Speak No Evil (2024)

Streaming Service: Amazon Prime
Movie Name/Year: Speak No Evil (2024)
Genre: Horror, Mystery & Thriller, Drama
Length:  1h 50min
Rating: R
Director: James Watkins
Writers: James Watkins, Christian Tafdrup, Mads Tafdrup
Based On: A 2022 Danish-Dutch movie of the same name.
Actors: James McAvoy, Mackenzie Davis, Scoot McNairy, Aisling Franciosi, Alix West Lefler, Dan Hough, Kris Hitchen, Motaz Malhees, Jakob Højlev Jørgensen

IMDb Blurb: A family is invited to spend a whole weekend in a lonely home in the countryside, but as the weekend progresses, they realize that a dark side lies within the family who invited them.

Selina’s Point of View:
I’ll be the first to admit I didn’t love the original version of this film. I felt they were going for slow tension, but it ended up feeling more like drama. I mentioned that critics loved the film, but that audience scores were probably going to reflect something else.

It looks like I was right, since the 2022 version of Speak No Evil is sitting at 84% for critics and a mere 58% for audiences.

The one thing I did like was the ending. It was bleak and horrifying. Everything you could want from a psychological, slow-burn horror. It was memorable, to say the least. In fact, it makes me remember the entire film as better than it actually was. Going back to my old review confused me, because my 1.5 rating definitely should have been slightly higher just for the impact of that ending. I think it should be more of a 2.5.

That brings us to the 2024 version.

I’m fairly certain that Americanizing this film ruined it.

Speak No Evil (2024) felt more like the slow-burn the 2022 version was going for. The acting in both was infallible, but the direction and production quality of those small off-putting moments that raised the tension throughout the film hit harder. I knew what was coming, and I still felt tense. I’m assuming that’s when some producer butted their nose in and reminded the director that Americans don’t love down endings and need action.

They replaced that memorable, lasting, bleak ending with an action sequence—the big battle. Took the bite right out of it and made it as forgettable as any other film.

With the upgrade in quality of the majority of the film, having the same brutal ending would have made it a near-perfect horror offering. It would have catapulted the 2024 version of Speak No Evil to the top of my list. I’d be praising it to anyone willing to listen and throwing it on at Halloween parties for years to come. Instead, they pulled out all its teeth and made it a joke. Padding that ending means that I won’t remember Speak No Evil (2024) by next week.

Shame.

Cat’s Point of View:
I remember rolling my eyes and asking “why?” out loud when I learned that Speak No Evil (2022) had been remade. I had enjoyed the original, which is also currently available for streaming as well (just don’t forget to turn on your subtitles unless you speak Dutch or Danish). We had reviewed the original movie when it premiered on Shudder at the time of its release.

Before watching for this review, Speak No Evil (2024) was one of the 2 final hold-outs from the movies in my top 10 of September2024’s Top 20 list. This one was a solid #6 on my must-see countdown. The only reason I had waited this long to watch it was so that I could have a fresh experience for this review, so that Selina and I could compare the two films together. I reasoned that if I let time lapse after watching, I likely could have gotten the movies mixed up. Now that I’ve seen the newest iteration of Speak No Evil, I am positive there would be no mistaking one for the other; even though they do follow a lot of the same points within the plot.

Selina and I were of two minds about the 2022 movie. I felt that the slow burn and awkward drama precursor to the horrific sharp left turn in the final act caused the film to have a more lasting impact. The bleak nature of the story left me staring at the screen with my soul weeping.

I didn’t know at the time, but I’ve since read that the original writer/director wanted the finale of the first Speak No Evil to be inexplicable in order to stand out from films where everything gets spoon-fed to an audience and tied up with a bow by the end. While I understand and applaud that decision, it would probably be the root of why there has been such a kneejerk reaction to the abruptness of the change in tone for the final act of the 2022 film.

The new Speak No Evil handled the pacing a little more deftly, though managed to maintain the slowly building awkward and sinister tension that permeated the story.  I applaud the changes that tweaked the fresh vision of this horrific scenario of wolves masquerading as sheep and the inevitable outcome.

I also discovered that some of the differences between the original movie and its remake were specifically created to gear the newer telling of the story to American audiences. The finale of the original Speak No Evil was intended as a satirical reflection on Danish culture; which, it seems, they felt wouldn't have resonated as well with the target audience. With that frame of reference, I understand why they made some of the changes.

