SALT LAKE CITY
(ABC4)
— Get your popcorn ready (perhaps grab a pickaxe too), because this week on See It or Skip It, Patrick Beatty and Richard Bonaduce are digging for cinematic treasures!
To start off, “Freaky Tales” offers a thrilling journey through 1980s Oakland — will this be an evocative playlist worth listening to, or merely a tune best skipped over? Next comes “A Minecraft Movie”—is it a hidden gem waiting to dazzle viewers, or should audiences look elsewhere for entertainment? We also bring you one-of-a-kind interviews with key members of the film crew that can’t afford to be overlooked. Get ready for cinematic chaos delivered piping hot and bursting with bold opinions!
Freaky Tales (R)
A Minecraft Movie (PG)
Where to Watch:
Theaters
Directed By:
Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
Written By:
Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
Starring:
Pedro Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn, Jay Ellis
Genre:
Comedy, Horror, Sci-Fi
All media courtesy of
Lionsgate
In 1987 Oakland, “Freaky Tales” intertwines four interconnected narratives centered around themes of music, cinema, romance, allegiance, and bizarre occurrences. This thrilling journey unfolds across a city brimming with emotion, heritage, and unforeseen enchantments—yet simultaneously marked by brutality and bloodshed.
Patrick and Richard both appreciated the movie and feel that the interwoven narratives bring to mind Quentin Tarantino’s style, though they might appeal differently to viewers depending on which aspects each wanted delved into further. Patrick recalls watching it at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and notes several scenes that were well-received by the audience and will likely resonate with theatergoers this week. Both of them recommend seeing it.
Should You Watch It or Pass It Up? Go for It!
Where to Watch:
Theaters
Directed By:
Jared Hess
Written By:
Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer, Neil Widener
Starring:
Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Sebastian Hansen, Danielle Brooks
Genre:
Adventure, Comedy, Video Game
All media courtesy of
Warner Bros.
When a strange gateway whisks away two outcast teenagers into the pixelated, capricious realm of Minecraft, they discover a territory brimming with peril, enchantment, and limitless creativity. To return to their own world, they must join forces with an unusual companion called Steve and master survival skills in the Overworld—conquering each chaotic cube as they go.
Patrick thought “A Minecraft Movie” was filled with comedy, had excellent references to the game, and included numerous hidden surprises for enthusiasts to get excited about. He enjoyed how Jack Black and Jason Momoa portrayed their roles, appreciating the strong rapport between them which enhanced the movie experience. Although he felt the plot wasn’t very deep, Patrick believes this could become a favorite among families seeking an entertaining outing for their children at the cinema.
On the contrary, Richard argues that the cinematic experience isn’t robust enough, pointing out that the film’s opening act moves too slowly for children to engage with easily. Although he acknowledges that the movie caters primarily to enthusiasts, he does not feel it’s something he would endorse.
See It or Skip It? Patrick – See It, Richard – Pass It
Be sure to check out Patrick’s conversations with Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, and director Jared Hess.
Watch It or Pass On It.
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