Movie reviews of Jeffrey Rex Bertelsen

Hubie Halloween is one of the best Straight-to-Netflix Sandler-comedies. That may not be a very high bar to clear, but it probably does mean that it will appeal to, and satisfy, quite a lot of Adam Sandler fans. Review

This is a powerful celebration of youth, life, and love that includes a truly intoxicating, electrifying, and rip-roaring ending that’ll stick with you. Review

The film absolutely will not work for everyone, as the combination of the film’s gruesome scenes, deliberate pace, and bleak tone is sometimes overwhelming. But this is an epic that can stick with you, in part because of how memorable some of the pivotal performances are. Review

Although some of the plot developments in Cho Il-hyung’s #Alive are, admittedly, trite, the focus on modern technology, communication, and the importance of a personal connection during a dangerous epidemic felt both fresh and relatable, which is why I will happily recommend this to horror fans who need something new to watch. Review

I’m Thinking of Ending Things really connected with me as a bleak, cerebral, and disconcerting psychological horror film about the passing of time, your relationship with culture, and the big regrets in life. Review

Boys State is a fantastic documentary that reveals an eerily accurate microcosm of the state of American politics. Review

I think Christopher Nolan’s Tenet is an ambitious and thrilling high-concept spy flick that, admittedly, is probably easier to admire than it is to love. Review

So, while I really enjoyed watching this engaging and honest documentary about a controversial — possibly misunderstood — football figure who, as the song goes, did it his way, it is unfortunate that the documentary, which is also curiously structured, does not include a fresh interview from Domenech. Review

On the whole, in spite of the formulaic nature of the plot, this Dan Scanlon film is head and shoulders above his previous Pixar-film, Monsters University. Review

It is a very nice tribute to Pitsenbarger and the soldiers that he saved, but, as a film, it leaves something to be desired. Review

With Peninsula, Yeon Sang-ho has made a thematically less ambitious but more visual effects-heavy zombie flick. In large part due to triteness, Yeon, unfortunately, fails to reach the heights of Train to Busan, but, even though this sequel is a little bit of a disappointment, the film definitely has its moments. Review

Boosted by a solid sound design that would’ve probably had a more pronounced effect in a movie theater, Greyhound is a terrific and gripping war film. Review

The Ninth Gate is fairly engrossing and sometimes appropriately atmospheric in spite of the languid pace, but, in pivotal moments, the campy execution lets the film down. Review

The Old Guard may appear a little rough around the edges, due, in part, to the familiar story and the film’s pacing issues, this superhero action flick has plenty of franchise-potential, as it features solid worldbuilding, as well as character relationships about which you actually care. Review

Defending Jacob is a sleek and gloomy but unhurried and overlong family-crime-thriller mini-series. Y... Review

Chris Sanders’ The Call of the Wild, which is essentially a dog’s coming-of-age film about becoming your own master, is weakened significantly by the decision to pair living and breathing actors with its computer-generated canine design, which appears unconvincing and is undeniably distracting from start to finish. Review

Brian De Palma’s meandering Americanised nordic noir B-movie, Domino, is a sometimes fascinating but mostly frustrating disappointment. Review

Dobkin’s predictably plotted The Story of Fire Saga is overlong and not at all as funny as it could’ve been. However, I have to say that in spite of all these significant problems with the film, I had a blast with it. Dan Stevens and Rachel McAdams are just fun to watch here, and the songs are undeniably catchy. Review

Sonic the Hedgehog has revealed itself to be a pretty decent and above-average family-friendly video game movie with a lot of heart that works in large part due to the performance given by Jim Carrey. Review

Spike Lee’s Da 5 Bloods is a great must-watch film about the African-American war experience and postwar trauma that feels incredibly timely. Review

Cory Finley’s Bad Education is very entertaining, darkly funny, and it features a fantastic performance from Hugh Jackman. Review

Ole Christian Madsen’s Krudttønden: The Day We Died is an unfocused and superficial multi-narrative drama with thinly written characters and unconvincing dialogue. Review

Gerwig controls the effect of her film so impressively, and her structural confidence is exceptional. Review

The Gentlemen is a very entertaining film, in large part due to its extraordinary performances from Hugh Grant and Colin Farrell. Review