Author Archives: Danlumen

Castle Falls: Time is Money

Two badasses, a stack of cash, and less than twenty-four hours to make it out alive, Castle Falls pits Dolph Lundgren (who also serves as the film’s director) and Scott Adkins against a group of thugs who are out to find a stash of money hidden within an abandoned hospital that’s soon to be demolished.Continue reading “Castle Falls: Time is Money”

2021 Best of Part 2:

Without further ado, let’s finish this! 5) The Setup and Payoff of Dolph Lundgren’s Castle Falls This film is a treat for action fans and not just because of its immaculately staged action sequences. Dolph Lundgren’s conviction in establishing his characters’ motivations is the film’s greatest asset. By the time the action begins, you’re hookedContinue reading “2021 Best of Part 2:”

Time to Pull the Plug – The Matrix Resurrections

During the penultimate battle between Neo and Agent Smith in The Matrix Revolutions, Smith, thinking he has the upper hand, proudly asserts his misplaced dominance over Neo. “The purpose of all life is to end.” Neo, in an act of defiance, rises back up with his iconic “bring it on” hand gesture as Don Davis’Continue reading “Time to Pull the Plug – The Matrix Resurrections”

Car chases and Court Cases – Shakedown Review

Two of the manliest voices in Hollywood enter the grimy underbelly of New York City to crack down a case involving drug dealers and crooked cops in James Glickenhaus’ Shakedown. Peter Weller’s Roland Dalton is a public defender on his last case before retirement. The case in question is that of Richard Brooks’ Michael Jones,Continue reading “Car chases and Court Cases – Shakedown Review”

Venom: Let There Be Carnage

Unpopular opinion, but 2018’s Venom was so much better than this. Venom: Let There Be Carnage once again follows Eddie Brock and his symbiote pal Venom as they face off against Carnage, an offspring of Venom that latches onto serial killer Cletus Kasady after biting Eddie’s hand. Now, with a bloodthirsty Carnage on the loose,Continue reading “Venom: Let There Be Carnage”

Homeboy: Mickey Rourke’s First Draft to The Wrestler

What is it about movies with Mickey Rourke playing washed-up athletes that move me so much? Homeboy was a passion project of Rourke’s for many years; in fact, he wrote the screenplay under the pseudonym “Sir” Eddie Cook. With his screenplay written, it was time to hire a director; enter: Michael Seresin, cinematographer for AngelContinue reading “Homeboy: Mickey Rourke’s First Draft to The Wrestler”

CANDYMAN (2021): Thematically Relevant but

“Say his name!” No, I don’t think I will. Mia DaCosta’s Candyman stars Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Teyonah Parris, and Coleman Domingo. Part sequel and part reimagining of the first film, Candyman (2021) is about visual artist Anthony McCoy as he begins his research for his next art piece. After hearing the legend of Candyman andContinue reading “CANDYMAN (2021): Thematically Relevant but”

Shang-Chi: Marvel’s Toughest Action Film

It’s been awhile, brahs. It’s been awhile since we’ve had a new Marvel movie based on a new character. I see Marvel dominating on the streaming platforms with Loki, Wanda/Vision, and Cap and the Winter Soldier but I just can’t help but feel disinterested. Even with The Eternals coming out, I still couldn’t shake thisContinue reading “Shang-Chi: Marvel’s Toughest Action Film”

Hulk: Hulk Needs a Hug

HULK SMASH!!!! After nearly 13 years of being passed around like a hot potato, Ang Lee’s Hulk made its official debut onto the silver screen. Coming fresh off the acclaim of Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Ang Lee set his sights on his next big project: a character drama about a big green meathead who hasContinue reading “Hulk: Hulk Needs a Hug”