The production team was absolutely brilliant in casting James McAvoy (Glass, The Sandman, The Book of Clarence). When he has embodied an antagonistic role, he is absolutely terrifying. This is about as far away from Narnia as you can get. His range is phenomenal. For that reason, I would have watched the new iteration of Speak No Evil even if I didn’t have a vested interest in seeing if making an “American remake” of the story would screw everything up or not.

I also liked how this new story ‘flipped the script’ between the parent of action and their more milquetoast counterpart. The ending is brutal and horrific for different reasons this time around, and the haunting aftermath was palpable as the credits began to roll.

Out of the pair, I’d have to say that I prefer the remake. Both, however, are fantastic at accomplishing exactly what they set out to do.

If you enjoy a psychological, twisty, and thrilling horror tale maybe check this new Speak No Evil out – even if you didn’t vibe with the first one… and maybe even if you did.

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 83%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 83%
Metascore – 66%
Metacritic User Score – 6.9/10
IMDB Score – 6.8/10

Trust the Dice: Selina’s Rating – 1.5/5
Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating – 4.5/5

Movie Trailer:

Aftermath (2024)

Streaming Service: Netflix
Movie Name/Year: Aftermath (2024)
Genre: Action, Thriller
Length:  1h 37min
Rating: R
Director: Patrick Lussier
Writer: Nathan Graham Davis
Actors: Dylan Sprouse, Mason Gooding, Megan Stott, Dichen Lachman, Derek K. Moore, Jason Armani Martinez, Mark Dancewicz, Daniel Rios Jr., Ashley Pynn, Mark Pettograsso, Shahjehan Khan, Mark Irvingsen, Joshua Wolf Coleman, Will Lyman, Nick Apostolides, Jared Frenke, Tanner Zagarino, Kevin Chapman

IMDb Blurb: A returning war veteran, stricken with PTSD, unwittingly gets trapped with his teenage sister on Boston's Tobin Memorial Bridge as a heavily weaponized group of ex-military revolutionists take everyone hostage.

Cat’s Point of View:
The trailer for Aftermath intrigued me. It released in a month where there was at least one other action thriller set on a bridge. While the other film had action royalty among the cast, Aftermath looked like it just might be the more relatable of the two in terms of story. Both narratives seemed a little far-fetched, but entertainment doesn’t always have to make complete sense, right?

There was also the bonus of checking out the action chops of Dylan Sprouse (Dismissed, The Duel, Beautiful Disaster). My daughter and I have enjoyed following the Sprouse twins’ careers, considering we practically watched them grow up on TV while they worked on their Disney projects. (My daughter was a massive fan of their shows so I ended up watching it all, too.)

I am also a fan of Dichen Lachman (Altered Carbon, Jurassic World: Dominion, Severance) and have enjoyed her work, which was also a good selling point for Aftermath.

I was not disappointed with either of their performances.

This was an interesting departure from the horror genre for up-and-comer Mason Gooding (Scream VI, Fall, Heart Eyes), as well. His part in this story was a little more out-there and I think he over-sold it just a little bit. Leaning into the unhinged bad-guy certainly pushed this plot along and created tension, so I wasn’t entirely put off by it.

I was surprised to learn that this was the screenwriting debut for Nathan Graham Davis. I’m interested in seeing the stories he brings to the screen next. If this was his beginnings, I’d hope things only improve from here – and this wasn’t a bad place to start.

Was Aftermath the best offering within this genre I’ve watched in the past year? Not really, but I was buying what they were selling. The effects and prop/sets departments really did a great job blending seamlessly the elements shot on sound stages and on location. My untrained eye couldn’t tell the difference.

While Aftermath likely won’t be a film that sticks out in my memory over time, I was entertained while watching it and didn’t feel that my time had been wasted.

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – None
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 17%
Metascore – None
Metacritic User Score – 5.6/10
IMDB Score – 5.1/10

Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating – 3.5/5

Movie Trailer:

Trap (2024)

Streaming Service: Netflix
Movie Name/Year: Trap (2024)
Genre: Horror, Crime, Thriller
Length: 1h 45min
Rating: PG-13
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Writer: M. Night Shyamalan
Actors: Josh Hartnett, Ariel Donoghue, Saleka Shyamalan, Alison Pill, Hayley Mills, Jonathan Langdon, Mark Bacolcol, Marnie McPhail, Kid Cudi, Russ, Marcia Bennett, Lochlan Miller, Vanessa Smythe
 
Blurb from IMDb: A father and his teen daughter attend a pop concert only to realize they've entered the center of a dark and sinister event.
 

