A Quiet Place: Day One

Official Australian release date: 27/6/24. Viewed: 27/6/24.
Director: Michael Sarnoski        
Actors: Lupita Nyong’o, Joseph Quinn, Djimon Hounsou, Alex Wolff
Genre: Thriller / Horror
Rating: M

‘A Quiet Place: Day One’ is the prequel to 2018’s ‘A Quiet Place’ and while we’ve seen some flashbacks to the alien invasion in the other two films, this follows Sam (Nyong’o) on her trip into New York City from her hospice (she has an undisclosed disease), which coincides with the chaos of the invasion. While we see some of the widespread destruction, we effectively follow Sam and her cat (who has the third most screentime!) as she tries to stay alive as the hundreds of blind sound-sensitive aliens attack. 

While there’s some scares, it’s not necessarily a “horror” film – only rated M after all, and a lot filmed during daylight – but does make you question how fragile civilisation sometimes seems… There’s some cameos from Hounsou and Wolff, but other than that, it’s pretty much only Sam, the cat and Eric (Quinn; Eddie from ‘Stranger Things’) on screen the entire time. Like the other films, lots of whispers and score only, as we watch the characters try to adapt.

Quite quick overall (100min), but still drags a bit in the middle. Not sure what’s missing – maybe Krasinski directing, maybe it feels like lower state without Emily Blunt and the kids? Maybe needed more aliens? It’s certainly not bad, with a few minor chuckles, some good jump-scares and a mostly-satisfying conclusion. Just not sure it does anything too new or adds anything to the franchise. That said, will watch the next one! (Spoiler: the cat doesn’t die)

Overall: Lupita gets a pizza

Gav's Rating: 3 stars

Bad Boys: Ride or Die

Official Australian release date: 6/6/24. Viewed: 9/6/24.
Directors: Adil El Arbi & Bilall Fallah
Actors: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Eric Dane, Jacob Scipio
Genre: Action / Comedy
Rating: MA

‘Bad Boys: Ride or Die’ (or Bad Boys 4) comes only 4 years after the 3^rd film, a record turnaround-time for this franchise. It picks up the plot from that film, with Mike (Smith) and Marcus (Lawrence) dealing with the fallout of Mike’s newfound son, Armando (Scipio). They have to try to clear Captain Howard’s (Pantoliano) name, after he’s framed by the bad guy, McGrath (Dane).  

Great, opening, re-establishing Mike & Marcus’ connection, with Marcus then having an epiphany which leads to lots of funny moments throughout the film. Lots of the cast are back from the last film: new Captain, Rita (Nunez), Marcus’ son-in-law Reggie (McDonald), and young cops Kelly (Hudgens) & Dorn (Ludwig). We also have Judy (Seehorn) as Captain Howard’s daughter and Lockwood (Gruffudd) as Rita’s partner/future mayor. Everyone does their bit and no more.

When Mike & Marcus are set-up and have to save Armando, they end up on the run south of Miami. This also helps grow Mike & Armando’s characters. It then sets up the big show-down at the end in an abandoned alligator park – what could go wrong? Pretty great final act, lots of explosions, gun battles and always some comedic quips. Nothing feels too long, and there’s a bit more fun in this film than the previous one.

Overall: Best ‘Bad Boys’ since the original

Gav's Rating: 3.5 stars