaps. Regardless of the reason the song is in the movie, it works perfectly.

For the record, Sam Raimi did not write this movie. Screenwriting duo Mark Swift and Damian Shannon handled those duties. Their previous work does not boast high confidence as their resume includes “Freddy vs. Jason” and 2009’s “Friday the 13th,” neither of which got the best reviews. They also did the 2017 adaptation of “Baywatch” starring Dwayne Johnson, which is one of the movies ever. I am proud to say though, “Send Help” is probably going to put both of these gentlemen on the map for me. Though it is worth noting, their screenplay was likely enhanced by the directing talents of Sam Raimi, who has an eye for great shots, brilliant timing, and chilling scares. That said, there is that saying that one is only as good as their last project. Swift and Shannon are now on my radar because this is a twisty movie that had me hooked from the very beginning. Although the beginning is not all to rave about in this film. This film’s ending is not only mind-blowing, but it is something I will be thinking about for a very long time. I could not think of a cooler ending to a movie like this if I tried.

Once again, Rachel McAdams plays Linda Liddle, a dorky cat lady who spends her time off work watching “Survivor.” In fact, she was even passionate enough to audition for the show. Seeing her journey play out, most particularly when the movie passes its inciting incident is riveting as can be. If you are looking for incredible character development, then put this movie on the top of your must-see list. McAdams proves she has talent as this film’s lead.

“Send Help” does a great job at showcasing Dylan O’Brien’s chops. While he may not be the first actor that I would call a thespian, the film proves he has skills. Also, despite his tendency to come off as a jerk, O’Brien, and perhaps by extension, filmmaker Sam Raimi, does a spectacular job at making Bradley look like a jerk, but also likable enough from the audience’s point of view.

On the technical side, “Send Help” sings. Sam Raimi has had an extended career and it is not surprising to see him surround himself with a crew he’s trusted over the years. You have composer Danny Elfman who assembles a marvelous score. There is Bill Pope, who continues to prove he is one of the best cinematographers working today. Editor Bob Murawski puts together some clean, perfectly timed scenes, and his choices enhance the movie’s occasional attempts at humor that rely on visuals or sound. There is one scene involving a boar’s head that had me dying. No spoilers, and you might know this moment when you see it, this film contains one of my favorite cuts in recent memory, and it involves a golf ball. That is all I will say.

Photo by 20th Century Studios/20TH CENTURY STUDIOS – © 2025 20th Century Studios. All Rights Reserved.

In the end, “Send Help” is another excellent film given by the directing god known as Sam Raimi. I can see this movie having quite a bit of replay value down the line. I read that Sam Raimi fought Sony, who did not end up distributing the final project, to keep this film from going straight to streaming. I am so glad he did that, because this is a film I think is best experienced with a crowd. It is scary, it is fun, it is why people go to the movies. The film contains a plethora of exciting scenes helmed by a master of his craft. It showcases the talents of two well cast leads doing their best to deliver a satisfying experience. This film is “Cast Away” with just the smallest pinch of “Office Space.” The story sucked me as it started, and refused to let me leave as it ended. Check this movie out if you can. I am going to give “Send Help” an 8/10.

“Send Help” is now playing in theaters. Tickets are available now.

Thanks for reading this review! My next review is going to be for “The Bride!”. Stay tuned! Also, stay tuned for my thoughts on “Hoppers,” “Project Hail Mary,” and “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come.”

I am also pleased to announce some information about the ongoing film review series Movie Requests, which features special guests selecting films for me to review. The second episode, which will feature “Clerks” actor Jason Mewes, will be released Saturday, March 28th! If you want to see the episode as soon as it drops, subscribe to my YouTube channel! Also, if you have not done so already, be sure to check out the first episode of Movie Requests, featuring actress Bryce Dallas Howard.