Selina's Point of View:
Trap got mixed reviews, at best, but I rather enjoyed it.
 
Josh Hartnett (Lucky Number Slevin, Black Hawk Down, Sin City) is a brilliant actor. Early in his career, he pushed himself out of the heartthrob rom-com box and hasn't really looked back since. It was a great move, because he has a range that I don't think people fully appreciated back then.
 
Saleka Shyamalan felt a little green and now I know why. This was her first full-length feature film acting role. As M. Night Shyamalan's (Signs, Knock at the Cabin, Split) daughter, she was likely bound to step into one of his movies eventually. He has a habit of tossing himself into his work whether or not he should, so it was only a matter of time before he did it with his daughter. Luckily, she fit the role and really made me believe her. There were parts of her acting that felt a little rushed or tense, but considering the scenes, it worked. It may have even been on purpose. I'd absolutely be open to watching more of her in the future.
 

And, yeah, M. Night tossed himself into Trap. It was a smaller part than he normally takes though. I didn't even realize it until after the fact.
 
I kept waiting for the typical Shyamalan pitfalls. I originally missed his cameo, which is one. The other is his signature twist, which he uses whether it fits the flick or not. Trap didn't really have one, but there were scenes that were absolutely designed to make us think it would. Honestly? I think that's the best thing he could have done for this film. Waiting for that twist I wound up pulling twists on myself.
 
Trap wasn't a masterpiece, but it was a solid thriller with fantastic acting and some laughter thrown in. I was cautiously optimistic, and I think that was the right feeling going into it.
 
It was fun.
 

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 57%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 64%
Metascore – 52%
Metacritic User Score – 5.2
IMDB Score – 5.8/10
 
Trust the Dice: Selina's Rating – 3.5/5
 
P.S. Short scene just after the start of the credit, absolutely worth seeing.
 
Movie Trailer:

The Electric State (2025)

Streaming Service: Netflix
Movie Name/Year: The Electric State (2025)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Length:  2h 5min
Rating: PG-13
Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Writers: Christopher Markus, Stephen McFeely, Simon Stålenhag
Actors: Woody Norman, Millie Bobby Brown, Ann Russo, Greg Cromer, Camrus Johnson, Kurt Loder, Alan Tudyk, Roshni Edwards, Holly Hunter, Stanley Tucci, Will Lyman, Aubrey Brockwell, Woody Harrelson, Chris Pratt, Giancarlo Esposito, Jason Alexander, Lia Mariella Russo, Ke Huy Quan, Colman Domingo, Anthony Mackie, Hank Azaria, Joe Russo, Rob Gronkowski, Jenny Slate, Brian Cox

IMDb Blurb: An orphaned teen hits the road with a mysterious robot to find her long-lost brother, teaming up with a smuggler and his wisecracking sidekick.

Cat’s Point of View:
I had been intrigued by The Electric State ever since I watched the first trailer, and couldn’t wait to see it.

This was right up my alley, after all. A dystopian world full of sentient robots set in an alternate 1990s era felt like the perfect setting for a little sci-fi shenanigans. When you threw the cast into consideration, it was a foregone conclusion that I would be watching this ASAP. I do love some nostalgia.

But seriously, I counted minimum 16 well-known cast members involved with this project; among them: Chris Pratt (The Tomorrow War, The Terminal List, The Super Mario Bros. Movie), Millie Bobby Brown (Enola Holmes, Stranger Things, Damsel), Woody Harrelson (Zombieland, Triangle of Sadness, Last Breath), Ke Huy Quan (Loki, Kung Fu Panda 4, Love Hurts), Alan Tudyk (Resident Alien, Creature Commandos, Harley Quinn), Anthony Mackie (We Have A Ghost, Twisted Metal, Elevation), Giancarlo Esposito (Better Call Saul, The Mandalorian, Abigail), and Hank Azaria (The Smurfs 2, Ray Donovan, The Simpsons). I really could keep going. That partial list, alone, is enough to make me giddy about a production.

