Review: LODGER #1 Is A New, Mysterious Thriller From The Laphams

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Lodger is a new crime comic out this week by David and Maria Lapham (Stray Bullets), and it’s a captivating ride sure to get its hooks in you.

About the comic:
Ricky Toledo is on the hunt for Lodger, a travel blogger who is murdering his way through the midwest. She follows him to a small town, Blossom, in the wake of his latest attack.

And if you think that’s all this comic is about, you’re out of your mind. Lodger #1 throws you right into the middle of this story, and it’s immediately clear that there’s much more going on than meets the eye. The Laphams don’t bother explaining much either. You have to start picking things up and piecing them out as you go along. By the end, you have a hundred questions and need the next issue ASAP. It’s captivating, engaging storytelling.

We don’t learn much about the characters from this first installment, and that’s by design. This issue isn’t a character study; it’s a peek into this surreal, vicious world. The Laphams provide a general quick-look at Ricky and Lodger’s personalities, but there’s nothing about their backstory or relationship. Again, this mystery element is at the heart of Lodger, and it’s what makes it so compelling. The Laphams don’t hold their audience’s hand; there’s a trust in place.

Lodger is the first black-and-white miniseries for IDW’s Black Crown imprint. Fans of Stray Bullets know what they’re in for in terms of David Lapham’s art. The black-and-white instantly creates a crime/noir atmosphere, as well as a gritty, underground one. The dialogue and sound effects seem to be hand-lettered and embedded into the art, which further sucks you in.

Lapham has a very unique style in terms of panel structure and layout. It’s nothing flashy, mostly grids. But each panel feels like a snapshot, each one essential to the story. It’s simple and effective. Lapham is a master visual storyteller. And even though the panel density is on the high side – the typical page has eight panels – it never slows down the pacing.

Fans of the Laphams and Stray Bullets are already going to check out Lodger. But if you’re unfamiliar with their work, and especially if you’re a fan of crime stories, use this as the perfect entryway into their dark, twisted, surreal world.

Lodger #1 is created and written by David and Maria Lapham, and drawn by David Lapham. The variant cover is by Bill Sienkiewicz. Shelly Bond edits the series.

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DOCTOR WHO: Reviewing Story 279 “Rosa” – American History 101

By

Michael Bedford

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“Rosa” started as many DOCTOR WHO episodes have, The Doctor is unable to convince the TARDIS to go where it’s being told, and instead materializes at a specific place and moment in time. The place and moment in time that the TARDIS has chosen is Montgomery, Alabama on November 30th, 1955 — one day before Rosa Parks refused to give up her bus seat to a white passenger, influencing the civil rights movement in the United States.

Rather than having an interest in the history of civil rights, the TARDIS chose this time and place to materialize because it picked up traces of artron energy, the same kind of energy that powers the TARDIS.

A fellow time-traveler turns out to be the source of the radiation. Wearing a leather jacket, white T-shirt, and jeans — greaser style — Krasko, a convicted serial murderer of thousands, is an escapee from a prison in the distant future. Krasko reveals his plan: he came back to this specific moment in time to ensure that Rosa Parks would not become an icon for the civil rights movement. Krasko, revealing himself to be quite the bigot, describes Parks’s refusing to give up her seat as the moment when everything changed. He seeks to prevent the ensuing push for civil rights for visible minorities.

DOCTOR WHO: “Rosa” – Doctor Who or Doctor Beckett?

Although it’s true the Doctor has had similar adventures over the show’s long-running tenure, I can’t think of any that were so on the nose. “Rosa” reminded this viewer more of an episode of QUANTUM LEAP than it did of an episode of DOCTOR WHO. The commentary on racial intolerance in 1950s America was well done. The commentary provided by way of Ryan thinking Rosa Parks was the first black female bus driver, rather than knowing about her actual role in history, was similarly on point. It all just felt a bit contrived.

