why isn't logic a character in these movies
This Week's Reviews: 'Inside Out 2,' 'The Boys' And 'Presumed Innocent'
Never has there been a bigger disparity between what children get to watch this week (a cute new Pixar movie) and what adults are looking forward to (another "Bad Boys" film and "The Boys," one of the most violent TV shows ever made).
According to critics, all three of these new releases are good and worth watching! Which is great, because it's been a rough few months for theaters, while streaming remains chock-full of terrific new shows and returning favorites.
'Inside Out 2' (out June 14, in theaters everywhere)
"Inside Out 2" is not one of Pixar's best all-time sequels, nor does it surpass the original, but the film is entertaining, emotional, and memorable all the same. It's Pixar doing what Pixar does best.
Doubtless "Inside Out 2" plays well for adults and kids alike. It just does not quite touch the genius of its predecessor.
James Mottram, South China Morning Post
Like the best of Pixar, "Inside Out 2" is doubled edged. It's an adventure story for kids, but one that transcends the form with abstract, adult thoughts on the things that make us, us.
"Inside Out 2" attempts to tell a tale about the messiness of puberty but ends up being extremely messy itself, with none of the realism and subtlety that made the first film so celebrated.
Joey Rambles, Cultured Vultures
Consensus: it sucks that Pixar lost its fastball, but this seems worth your time, eventually (although let's be honest, most of us do wait for movies to come to streaming anyway).
'The Boys' (out June 13, streaming on Amazon Prime Video)
I have nothing but positive things to say about every plot path or character decision which is unheard of for a series four seasons in.
Alex Maidy, JoBlo's Movie Network
"The Boys" season 4 is always at its best when it relies on the ensemble dynamic. With some of the most grotesque moments of the series so far, which will undoubtedly have some on high alert as we wait for the following hyper-violent sequence...
"The Boys" is hands down one of the most gory TV series out right now. Fans of "The Boys" will love this continuation of the wildly popular comic series of the same name.
Jeanine T. Abraham, VisAbleBlackwoman
This season makes it impossible to wonder what the show is trying to say and instead sends very clear messages to the audience about the current state of the United States, and I love it.
Consensus: if you're already on board, prepare for some more bloody good times. If you're not, then it's beyond time to catch up.
'Presumed Innocent' (out June 12, streaming on Apple TV+)
It can be compelling in short bursts. But unless Kelley has a dazzling ending in mind, there's very little to justify the amount of time viewers would have to spend to get there, versus saving time by just renting the movie.
The performances are uniformly good and involving but never quite enough to overcome the slick soullessness that is the hallmark of every Kelley production. You never quite care. It never quite means anything.
"Presumed Innocent" has a lot going for it, including sensational performances by Peter Sarsgaard, Bill Camp and Gabby Beans. But we've been burned by Mr. Kelley before.
John Anderson, Wall Street Journal
The script does nobody here any favors, including Ruth Negga as Rusty's wife, Bill Camp as his boss and protector, and Peter Sarsgaard as an office rival who is all too eager to nail him.
Consensus: this just makes me want to watch the original with Harrison Ford.
'Star Wars: The Acolyte' (out now, streaming on Disney+)
The sight of a light saber coming to life has become about as thrilling as turning on a table lamp.
Neal Justin, Minneapolis Star Tribune
"The Acolyte" is supposed to be a crime thriller. The problem is there's no mystery.
The mediocrity is strong with this one... at least for its first half.
Nestor Bentancor, Cine Desde Hollywood
A promising, if flawed entry.
Consensus: this seems like another contentious Star Wars project that will leave fans arguing for years.
'Bad Boys: Ride or Die' (out now, in theaters everywhere)
This one, for the most part, accomplishes what it sets out to do. There are a lot of funny bits and lots of good action scenes. Some of the other characters aren't used enough though, like Rhea Seehorn who isn't given much to do.
They still got it, and while "Ride or Die" is not going to win any awards and break any box-office records, it's a fun time at the multiplex.
It's a good summer movie. Leave your brain at home, go laugh look at some dope action, look at some dope visuals.
In the end, this is a flawed, convoluted movie, with some really fun action.
Consensus: how are these still good after all this time? Turns out, directing duo Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah have the chops and shouldn't have been screwed over by both DC and Marvel.
[Image: "The Boys" season 4. Credit: Prime Video/YouTube]
