'Y2K' Review

Kyle Mooney's directorial debut Y2K has released! I was super excited to see the film. Let's get to my thoughts:

Plot 5/10
Acting 7/10
Directing 5/10
Writing 7/10
Cinematography 5/10
Soundtrack 10/10
Effects 7/10
Lighting 4/10
Color 5/10
Emotional Impact 2/10

Overall: 57/100

Unfortunately, this didn't quite live up to the hype that I had for it. It was very oddly paced and slowed almost to a halt at certain moments. There were some good laughs in there, but the main cast struggled keeping the film alive. Every time Kyle Mooney and Fred Durst were on screen the thing came ALIVE, but when they weren't around it was really hard to keep paying attention and staying interested in what was going on. I hope Mooney keeps making movies because I think it's important for stuff like this to get made, produced, and widely released, even if they don't always do super well at the box office. The soundtrack was fantastic as it showed love to many 90s classics, but everything else in the movie was just kind of... meh. I wish I had more to say, but I would recommend going to see it with friends if you're just looking for a good time and an easy laugh.

Thanks for Sitting on the Sidelines!

Zeke H. Bennett

 

'Emilia Perez' Review

Emilia Perez has been making waves, especially in the award sphere of the film world. This movie was my introduction to Jacques Audiard and many others. Let's get into my thoughts:

Plot 6/10
Acting 6/10
Directing 7/10
Writing 6/10
Cinematography 5/10
Soundtrack 8/10
Effects 5/10
Lighting 6/10
Color 6/10
Emotional Impact 3/10

Overall: 58/100

I have to say, I was quite shocked that this movie was doing so well after watching it. While I do think there are some good performances and great original songs, the film is generally pretty boring, partially offensive, and missing the mark on a lot of levels. I think the plot is lost in moments and confusing. I have a lot of mutuals who find it to be offensive on a LOT of levels and from what I watched, I completely understand where they're coming from. Zoe Saldana carries this film on her shoulders in one of the most impressive performances I've seen. She is far and away the frontrunner for Supporting Actress and should probably win the thing for keeping this movie alive, Selena Gomez is... unfortunate, and Karla Sofia Gascon is being severely overhyped. She really shouldn't get an Oscar nom, but probably will. All the technical aspects are pretty basic, nothing too special. I'm guessing it'll do well with nominations, but likely won't win too much. Probably will get Best International Feature, but I need to see the other nominations before deciding what will happen.

Thanks for Sitting on the Sidelines!

Zeke H. Bennett

 

'Wicked' Review

Wicked has been making arounds and creating waves worldwide! The hit-musical, movie adaptation has certainly opened eyes to what theatre fans have been worshipping for nearly two decades. How did the film shape up to the stage? Let's take a look:

Plot 8/10
Acting 8/10
Directing 4/10
Writing 9/10
Cinematography 4/10
Soundtrack 10/10
Effects 9/10
Lighting 1/10
Color 3/10
Emotional Impact 9/10

Overall: 65/100

It's safe to say that the film wasn't really my favorite thing. In full honesty, I did really enjoy my time watching the film and it didn't feel nearly as long as it's listed run-time; however, the press tour and the buzz around it has somewhat soured my outlook on the finished product. Those things didn't impact the lower score, though. There are certain things that I had a hard time looking past when it came to the technical sides of this film. Jon M. Chu is a really, REALLY unfortunate director. I think as a producer and marketer, he's stellar. But what he does behind the camera should put him into director jail for eternity. From the lighting, coloring, and cutting up 'Defying Gravity' into multiple segments, he really failed this story where other directors could've made it a true Best Picture contender. Ariana Grande is good as Glinda, but it's safe to say she's being severely overhyped. With that I'll say that Cynthia Erivo is being severely under hyped for her performance. In my opinion, she should be the one getting most of the praise for this film. The supporting cast is good, not incredible, but not bad. Obviously the plot, soundtrack, and writing come mostly from Stephen Schwartz's genius which holds up in the movie just as it did on stage. The practical pieces are beautiful, if only they had any semblance of color and not dingbat lighting ideas (the lighting is THAT bad). But in the end, it's a beautiful story with a great message and a KILLER soundtrack. Lot's of nominations for this on the way, maybe a couple technical wins but I don't think they'll make the push for any of the acting, directing, or picture wins.