When you add the fact that the movie was directed by The Russo Brothers (Avengers: Endgame, Cherry, The Gray Man), it made me wonder why this was a Netflix joint instead of hitting theaters. I’m grateful, however, because streaming this film meant that my family could watch together without dropping almost a whole Benjamin between tickets and concessions. We needed the distraction this week, too. The world is going nuts, medical issues are issues, and my vehicle is in the shop. (We’re all OK, though.)

My favorite movies transport you to another place for a while and let you forget about everything else for just a little bit. The Electric State was successful in accomplishing that.

The concept wasn’t all that far-fetched, either. It also felt like it could be an alternate universe somewhere parallel to Ready Player One (2018). That’s just my head canon, at least.

I enjoyed the story within The Electric State and felt the emotional rollercoaster as I connected with the characters on their journey. There were laughs, touching moments, a need for justice, and ultimately, I was satisfied with how everything played out.

I don’t understand why The Electric State is getting so much hate from critics – aside from the fact that most of them seem to enjoy being thieves of joy. My family and I had a good time with this film, and I didn’t even nod off while we watched it! (That is a serious feat these days.)

If the concept or cast for The Electric State intrigues you and you like the movies that The Russos tend to make, I’d highly recommend giving this film a chance.

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 14%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 72%
Metascore – 29%
Metacritic User Score – 3.7/10
IMDB Score – 6.0/10

Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating – 4/5

Movie Trailer:

American Dreamer (2022)

Movie Name/Year: American Dreamer (2022)
Genre: Comedy
Length: 1h 38min
Rating: R
Director: Paul Dektor
Writer: Theodore Melfi, Christopher Wehner
Actors: Peter Dinklage, Shirley MacLaine, Matt Dillon, Kimberly Quinn, Danny Pudi, Danny Glover, Michelle Mylett
 
Blurb: American Dreamer is the story of Phil Loder, a professor of economics whose dream of owning a home is tragically out of reach until a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity comes his way when a widow offers Phil her sprawling estate for pennies.
 

Selina's Point of View:
When I saw I could get access to American Dreamer, I was all over it. I am a Peter Dinklage (I Care A Lot, Game of Thrones, Brothers) fanatic. Dinklage is a master of his craft, and he elevates every actor who opts to work with him. Of course, the rest of the cast didn't need elevating. Not with names like Shirley MacLaine (The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, Steel Magnolias, Noelle), Danny Glover (The Dead Don't Die, Jumanji: The Next Level, Press Play), Matt Dillan (Going In Style, Asteroid City, The House That Jack Built), and Danny Pudi (Community, DuckTales, Somebody I Used to Know). As a long-time fan of Letterkenny (2016-2023), I also gave a little squee when I saw Michelle Mylett (Bad Blood, Heritage Minutes, Ascension).
 
I had high hopes for American Dreamer based on cast alone. Add to that the inclusion of Hidden Figures (2016) writer/director Theodore Melfi (St. Vincent, The Starling, Winding Roads), and I was sure I was looking at a smash hit.
 

In the end, it wasn't bad. Dinklage's sad sack Phil was somewhat endearing—if a bit cringy at times. I didn't have an issue with his character, but the connections with the other characters felt forced and a bit weird. The ties that were built between Phil and Astrid felt undeserved and strange.
 
The pacing also felt a bit off. From one circumstance to the next, it felt like nothing really flowed. It was as if the film was giving us insight into short stories that made up a much larger one without giving us insight into why certain strides were made. I felt like I was missing entire scenes. I don't know what filming or post-production looked like, so that could have been a writing issue, but it could also have happened in post-production.
 
I wasn't bored; I was just a bit confused. A lot happened, but nothing happened.
 
If you want to decide for yourself, American Dreamer is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime or, for free, on Tubi.
 

Cat's Point of View:
You've probably seen Selina and I mention that we'd watch just about any production that Peter Dinklage was involved with. Imagine my excitement that our first review after this last brief break would be a Dinklage movie. The icing on the proverbial cake was that American Dreamer certainly didn't lack for substantial talent, featuring Shirley MacLaine, Danny Glover, and Matt Dillon, among others.
 
When I first watched the trailer for American Dreamer, I was a little on the fence about whether this particular dramedy would be my cup of tea. If I'm honest, I still am – at least a little.
 
Despite my adoration for the actor, Dinklage's character was a little hard to like, but he grew on me a little. I feel like some plot holes and pacing issues could have been polished up a little, but American Dreamer was, at the very least, a solid offering. Considering this was the director's debut, however, this was an excellent first project.
 

