Movie Reviews

‘Scrap’ describes real life struggles

Published

5 months ago

12/20/2024

Sabrina

Vivian Kerr’s first directorial debut film Scrap is a touching, heartfelt drama about adult siblings struggling with their personal issues and overcoming long term emotional pain from the loss of their parents after a tragic plane crash that occurred when they were young. Kerr also wrote the screenplay and plays the role of Beth, a recently laid off executive professional that refuses to come to terms that she will no longer be able to afford her lavish lifestyle and support her five year old daughter Birdy.

In the opening scene we see Beth waking up inside her car in fancy pajamas. This suggests she is at the brink of homelessness. Beth has to get ready for a job interview and finds a clever way to freshen up and look polished with her designer clothes and shoes. Sadly, she does not get the position. In a phone call with her brother Ben (Anthony Rapp), Beth makes up an excuse that her “out of town business meeting” was longer than anticipated and was not able to pick up Birdy. We then learn that her daughter Birdy has been staying with Ben and Stacy (Lana Parrilla), while she sleeps in her car and goes job hunting.

Ben is a successful fantasy novel writer who is married to Stacy, a stressed out lawyer that is going through in vitro fertilization. The tension between the siblings and Stacy is noticeable. Beth’s erratic behavior is nothing new and uses Ben as a financial security net. Ben allows Beth to take advantage of him, because he feels responsible to take care of her and his niece.

Still in denial about needing to let go of her upscale way of life, Beth has the audacity to continue spending money by shopping online. Ben and Stacy are livid as the unnecessary stress is interfering with them trying to make a family of their own. To make matters more tense, Ben struggles to be heard by his publisher. He wants to step away from writing fantasy novels and wants to pursue his passion writing a non-fiction book about Billie Holiday.

Beth spends the day with Ben reminiscing their youth. They stop to visit their childhood home to show Birdy where they were raised. To their disappointment the house was demolished, and an empty lot is all that remains. This scene was so touching. I really wanted them to share a happy moment, because I know Beth really needed something good to help uplift her out of a mental rut. Like a slap in the face, Beth spirals out of control; from maxing out her credit cards, getting her car towed, missing her daughter’s recital, to returning with her ex Joshua – father of Birdy. Beth’s conduct even takes a toll on Ben and Stacy’s marriage.

Through all the turmoil and drama, the story comes to a pivotal point when Joshua gives Beth a ride to Ben’s house. They begin to argue, and Beth realizes that Joshua’s toxic personality is only causing more destruction to her and Birdy. Ben sees the altercation from the doorway and jumps into to action to save Beth from Joshua. From this moment forward, Beth reconciles with Ben and Stacy. Just like an empty lot, Beth rebuilds her life from the ground up. She is hired as a cosmetic salesperson and finds a suitable apartment for her and Birdy. As for Ben, he takes control of his career and decides to write a book about Billie Holiday. He deems it as no more hiding his personal struggles behind the lies of fantasy.

Scrap has amazing relatable characters that the audience can empathize with, especially those that have siblings. Anthony Rapp is a natural in displaying Ben’s guilt from having to take on the role of a father at such a young age after the death of their parents. Rapp deeply connected to the viewers that you are bound to feel sympathy for Ben. Vivian Kerr did an outstanding performance representing Beth as a strong competitive, arrogant pompous that does not settle for subpar, which included not being interested in going out with Marcus (Khleo Thomas) who works at a roller-skating rink.

Vivian Kerr delivered an exceptional performance with an elevating screenplay and film production. Scrap gives a hopeful outlook for overcoming life’s downfalls. It is a manifestation how happiness and success are possible when you liberate yourself from a tragic past. This is absolutely a must see inspiring movie.

Movie Reviews

Final Destination Bloodlines – This wild horror film takes you down memory lane where it all makes “cents”. (Movie Review)

Published

3 days ago

05/14/2025

Sabrina

While patiently waiting and strategizing over a decade, the mysterious entity of Death finally settles the score. Final Destination Bloodlines takes you back to 1968 where it all began. Brec Bassinger makes a solid entrance in the film portraying the young Iris Campbell – The root of all chaos from messing with predestined mortalities.