Thanks for Sitting on the Sidelines!

Zeke H. Bennett

 

 Football Week 13 Recap

Another great week of football has come and gone. We're here to give you al full recap of everything you need to know!

AFC Recap:

Top Teams through Week 7:

1. Kansas City Chiefs (11-1) - x

2. Buffalo Bills (10-2) - z

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)

4. Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)

T-7.  Baltimore, Denver, Houston (8-5)

8. Indianapolis Colts (6-7)

9. Miami Dolphins (5-7)

10. Cincinnati Bengels (4-8)

T-13. NYJ, Cleveland, Tennessee (3-9)

14. New England Patriots (3-10) - e

T-16. Jacksonville, Las Vegas (2-10) - e

x-Clinched Playoffs, z-Clinched Division, e-Eliminated from Playoffs

AFC Highlights:

- The Chiefs (11-1) sneak past the Raiders (2-10) to clinch the Playoffs in a 19-17 victory. Patrick Mahomes throws for 306 yards, 1 TD pass to Justin Watson. 

- The Steelers (9-3) and the Bengals (4-8) battle it out in a 44-38 victory for the Steelers. Russell Wilson throws for 414 yards, 3 TD passes to George Pickens, Pat Freiermuth, and Calvin Austin III. Joe Burrow throws for 309 yards and 3 TD passes to Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Andrei Iosivas. Burrow's MVP-like season is severely hurt by his team's record.

- The Bills (10-2) clinch their Division as they beat the 49ers (5-7) 35-10. Josh Allen throws for 148 with 2 TD passes. James Cook rushes for 107 yards and 1 TD.

AFC Offensive Stats:

Passing Yards: Joe Burrow (CIN) - 3,337 yds

Passing TDs: Joe Burrow (CIN) - 30 TDs

Pass Interceptions: Patrick Mahomes (KC) - 11 INTs

Rushing Yards: Derrick Henry (BAL) - 1,407 yds

Rushing TDs: Derrick Henry (BAL) - 13 TDs

Receiving Yards: Ja'Marr Chase (CIN) - 1,142 yds

Receiving TDs: Ja'Marr Chase (CIN) - 13 TDs

AFC Defensive Stats:

Tackles: Zaire Franklin (IND) - 135

Sacks: Trey Hendrickson (CIN) - 11.5

Interceptions: Marlon Humphrey (BAL), Donte Jackson (PIT) - 5

NFC Recap:

Top Teams through Week 7:

1. Detroit Lions (11-1)

T-3. Philadelphia, Minnesota (10-2)

4. Green Bay Packers (9-3)

5. Washington Commanders (8-5)

6. Seattle Seahawks (7-5)

T-10. Arizona, Atlanta, Tampa Bay, LAR (6-6)

T-12. San Francisco, Dallas (5-7)

T-14. New Orleans, Chicago (4-8)

15. Carolina Panthers (3-9)

16. New York Giants (2-10) - e

x-Clinched Playoffs, z-Clinched Division, e-Eliminated from Playoffs

NFC Highlights:

- The Lions (11-1) continue their tear as they beat the Bears (4-8) 23-20, game results in the firing of Bears Head Coach: Matt Eberflus. Caleb Williams throws for 256 yards and 3 TDs, 2 of which went to Keenan Allen.

- The Eagles (10-2) get a necessary win over the Ravens (8-5) in a 24-19 victory. Saquon Barkley rushes for 107 yards and 1 TD, Jalen Hurts rushes for 1 TD and throws 1 to Dallas Goedert.