If you want to see all 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 “Send Help?” What did you think about it? Or, what is your favorite Sam Raimi movie? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

GOAT (2026): A Traditional Sports Animation That Dribbles at a TikTok Pace

Posted on by Jack Drees

© 2025 – Sony Pictures

“GOAT” is directed by Tyree Dillihay (Bob’s Burgers, Good Times) and Adam Rosette (Harvey Girls Forever!, The Mr. Peabody and Sherman Show) and stars Caleb McLaughlin (Stranger Things, The Book of Clarence), Gabrielle Union (Think Like a Man, Bring it On), Aaron Pierre (Mufasa: The Lion King, Krypton), Nicola Coughlin (Derry Girls, Bridgerton), David Harbour (Stranger Things, Black Widow), Nick Kroll (Big Mouth, Sausage Party), Jenifer Lewis (Think Like a Man, Black-ish), Patton Oswalt (King of Queens, Young Adult), Jelly Roll, Jennifer Hudson (The Jennifer Hudson Show, Dreamgirls), Sherry Cola (Joy Ride, Shortcomings), Eduardo Franco (Stranger Things, Booksmith), Andrew Santino (The Disaster Artist, Mixology), Bobby Lee (Inside Job, Kickin’ It Old School), and Stephen Curry (Holey Moley, Mr. Throwback). This film is about a goat named Will Harris who gets the unique opportunity to follow his dreams and play roarball with much bigger, stronger, and faster animals.

When I think of the gold standard of animation, my mind tends to dart towards Pixar. As for Sony Pictures Animation’s place in this medium, I am kind of iffy about them. As much as the “Spider-Verse” movies are masterpieces, they also come from the studio that is responsible for “The Emoji Movie,” one of the most unforgivable abominations made by man. The quality is not the most consistent from one project to the next.

I was not exactly sure what to expect with “GOAT.” I had some idea, but not quite a full picture. The film certainly looked like it took some inspiration from “Spider-Verse’s” fast-paced animation style while also finding a way to bring its own personality to the table. That said, from what I saw through the marketing, this film looked cliche in more ways than one. Having seen the movie, I can definitely say it is cliche. Depending on how many movies you have seen, some of this film’s structure is going to feel quite familiar to you. A protagonist wants to be the best at something despite what the odds suggest and what other people have to say. I have said on this blog that cliches are fine as long as a project can effectively utilize them. Having made that point, I wish “GOAT” was a better movie.

This is not to say the movie is the worst I have ever seen. In fact, when it comes to establishing characters like the scrawny Will Harris (McLaughlin) and his much stronger mentor figure Jett Fillmore (Union). The movie takes time to give them a splendid dynamic that plays out perfectly on and off the court. Their connection unleashes some cliches, but they are, again, cliches that are handled decently. You have the young, eager student willing to learn from a wiser figure who is supposedly becoming more washed-up with each passing minute. It is a traditional storytelling method, but it works.

“GOAT” is very much a product of the 2020s. In some ways, it does a good job at shining a light on people’s weaknesses and problems that define the decade. There is one gag in the film involving a character who is way too attached to their phone. I could see a joke like this playing well with parents in the audience. That said, at my screening, the person next to me, who happened to be an adult, was on their phone numerous times. I wonder how they took this lesson.

By the way, if this has not been made clear already, please put your phone away at the movies. That said, I understand not everyone carries a watch nowadays, so I have no problem if you want to check the time as long as you do not go any further to wreck my time. Turn the brightness down. Peek in your pocket. Don’t flash it heavily for everyone to see! You got it? Good. Let’s move on.

While the movie positively defines the 2020s in some ways, it also manages to define it in less stellar ways. One of my biggest problems with this film is the pacing. Granted, the movie is all killer, no filler. It dives into each and every point without skipping a beat. But for a movie that is about basketball, part of me wishes I could have seen more of it. Thankfully, unlike another so-called sports movie that goes by the name of “Him,” which I reviewed last year, “GOAT” actually dedicates a lot of time to its focal sport. That said, part of me wishes we could have spent a little extra time on the games. I am not saying that we need to see all 48 minutes of the film’s players running up and down the court, but by the time the film gets to the big game at the end, it feels much smaller in scale than it should be. It feels rushed. It feels like it wants to end before it starts. The film literally breezes through its first couple of quarters of the climactic game in about as much time as it would take me to swipe through a few YouTube shorts. There are some occasionally thrilling moments in these games, but they would probably be more exciting if the movie drew things out. “GOAT” tells a lot in a 100 minutes. I just wish I had the chance to digest the material a little more.

