Film Fight 2024: May

#FF24 ISS is a somewhat tense but low budget thriller set on the International Space Station after an unknown catastrophe on Earth.

They do a lot with what they have but the back half of the movie drags as we go over the same points again.

Meh.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) August 17, 2024

#FF24 The American Society of Magical Negroes satirizes the trope of black characters who are there to help the white heroes, through the lens of a social media company.

The leads are good, the satirical elements work well enough, but a lot has been done better before.

Fine.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) August 17, 2024

#FF24 The Fall Guy mixes great stunt-action with breezy comedy.

While the premise and chemistry between the leads doesn't quite work, it's all just a set-up for some big, practical stunt work - which mostly impresses. There's not a tonne else happening but it works.

Good.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) August 17, 2024

#FF24 Abigail is a fun, slow-burn horror. You know it's going to go wrong for the kidnapper-protagonists, but it's fun to see exactly how.

Go into this blind and enjoy the slightly ridiculous, over the top second half. The cast certainly seem to be enjoying it.

Worth seeing.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) August 17, 2024

#FF24 Boy Kills World doesn't really work.

The idea of a silent protagonist in a videogame inspired action film is neat but, beyond a few fun action scenes, the rest is a mess - and a slog. Doesn't achieve much of what it sets out to do.

Skip.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) August 17, 2024

#FF24 Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga has George Miller doing what he does best: directing some of the best, long action sequences on film.

They're kinetic, and with a clarity that few others manage.

There's a story here too - but it's very secondary to the action.

Worth seeing.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) August 17, 2024

#FF24 Mother's Instinct is a middling drama about two friends who slowly turn on each other.

Chastain and Hathaway are excellent as the leads, but the whole thing is dragged down by the "Are they really doing that?" plot that goes on for far too long. You'll stop caring.

Meh.

— Gary Fleming (@garyfleming) August 17, 2024