Ratings Central - Movies

I went into Twisters expecting yet another cash-grab remake, but I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. The trailers might have suggested this film was just another addition to the franchise, but it turned out to be a lot more than that. Image by DVD Release Dates Twisters feels like a movie that could have stood on its own, independent of the franchise. However, like most movies today, it was anchored by a known brand for "visibility." I'm sure this is a marketing decision, but it highlights an industry trend where every new release is tagged as part of an existing series. The only real connections to the original Twister are the tornadoes (obviously) and the machine, Dorothy, designed to capture measurements from within the storm. Interestingly, the film could have completely ditched Dorothy, and it wouldn't have mattered. It was not a central focus of this story. Character-Driven Drama: More Than Just Storm Chasers Much like the original Twister , this film

Tommy Boy is a quintessential reminder of how hilarious slapstick comedy once was. It's a movie from an era that feels almost nostalgic now, a time when humor wasn't so closely scrutinized for political correctness. Sadly, movies like this just can't be made today without offending someone, which makes revisiting Tommy Boy all the more special. Image by Rotten Tomatoes Story of Belonging and Friendship Beneath all the slapstick stupidity that surrounds Tommy, there lies a heartfelt story of belonging, maturing, sacrifice, and friendship. The emotional core of the film is surprisingly touching and adds depth to the otherwise comedic narrative. Watching Tommy (Chris Farley) and Richard (David Spade) bond over their trip to sell brake pads is a joy. The puns and idiocy galore create a wonderful, entertaining journey. Their chemistry is undeniable and a major highlight of the film. Image by Salon Chris Farley in His Prime, and David Spade's Perfect Snark Chris Farley was

Just Friends tries to deliver as a romantic comedy but ultimately falls short in both genres. The film, starring Ryan Reynolds, Anna Faris, Amy Smart, and Chris Klein, is a mixed bag of missed opportunities and uneven performances that leave it floundering in mediocrity. Image by Microsoft The Good I always like to start on the positive side of the movie. Unfortunately, this will be the shortest part of this review. Chris Klein and Anna Faris' performances are magic. Chris Klein shines as Dusty, delivering a performance that goes against his usual typecast roles. He brings a unique charm and comedic timing that stands out in the otherwise uneven cast. As for Anna Faris, she simply excels at playing the insanely unpredictable pop star Samantha James. Her energy and commitment to the character are evident, even if her antics sometimes detract from the main story. Image by Netflix The premise of wanting revenge on a scorned ex is a great starting point, and one that a lot of men can

The One I Love is a film that evokes a love/hate relationship for me. It’s a movie that always draws me in with its bizarre interactions between characters, keeping me glued to the screen, yet it simultaneously frustrates me with its lack of explanation regarding the rules of its world. The mystery of it all keeps me wanting more, needing to know where it all leads. Image by IMDb Unique Spin on a Classic Trope The film takes the well-established trope of a couple facing major relationship issues and needing to work things out to stay together and gives it a fresh, unique twist. The premise alone sets it apart from typical romantic dramas. You really need to watch every second of this film to catch all the subtle nuances and clues that enhance the story. There are little winks and nods throughout that help you piece together what’s happening. Image by NPR A Shared Experience Unlike many films where one character serves as the audience's eyes, here, all characters are as in the dark

Identity  is a film that continues to hold its ground as a compelling murder mystery, offering a unique narrative that delves into the complexities of Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). Despite my limited knowledge of psychology, I found its portrayal of DID intriguing, particularly how the identities within a single mind eliminate each other to arrive at one dominant personality. While this may not be an accurate representation of therapeutic practices, it makes for a fascinating plot device. Image by Reddit Engaging Mystery and Suspense The film excels in creating suspense, making the audience suspect various characters trapped in a motel of being the killer. The script skillfully makes you believe it could be any one of five or so characters, keeping viewers on edge. The movie offers a unique glimpse into DID by showing the internal conflict among different identities, each trying to assert dominance. While not necessarily realistic, it provides an interesting framework for the n

A Quiet Place: Day One was a tough one to critique. It wasn’t a bad movie by any means, but as a "Quiet Place" film, it fell very short of the mark expected. This installment is more of a drama about a young woman surviving the initial alien attack, rather than a gripping horror-thriller that fans of the series might want, and rightfully so, expect. Image by Gateway Film Center A Drama in Disguise While the film ties into the "Quiet Place" series, it doesn’t need to. The drama is so well-constructed that it could have been any disaster movie, and the plot and outcome would remain unchanged. This could have been about surviving a massive hurricane, earthquake, or any other catastrophe, and it would have made just as much sense. The "Quiet Place" elements feel forced, making it clear this movie was shoehorned into the franchise to leverage its popularity. Image by IMDb Missteps in Character Development The main character is compelling—she’s strong and resil

Scream was a breath of fresh air in the mid-90s horror scene, revitalizing a genre that had begun to feel stale. It’s easy to forget just how original this movie was when it first hit theaters. Sure, it leaned heavily on established horror tropes, but it did so with a level of self-awareness and cleverness that felt revolutionary at the time. Image by Rotten Tomatoes A Clever Subversion of Horror Tropes Scream does an excellent job of making fun of its own audience while simultaneously subverting their expectations. It’s a film that knows you’ve seen all the horror tropes before and plays with that knowledge to keep you on your toes. The script is ingeniously meta, poking fun at the very conventions it employs. Characters openly discuss horror movie rules, only to fall victim to them in unexpected ways. It’s a smart, self-aware approach that keeps you engaged. Image by The Guardian Brutal Killings and Genuine Suspense One of the standout elements of Scream is its unapologetic brutal

Pixar's Up is a film that stands out not just for its unique story but for the profound emotional depth it brings to the screen. It’s a beautiful mix of adventure, heartache, and redemption that speaks to audiences of all ages. But, does it still hold up today 15 years later? Wow, that's weird to say. Let's take a look. Image by Wikipedia The Heart-Wrenching Beginning From the moment Up starts, Pixar grabs you by the heartstrings and doesn’t let go. The opening montage of Carl and Ellie’s life together is one of the most emotionally potent sequences in recent memory. We watch them grow from childhood sweethearts to an elderly couple, facing the highs and lows of life together. This includes a gut-wrenching moment where they lose their unborn child, a daring move for an animated film but one that pays off in grounding the story in real, relatable human experiences. It’s rare for a film, especially an animated one, to handle such heavy topics with grace and subtlety. Pixar