Combining the Doctor’s drive to keep history on track with the forgettable villain bent on wreaking havoc with the timeline, and it felt like the only thing missing from this QUANTUM LEAP episode was a holographic projection named Al that only the Doctor could see and hear.

DOCTOR WHO: “Rosa” – Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks

One of the strangest moments in “Rosa” came when Ryan got to sit in on a meeting between Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. Although this scene provided for some adorable reactions from Ryan — calling Dr. King “Martin Luther King” and Parks “Rosa Parks” every time he referred to them — it stuck out as unnecessary to the plot, seeming more like padding than anything else.

The historical reference is there — King started the Montgomery bus boycott shortly after Parks was arrested — but this scene did little to advance the story.

DOCTOR WHO: “Rosa” – History from Behind the Bins

The highlight of “Rosa,” for me anyway, was Yaz and Ryan’s conversation about the contemporary state of racial inequality. Both bemoan the lack of total equality they face: Ryan talks about getting pulled over by cops, and Yaz talks about being called a terrorist on her way home from the mosque. They have this conversation while hiding behind a dumpster from a racist Montgomery police officer.

The content of this scene, although not wholly related to the episode’s plot, highlighted a point that hasn’t gotten much time on DOCTOR WHO. Although women and visible minorities have been accompanying the Doctor on his (and now her) adventures over the years, many who traveled back in time would be subject to a variety of racist and sexist attitudes from the temporally native populace. In truth, they would likely have to participate in the adventure “from behind the bins” as Yaz and Ryan did. It’s refreshing to see producers and writers tackle this sticking point rather than simply gloss over it.

DOCTOR WHO: “Rosa” – Final Thoughts

Bigotry is a difficult topic for any TV show to tackle, and DOCTOR WHO has attempted this tackle on a number of different occasions. Although I take issue with the somewhat ham-handed way in which the topic was broached, I applaud the creative team for their effort in highlighting an ongoing problem that many pretend is solved.

Ryan’s somewhat hasty actions again have me questioning his emotional stability — sending a mass murderer to a random point back in time was hardly a good idea. And, that the Doctor didn’t immediately reprimand him for doing so struck me as uncharacteristic. That Ryan set the controls to as far back as possible has this reviewer wondering if Krasko is indeed the “timeless child” that the Remnant mentioned in “The Ghost Monument.” We shall see.

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‘THE FLASH’ S5 Ep. 3 Review: “The Death of Vibe”

By

Jon Barr - TV Editor

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The Flash delivers another interesting episode that delves deeper into certain characters. The episode that promises the death of Vibe doesn’t deliver said death – which isn’t a bad thing. “The Death of Vibe” does deliver a look into previously sidelined characters. Characters like Caitlin Snow and Joe West finally get time to shine this season. Confusing title notwithstanding, “The Death of Vibe” is another interesting entry in the fifth season of The Flash.

The majority of this episodes focuses on the Barry-Nora dynamic. While the series has focused on their strange dynamic before, this episode goes deeper into Nora’s impact. As it turns out, her presence has totally rewritten the history of new villain Cicada. It’s enough of a twist to keep the West-Allen dynamic fresh. Even though it’s a subject The Flash has explored for two weeks, it hasn’t gone stale.

While the show continues exploring Nora’s impact, it also introduces a “new” character. “New” being an interesting word – it’s a new iteration of classic character Harrison Wells (Tom Cavanagh). This version of Wells is an ace French detective named Harrison “Sherloque” Wells. The accent is odd, but the character does provide some missed Wells shenanigans. Sherloque is enough of a twist on the Wells character that it makes for a solid re-entry point for Cavanagh.

However, the side character are especially fun this episode. The Flash gives screen time to people who haven’t gotten a lot so far this season. For instance, both Caitlin and Ralph team-up for an entertaining and revealing side quest. Ralph is up to his usual stretchy antics, while Caitlin goes deeper into the mystery of her “dead” father. Joe West also gets some much-deserved free time, as he gets interrogated by Cicada. Characters who haven’t been as prevalent this season get some solid development this week.

CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S EPISODE REVIEW HERE!

Cicada even gets a little more development. As The Flash builds up its titular villain, they also give him a bit more back story. Chris Klein spends some time outside the mask, as he visits his comatose daughter in the hospital. This new detail, along with his swapped secret identity, builds the character up. Cicada is a cool character on his own, but his human side is also interesting. How the two sides will complement each other will be interesting to watch.

“The Death of Vibe” isn’t the strongest Flash episode, but it does some solid character building. The title is awfully misleading, and reads like a cry for attention. It’s particularly interesting since this episode didn’t need the cry. The Flash delivers a solid episode with strong characters that doesn’t need the deadly tease. “The Death of Vibe” delivers more than enough action and development that you’ll forget the dumb title almost instantly.

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Review: THE ROOKIE Finds Its Heart In Second Episode “Crash Course”

By

Matthew Sardo

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The second episode of The Rookie hits ABC tonight with Nathan Fillion and his crew fighting through the pilot origin story to get to the meat and potatoes of the series, which is full of heart and compassion.

“Crash Course”

Talia forces Nolan to confront his personal moral instincts in order to be a good cop after he encounters a kidnapping victim. Meanwhile, Lucy is temporarily placed with a new training officer who tests her patience, and Jackson must confront his failures head-on if he wants to be an officer.

LAPD rookie training is a plot thread that works so well for the series as it breaks the show up into three plot threads that converge throughout the episode. I’m not sure how real The Rookie is, but you feel like you get a good understand of what it takes to be a police officer as you watch it through three distantly different lenses. The show puts you in the trenches with the rookies, and you are there for every success and failure. When you add the charm of Fillion and Afton Williamson as student and teacher, the series finds its heart, and you start to sense something special.

“Crash Course” worked well to give Fillion moments to shine and be the everyman the world loves. But, the plot threads at starting to build for the gut punch climax we all know is coming for Nolan as it wouldn’t be a ‘hero’s journey’ without tragedy. As we get more involved in the show and connect with characters, we want more information as questions are starting to arise. Who owns Nolan’s house, and why does Capt. Zoe Anderson (Mercedes Mason) have a soft spot for Nolan?

The only major fault of the episode was the forced comedy. The comedic elements of this show should be organic and not setup throughout the episode. The fewer tropes the series uses, the better.

Overall, “Crash Course” gave the show the heart it desperately needed and sets up the series for future storylines.

Are you watching The Rookie, what do you think of the series so far? Comment below with your thoughts.

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‘DAREDEVIL’ Season 3 Review: Marvel’s Best Show Is Better Than Ever!

By

Kieran McLean

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October 23, 2018

In the latest episode of Kieran’s Movie Space, Kieran reviews the latest Marvel show to land on Netflix, Daredevil season three! Is this the best season so far? Is Kingpin still the best villain in the Marvel Cinematic Universe? Listen to the spoiler-free review below!

More – ‘The Haunting Of Hill House’ Review: A Terrifying & Beautiful Horror Series

If you like what you hear, it would be awesome if you hit the like/subscribe buttons and drop a comment in the appropriate section.

Listen to the review below:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_71xTEpksWk[/embedyt]

What is Marvel’s Daredevil?

The first in a planned series of shows detailing the Marvel universe, “Daredevil” follows Matt Murdock, attorney by day and vigilante by night. Blinded in an accident as a child, Murdock uses his heightened senses as Daredevil to fight crime on the streets of New York after the sun goes down. While Murdock’s day job requires him to believe in the criminal justice system, his alter ego does not follow suit, leading him to take the law into his own hands to protect his Hell’s Kitchen neighbourhood and the surrounding communities.

What Is Kieran’s Movie Space?

Kieran’s Movie Space is an insightful, fun and reliable new podcast for fans of all things cinema. Host Kieran McLean delivers in-depth reviews of the latest movie releases, from small indie movies to massive blockbusters. New episodes weekly…or whenever I feel like posting.

