What I Was Watching in April 2022
Whew, it feels like I’m back in the swing of things when it comes to movies! I’m seeing more in theaters and actively seeking out ones that have been on my list for ages. It feels so good to be invested in pop culture once again.
The Contractor
In theaters
I finally made it into the theater for a double feature date with myself, and I was just excited to see another Chris Pine movie. Unfortunately, it didn’t wow me, and there were many times I wished the exact opposite thing had occurred in order to make the plot more interesting. I liked the bones of this film, but the execution didn’t work.
The Verdict: 2.75/5
Everything Everywhere All At Once
in theaters
Watching this movie immediately after The Contractor is almost unfair to it. Because this film is incredible. To the point hardly anything could be amazing after seeing it in comparison. I can’t even describe why it’s so good - but trust me when I say it’s unlike anything else we’ve seen in theaters and it’s utterly gorgeous to look at. Go into it knowing almost nothing, and you’ll be in for a delight of a film.
The Verdict: 4.5/5
Irresistible
HBO Max
I’m surprised this movie didn’t make more waves than it did. I remember hearing about this Jon Stewart-helmed political comedy leading up to its release, but then it was radio silent. There’s zero subtlety to Irresistible, but I don’t think that’s what it’s going for. It’s utterly ridiculous with many laugh out loud moments, which is sometimes how legitimate politics feel to begin with.
The Verdict: 3.5/5
Two Weeks Notice
HBO Max
Little by little, I’m making my way through the ‘90s romantic comedies I somehow missed, and I was glad to cross this one off. I don’t find Hugh Grant as charming as I’m supposed to, and I’ll admit, I did not expect a side plot to be in regards to Sandra Bullock desperately needing to poop, but hey, movies are crazy, so why not?
The Verdict: 3/5
AmbuLAnce
In theaters
This movie is far from being a masterpiece, but it seemed to be a relatively solid action movie, until they tried to inject some emotion or meaning to it. When I’m going to see a Michael Bay action movie, I’m not wanting a deep, cathartic moment of connection. I want car chases, explosions and utter insanity. I did get that, but there were a couple of forced scenes that made me literally laugh out loud in disbelief.
The Verdict: 2.75/5
Already Tomorrow In Hong Kong
Hulu
One of my friends is extremely opposed to endings with a ‘choose your own adventure’ feel, and I’ve started feeling the same way. While I understand it’s about some untapped potential and trusting the audience to fill in the blanks, it does sometimes feel a bit lazy. I was enamored with this movie but it ended right when I expected a conclusion.
The Verdict: 3/5
Never Let Me Go
HBO Max
I’m not sure what I thought this movie was about, but it was NOT what it ended up covering. It’s about a world where there are children basically “harvested” to provide healthy organs to those in need. And somehow, there is a love story that appears within this community. Not just a story, but a triangle of them. It’s a very sad, somewhat quiet movie, but it weirdly works.
The Verdict: 3/5
Varsity Blues
HBO Max
Sometimes even I baffle myself with the movie picks I make, and this was one of them. While I didn’t know a ton about it, I didn’t expect it to feel as silly as it was. I wanted more Friday Night Lights than American Pie, which is what it felt most similar to. I always love the opportunity to see now crazy-famous actors in early roles, though, and it was a solid example of that.
The Verdict: 2.75/5
Snakes on a Plane
HBO Max
Guys, I loved this movie. I can’t even joke about it. Giving it a 2 out of 5 was almost painful for me, even though I know that quality wise, that’s what it was. I’m legitimately considering buying this film so I can make everyone I know watch it. There are a stupid amount of celebrities in this, and the CGI and plot are utterly ridiculous. Buckle up, pour yourself a drink and have a fantastic time watching this insanity.
The Verdict: 2/5 (or 6/5, really)
Swingers
HBO Max
Speaking of drinks, I’m pretty sure if I took a sip every time I heard the word “baby” or “money,” I would have been hammered twenty minutes into this movie. For seeing baby Vince Vaughn and Jon Favreau alone, I’m glad I checked out this film. Swingers is utterly silly but weirdly captivating. I was invested from beginning to end, even though the stakes were never super high.
The Verdict: 3.5/5
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
In theaters
I’ll admit, I really wanted this to be even funnier than it was. However, I had a great time watching this movie, and I laughed out loud quite a few times. Nicolas Cage seems finally able to laugh at himself, and Pedro Pascal is having the best time being in this movie. I just wish the whole thing was all light and funny, rather than trying to add some weight where it isn’t needed.
The Verdict: 3.5/5
We’re about to hit the biggest hiatus season, so I suspect I’ll spend quite a few hot summer days lounging on my couch watching an alarming number of movies. I can’t wait.