• THE FLASH
• Starring: Ezra Miller and Sasha Calle
• Directed by: Andy Muschietti
• Rating: PG-13
• Running Time: 2 hrs 24 mins
• Warner Bros.

I find it tragic that the DC Extended Universe is coming to a halt thanks to James Gunn’s takeover and future reboot. In comparison to Marvel Studios, the DCEU’s releases have admittedly been uneven – who can forget “Wonder Woman” but who wants to remember “Birds of Prey”? Yet, the DCEU brand was often darker than the Marvel slate, which gave its own uniqueness. While “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom” is set for launch in December, it will have a hard time not being anti-climatic after following the absolute thrill ride that is “The Flash.” Overflowing with surprises (this review will be spoiler free), “The Flash” is one of the best DCEU movies ever made with a terrific, dual performance by Ezra Miller and great supporting performances by Sasha Calle as Supergirl and Michael Keaton as Batman.

After helping Bruce Wayne/Batman (Ben Affleck) and Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) stop a robbery in Gotham City, Barry Allen/The Flash (Ezra Miller) revisits his childhood home where his beloved mother was murdered. Still grieving her loss and dealing with anger of his father being wrongly imprisoned, Barry accidentally travels back in time using the speed force. He tells Bruce who warns him of the dangers of messing with the past. Of course, Barry ignores it.

While attempting to fix his family’s tragedy, Barry is attacked by an unknown assailant and is knocked back to the year 2013 where he encounters an alternate version of himself. When General Zod (Michael Shannon) arrives, the two Barrys try to assemble the Justice League, but it proves futile with one exception. It is at Wayne Manor they find a much older, disheveled Bruce Wayne (Michael Keaton).

Our Barry and Bruce learn the Russians are holding who Barry thinks is Superman but turns out to be his cousin, Kara Zor-El/Supergirl (Sasha Calle, TV’s “The Young and the Restless”). Their plan is to free her and find a way to stop General Zod, but time and fate have certain rules as our Barry learns.

Directed by Andy Muschietti (2017’s “It”), “The Flash” is a thrilling experience full of surprises from start to finish. Some of the special effects may not look so special to some, but that’s more a matter of personal taste to a degree. The storyline has a good deal of emotional depth when it comes to Barry’s history and complexities, which are fleshed out with skill by Miller. It is rare for someone to pull off a good performance at playing a double of themselves and Miller succeeds with flying colors. The most enjoyable aspect, and the one that received the most vocal response from the audience yours truly saw it with, is the appearance of Keaton who has a substantial role in the story. It is a joy to say the least to see him on the silver screen once more as the caped crusader.

Is there such a thing as superhero fatigue? Perhaps. I have believed since the original “Blade” that comic movies would become the new Western, a once overly prolific genre. What it boils down to is the writing and an ability to maintain a high creative level that will keep the movie-going public’s interest. “The Flash” may be a victim of that fatigue, which would be disappointing as it is a truly fun summer flick in every sense.

“The Flash” receives three-and-a-half stars out of five.

It’s not very often that I get really excited for a film these days. We are filled in a world of remakes and sequels, which are fine but I always look out for anything original coming out. Let’s travel back to 2012 for a minute, I got a screener for a then little known film “Strange Frame: Love & Sax”, which was written, produced, shot and directed by a guy named G.B. Hajim. So I watched this film and was literally blown away. It is like nothing I have ever seen before and it has stuck with me over the last 10+ years. If you haven’t seen it, I highly recommend doing so immediately, click here. So when I saw that G.B. had a new film on the horizon, I got excited right away. This guy has a vision and his films are extremely unique.

MERMAIDS’ LAMENT deals with some serious topics such as depression and anxiety. Tell me, who doesn’t deal with these issues in their own life. G.B. brings these into the light and shows us how everyone struggles daily with their own demons. The film also focuses on our oceans and the effects of pollution and waste. MERMAIDS’ LAMENT is beautifully shot with some amazing underwater sequences as well. You can tell that G.B. has an eye for beauty that is seen throughout this film.

Official Premise: The story of two women who find strength in each other despite their personal struggles, MERMAIDS’ LAMENT follows two women: Oee (Dayva Summer Escobar) a traumatized woman who has lost her voice and may or may not be a mermaid. Her therapist, Dr. Nell Jamison (Justina Mattos) battles with anxiety herself, attempts to help Oee overcome her delusions and connect with reality. As they bond over their experiences, they learn to be resilient like the ocean and embrace the power of imagination to navigate the chaos of the world.

Dayva Summer Escobar, who played the role of Oee really delivers an epic performance. Without speaking much, she takes us on a journey of the struggles of mental health and the beauty of the ocean. Justina Mattos, who played Dr. Nell Jamison also brings it home with a deep and caring performance. This is a film that I could watch over and over. It is a heartfelt and moving story that takes us through the power of imagination and the strength that comes from human connection.

