By Tony Beal

IN THEATERS

“M3GAN”
A human-like doll made to relate to its creator’s niece has deadly consequences for anyone involved.

What’s shown in the trailers for “M3GAN” is exactly what you get and it’s done well. It’s cheesy in the right ways that makes for great entertainment, carried primarily by Amie Donald/Jenna Davis’ creepy and funny work as the title character. Combined with solid work from Allison Williams and Violet McGraw, it fits within a story. The kills are over-the-top in their own way, and keep you engaged. Plot wise, it’s nothing new and may feel thin but it is still serviceable in the end. It’s also more humorous than scary but it still delivers in its fun value, and it’s better than it could have been in different hands.
“Plane”
An airline pilot must work with a dangerous killer to save his passengers from a hostage situation.

Much like its title, “Plane” is simple and to the point and delivers a very satisfying action film. Through a mixture of plane sequences, gunfights, and more, you’ll never get bored of the action in the film as it changes things up enough throughout. At the same time, it’s surprisingly patient, allowing for the characters to breathe and take in their situation rather than move from one bit to the other. They are still likable enough too, even if not the most in-depth, and a lot of that is thanks to the performances from Gerard Butler and Mike Colter. The intensity is strengthened by the brutality of the picture, though the script does make some odd choices regarding casualties. As a result, some of its characterizations could be considered outdated. But as a throwback to old school action thrillers, it’s a success.
“House Party”
Two pool cleaners stage a party at Lebron James’ house to make some quick cash.

It’s always tough to remake a film considered a classic, but “House Party” feels so dull and done just for the sake of it. In a strange way, the film feels like a rough cut with its bizarre editing choices of scenes lasting too long or too little, as well as sudden introductions of characters and plot points. At points it is bizarrely funny, but you can’t help but expect more from a script by Stephen Glover & Jamal Olori of FX’s “Atlanta,” both in terms of humor and characters (none of whom you root for like the original). Same for the directing, which has little inspiration despite being directed by Calmatic of “Old Town Road” fame. Even the cameos seem to have little thought put into them, clearly shot in one or two takes and to give the film some extra oomph in marketing (the sole exception, Kid Cudi being an exaggerated version of himself). A comedy without laughs is a disastrous result, and while this film isn’t awful, you won’t walk out feeling much about it.

ON PEACOCK
“Sick”
Two girls quarantining during COVID find themselves stalked by a killer.

“Sick” is a movie that’s incredibly satisfied with itself despite having nothing to offer. Its setting during COVID is barely touched upon save for a notable ending moment, otherwise it has nothing to say about human selfishness or any other potential topics that could parallel with the genre, it’s merely there to be relevant. The screenplay offers one-dimensional characters, more accurately archetypes, and a villain without personality or intimidation, which is the worst thing you can do for a slasher film. The director, John Hyams, tries to heighten it with the near hour-long chase, but there’s only so much that you can care about when it’s in service of these characters and plot. Boring, obnoxious, and not even scary, “Sick” is the first true stinker of the year.

New Releases
February 3
“Knock At the Cabin”
“80 For Brady”

February 10
“Magic Mike’s Last Dance”
“Titanic” 25th Anniversary Re-Release
“Sharper” (Limited)
“Somebody I Used to Know” (Amazon Prime)

February 17
“Ant-Man and The Wasp: Quantumania”
“Return To Seoul” (Limited)

February 24
“Cocaine Bear”
“Jesus Revolution”