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 story as it exists involves a single mother Gabbie (Rosario Dawson) and her son Travis (Chase Dillon) who move into an old mansion in backwater Louisiana. When it turns out to be haunted they enlist the help of scientist Ben Matthias (LaKeith Stanfield) to help rid the house of its unwanted visitors.

If anyone has ever actually ridden on the Disneyland ride, it is quite impressive how many of that ride’s visual elements are incorporated into the movie. This includes a ghost under glass, Madame Leota (Jamie Lee Curtis) who is trapped inside a crystal ball. When the film hits its stride the screen is busting with flying apparitions.

If you fancy yourself a film buff, you owe it to yourself to see Haunted Mansion as it will give you an almost lifetime supply of Razzie fodder and fill you with thoughts of nominations for one of those golden raspberries. It will also fuel many a discussion about the best of the worst.
Rob Hudson
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Inspired by the classic theme park attraction, “Haunted Mansion” is about a woman and her son who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters. The film’s producers are Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, with Nick Reynolds and Tom Peitzman serving as executive producers.

Haunted Mansion will be coming to Australian cinemas August 31!
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Directed by Justin Simien, the film features an all-star cast ensemble cast including LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, Chase W. Dillon and Dan Levy, with Jamie Lee Curtis and Jared Leto as The Hatbox Ghost.

Inspired by the classic theme park attraction, “Haunted Mansion” is about a woman and her son who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters. The film’s producers are Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, with Nick Reynolds and Tom Peitzman serving as executive producers.
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Directed by award-winning filmmaker Justin Simien, the film features an all-star ensemble cast including LaKeith Stanfield, Tiffany Haddish, Owen Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, Chase W. Dillon and Dan Levy, with Jamie Lee Curtis and Jared Leto as The Hatbox Ghost.

Director Simien says, “As a lifelong fan of the Haunted Mansion attraction, I’m beyond excited to share the teaser trailer for our new film adaptation featuring an incredible cast. Our team has worked tirelessly to create a scary, funny and cinematic otherworldly adventure for both new and die-hard fans to enjoy! I can’t wait for audiences to experience this big screen version of the iconic Disney attraction.”

Inspired by the classic theme park attraction, “Haunted Mansion” is about a woman and her son who enlist a motley crew of so-called spiritual experts to help rid their home of supernatural squatters. The film’s producers are Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich, with Nick Reynolds and Tom Peitzman serving as executive producers.
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Creatively unfulfilled and facing financial ruin, the fictionalised version of Cage must accept a $1 million offer to attend the birthday of a super fan (Pascal).

When things take a wildly dangerous turn, Cage is forced to live up to his own legend, channelling his most iconic and beloved on-screen characters in order to save himself and his loved ones.

With a career built for this very moment, the Academy Award® winning iconic actor must take on the role of a lifetime: himself.

The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent will be released in Australian cinemas April 21!
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As the film plays out you discover there is much more to the story than just gambling. The details about Tell’s past put his actions into a completely different context and the revelations are not pleasant ones. Tell served time in the military and in prison for crimes committed while wearing the uniform.

Schrader’s pace is measured but he jolts you out of complacency with shocking scenes and increased aural dynamics. The volume and actions displayed leave little doubt to the horrors that existed in Tell’s life. These actions forced introspection but didn’t completely erase his humanity.

The Patriot Act has been used to justify horrendous acts against humanity and with little accountability. The Card Counter illustrates that survivors (on both sides) carry substantial scars that still impact the present and future. Presented as more a life lesson than mere entertainment, this work lets no one off easy.
Rob Hudson
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There are not a lot of surprises in store via the script but what they get just right is the chemistry between the four friends and how shared time together actually does build a bond that can transcend time. The humour runs the gambit from adult humour to juvenile shenanigans that are every bit as childish as dude road movie’s stock in trade.

Friends getting back together after life has driven them apart is a tale often told on screen but there is a genuine nature at work here that helps you get past the cliches. Main players Regina Hall, Tiffany Haddish, Queen Latifah and Jada Pinkett Smith are well chosen and it’s great that they each have a unique look and different body type, no cookie cutter female leads here.

Girls trip is the kind of film critics often times hate but audiences love and it makes one wonder how different that reception would be if it was an all male cast. Viva la difference.

Rob Hudson
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