If you are in the Hollywood, CA area, I would highly recommend checking out the MERMAIDS’ LAMENT as it will be screening on June 25th at 9:30pm at the TCL Chinese Theater as part of Dances with Films festival. You can get tickets here. This is a film that needs to be seen by everyone and experienced on the big screen. It is not a $100 million dollar blockbuster but you can tell that it was a real labour of love for everyone involved. I can’t wait to see what G.B. is going to do next but count me in for damn sure!

• THE FLASH
• Starring:  Ezra Miller, Sasha Calle and Michael Keaton
• Directed by:  Andy Muschietti
• Rated:  PG 13
• Running time:  2 hrs 24 mins
• Warner Bros.

Whoever said that breakfast was the most important meal of the day must have known Barry Allen.  Because of his quick metabolism, brought about due to the fact that he is the fastest person on Earth, Barry must constantly eat.  And when his usual sandwich maker takes a day off, things quickly go from bad to worse for the Scarlett Speedster.

I promised a SPOILER FREE review so here goes…

Action packed from beginning to end, “The Flash” is the DC movie fans have been waiting for.  We find Barry Allen (an excellent Miller) working at a crime lab while continuing to prove the innocence of his father (Ron Livingston), who is in prison after being found guilty of killing his wife.  Barry can’t help but think back to a better time when he was a young boy and Sundays were spent in the kitchen with his mother.  While zooming around Barry discovers that, if he can generate enough speed, he can go back in time.  Despite a warning from his friend Bruce Wayne (Ben Affleck), Barry decides to turn back the clock, hoping to prevent his mother’s death.  But things are never as easy as they seem.

I cannot begin to tell you how much I enjoyed this movie.  When I first heard the word “Multiverse” in previews I thought this would be a rip-off of “spider-man: No Way Home.”  I was wrong.  The script, by Christina Hobson and Joby Harold, is full of surprises, both good and bad.  New characters are introduced, most notably Kara Zor-El (Calle), cousin of a certain well-known Kryptonian.  We also see some familiar faces, including General Zod (the always solid Michael Shannon).  And, damn it, we get to reunite with the amazing Michael Keaton, returning as Batman.  He is older and wiser, certainly, but when he utters two words – “I’m Batman” – all is right with the world.  All of the performances are strong and I must give special kudos to Ezra Miller, who does double duty as both present day and past Barry.  To me, Miller’s dry-witted Flash was the highlight of the “Justice League” film.  In this film, two Millers are better than one!

Despite its length, the film moves quickly.  Director Muschietti, who helmed the two “IT” films, keeps a smooth pace, melding drama and action seamlessly.  The production design captures the various time periods well, and fans of 1989’s “Batman” will enjoy reuniting with some familiar modes of transportation!

Phew.  I did it.  NO SPOILERS!  No matter where you are in the multiverse, take a trip to the cinema and see “The Flash.”

“The Flash” earns five stars out of five.

“The Flash” opens on June 16, 2023.

• MAN & WITCH
• Starring:  Greg Steinbruner, Tami Stronach and Christopher Lloyd
• Directed by:  Michael Hines
• Rated:  PG
• Running time:  1 hr 39 mins
• Paper Canoe Studio

There is nothing like a good fairy tale.  From the beginning of time, these stories have entertained the world over.  A man yearning for love.  Talking animals.  A witch.  Sounds like this is going to be a good one.

While driving his cart home a Goatherd (Steinbruner, who also wrote the screenplay) spies a beautiful woman, clad in white and dancing to a tune only she can hear.  He is instantly smitten.  Nearby, a young child known as Love takes notice and notches an arrow onto his bow.  As he fires the cart hits a rock and the arrow misses its target.  All in all, it’s a typical day for the man who is convinced he will never find love.

Smartly written, with strong performances, “Man & Witch” could easily be described as “SHREK meets ‘The Princess Bride’” with a little bit of “The Wizard of Oz” tossed in for good measure.  The tale is narrated by Dog, voiced by Sean Astin.  He is a big sheepdog who spends his days with his fellow farm mates, including Goose (Jennifer Saunders), Donkey (Bill Bailey) and Sheep (Eddie Izzard), who has a habit of quoting movie lines when the situation warrants it.  Talking animals.  Ogres.  Royalty.  And what about the Witch?

There is a lot to like about this film.   The cast has fun with their roles, with special mention going to Miss Stronach, who gives the Witch a vulnerable side you don’t expect.  If her name seems familiar, it’s probably because she played the Childlike Empress in 1984’s “The NeverEnding Story.”  It’s always a treat to see Christopher Lloyd on the big screen.  His Alchemist is a nice companion character to both Doc Brown and “Taxi’s” Jim Ignatowsky.  The film was shot in Scotland and takes advantage of the beautiful countryside.

“Man and Witch” receives three and a half stars out of five. 