One reason why I tend to favor stories told by studios like Pixar is that unlike Sony, their films feel a lot less commercialized. Sure, “Toy Story” uses a lot of real life toys, “Cars” uses real life vehicles, and “Wall-E” has ties to “Hello, Dolly” and Apple. Yet those projects feel like stories rather than extended advertisements. Even in some of Sony’s better animated productions, I always notice they find a way to sneak in a commercial for one of their products. When it comes to product placement, “GOAT” is utterly shameless. The movie spends quite a bit of time showing off the PS5, creates its own 2K sports games based on roarball, makes the card game Uno a core concept of the plot, and even spends quite a bit of time featuring Doordash.

Just because this movie feels commercialized, does not mean it lacks creativity. Instead of basketball, the movie features the sport of roarball. Like basketball, it features players going up and down a court trying to put a ball through a hoop. The two sports have their differences. We do not see humans playing roarball and rather tons of different animals taking up the sport. The universe within “GOAT” seems to have a similar layout to “Zootopia” as there are no humans.

But above all, I find the roarball courts to be more interesting than anything else the sport has to offer. If you ever go to an NBA game, you would notice that each arena has its own individual quirks and home teams, but each court follows a similar structure to the next. The courts that we see through this film’s professional league sort of play like a video game. There are moments where characters have to make their way through rising surfaces, ice, fire, and so on. Honestly, if Nintendo wants to make a “Mario Basketball” game sometime soon, I think this movie would be a solid piece of inspiration.

In the end, “GOAT” is not the greatest flick. It has glimmers of goodness. Although those glimmers are rather thin. The voice cast is pretty talented and bring a lot to the table. Despite clearly being similar to basketball, the concept of roarball has sparks of creativity. While there are a couple decent moments, most of the scenes in this film feel so rushed to the point where I cannot fully appreciate the characters within them. Also, the product placement feels kind of over the top, especially considering this film is animated. As someone who is in his 20s, I sometimes think about what would happen if I had kids and I took them this movie. I think they would have a fun time with it, and for all I know it could age somewhat decently for them, but I do not know if it is going to age like a fine wine. Time will tell. As for this 26 year old loser, I think “GOAT” is a one and done for me. I am going to give “GOAT a 5/10.

“GOAT” is now playing in theaters everywhere. Tickets are available now!

Thanks for reading this review! My next review is going to be for “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert!” Stay tuned! Also coming soon, I will be sharing my thoughts on “Send Help” and “The Bride!”. Also, this is my first film review I have published since Scene Before officially turned 10 years old. I want to thank everyone who has wasted their time reading my above average material over the past ten years.

If you want to see a video-based film review I have done, check out the first episode of Movie Requests, where I discuss Lars von Trier’s film “The Idiots,” as requested by actress Bryce Dallas Howard. It is available now on my YouTube channel, and you should absolutely positively subscribe!

If you want to see 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 “GOAT?” What did you think about it? Or, what an animated sports film you enjoy? Sticking with the topic of basketball, you should totally check out my review for “The First Slam Dunk.” It is a great movie, give it a watch. Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Solo Mio (2026): Kevin James Misses the Bride

Posted on by Jack Drees

Hey you! Yes! You! Do you like movie reviews? You should! Because you are reading one right now! And TOMORROW, you can check out another! As Scene Before begins its brand new series, “Movie Requests!” You can check out the promo for the first episode now, featuring Bryce Dallas Howard requesting a film she says is “extraordinary!”

And if you want to see the video as soon as it drops, please subscribe to my YouTube channel! Otherwise, if you are following Scene Before either with an email or WordPress account, you can see the video shortly after it is uploaded! Now, on with the review!

“Solo Mio” is directed by Charles and Daniel Kinnane, and this is their latest collaboration with this film’s star, Kevin James, after the three worked together on the straight to Netflix film “Home Team.” Alongside James, the film has a cast including Nicole Grimaudo (Medicina generale, Loose Cannons), Alyson Hannigan (Penn & Teller: Fool Us, American Pie), Jonathan Roumie (Jesus Revolution, The Chosen), Julee Cerda (The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers, Homeland), Julie Ann Emery (Absolute Dominon, Preacher), and Kim Coates (Van Helsing, Sons of Anarchy). This film follows a man named Matt Taylor, whose wedding is upended when his bride never walks down the aisle. Not only does this put an end to his marriage before it starts, but also prompts him to continue with the couple’s honeymoon activities by himself. Throughout the film, we see Taylor make the most of the situation, while meeting new faces along the way.

