Movies: These Films Aren’t Your Typical Hollywood Blockbusters
In the current state of the world, cinema has suffered greatly. A lot of films have seen delays and postponements due to Covid. One thing that can be viewed as a silver lining, we are opening up our horizons to different films. These aren’t the cinematic spectacles that we are accustomed to. Streaming and VOD have given new life to the film industry.
2021 has seen its share of underappreciated and under-the-radar gems. I’ve reviewed a few (Eat Wheaties, Ride The Eagle) and the mass amount of others I’ve come across have been relatively good. You have probably not heard of many of these pictures. Perhaps you’ll check out some of these diamonds in the rough?
North Hollywood
This is in my top-3 films of 2021 at the moment. The basic premise is about a conflicted high school student ready to commit to a life of pro skating, despite his father’s wishes and at the expense of losing his closest friends. I wouldn’t say it’s a cinematic masterpiece. I do believe that this had one of the most unpredictable, yet predictable, endings I’ve seen in some time. Vince Vaughn in a dramatic role is always a sight to behold. This is probably my favorite role I’ve seen of his, narrowly beating out a Top-5 film of mine from 2020, Arkansas. I’d recommend North Hollywood to anyone who has dared to dream despite others going against you.
Golden Arm
Talk about an unorthodox concept. This is basically the Rocky of women’s arm wrestling. It’s off the wall, however, very rewarding. Mary Holland (Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates, The Happiest Season), and Betsy Sodaro (Disjointed) star in Golden Arm. Sodaro is a always a fun actress to watch. She’s very over-the-top for sure. This film really did justice to her craziness. The story outside of the interesting arm wrestling background is very vanilla. Nothing will blow you away, just a lighthearted and fun film.
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The Werevolves Within
I’m going to throw a curveball here. Werewolves Within isn’t a good film. In fact, this is probably going to end up as one of my Top-5 worst of the year. With that being said, this is so bad it needs to be watched. It is so over-the-top (sorry for the use of that word again) stupid, there’s no way to really explain it. Sam Richardson (Super Intelligence, Tomorrow War) has evolved into one of my new favorite actors. This is definitely not the best work of his young career. The real issue, Milana Vayntrub ( Lily from AT&T) is cringe-worthy. She did the best with what she had, but it wasn’t good. The script is just so out there. The ending is just plain ridiculous. The characters are so underdeveloped. You’ll get a good laugh, in a bad way. Also, if you have played the video game this film is adapted from, I’m sorry.
Playing God
This movie was different than what the trailer implied. You’re led to believe it’s a con movie, instead, it ends up as a dramatic picture with a religious message. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, just didn’t expect it. The film itself is actually quite good. Without giving too much away, a brother and sister con a man into believing he’s talking to god. The dialogue and interaction with Michael McKean and Alan Tudyk were what set this movie apart from all the others I’ve seen. The scenes between the two are fantastic. McKean is sensational in this film. I’d reckon to say he’s up there with Tom Holland (Cherry), Caleb McLaughlin (Concrete Cowboy), Nic Cage (Pig), and Toby Huss (Copshop) as my favorite acting performances of the year thus far. Playing God is an out-there film for sure. It’s worth a watch for anyone who wants to see a unique and different concept.
There are other films I’ve seen that are worthy of mention. The aforementioned Nic Cage is excellent in Pig (which was featured in most cinemas, but hasn’t gotten national appeal). I’d also mention Together, Together, one of the best roles of Ed Helms career. Last but not least, Paper Tigers, a hilarious comedy centered around martial arts. All of these choices are under the radar and have a lot of appealing things about them.
Whether it’s just incredibly bad (The Werewolves Within), or a Top-3 contender (North Hollywood), don’t underestimate a film because it’s not a part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Image Source: IFC Films
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
