David Marantz

Screenwriter. Director. Film enthusiast. Guitar noob. Occasional Tweeter.

[David Marantz @DavidMarantz]

The Instigators

Somewhere in there are the elements for a quirky heist movie.
But the script is underdeveloped, Damon and Affleck lack chemistry and director Doug Liman lacks the skills to do comedy.

Apple TV+/Rating: D

#TheInstigators #MovieReview #Movies #Streaming #AppleTV

[David Marantz @DavidMarantz]

Bad Monkey

The original mix of detective crime fiction, exotic locales and self-aware comedy gives the show a unique vibe.
And the extensive cast has just the right skills to make it harmlessly enjoyable.

Rating: C+

#BadMonkey #TVReview #TV #Streaming #AppleTV

[David Marantz @DavidMarantz]

Anora

Bold performances and a distinctive aesthetic flair.
But the film struggles with its tone and fails to convey any meaningful drama.
Cheap clichés, a flagging plot and mono-dimensional characters contribute to the overall blandness.

Rating: C

#Anora #MovieReview #Movies

[David Marantz @DavidMarantz]

Four in a row, it's the streaming movies review blog! This time:
#TheUnion #Wolfs #Jackpot #RubyGillmanTeenageKraken

https://t.co/KJk6pvpMri

#Movies #Reviews #MovieReviews #Streaming

[David Marantz @DavidMarantz]

Wolfs

A half-baked plot that’s just a throwaway substrate for Pitt and Clooney’s antics. Those however are entertaining enough thanks to their comedic timing to elevate the film to enjoyable yet forgettable.

Apple TV+/Rating: C

#Wolfs #MovieReview #Movies #Streaming #AppleTV

[David Marantz @DavidMarantz]

It's Wednesday, it's movie review blog day! This week:
#Smile2 #JurorNo2 #VenomTheLastDance

#Movies #Reviews #MovieReviews

https://t.co/jrKnF28xi5

[David Marantz @DavidMarantz]

Agatha All Along

Unclear where this fits within the MCU but it’s less about the destination than the journey.
Between a skillful cast, clever twists and a mesmerizing production, the ride is certainly enjoyable.

Rating: B-

#AgathaAllAlong #TVReview #TV #Streaming #Disney

[David Marantz @DavidMarantz]

Juror #2

Light on suspense, the film makes up for it with stellar character development and a clever exploration of its moral quandaries.
Hoult is brilliant and Eastwood delivers one more insightful look at the American experience.

Rating: B

#JurorNo2 #MovieReview #Movies

[David Marantz @DavidMarantz]

Smile 2

Major improvement on the first film: a more engaging context, intricate shots that deliver raw horror and a brutal ending.
Add a great cast and some gruesome practical effects and you've got a horror movie of solid caliber.

Rating: B

#Smile2 #MovieReview #Movies

[David Marantz @DavidMarantz]

Venom: The Last Dance

A convoluted setup, aimless plot and clichés too numerous to count make this third installment an irredeemable train wreck whose tone to is all over the place.

Rating: E-

#VenomTheLastDance #MovieReview #Movies

[David Marantz @DavidMarantz]

It's Wednesday, it's movie review blog day! This week:
#TheWildRobot

#Movies #Reviews #MovieReviews

https://t.co/jYttYJ8xIE

[David Marantz @DavidMarantz]

@catarino_bruno @NY_Comic_Con Right now, the more popular options are Mastodon and Bluesky.

[David Marantz @DavidMarantz]

Four in a row, it's the streaming series review blog! This time:
#BetterCallSaul #Fallout #TheDropout #Kaos

https://t.co/qZZNCzMkur

#TV #TVShows #Reviews #TVReviews #Streaming

[David Marantz @DavidMarantz]

The Dropout

The show depicts its protagonist's rise and fall with dramatic flair and casts a stark light on the reckless greed of venture capitalism.
Front and center is Amanda Seyfried who displays award-winning range.

Rating: B+

#TheDropout #TVReview #TV #Streaming

[David Marantz @DavidMarantz]

The Wild Robot

Beautiful animation that blends modern techniques with traditional textures.
The story is a bit derivative, the direction somewhat messy but the movie hits its emotional beats well to deliver truly heartfelt moments.

Rating: C+

#TheWildRobot #MovieReview #Movies

[David Marantz @DavidMarantz]

It's Wednesday, it's movie review blog day! This week:
#TheApprentice #JokerFolieADeux

#Movies #Reviews #MovieReviews

https://t.co/gUyxraxT8I

[David Marantz @DavidMarantz]

Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken

Interesting concept for a coming-of-age story and colorful animation.
But the execution is hopelessly messy with no clear focus or drive.

Netflix / Rating: E+

#RubyGillmanTeenageKraken #MovieReview #Movies #Streaming #Netflix

[David Marantz @DavidMarantz]

Better Call Saul

Possibly better than Breaking Bad with which it shares dramatic strength, spectacular character development and powerful suspense.
Odenkirk takes an already career-high role into iconic territory.

Rating: A

#BetterCallSaul #TVReview #TV #Streaming #Netflix

[David Marantz @DavidMarantz]

The Apprentice

Brilliant portrait where every scene has the ring of truth, building up to the monster we know.
Terrific performance from Stan who subtly morphs into the familiar tropes of his character, plus a chilling Strong.

Rating: B

#TheApprentice #MovieReview #Movies

[David Marantz @DavidMarantz]

Joker: Folie à Deux

Quality production and a musical angle that is weaved into the narrative in clever fashion.
But the film is doomed by the vacuity of its plot, up to a terrible ending that drains the diptych of any relevance.

Rating: D-

#JokerFolieADeux #MovieReview #Movies