Life is beautiful. No. Genuinely. It is. Part of this is because of its unpredictability. As a moviegoer, I have, to quote Roy Batty from “Blade Runner,” seen things you people wouldn’t believe. Part of this harkens back to my experience with Kevin James, whose projects in recent years may not be as notable as his earlier work. Yet at the same time, his more recent efforts showcase some diversification in his resume. “Becky” was a huge surprise. Not only was the movie better than I thought it would be, but Kevin James does an excellent job in his role as the film’s antagonist. I never imagined Kevin James as a villain-type character, but that movie completely changed my mind. Also, while Kevin James may not be on the same level as Tom Cruise or Keanu Reeves, he showed some potential as an action star in last year’s “Guns Up.” Kevin James, whether he likes it or not, will always be tied to comedy. But I think he has done a good job at spicing up his resume a bit recently.

Compared to “Becky” and “Guns Up,” “Solo Mio” feels a bit more like a return to form for Kevin James. That is to a certain degree. While the film is definitely lighthearted, it does not quite have the same DNA as a typical Happy Madison project. Frankly, that works in the film’s favor. It comes close at times, but I guarantee you that this movie would have been a different animal if the crew found an excuse to put Adam Sandler in it. “Solo Mio” is a romcom, and James is no stranger to films where he seeks love, like “Paul Blart: Mall Cop.” Another example is “Hitch,” which features him playing a character who lacks the “game” in the dating game. In this film, we see James’ character, Matt Taylor, deal with his emotions and make the most of his time in Rome when the love of his life ditches him at their wedding. James also had a hand behind the scenes as one of the film’s writers and producers.

But the most beautiful story behind the scenes is not James’, but rather the family that came together to make this movie happen.

Following my screening of this movie, I did some research on the Internet about it to see what minor details would come up. Next thing I knew, I found myself on a Reddit page where one of the film’s writers, John Kinnane, was talking about how this was his first film. That would be a cool bragging right by itself, but it gets better. Turns out said writer is one of seven brothers, and the rest of those siblings collaborated on the film’s production. John Kinnane co-wrote the film alongside his brother Pat. Charles and Daniel Kinnane directed the movie. Pete Kinnane handled editing. And as for producing, Wil and Brendan Kinnane took care of that alongside their brother-in-law, Jeff Azize.

…Which is why it breaks my heart to say that this movie is okay at best.

It is difficult to find something in “Solo Mio” that outright made my blood boil, but I can pinpoint to some things in the film that did annoy me at one moment or another. Some of the supporting characters are a bit exaggerated compared to James as the lead. There is sometimes a sense of tonal inconsistency when they are on camera together. Speaking of characters, the film debatably has too many of them. I could not tell you everyone’s name on the cast. I was not fully intrigued by each character’s role in the story. By the end of the film, things become rather convoluted and random subplots feel as if they are being thrown in at the last minute.

Once again, this film was put together by seven brothers. I wonder how collaborative their process must have been. Part of me worries, given the result of this movie, that it could have been overly collaborative. Maybe John and Pat Kinnane had their own ideas of how the movie should go, but perhaps the other brothers, who, for the record, were not credited with writing the script, had their own ideas that ultimately overstuffed the runtime. While I appreciate the film’s fast pace, part of me wonders if we could have settled things down a tad and padded out the runtime to give some more depth to everything going on. Granted, I was not involved in the making of the movie. So, this may as well remain a baseless assumption. But my experience of watching “Solo Mio” reminded me of “Fackham Hall,” which I also found okay at best. That film was written by four people, two of whom happen to be brothers. Sure, like “Fackham Hall,” some things work in “Solo Mio,” but at a certain point more than halfway through, the film overcomplicates itself and almost becomes something it probably should never have been in the first place.

The film has its attempts at humor, but if I had to average everything out, the film lands somewhere around the middle in terms of landing all its jokes.

Yet for all the film’s faults, the film has one aspect that is worth the price admission. There is a celebrity who happens to play themself that made the movie for me. The appearance, which if you ask me, is way too long to be considered a cameo, does require some suspension of disbelief. But if you can live with that, you are in for a treat.