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Review: DOCTOR WHO “Rosa” – History Supersedes Sci-fi

By

Kieran Freemantle

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During the Doctor’s travels, he (now she) has met many historical figures and seen many important events. In the latest episode the adventure focuses more on historical events than sci-fi antics.

The Doctor has been attempting to bring her new companion back to Sheffield. Unfortunately, they land in Montgomery, Alabama just before the famous Bus Boycott instead. They meet Rosa Parks (Vinette Robinson) and discover she is surrounded by artron energy. More than that, she’s attracted the focus of another intergalactic traveler (Joshua Bowman).

“Rosa” was one of the most anticipated episodes in the new series because of its co-writer Malorie Blackman. Blackman is a celebrated writer in the UK, specializing in written novels for children and young adults. Racism and prejudice is a theme she likes to examine so it is no surprise she wrote an episode about one of the most famous Civil Rights activists.

Modern Doctor Who have made episodes focusing on historical figures – Agatha Christie, Vincent van Gogh, and William Shakespeare being central in episodes. But there was always a sci-fi element to the story. Van Gogh was plagued by a monster only he could see, and the disappearance of Agatha Christie was due to an alien wasp. “Rosa” aimed to be more educational, being close to events and the Doctor and the companion have to ensure history stays on course.

Doctor Who was originally meant to be an educational show that would teach children about history. During the First Doctor’s run there were historical episodes about Marco Polo, The Aztecs, and the Romans. In these episodes, there was no alien or sci-fi threat. “Rosa” is a homage to that kind of episodes and it continues Chris Chibnall’s back-to-basics approach, stripped down, simple stories.

There is a sci-fi enemy in the form of Krasko. He attempts to make small changes to events so that would have a big effect later on. The Doctor and her companions have to make sure history stays on course. It’s a small story with big implications. Rosa Parks and all the residents of Montgomery do not realize they are in a bigger story which is refreshing for Doctor Who.

The episode also looks at how racism affects Ryan and Yasmin. Ryan gets a harsh lesson when he is polite to a woman and suffers the full force of a racist onslaught. Both companions suffer at the hands of segregation laws and policies that dominated the Deep South. They have a moment together talking about how the modern day racism they experience. The episode acknowledges that there are still issues involving racism in the modern day, though there’s been massive progress since the ’50s.

“Rosa” also had a few comedic moments. The best came when Ryan and Graham interrupt the bus driver James Blake (Trevor White), uses his racism to their advantage. Ryan also speaks using London terms like ‘bruv’. The episode references the Doctor’s new gender as well, and how she’s not used to it. But another joke where Graham pitches the iPhone falls like a lead balloon.

During the Steven Moffat era Doctor Who was becoming formulaic. Chibnall has brought new life to the series, using the franchise to different stories. It is refreshing to see Doctor Who downplay the sci-fi for a change. “Rosa” is a strong episode to show to younger children.

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Should Netflix And The Heroes For Hire Go The ‘RAGNAROK’ Route?

By

Jon Barr - TV Editor

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October 23, 2018

Marvel shows Luke Cage & Iron Fist were both suddenly cancelled the past couple weeks. Both shows were axed after two seasons. However, this doesn’t mean these two are gone forever. Beyond their link to the other Defenders, the two could team up for a Heroes for Hire series. Will Netflix try to bring these characters together, like their comic book roots? If they do, they may want to look to Thor: Ragnarok for guidance.

Many have theorized the shows’ cancellations may be due to Disney moving forward with its own streaming service. Disney is putting together its own line-up of Marvel shows, starring notable characters like Loki and Scarlet Witch. This new Disney development could mean a battle with Netflix for ownership of the various Marvel shows. Whether Disney snatches the Defenders up, or if Netflix can keep its heroes, both Luke Cage and Danny Rand are still available for hiring.