I wasn't mad at the movie, even if I couldn't say this was my favorite.
 
Dillon always excels at portraying a royal ass, and he was in fine form here. The legendary Shirley MacLaine was one of the bright spots of this film. I enjoyed the subtle and wry nature of the humor that her role brought to the movie. Glover was also excellent.
 
I just wasn't knocked out of my seat. I was, unfortunately, aware of the passage of time while watching American Dreamer. For whatever reason, I didn't get immersed in this movie as much as I would have liked. That's not to say that I didn't like American Dreamer. If this sort of dramedy is in your wheelhouse, I encourage you to watch it. I don't think this one is going into my re-watch rotation.
 

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 49%
Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 80%
Metascore – 53%
Metacritic User Score – None
IMDB Score – 6/10
 
Trust the Dice: Selina's Rating – 2.5/5
Trust the Dice: Cat's Rating – 3.5/5
 
Movie Trailer: 

Trapped Inn (2024)

 

 

Streaming Service: Amazon Prime Video

Movie Name/Year: Trapped Inn (2024)

Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller

Length: 1h 55min

Rating: Unrated

Director: Leah Sturgis

Writer: Leah Sturgis

Actors: Matt Rife, Robert Palmer Watkins, Brian Gross, Brielle Gearson, Jaylen Moore, Oliver Trevena, Jacy King, Noemie Maia, Rickey Eugene Brown, Laurel Coeur, Emily Farache, Tal Serror, Mary Vade Bon Coeur

 

IMDb Blurb: An American cycling team trains at a remote European lodge. Teammates start dying mysteriously. Rivals Connor and Greg battle to survive and uncover the cause behind the team's demise.

 

 

Cat’s Point of View:

I don't remember hearing anything about Trapped Inn back around the time it was released. That's not entirely surprising, given that this film came from an indie production company, and likely didn't have a big budget for marketing. I digress...

 

When I watched the trailer, pretty much the only thing that Trapped Inn seemed to have going for it was the recognizable name and face of Matt Rife (Don't Suck, The Private Eye, Beyond the Likes). I've seen his stand-up specials, and his humor isn't always my cup of tea. This didn't strike me as a comedy, however, and I was curious how he handled more serious settings as an actor.

 

 

As an aside, I've seen some of his YouTube videos where he's accompanied friends on paranormal investigations and various adventures. I have to say that in more candid moments – even in front of a camera – he came across as respectful and genuine in those scenarios. With a peek behind the proverbial curtain of his on-stage persona in mind, I felt like he had a real shot at pulling this more serious role off.

 

Generally, I was right. Unfortunately, that didn't really save the movie.

 

Most of the core cast members didn't bungle their roles either, to be honest. Trapped Inn simply suffered from trying to be too many things at once without a clear sense of direction for the story.

 

 

There's a clear theme of isolation and how that impacts the human psyche. I'd also go as far as to say that this story also highlighted how such a claustrophobic atmosphere could be amped up and made worse by fear of a deadly unknown.

 

Outside of that, the other elements of the narrative caused the wheels to fall off the bus. I nearly got whiplash from the number of times the plot seemed to shift with sudden twisty revelations. Just when I thought Trapped Inn was building suspense in one direction, the gears shifted to a setting that made it even harder to suspend disbelief.

 

 

If Trapped Inn had tried to take itself less seriously, it's plausible that it could have offered a fun and memorable experience. Unfortunately, its earnest attempt at selling everything from a super serious perspective made it less cohesive and ultimately forgettable.

 

I can't say that I would offer a recommendation for Trapped Inn – unless someone wanted to turn the plot-shifts into a drinking game. Even then, I don't think it would offer this movie any sort of redemption. At the same time, this wasn't the worst film I've ever watched, so at least there's that.