I had one big question regarding “Solo Mio” going into it. How preachy would this film turn out to be? I asked this to myself because I did some research prior to my screening and found out the film was being distributed by Angel Studios, which is a company that tends to have an association with Christian or faith-based projects. Having seen this film, most of it comes off as if it lacks a religious identity, though there is one scene at a dinner table that does have an ongoing gag about prayer. The film does not appear to accuse or shame anyone of having a different viewpoint. That said, when it comes to the romantic connections in this film, there appears to be more of a focus on love rather than lust. If you are looking for something that lacks the filth of “Wuthering Heights” at this time of year, then “Solo Mio” may be for you.

I should also note that the film is G-rated, so this film may be okay for the younger crowds too. That said, I do not think every kid is gonna round the block for a ticket to see this. In fact, at my screening, which was about three-quarters full, I may have been the only person in the auditorium under 30.

In the end, I cannot quite say “Solo Mio” is in fact… for me-oh. There are things to like about this film. Kevin James gives an okay lead performance. Some of jokes are funny. There is a certain arc involving Ed Sheeran I thought was well realized. The unnamed celebrity appearance is a highlight. The movie has a compelling hook, I just wish the rest of it were as smooth as what it was at the start. It feels weird to say as someone living in the 2020s, where just about everything is at my fingertips, but I thought “Solo Mio” might have been too short. I congratulate the family who came together to make the film of their dreams, and I am rooting for them to hopefully churn out another project sometime in the future. I just hope whatever they do next is an improvement over this. The film is not bad, but definitely not perfect. I am going to give “Solo Mio” a 6/10.

By the way, this is not my first exposure to the Kinnane brothers. Years ago, they created a series of online videos called “Sound Guy,” where its titular character reacts to popular movie scenes while said scenes were being made. The series, like this movie, also starred Kevin James. The videos are often quite funny, including this one where the sound guy gets early access to the big twist in “The Empire Strikes Back.” If you ever have a chance to check the videos out, please do. They are such a riot, especially if you are a film fanatic like yours truly.

“Solo Mio” is now playing in theaters. Tickets are available now.

Thanks for reading this review! And as a reminder, Movie Requests begins tomorrow! And if you are following Scene Before already, you will get access to the first episode as soon as it is posted here, but the fastest way to check out the episode is to be subscribed to my YouTube channel! If you have not subscribed yet, do it now!

My next reviews in terms of new releases are going to be for “GOAT” and “EPIC: Elvis Presley in Concert.” If you are a fan of acronyms, this is a good time to be alive! And if you are a fan of movies and people who talk about them excessively, follow Scene Before either with an email or WordPress account! Also, check out the official Facebook page! I want to know, did you see “Solo Mio?” What did you think about it? Or, what is your favorite performance of a celebrity playing themselves? For me, as much as I do not think it is Kevin Smith’s best film, Stan Lee in “Mallrats” was beautiful to see. I love his scene. Also, Bob Barker in “Happy Gilmore” is freaking riot. Let me know your favorite celebrity appearances down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Is This Thing On? (2025): Bradley Cooper’s Compelling Dramedy on Why People Fall In and Out of Love

Posted on by Jack Drees

“Is This Thing On?” is directed by Bradley Cooper (A Star is Born, Maestro), who also stars in the film as Balls. Joining him is a cast including Will Arnett (The LEGO Movie, Arrested Development), Laura Dern (Jurassic Park, Marriage Story), and Andra Day (The Deliverance, The United States vs. Billie Holliday). This film is about a couple, Alex and Tess, agreeing to separate, as well as the new adventures and challenges that come their way as a result. Meanwhile, Alex develops a hobby as he turns to the New York comedy scene.

If you have followed this blog for a while, you would know that I am a child of divorce. Having such a background immediately made me intrigued by the premise of “Is This Thing On?”. The fact that it also has stand up comedy as a significant thread of the plot also had me hooked. In the past number of years, I have been fascinated by the art of standup. I personally do not take part in standup, but when I am not watching movies or game shows, standup comedy is probably the other option in which I regularly immerse myself. Even if I did not have these potential biases intact, chances are I would still be excited for “Is This Thing On?” as it is directed by Bradley Cooper. While I have come to admire him for his acting career, he has also turned himself into a solid director. His version of “A Star is Born” is excellent. His follow-up, “Maestro,” is a slight step down, but was still very well made.