- The Vikings (10-2) get their 5th win in a row over the Cardinals (6-6) in a 23-22 victory. Aaron Jones catches late game TD from Sam Darnold to seal the game. 

NFC Offensive Stats:

Passing Yards: Geno Smith (SEA) - 3,241 yds

Passing TDs: Baker Mayfield (TB) - 25 TDs

Pass Interceptions: Kirk Cousins (ATL) - 13 INTs

Rushing Yards: Saquon Barkley - 1,499 yds

Rushing TDs: Jalen Hurts (PHI) - 12 TDs

Receiving Yards: Justin Jefferson (MIN) - 1,038 yds

Receiving TDs: Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET), Terry McLaurin - 9 TDs

NFC Defensive Stats:

Tackles: Zack Baun (PHI) - 118

Sacks: Jonathan Greenard (MIN) - 10.0

Interceptions: Kerby Joseph (DET), Xavier McKinney (GB) - 7

Award Races:

Lombardi Trophy: Detroit Tigers

Super Bowl MVP: Jared Goff (DET)

George Halas Trophy: Detroit Lions

Lamar Hunt Trophy: Kansas City Chiefs

MVP: Josh Allen (BUF)

OPOY: Saquon Barkley (PHI)

DPOY: TJ Watt (PIT)

ROY: Jayden Daniels (WSH)

CPOY: Kirk Cousins (ATL)

COTY: Mike Tomlin (PIT)

 

 Football Week 12 Recap

Another great week of football has come and gone. We're here to give you al full recap of everything you need to know!

AFC Recap:

Top Teams through Week 7:

1. Kansas City Chiefs (10-1)

2. Buffalo Bills (9-2)

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)

4. Baltimore Ravens (8-4)

5. Los Angeles Chargers (7-4)

T-7. Denver, Houston (7-5)

8. Miami Dolphins (5-6)

9. Indianapolis Colts (5-7)

10. Cincinnati Bengels (4-7)

T-13. NYJ, Cleveland, Tennessee (3-8)

14. New England Patriots (3-9)

T-16. Jacksonville, Las Vegas (2-9)

AFC Highlights:

- The Chiefs (10-1) seal a surprisingly close game against the Panthers (3-8) in a 30-27 victory with a 31 yard FG from Spencer Shrader

- The Ravens (8-4) take a much needed win over the Chargers (7-4) in a 30-23 victory. Lamar Jackson accounts for 3 TDs

- Bo Nix, Broncos (7-5) continues his ROY race with 2 TDs and 273 Passing Yards in a 29-19 win over the Raiders (2-9)

AFC Offensive Stats:

Passing Yards: Lamar Jackson (BAL) - 3,053 yds

Passing TDs: Lamar Jackson (BAL), Joe Burrow (CIN) - 27 TDs

Pass Interceptions: Patrick Mahomes (KC) - 11 INTs

Rushing Yards: Derrick Henry (BAL) - 1,325 yds

Rushing TDs: Derrick Henry (BAL) - 13 TDs

Receiving Yards: Ja'Marr Chase (CIN) - 1,056 yds

Receiving TDs: Ja'Marr Chase (CIN) - 12 TDs

AFC Defensive Stats:

Tackles: Zaire Franklin (IND) - 123

Sacks: Trey Hendrickson (CIN) - 11.5

Interceptions: Marlon Humphrey (BAL) - 5

NFC Recap:

Top Teams through Week 7:

1. Detroit Lions (10-1)

T-3. Philadelphia, Minnesota (9-2)

4. Green Bay Packers (8-3)

5. Washington Commanders (7-5)

T-8. Arizona, Atlanta, Seattle (6-5)

T-11. Tampa Bay, LAR, San Francisco (5-6)

T-14. New Orleans, Chicago, Dallas (4-7)

15. Carolina Panthers (3-8)

16. New York Giants (2-9)

NFC Highlights:

- The Lions (10-1) has another dominating win against the Colts (5-7) in a 24-6 victory. Jahmyr Gibbs rushes for 2 TDs and 90 Yards

