Companion
I enjoy a good dark comedy, so I found this film entertaining. The story centers around Sophie Thatcher, who delivers a captivating performance as a companion bot and is the best character in this film. She is owned by Jack Quaid, who, in a moment of misguided ambition, decides to jailbreak her to commit a crime. Trying to keep this relatively spoiler-free, I won’t reveal too much about the specifics of their escapade. Although this movie comes from the same creators as the well-known horror film ‘Barbarian,’ it takes a distinctly different approach. Rather than diving deep into horror, this film opts for a lighter tone with humor over fright. While some moments include gore, they are not the film's central focus; instead, they lean more heavily into comedy, providing a refreshing break from the typical psychological thriller format. As noted, the cast is decent. It includes not only Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid but also Lukas Gage, who has rapidly gained recognition for his roles in dark, gory comedies, and Harvey Guillen, who brings his unique flair to the ensemble. It provides a delightful escape, particularly suitable for a January viewing when entertaining movies are slim pickings. However, just because it fits the January mood doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a cinematic masterpiece, but it could be considered a quirky Valentine’s date movie.
3.5/5
You're Cordially Invited
‘You’re Cordially Invited’ is a film that finds its home on Prime streaming, so thankfully, I don’t have to recommend a $15 movie ticket. As someone who doesn’t typically gravitate toward romantic comedies, my perspective on this film may be limited, so consider that. One might wonder if Will Ferrell's recent personal changes, mainly his divorce from longtime collaborator Adam McKay, have influenced the roles he chooses or the energy he brings to them. The chemistry between Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell helps through the otherwise predictable narrative. It’s enough to keep the viewer engaged, with some genuine chuckles, but there are moments when the comedic elements feel forced or overly contrived, making the experience feel like a chore rather than a joy. The plot is reminiscent of the stories on Lifetime or Hallmark channels. It lacks the boldness and edge of films like ‘Bridesmaids.’ Instead, ‘You’re Cordially Invited’ leans heavily into a more vanilla narrative, catering to a broader audience looking for light-hearted fare rather than anything that might challenge or provoke thought. So, if you’re in the mood for some mild entertainment that doesn’t require much investment or emotional engagement, feel free to check it out while cozying up on your couch. Just temper your expectations; it's not a cinematic masterpiece, but it might provide a few light moments to pass the time.
3/5
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