Up to this point as a director, Bradley Cooper was 2 for 2. But not anymore. He is 3 for 3. “Is This Thing On” is amazingly well done.

I have seen the teaser trailer for “Is This Thing On?” a few times before watching other movies and I was always intrigued by its basic premise. Essentially it teases that a man going through a separation turns to standup, and bases his material on his personal journey. It taps into the classic ideas of writing what you know and that you often cannot have comedy without first experiencing tragedy. Basically, every bit of Alex’s material from the getgo is about his relationship. Not all of it is based on truth. Every once in a while he will make up a character for a bit, but the material all traces back to his struggle. Other characters respond to Alex’s material with praise. The praise is not exactly for the humor, but rather for the material’s therapeutic nature. Standup is practically Alex’s way of relieving stress through a tough time.

Despite prominently featuring standup as part of the plot, one could argue that “Is This Thing On?” is not exactly a comedy. If you were to ask me, I would argue it is to a certain degree. There are laughs to be had, including at some of the material offered by Alex and additional comedians in other scenes. But it is not a pure comedy in the way that “Splitsville” would probably be. Both films deal with separation and the complication of relationships in some way, but “Splitsville” seems to have more lighthearted fun with its premise whereas “Is This Thing On?” keeps things more grounded. The film in no way feels confused in its tone. Separation is not an easy concept to deal with, and the film makes sure that message is seen through. We see the couple struggling. We see their children and loved ones asking questions and needing to give their two cents on aspects of their relationship. We see the impact their own separation brings upon other people. The film keeps its tone serious while balancing things out with a few jokes here and there.

“Is This Thing On?” has a lot to say about relationships, marriage, and how those things can affect personal lives. The film paints divorce not necessarily as the end of a relationship, but perhaps a new beginning in some ways. We see Alex diving into standup, while Tess puts a major focus on volleyball. For the latter, this is something we find out was once a part of her life, but she had put it on the backburner.

The film also brilliantly highlights why Alex and Tess coupled up in the first place, why Alex in particular fell in love with Tess when she was younger. There is a fantastic scene where Alex reveals a piece of décor in his new place. Said piece has a specific link to Tess. Once Tess realizes what this piece is, she is upset by it. I understand both sides of this issue. Alex even defended his idea by suggesting that the children will appreciate the piece because it will show how awesome their mom is. The piece does a phenomenal job at encapsulating the idea that people fall in love with a certain version of someone. I am single and do not have a lot of relationship expertise, but this film seems to tell its audience that with commitment comes change. Not just in the status of the relationship, but the members of the couple themselves. Whether it is the way they look, the way they act, or what they do. While that change may be great for one person as they are making it, the other may not feel the same way. The film seems to paint separation or divorce as a proper path to change oneself for the better, but also recognizes that even at the end, there is still sometimes a sense of love and appreciation between both members of the couple. However, those feelings are not as strong as they were at one point.

Also, Bradley Cooper’s directing style in this is top notch. I was not sure if after “A Star is Born” that Bradley Cooper would simply be a one trick pony, but he kills it behind the camera, getting magnificent performances out of everyone, but most especially Will Arnett and Laura Dern as Alex and Tess. I bought into their relationship, not to mention its slow but steady decline. Never once did I feel either character overplayed any of their emotions. Every reaction that could have been an extreme is dialed down just enough to avoid becoming over the top. Some of the couple’s dialogue back and forth also hit me, most especially at the one scene involving where Tess says she is upset about Alex’s new décor. The scene, and one that quickly follows it, are among my favorites of the year. They make for dialogue-driven mastery both in front of and behind the camera.

But the cast does not just stop at Arnett and Dern. Bradley Cooper himself has a role in the film as Balls. This should not be too big of a surprise considering Cooper also starred in his last two films. Only difference is this time around, he is not THE star, and playing a supporting role. He has a lot less spotlight this time around, but he knows his place as his character and I thought he did a good job. The film only gets more star-studded from there, as former NFL pro Peyton Manning plays a notable role in the movie. And while she did not have a monstrous amount of screentime, I was more than happy to see Amy Sedaris showcase her lively personality while playing the small role of Kemp. Much like “Friendship” earlier this year, “Is This Thing On?” made me laugh and also made me think. It is not as hilarious as “Friendship,” but I do not think that Bradley Cooper was trying to make a movie as laugh out loud funny as “Friendship.” If that was the goal, I would say he succeeded while still committing to comedy at times.