• OPERATION FORTUNE: RUSE DE GUERRE
• Starring: Jason Statham, Aubrey Plaza
• Directed by Guy Ritchie
• Rating: R
• Running time: 1 hr 54 mins
• Lionsgate

• JAZZ FEST:  A NEW ORLEANS STORY
• Starring:  Quint Davis, Jimmy Buffet, Verdine White
• Directed by:  Frank Marshall and Ryan Suffern
• Rated:  PG 13
• Running time:  1 hr 35 mins
• Sony Pictures Classic

• AMSTERDAM
• Starring:  Christian Bale, Margot Robbie and John David Washington
• Directed by:  David O. Russell
• Rated:  R
• Running time:  2 hrs 14 mins
• 20^th Century Studios

• CREED III
• Starring:  Michael B. Jordan, Jonathan Majors and Tessa Thompson
• Directed by:  Michael B. Jordan
• Rated:   PG 13
• Running time:  1 hr 56 mins
• MGM

Sadly, it’s usually the third installment of a film series that doesn’t fare well.  Think “Jaws 3-D,” “Halloween III,” “Superman III” among others that, while they try hard, they tend to disappoint.  Welcome to the group, “Creed III.”

Having achieved greatness both in and out of the boxing ring, Adonis Creed (Jordan) is ready to relax.  However, that time off is interrupted when a mysterious man from his past returns and demands a shot at the title he thinks is rightly his.  Cue the music.

“Creed III” borrows a lot of its story from “Rocky III.”  The champion looking to quit, only to be bullied into “one more fight” and the emotional and physical damage this fight takes on everyone involved. All that is missing is a cameo from Mr. T.  The main thing missing is Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky.  Rocky was the heart of the first two films, and his presence is sorely missed, both on the screen and to the audience.  Because of this, there is not one likable person in the cast to root for, which makes the big fight moot, because you really don’t have a rooting interest.  Adonis and his wife are constantly bickering, his old pal Damian (Majors) is a bully and unlikeable.  It’s sad when the only character you root for is Ivan Drago’s son.

On the positive side, Jordan’s direction is fluid, and he covers the boxing scenes with the eye of an old pro.  He obviously has the chops to be behind the camera.  Unfortunately he didn’t spend enough time on character development, and the audience is stuck with one-dimensional character that don’t have a redeeming bone in their bodies, which is a shame for a franchise that earned it’s love by opening its heart.

“Creed III” receives two and a half stars out of five.

• WEIRD: THE AL YANKOVIC STORY
• Starring:  Daniel Radcliffe and Lin-Manuel Miranda
• Directed by: Eric Appel
• Rated:  TV 14
• Running time:  1 hr 48 mins
• Roku

I often hear people talk about the music of their generation.  My dad grew up listening to Frank Sinatra.  My mom, Elvis.  I grew up in the time of the Beatles.  But there is another musician that influenced my life profoundly,  His name is Al Yankovic.

How do you make a film about a man whose stated life ambition is to write funny lyrics to existing songs?  It’s actually quite easy.  Picking various points of the accordion master’s life, it seems that

Al (a very good Daniel Radcliffe) has a talent that must be shared with the world.  Like my friends and I, Al was a fan of late-night radio host Dr. Demento (an unrecognizable Rainn Wilson) and sends him a tape of some of his songs.  Much to his surprise, the Doctor plays his stuff on the air, which leads to Al thinking this could really be the start of something big.

Of course, not everyone thinks Al is a musical genius.  Only after he is challenged by legendary DJ Wolfman Jack (Jack Black) to create, on the spot, a parody of Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” that he is able to quiet the naysayers.   Think Eminem at the end of “8 Mile” and you have a good idea of how things go.

The film plays fast and loose with facts, but fans of Al wouldn’t want it any other way.  If you’re a fan of “the Weird one,” then, by all means, give this one a look.

“WEIRD’ receives three and a half stars out of five.

• CHAMPIONS
• Starring: Woody Harrelson, Kaitlin Olson
• Directed by Bobby Farrelly
• Rating: PG-13
• Running time: 2 hrs 4 mins
• Focus Features

• HYPNOTIC
• Starring: Ben Affleck, Alice Braga
• Directed by Robert Rodriguez
• Rating: R
• Running time: 1 hr 33 mins
• Ketchup Entertainment

• PLANE
• Starring: Gerard Butler, Mike Colter
• Directed by Jean-Francois Richet
• Rating: R
• Running time: 1 hr 47 mins
• Lionsgate

• KNOCK AT THE CABIN
• Starring: Dave Bautista, Jonathan Groff
• Directed by M. Night Shyamalan
• Rating: R
• Running time: 1 hr 40 mins
• Universal Pictures

• GLASS ONION: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY
• Starring: Daniel Craig, Edward Norton
• Directed by Rian Johnson
• Rating: PG-13
• Running time: 2 hrs 19 mins
• Netflix