- SaQuon Barkley, Eagles (9-2) makes his way into the MVP race as he rushes for 255 Yards and 2 TDs in a 37-20 win over the Rams (5-6)

- Minnesota (9-2) and the Bears (4-7) battle it out in Overtime as the Vikings win 30-27 on John Parker Romo's field goal

NFC Offensive Stats:

Passing Yards: Geno Smith (SEA) - 3,035 yds

Passing TDs: Baker Mayfield (TB) - 24 TDs

Pass Interceptions: Geno Smith (SEA) - 12 INTs

Rushing Yards:  - 1,392 yds

Rushing TDs: Jalen Hurts (PHI), David Montgomery (DET) - 11 TDs

Receiving Yards: Justin Jefferson (MIN) - 939 yds

Receiving TDs: Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET) - 9 TDs

NFC Defensive Stats:

Tackles: Budda Baker (ARI) - 107

Sacks: Dexter Lawrence II (NYG), Jonathan Greenard (MIN), Andrew Van Ginkel (MIN) - 9.0

Interceptions: Kerby Joseph (DET), Xavier McKinney (GB) - 7

Award Races:

Lombardi Trophy: Detroit Tigers

Super Bowl MVP: Jared Goff (DET)

George Halas Trophy: Detroit Lions

Lamar Hunt Trophy: Kansas City Chiefs

MVP: Josh Allen (BUF)

OPOY: SaQuon Barkley (PHI)

DPOY: TJ Watt (PIT)

ROY: Jayden Daniels (WSH)

CPOY: Kirk Cousins (ATL)

COTY: Mike Tomlin (PIT)

 

'Gladiator II' Review

Ridley Scott's sequel to the iconic Gladiator film is out TODAY! I was lucky enough to see it last night with a surprise appearance from Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, & Fred Hechinger. The 11pm IMAX screening was packed with an energetic audience and the film did not disappoint:

Plot 10/10
Acting 10/10
Directing 9/10
Writing 10/10
Cinematography 9/10
Soundtrack 8/10
Effects 9/10
Lighting 9/10
Color 8/10
Emotional Impact 10/10

Overall: 92/100

WOW! I was worried about this one. Truly, I was. I'm a huge fan of Gladiator, but Ridley Scott hasn't exactly been on a hot streak as of late. But I think it's safe to say we are so back. The film follows Hanno (Paul Mescal) whose home is conquered by the Roman Army. He survives after witnessing the death of his wife and vows to kill General Acacius (Pedro Pascal). Macrinus (Denzel Washington) promises Hanno the General if he will be his muse as a Gladiator. Hanno really doesn't have a choice so he concedes. The film then follows Hanno's journey to revenge and it's revealed that he is actually Lucius Verus, the son of Maximus & Lucilla and the rightful heir to Rome. He learns that the General isn't the one to get revenge on, but actually the two Emperors and Macrinus. The plot is compelling, original, and fresh. I was worried it would just be the plot of Gladiator again, but it really builds off the first one in a masterful way. The performances are stellar with particular standouts being Paul Mescal, Joseph Quinn, and DENZEL. WASHINGTON. He has become a QUICK front runner for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar. As of right now it's a two-man race between him and Yura Borisov of Anora and I'm excited to see who gets the gold. The directing is stellar and the writing is exciting and jazzed UP! The technical elements are great, especially if you just fully give into the film and appreciate it for the grand-scale of everything. Some of the effects don't look the best, but in general I'd say it's grade-A. I was coming off a long work day with no sleep since 8:30AM and I was AWAKE by the time the film was wrapping at around 1:45am. That should tell you all you need to know!

Thanks for Sitting on the Sidelines!

Zeke H. Bennett

  

 Football Week 11 Recap

Another great week of football has come and gone. We're here to give you al full recap of everything you need to know!