 

 

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – None

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 77%

Metascore – None

Metacritic User Score – 4.0/10

IMDB Score – 2.9/10

 

Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating – 2.5/5

 

Trust the Dice: Parental Advisory Rating - R

 

 Movie Trailer:

The Platform 2 (2024)

 

 

Streaming Service: Netflix 

Movie Name/Year: The Platform 2 (2024)

Genre: Horror, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Length: 1h 39min

Rating: TV-MA

Director: Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia

Writers: Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, Pedro Rivero, David Desola, Egoitz Moreno

Actors: Milena Smit, Hovik Keuchkerian, Natalia Tena, Óscar Jaenada, Ivan Massagué, Zorion Eguileor, Bastien Ughetto, Armando Buika, Pedro Bachura, Antonia San Juan, Alexandra Masangkay, Emilio Buale, Albert Pla, Gorka Zufiaurre, Ken Appledorn, Hoji Fortuna, Mariamu Toure, Sesinou Henriette, Patty Bonet, Tadashi Ito

 

Metacritic Blurb: As a mysterious leader imposes their rule in the Platform, a new resident becomes embroiled in the battle against this controversial method to fight the brutal feeding system. But when eating from the wrong plate becomes a death sentence, how far would you be willing to go to save your life?

 

 

Selina’s Point of View:

What do I think of The Platform 2? I think my back is killing me.

 

I didn’t move a muscle during the entire film. I’ll be honest, I’m not even sure I was breathing. It had the same achingly impressive suspense that The Platform (2019) did. In fact, it was completely up to the level of the original film. For a sequel to do that is impressive.

 

The social commentary was also on point. It shined a light on how a law that looks good on paper could be seen as unfair. It also showed how bad enforcement of a law could be just as detrimental as if it did not exist in the first place. It was superbly done.

 

 

I didn’t remember much about the first film. After all, it was from the pre-COVID era and the whole world changed shortly after. Never-the-less, I remembered enough to be shocked when I realized it was a prequel. It’s possible I knew that from the trailers, but it’s been long enough that it completely slipped my mind. I was expecting a more sequel-esk plot. That little twist was interesting. It really brought out the differences between the loyalists and the barbarians.

 

There’s also a short scene after the start of the credits that ties everything together in a way I never expected. I’m still a little confused by it, but not in a bad way.

 

I loved The Platform 2. I’ll follow the story as far as they want to take it.

 

 

Cat’s Point of View:

The Platform (2019) may not have been one of my favorite movies, but it certainly stuck with me after we watched it for review in April 2020. I suppose you could say that it was on our “Pandemic Watch List,” even though it was at the very beginning and before things really got wonky. In my review, I pondered whether or not Netflix would revisit the story and provide a sequel. Now I have my answer – even if it wasn't all that I was hoping for.

 

I'll clarify that statement a little.

 

I noted that I wasn't just interested in revisiting the concept, but instead was hoping to learn more about the world or time period that brought about “the pit” and the human social experiment that went with it. Alas, that was not what happened.

 

My mild disappointment aside, that didn't really impact my viewing experience for this sequel. When I watched the trailers, it was clear that The Platform 2 was going to be approaching the story a little differently. Initially, I wasn't even sure if it was going to be tied to the original film. During my watch-through, however, it clicked that I'd seen one of the characters before. By the end, the connections became more clear. Some of the ties that bind the 2 films are more overt, but there's also a more subtle thread that weaves them together – both explanations of which would be spoilers.

 

 

The Platform 2 doesn't have as much mystery as the first film, because we know how the titular platform system works by the time we reach this second experience. (If you haven't watched the first movie, this may all just be more confusing. I'd recommend watching in order.) There's definitely more brutality and shock-value here than examined in the first installment.

 

This story was clearly another slap-in-the-face social commentary. There were a few Uncanny Valley moments that were a little disturbing, but the take on how the extreme enforcement of laws without examination of mitigating circumstances allowing flexibility was clear. It also gives us a hard look at the dark side of those with the power to act on a savior complex and fanatical zealots.

 

I'd have to say that out of the 2 films, the first had more impact. It's even worked its way into culinary arts pop culture. Network television has a reality cooking competition show with Gordon Ramsay (MasterChef USA, Kitchen Nightmares, Hell's Kitchen) called Next Level Chef (2022-). It features the central platform of food that travels through 3 levels, giving chefs on the top first pick and those on the bottom are stuck with whatever's left. (Let me tell you, I cackled when I saw the first preview ad for that show because I instantly recognized where they got the idea.) While I really enjoy the cooking show, and in hindsight I would give The Platform a higher rating, I can't say the same for this sequel.

 

That doesn't take away from the fact that this new film was just as expertly put together and well-executed as the first. It does have its strengths, and I was on the edge of my seat throughout.