Richard Harmon takes charge of holding the film together with his role as the rebellious Erik. Harmon knows how to deliver the fright in this arrogant heavily pierced character.

Final Destination Bloodlines has a great storyline, but unfortunately, the remaining cast seemed sapless like twigs.

On the other hand, watching Tony Todd’s last film appearance as William John Bludworth brought out emotions in the theater. The mystifying backstory of Bludworth was revealed along with his connection to Death’s design – those last words were haunting.

Final Destination Bloodlines is all about the details. It focuses on the small elements that trigger the chain of events making it “crystal clear” the characters will slip through the cracks trying to defy Death. The numerous disaster scenes are truly worth watching in IMAX format. Directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein made great use of the color red throughout the film, with an excellent choice of needle drops to set the tone for the characters’ gruesome fatality. One moment I was singing and in a split second screaming.

Nonetheless, this movie has many shocking twists and plenty of blood splatter to keep horror fans gasping and on the edge of your seat. Unlike the other films in the Final Destination series, this one blends in humor to relieve the tension to create an elevating viewing experience. It also brings back the original tactics that Death had planned to put into motion – careful driving behind a trailer hauling massive logs.

Just like the overall basis of the series, no matter how hard the characters tried to escape and challenge their fate, Death’s retribution ultimately concludes in Final Destination Bloodline.

Final Destination Bloodline will be released in theaters May 16, 2025.

Movie Reviews

In theaters May 9th is the fascinating sci-fi film, ‘Watch the Skies’ – Review

Published

1 week ago

05/08/2025

Ted (Steady)

Watch the Skies is a heartfelt sci-fi film with a remarkable ensemble cast, showcases the impressive talent of rising star Inez Dahl Torhaug. The story centers on a young protagonist as she unravels the mystery surrounding her father’s disappearance years before. This all happened while he was conducting investigative work on UFOs. The film balances whimsical and quirky moments with deeply profound emotional scenes that are captivating.

A unique blend of British-European humor and sci-fi adventure, Watch the Skies draws inspiration from a real-life Swedish extraterrestrial research group. Sci-fi enthusiasts will find themselves particularly well-equipped to enjoy this charming and thought-provoking cinematic journey.

Synopsis: A rebellious teenage woman’s father went missing years ago and she believes that he didn’t run away but was abducted by aliens. She joins forces with a funky UFO club made up of a lovable group of weirdos and rejects. Together, they embark on an adventure that takes them far beyond the boundaries of the law and ultimately, our world.

Movie Reviews

Blake Lively brings extravagant fashion to this murder-mystery comedy movie in ‘Another Simple Favor’ – Review

Published

2 weeks ago

04/30/2025

Sabrina

When it comes to making a grand entrance in a movie , Blake Lively definitely kills it in Another Simple Favor. She looked sophistically stunning in those posh outfits and lavish shoes! Lively really steals the spotlight portraying the charming and deceptive Emily Nelson / Hope McLanden who disrupts Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) during a book reading to ask for a simple favor. Kendrick is a master in emerging into roles of the sweet, impulsive and vulnerable characters.

This saga takes place in the beautiful Island of Capri, where the extravagant wedding of Emily (Lively) to the handsome Italian mobster Dante Versano (Michele Morrone). When Aunt Linda (Allison Janney) makes a surprise appearance with Emily’s deranged mother Margaret (Elizabeth Perkins), well you know sparks will be bursting. Stephanie (Kendrick) is determined to seek answers to the mysterious occurrences and disappearance of Emily. The plot thickens with mind-bending, jaw-dropping twists, which leads the possibility of a trilogy.

The entire cast was amusing. This movie has a lot of dark raunchy humor, which at times could be a bit “tmi”. From feuding scenes with Henry Golding as Sean Townsend (Emily’s ex-husband) to Blake’s bedroom scene where she playing a dual role – uncomfortable, awkwardness. However, it received plenty of laughter from the audience.

Another Simple Favor will be available on Amazon Prime Video starting May 1, 2025. It will sure be a great suggestion for a girl’s night movie party.