AFC Recap:

Top Teams through Week 7:

1. Kansas City Chiefs (9-1)

2. Buffalo Bills (9-2)

3. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2)

4. Los Angeles Chargers (7-3)

T-6. Baltimore, Texans (7-4)

7. Denver Broncos (6-5)

8. Indianapolis Colts (5-6)

9. Miami Dolphins (4-6)

10. Cincinnati Bengels (4-7)

T-12. NYJ, New England (3-8)

T-15. Tennessee, Cleveland, Las Vegas (2-8)

16. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)

AFC Highlights:

- The Bills (9-2) become the first team to top the Chiefs (9-1) this season in a 30-21 victory led by Josh Allen.

- The Steelers (8-2) sneak past the Ravens (7-4) in a 16-14 victory where kicker Chris Boswell goes 6/6 in FG attempts racking up all 18 of the Steelers points 

- The Chargers (7-3) continue their hot-streak in a 34-27 win against the Bengals (4-7). Joe Burrow has a monster game of 356 yds, 3 TDs but it isn't enough

AFC Offensive Stats:

Passing Yards: Joe Burrow (CIN) - 3,028 yds

Passing TDs: Joe Burrow (CIN) - 27 TDs

Pass Interceptions: Patrick Mahomes (KC) - 11 INTs

Rushing Yards: Derrick Henry (BAL) - 1,185 yds

Rushing TDs: Derrick Henry (BAL) - 13 TDs

Receiving Yards: Ja'Marr Chase (CIN) - 1,056 yds

Receiving TDs: Ja'Marr Chase (CIN) - 12 TDs

AFC Defensive Stats:

Tackles: RoQuan Smith (BAL) - 110

Sacks: Trey Hendrickson (CIN) - 11.5

Interceptions: Marlon Humphrey (BAL) - 5

NFC Recap:

Top Teams through Week 7:

1. Detroit Lions (9-1)

T-3. Philadelphia, Minnesota (8-2)

4. Green Bay Packers (7-3)

5. Washington Commanders (7-4)

6. Arizona Cardinals (6-4)

7. Atlanta Falcons (6-5)

T-10. San Francisco, LAR, Seattle (5-5)

T-12. Chicago, Tampa Bay (4-6)

13. New Orleans Saints (4-7)

T-15. Carolina, Dallas (3-7)

16. New York Giants (2-8)

NFC Highlights:

- The Lions (9-1) look unstoppable in their dominating 52-6 win over the Jaguars (2-9). Jared Goff goes for 412 yds, Amon-Ra St. Brown 161 receiving yds.

- The Eagles (8-2) are looking like strong contenders in a 26-19 win over the Commanders (7-4). Saquon Barkley rushes for 146 yds, 2 TDs.

- The Falcons (6-5) suffer a rough 38-6 loss to the Broncos (6-5). Bo Nix goes for 307 passing yards, 4 TDs.

NFC Offensive Stats:

Passing Yards: Kirk Cousins (ATL) - 2,807 yds

Passing TDs: Baker Mayfield (TB) - 24 TDs

Pass Interceptions: Jordan Love (GB), Geno Smith (SEA) - 11 INTs

Rushing Yards: Saquon Barkley (PHI) - 1,137 yds

Rushing TDs: Jalen Hurts (PHI) - 11 TDs

Receiving Yards: Justin Jefferson (MIN) - 912 yds

Receiving TDs: Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET) - 9 TDs

NFC Defensive Stats:

Tackles: Zack Baun (PHI) - 102

Sacks: Dexter Lawrence II (NYG) - 9.0

Interceptions: Kerby Joseph (DET) - 7

Award Races:

Lombardi Trophy: Detroit Tigers

Super Bowl MVP: Jared Goff (DET)

George Halas Trophy: Detroit Lions

Lamar Hunt Trophy: Kansas City Chiefs

MVP: Lamar Jackson (BAL)

OPOY: Derrick Henry (BAL)

DPOY: TJ Watt (PIT)

ROY: Jayden Daniels (WSH)

CPOY: Kirk Cousins (ATL)

COTY: Mike Tomlin (PIT)