In the end “Is This Thing On?” is easily one of my favorite flicks of the year. After seeing “Maestro,” I was not sure what Bradley Cooper was going to do next as a director, or if he even wanted to helm a third film for that matter. I am more than glad to see that this was the idea he had up his sleeve, because “Is This Thing On?” blew me away. I was expecting the film to be good, and I came out thinking it was a gem. Of the three Bradley Cooper directorial efforts, this is easily my favorite. Granted, I have some potential biases that could play a factor. Although I am sure even if I did not have those biases, I would have still fallen in love with this film. I admire the characters. I dig the story. I found the pacing to be perfect. The film successfully balances comedy and drama. There are predictable parts, but much like “Godzilla Minus One,” which was my favorite film of 2023, even the moments I saw coming felt earned. “Is This Thing On?” is definitely not going to be as big as “A Star is Born,” but I hope enough people go check this out in theaters to the point where it becomes a box office success like that film did, because the movie is compelling from start to finish. I am going to give “Is This Thing On?” a 9/10.

“Is This Thing On?” is now playing in select cities. Tickets are available now!

Courtesy of A24 – © A24

Thanks for reading this review! My next review is going to be for “Marty Supreme!” Stay tuned! Also, be sure to look forward to my end of the year countdowns! I will be reflecting on my top 10 BEST and WORST movies of 2025! If you want to see these posts 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 “Is This Thing On?” What did you think about it? Or, what is your favorite Bradley Cooper film? I will accept anything where he is in front of or behind the camera. Heck, even in films where he is behind the camera, he is still in front of it. Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!

Fackham Hall (2025): Fackin’ Average

Posted on by Jack Drees

© 2025 – Bleecker Street

“Fackham Hall” is directed by Jim O’Hanlon (Coronation Street, Your Christmas or Mine?) and stars Thomasin McKenzie (Last Night in Soho, Joy), Ben Radcliffe (Pandora, Anatomy of a Scandal), Katherine Waterston (Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Afraid), Emma Laird (The Brutalist, A Haunting in Venice), Tom Goodman-Hill (Baby Reindeer, Humans), Anna Maxwell Martin (Bleak House, Motherland), Sue Johnston (Downton Abbey, Coronation Street), Tom Felton (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, The Flash), and Damian Lewis (Billions, Homeland). This film showcases the shenanigans and problems that ensue as a porter forms a bond with the daughter of a prominent family, just as said family is coming together for an extravagant wedding.

If I had to give a rundown of my most anticipated films of the year back in January, chances are “Fackham Hall” would not have made the list, partially because I had no idea it was coming out. In fact, I was first made aware of the film while watching trailers before the underwhelming horror flick “Bone Lake.” This film, like that one, is distributed by Bleecker Street, so it makes sense that the red band trailer, which played exclusively in theaters at the time, would be the last thing I’d see before the feature presentation. But if I were to go back in time and tell my younger self that “Fackham Hall” would be coming out in December, then maybe I would have considered putting it on the list. This is partially because I would tell my younger self that the trailer gave me the biggest belly laughs I have had watching a piece of marketing in years. I do not recall the last time I watched a trailer and nearly lost self-control from cackling as audibly as I did.

Unfortunately, “Fackham Hall” was not as good as I was expecting it to be. Do not get me wrong. It was not an automatic guarantee that this film was not going to work for me. This film is being marketed as “Downton Abbey” meets “Airplane.” As much as I enjoyed “Airplane,” “Downtown Abbey” never struck me as my kind of show. This is why you never saw me review any of the “Downton Abbey” movies. I never watched the show, so it would not make a lot of sense for me to watch the movies. Though I went into this film with an open mind because it came off as something that one could appreciate without necessarily needing to watch “Downton Abbey.” One can argue such a thing to be true.