 

The Platform 2 went to some really bizarre places and just ultimately left me feeling unsatisfied and unsettled. At the same time, if they decide to turn this into a trilogy, I'd still watch in hopes of learning more about the lore of the twisted Pit and any further connections between those trapped in it.

 

 

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 35%

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score – 25%

Metascore – 45%

Metacritic User Score – 4.2/10

IMDB Score – 4.9/10

 

Trust the Dice: Selina’s Rating – 5/5

Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating – 3.5/5

 

Movie Trailer:

Brothers (2024)

 

 

Streaming Service: Amazon Prime

Movie Name/Year: Brothers (2024)

Genre: Action, Comedy, Crime

Length: 1h 29min

Rating: R

Director: Max Barbakow

Writers: Etan Cohen, Macon Blair

Actors: Josh Brolin, Peter Dinklage, Taylour Paige, M. Emmet Walsh, Jen Landon, Brendan Fraser, Glenn Close, Gralen Bryant Banks, Andrew Joseph Brodeur, Margo Moorer, Brooks Indergard, Jonathan Aidan Cockrell, Joshua Mikel, Marisa Tomei

 

IMDb Blurb: Two criminal twin brothers, one who is trying to reform, embark on a dangerous heist road trip. Facing legal troubles, gunfights, and family drama, they must reconcile their differences before their mission leads to self-destruction.

 

 

Selina’s Point of View:

Our first movie back and we are faced with Brothers, starring Josh Brolin and Peter Dinklage.

 

From the moment I saw the trailer for Brothers, I was all in. Both Brolin and Dinklage are fantastic actors, and the latter is one of my favorites. Both of them have huge range and can pull off anything from a gentle good guy to a bad-ass bad guy. I figured, if there was any issue, it would be in the chemistry between them.

 

However, the chemistry was fantastic. The way they were at each other’s throat felt familial. It made the family connection much easier to believe. When paired up across from Brendan Fraser, it was a match made in heaven.

 

 

I’ll admit that the comedy was on the 13-year-old side of humor. It isn’t trying to make people think – it’s definitely more of a turn-your-brain-off kind of film. After two months of holidays, however, isn’t that all what we need? A little light laughter and dirty fun? Let the stress of the season fade into the background...

 

 Brothers is not going to be for everyone, but I laughed. There were some good aspects to the script, fun pop-culture references, and decent callbacks. It’s a fun film. Best watched with friends.

 

 

Cat’s Point of View:

When you tell me that the cast for a movie includes Brendan Fraser (No Sudden Move, Killers of the Flower Moon, Doom Patrol), Peter Dinklage (American Dreamer, The Thicket, Wicked), Josh Brolin (Deadpool 2, Dune: Part One, Outer Range), Glenn Close (3Below: Tales of Arcadia, Swan Song, The Deliverance), & Marisa Tomei (Spider-Man: No Way Home, Upgraded, High Tide) you really don't have to say anything else. I'm already going to be chomping at the bit to see that film. It's even better when a powerhouse cast such as this takes part in a production within a genre I enjoy.

 

Crime caper movies that bring in elements of comedy to go with the action tend to be a lot of fun.

 

The trailer had me chuckling and I wanted to see how everything played out with this pair of mismatched twins and their dysfunctional situation. Brothers took a similar aesthetic concept such as Twins (1988) and turned it on its head a bit with the comedy-heist theme.

 

 

I enjoyed the chemistry between Dinklage and Brolin. They had me 100% sold that they were siblings at odds.

 

Whenever I see Brendan Fraser on a screen, I generally just want to give him a hug. His character in Brothers was definitely not what I was expecting, but I'm not mad about it at all.

 

Honestly, I wish I liked it more than I do. I can't even put my finger on why Brothers just wasn't firing on all cylinders for me. Don't get me wrong, though. The performances were solid, it was an entertaining experience, and even kept my attention in spite of the gloomy rainy and wintry weather. That, in itself, is a bit of a feat while I'm still recovering energy reserves following a hectic holiday season.

 

What I would say, however, to anyone that is amused by the trailer but is on the fence regarding watching Brothers is this: give it a shot.

 

 

Rotten Tomatoes Critic Score – 44%

Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score –40%

Metascore – 50%

Metacritic User Score – 4.1/10

IMDB Score – 5.4/10

 

Trust the Dice: Selina’s Rating – 4/5

Trust the Dice: Cat’s Rating – 3.5/5

 

Movie Trailer: