The two quipsters are on the hunt for the behind-the-scenes scoundrels that are sullying the reputation of their late boss, Captain Howard (Joe Pantoliano). This of course spins things out into epic proportions. The night lights and pulsating colours of the Magic City play the backdrop as before and help to illuminate and excite the action. Fancy cars burn rubber and armed bad guys pop caps.

The pacing is a bit inconsistent as the plot slows down occasionally to show the changed dynamics between Lower and Burnet as the latter discovers new depths to his existence. Some of the jokes land, others do not but it’s reaffirming that the filmmakers have tried to alter the formula just enough to give the film a life of its own. This is done in such a way as not to alienate new viewers to the franchise.

Surprisingly structured (in the confines of a popcorn flick), Bad Boys: Ride or Die is different and entertaining enough to hopefully bring some new fans into the fold. The two hours fly by in a fun and frivolous way and even though little impact is felt in the grey matter, you do have a rollicking good time and feel as if the time was well spent living in that whimsical and imaginary world.
Rob Hudson
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This year, the world’s favourite Bad Boys are back with their iconic mix of edge-of-your seat action and outrageous comedy but this time with a twist: Miami’s finest are now on the run.

Starring Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Nuñez, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, Jacob Scipio, Melanie Liburd, Tasha Smith with Tiffany Haddish and Joe Pantoliano.
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This year, the world’s favourite Bad Boys are back with their iconic mix of edge-of-your seat action and outrageous comedy but this time with a twist: Miami’s finest are now on the run.

Starring Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Nuñez, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, Jacob Scipio, Melanie Liburd, Tasha Smith with Tiffany Haddish and Joe Pantoliano.
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The sisters, both Serena and Venus’ ascendancy into the upper echelon of the tennis world, a world of old money and privilege has been encouraging to behold. Their start in more than humble beginnings only makes their accomplishments more vivid. This film highlights the struggles that the family faced with the entrenched attitudes at the time and the financial hardships as well.

Once the sisters’ tennis prowess becomes known outside the local community, the story shifts locations from the practice courts in Compton (a city adjacent to Los Angeles) to a training facility in Florida run by Rick Macci (Jon Bernthal). It’s at the point that the difficulty becomes keeping the girls from being taken advantage of by the commercial power players in the industry.

The film’s main focus on the Williams sister’s early years before their unrivalled success on the professional circuit cast a light on their strife more than their successes. There could have been a more complete picture presented had the filmmakers chosen to reward us with more on-screen accomplishments rather than the obligatory text-based codas as film’s end.

Rob Hudson
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Two time Oscar nominee Will Smith (Ali, The Pursuit of Happyness, Bad Boys for Life) stars as Richard, under the direction of Reinaldo Marcus Green (Monsters and Men). Driven by a clear vision of their future and using unconventional methods, Richard has a plan that will take Venus and Serena Williams from the streets of Compton, California to the global stage as legendary icons.

The profoundly moving film shows the power of family, perseverance and unwavering belief as a means to achieve the impossible and impact the world.

King Richard will be release in Australian cinemas January 13, 2022!

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Aunjanue Ellis (“If Beale Street Could Talk,” TV’s “Quantico”) plays the girls’ mom, Oracene “Brandi” Williams, Saniyaa Sidney (“Hidden Figures,” “Fences”) stars as Venus Williams, Demi Singleton (TV’s “Godfather of Harlem”) stars as Serena Williams, with Tony Goldwyn (the “Divergent” series, TV’s “Scandal”) as coach Paul Cohen and Jon Bernthal (upcoming “The Many Saints of Newark,” “Ford v Ferrari”) as coach Rick Macci. The ensemble also includes Andy Bean (“IT Chapter Two”), Kevin Dunn (the “Transformers” films, HBO’s “Veep”) and Craig Tate (“Greyhound”). Green directed “King Richard” from a screenplay written by Zach Baylin. The producers were Tim White and Trevor White under their Star Thrower Entertainment banner, and Will Smith under his Westbrook banner. Isha Price, Serena Williams, Venus Williams, James Lassiter, Jada Pinkett Smith, Adam Merims, Lynn Harris, Allan Mandelbaum, Jon Mone and Peter Dodd served as the executive producers.

