Tag: JennaOrtega

Death Of A Unicorn

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While on the way to a wilderness retreat in Canada, father and daughter Elliot (Paul Rudd) and Ridley (Jenna Ortega) hit a unicorn. They put the creature in their car and bring it with them. The Leopolds, owners of a popular pharmaceutical company, want to use the unicorn for personal gain, but Ridley doesn’t feel good about that at all.

Going into this film mostly blind was the best way to do it. I also didn’t have high expectations and I really enjoyed myself. It’s not to be taken seriously whatsoever, but the hidden undertones do give it that something extra which I appreciated.

One of the main selling points here is the star studded cast. I wasn’t fully convinced by Rudd and Ortega as father and daughter though I do like them both individually. I’ve never seen Rudd play such a smarmy character before, but I think he was convincing enough (also how does this guy not age?!) Ortega plays emo well and I liked how she had that connection with the unicorns.

The Leopolds consisted of Richard E. Grant, Téa Leoni and Will Poulter. I couldn’t say who was the worst of the bunch; they were all equally awful. Poulter really seemed to give it his all though and I found myself laughing out loud during the majority of his scenes.

This truly was the perfect blend of comedy and horror. Most of the jokes landed and the blood and gore was so over the top. I’ll admit that there were some moments where I had to close my eyes because of it and also because of the many jump scares but it all worked.

Overall, Death Of A Unicorn is a fun, campy film that is a guaranteed good time. With a fabulous cast and an interesting storyline, I’m glad I checked it out.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️



Beetlejuice Beetlejuice

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It’s been thirty six years, but everyone’s favorite poltergeist is back in Beetlejuice Beetlejuice. When tragedy strikes the Deetz family, Lydia (Wynona Ryder), Delia (Catherine O’Hara) and Astrid (Jenna Ortega) are forced to return to Winter River. Lydia, who has been trying to move away from her past, is still haunted by Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton) all these years later.

I’m a fairly new fan of Beetlejuice, having only seen the original for the first time a year ago. It was one of those films that instantly captured my heart and made me fall for the campiness and charm. The hype surrounding this much anticipated sequel directed by Tim Burton was at an all time high and I couldn’t wait to see it for myself.

Right from the opening credits, the audience are sucked back into this world. Catching up with the characters we got to know and love from the first film was a treat while getting to know some new faces. Lydia is exactly how I pictured she would be as a mom. Ryder does such an amazing job with this character and she always has. She was hands down the heart and soul of the film. O’Hara was certainly the scene stealer as Delia; her one liners had me in stitches all the way through and I could’t believe the antics she kept getting up to. Ortega was a welcome addition to the group though it felt like she’d been there all along. And who could forget Beetlejuice himself? Keaton once again smashes it as the titular character delivering an unforgettable performance.

While the sequel had the same look and feel as its predecessor, I could’t help but feel like there was too much going on. Some of the storylines I really enjoyed, like Lydia and Astrid reconnecting and Beetlejuice’s reunion with the Deetzes. However, there were others that I could have done without. Monica Belluci’s plot as Beetlejuice’s ex wife Delores seemed like an afterthought. We didn’t have enough time to really get to know her which was a pity because she had definite potential. Similarly it would have been nice to have more backstory on Astrid’s dad Richard (Santiago Cabrera) instead of Rory (Justin Theroux) who was rather annoying as Lydia’s producer and boyfriend. Willem Dafoe didn’t bother me so much because Wolf Jackson was amusing, but I did find myself missing a cameo from the Maitlands.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice may not have been really necessary, but I think die hard fans of the franchise will still have a lot of fun with it. It is the perfect foray into spooky season and was true delight to be reunited with these iconic characters. I know I’ll be adding it to my annual Halloween roaster.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️.5

Scream VI

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The four survivors of the previous Ghostface killings Sam (Melissa Barrera), Tara (Jenna Ortega), Mindy (Jasmin Savoy Brown) and Chad (Mason Gooding) leave Woodsboro behind for a fresh start in New York City. Their hopes of life returning to normal are quickly dashed when a new foe dons the Ghostface mask. Once again, it is up to the gang to find out who it is and put a stop to them before it’s too late.

As someone who only recently got into the Scream franchise, I was beyond excited to watch the newest instalment in cinemas. There are some movies that deserve to be seen on the big screen and this is one of them. With early critics boasting that this is the strongest entry to date, I knew I had to witness it for myself; and I have to say that I agree!

The story kicked off rather quickly and with it the blood, gore and jump scares. It’s like they were all amped up to a million and at times I could barely hold my breath at what was unfolding in front of me. Just when I thought the situation was going to calm down, something else would happen that would completely throw me off again.

While I was initially concerned over the fact that our beloved scream queen Neve Campbell would not return for the film, I have to admit that the way in which they explained her absence worked well. Sidney does deserve a happy ending and I’m glad she finally got one. I’ve become quite attached to our new ‘core four’ – Barrera has proven herself as a worthy leading lady and I love everything and anything that Ortega does. It was so great having Kirby (Hayden Panettiere) back as well as Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox) who really shined this time around.

Scream VI had big shoes to fill. As a new fan, my expectations were sky high and I’m so glad they were exceeded. There were a lot of thrills, chills and unexpected moments and while part of the big reveal was predictable, I still enjoyed the shit out of it. You don’t expect franchise films to get better over time, but this one is constantly surprising me and I hope we have many more instalments to come in the future.

Rating: ♥️♥️♥️♥️.5

The Fallout

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What starts out as an ordinary day for Vada (Jenna Ortega), Mia (Maddie Ziegler) and Quinton (Niles Fitch) suddenly turns into a tragedy that will change their lives forever. The way in which they deal with the aftermath may be different, but the bond they form will only grow stronger.

I don’t think I can put into words just how much this movie struck a chord with me. The subject matter, while extremely heavy, was dealt in such a poignant way that I have to give props to director Megan Park. Her approach was exactly the way it should have been.

Something I really appreciated was the fact that instead of focusing on the event itself, we got to see the aftermath of it. How these characters tried to not only move on from what happened, but make peace with it at the same time. Although they couldn’t be more opposite, the ways in which they lean on each other was not only realistic, but moving to watch.

Jenna Ortega knocked her performance out of the park. I’ve seen her in a few times before, but never anything on this level. She’s got a bright future ahead. The same can be said for Maddie Ziegler. To me she was always Sia’s protege, yet she really proved herself here. The rest of the cast in Will Ropp, Lumi Pollack, John Ortiz, Julie Bowen and Shailene Woodley were outstanding too.

In spite of its heavy subject matter, The Fallout should be recommended viewing for everybody. I know it’s a movie I won’t soon forget.

Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