Among the reasons why I was looking forward to this film, one of them is the the fact that comedian Jimmy Carr is attached to the project. If you know me, you would be aware that Jimmy Carr is one of my all time favorite comedians. I watch his specials on YouTube on a regular basis. I have seen him a few times when he’s performed in New England. I also like him as a game show host. In fact, he is one of the film’s five writers, making this his first screenplay. Carr also has a small role in the film as a vicar. He is only on screen for one to two minutes, but he plays his part to the best of his ability. This is not to say he did a bad job, but he played a character who basically has one running joke, specifically that he says things that sound taboo or wrong, only for him to pause and finish the rest of what he has to say. On paper, the joke is funny. But I have seen the trailer for this film and as someone who was looking forward to seeing Jimmy Carr on screen, I wish he had some variety in his material.

In fact, remember how I said the trailer was one of the funniest I have ever seen? It does not mean the movie is. I think part of that has to do with seeing the trailer in the first place. One of my biggest fears going into any comedy film is the possibility that they show all the best bits in the marketing, and based on what I have seen through “Fackham Hall’s” marketing in particular, I cannot name one joke in that stood out to me that was not in the trailer. Also, multiple jokes likely lost their intended effect since I already got to see them in advance. Other than that, there are a lot of jokes that feel too over the top, and that is saying something for a film called “Fackham Hall.” The film is filled with a lot of toilet and taboo humor. It often came off as if it were being written by a young child who just learned what the word “boobies” means.

Overall, the film has a lot of jokes. Therefore, those jokes trigger a lot of reactions. For a film that ultimately left me underwhelmed, I had a surprising amount of laughs. That said, I cannot really name a favorite joke. Also, with this movie having a lot of jokes, it also indicates that a good chunk of them fell flat. There are a few references to The Beatles and the works of J.R.R. Tolkien. While the jokes sound clever on the page, they feel less clever on the screen. I could see myself writing these gags down and amusing myself as I read them, but their delivery in the film did not do it for me. Lots of comedies have jokes that are better than others. Although in the case of “Fackham Hall,” the balance between good jokes and bad jokes is not exactly satisfying.

Also, once again, “Fackham Hall” is written by four people. I wish I could have been a fly on the wall to see the process of the screenplay being put together. I want to know who came up with the best jokes of the film, who came up with the weakest, and how everyone decided to tie the story together. The film comes very close to having an identity crisis. While the film is often smooth sailing, it introduces a mystery plot that makes sense within the context of the film, but it simultaneously feels tacked on.

For all I know, this movie could age well and find an audience over time. If anything, I blame myself for perhaps getting so overly invested in the film prior to its release. This film left such a lasting impression on me before it came out that it only increased the chances that I would be disappointed.

Do not get me wrong. My feelings about the film do not change my opinions about the people involved. Thomasin McKenzie is a great actress and it is nice to see her find work. I am proud of Jimmy Carr for expanding his horizons and doing something outside of standup and game shows. One of the film’s writers happens to be Jimmy’s brother, Patrick Carr. It is lovely to see family working together. Overall, the cast of the film, even the most minor of characters, all do a fantastic job with their roles. I just wish all this talent resulted in something more entertaining.

In the end, “Fackham Hall” is one of the most of the disappointing films of the year for me. Maybe I set my expectations too high, which could be part of the problem. But that initial trailer, to me, promised so much potential for laughter that my hype levels reached the sun. There were definitely laughs in “Fackham Hall,” just not to my desired degree. Once again, this film has five writers. I wonder if that played a part in this film’s pace, because by the time we get to the murder mystery portion of the film, it felt rather out of the blue. Not necessarily in a satisfying and twisty way, but instead it made me go, “Okay, so this is happening…” I would not avoid this movie like the plague, but I still would not recommend it. I am going to give “Fackham Hall” a 5/10.

“Fackham Hall” is now playing in theaters. Tickets are available now.

Thanks for reading this review! My next review is going to be for “Scarlet!” Stay tuned! Also coming soon, look forward to my thoughts on “The Secret Agent,” “Hamnet,” and “Avatar: Fire and Ash.” 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 “Fackham Hall?” What did you think about it? Or, what are your thoughts on “Downton Abbey?” Is it a good show? Are the movies worth watching? Let me know down below! Scene Before is your click to the flicks!