The behind-the-scenes creative team includes Oscar-winning director of photography Robert Elswit (“There Will Be Blood”), production designers Wynn Thomas (“Da 5 Bloods,” “Hidden Figures”) and William Arnold (“The Hate U Give”), Oscar-nominated editor Pamela Martin (“The Fighter”), and two-time Oscar-nominated costume designer Sharen Davis (“Dreamgirls,” “Ray”). The music is by Oscar-nominated composer Kris Bowers (“Space Jam: A New Legacy,” “A Concerto is a Conversation”). A Warner Bros. Pictures Presentation, A Star Thrower Entertainment Production, A Westbrook Production, A Keepin’ It Reel Production, “King Richard” is slated for international theatrical release from in November.
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Will Smith plays a hyper intelligent and suavely smooth career con man with one major flaw and it’s one you have to wait until film’s end to assess. He plays off the somewhat naive Jess, played by Margot Robbie in her first major role after her breakout appearance in The Wolf of Wall Street.

In line with most flicks of this ilk, there is a large group of co-conspirators and victims and it’s very enjoyable to find out which is which. The sets and background locations are also very attractive and they become a key element to the story. This helps to make things easier to take when they dumb down the science for ease of storytelling (the auto racing science is preposterous).

You always have to be careful when reviewing films of this type so as not to give anything away, so just to end with minimum disclosure, Focus is slick, sexy and keeps you guessing until the very end and with so many con films ending up just conning the audience, it’s success is admirable.

Rob Hudson
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The boys are back after more than a decade and a half away and are showing their age. That advancement is used as ammunition for an ongoing riff off between the two and provides material for a few good laughs to be had at the other’s expense. The story is sufficient enough to stitch together the action sequences and includes topics like growing old, dealing with crazy ex-girlfriends and their off spring and of course revenge, lots of revenge.

The adventure continues to be set in Miami and the city still dazzles with its reflected lights and twinkling waterways. The chase scenes, of which there are many are given an added visceral punch by the seat’s motions and those movements are at times, quite assertive. The script gives Smith and Lawrence the chance to return to the chemistry that was a feature of the first two films. It didn’t always work then and it still doesn’t now but the accelerated years have smoothed off some of the rough edges and they now come across a bit like old family friends.

This is a contemporary action yarn with all the bells and whistles and an action stance that almost always overtakes the story. It does provide a great template for the new age cinema technology and it’s interesting how many cues in the film are used to trigger the myriad of 4DX effects. You end up looking forward to every bone shaking moment. It really is a lot of fun and adds much to films like this. 4DX is currently available at Events Cinemas in Chermside and Pacific Fair.

Rob Hudson
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Bad Boys for Life stars Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Charles Melton, Paola Nunez, Kate Del Castillo, Nicky Jam and Joe Pantoliano, and will be released in Australian cinemas January 16!
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The look of the animated film mixes photo realistic images, of things like cars and buildings with the overly exaggerated human features prominent amongst comic book characters. It’s a mix that doesn’t always fit together comfortably. The set designs however are often times fantastic looking.

More strongly aimed at a youth market, it works in some strange ways to make it relevant to adults. This even includes a never seen before naked tattooed Yakuza butt and some very adult levels of ego from main spy, Lance Sterling, voiced by Will Smith. His Q like offsider is voiced by Tom Holland and he is efficient as the pacifist geek inventor.

As an adult, it would seem heavy handed to dismiss this work just because it is targeted to a young audience as it should provide a good time for the little ones. It just might be best to see it more through their eyes.

Rob Hudson
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