If these characters are allowed back on screen, why not bring them together? Fans could get both its fallen heroes for the price of one series. Getting the duo back together, and making it one program, would be a great way to bring them back. The two of them had some of the strongest scenes in Netflix’s team up series The Defenders. There’s also still a lot someone could explore with the dynamic between them. Combining the two also means we can enjoy the characters for half the time commitment. Pulling the best from both cancelled shows, and making a new combo series, could be a great way to freshen up the characters.

This potential team-up series is similar to the blueprint Marvel’s laid out for one of its biggest characters. If you want a great example of how Marvel freshened up some movie heroes, look no further than Thor: Ragnarok. In Ragnarok, Thor and The Hulk teamed up along with other Asgardians to take down Hela. Ragnarok was far and away the best Thor film AND the best Hulk film. Creating a new kind of movie for these characters reinvigorated them, as solo characters and as a pair. If there are any characters that could do with a similar shake-up, it’s the two newly series-less heroes.

Netflix making a more comedic series would be a nice change of pace. Their various Defenders series are all the same general gritty tone. The third Thor film got way more praise than the other films, largely due to its director, Taika Waititi. Waititi made Thor: Ragnarok far more comedic and light-hearted than the Thunder God’s other solo outings. Putting a goofier spin on the Luke Cage & Danny Rand dynamic could definitely reinvigorate any new series. It’s like how the various DC shows on the CW differ in tone. Arrow is a gritty action series, while The Flash is way more campy and light-hearted. Giving Marvel a new show with a new tone would be refreshing.

Also, this pairing would bring out the best of Iron Fist. Marvel’s Iron Fist was the lowest rated series out of all the Marvel-Netflix team-ups. Similarly, the Hulk’s two solo movies were horrifically bad, and he hasn’t had his own movie since. But The Hulk was a main character in Ragnarok, and a delightful character at that. If Marvel could find new ways of incorporating Hulk, Netflix could do the same with the Immortal Iron Fist. Focusing on a team narrative with Danny, as opposed to his boy-billionaire-whatever routine, would give Rand a much-needed rebranding.

Thor — Chris Hemsworth and Mark Ruffalo, THOR: RAGNAROK

It’s also clear that the teams behind both shows aren’t ready to say goodbye to these two heroes. Take Finn Jones’ Instagram post, following the news of Luke Cage’s cancellation. Or take the fact that Luke Cage was far into development for a third season, with several scripts already complete. Heck, some Iron Fist skeptics were swayed after the series had a strong sophomore season. Unless Netflix is forced to hand these heroes over to Disney, it’d be a shame to say goodbye.

Putting the heroes in a new style of show could help both reach their full potential. The two characters could live on in a series that could inject some fun into the MTVU. Just because Disney & Netflix can’t get along doesn’t mean Luke & Danny can’t. Netflix has a chance to use these heroes to make something new. A Heroes for Hire series could be the breath of fresh air that Ragarok was for the Thor franchise.

#AlwaysForward

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TRAILER: THE HOLIDAY CALENDAR From Netflix Is Rom-Com Christmas Fun

By

Ruben Diaz

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October 23, 2018

The Holiday Calendar stars Kat Graham (Vampire Diaries) as a photographer who may or may not be wrapped up in a magical experience during Christmas that brings her lots of laughter and love. The Holiday Calendar comes to Netflix in November of 2018.

About The Holiday Calendar

Official Description: A struggling but talented photographer inherits an antique holiday advent calendar, the contents of which seem to predict the future. Will this magical calendar lead her to love this holiday season?

Kat Graham played a witch in Vampire Diaries and Tupac’s friend Jada Pinkett (yes, the actress) in All Eyes On Me, and here she gets to play the plucky lead of a romantic comedy made by Netflix. Director Bradley Walsh has an eclectic filmography that includes the science fiction TV series Helix, the traveling band drama Kaya, and quite a few rom-coms set on Christmas.

The Holiday Calendar features a cast that includes …

Kat Graham as Abby Sutton
Quincy Brown as Josh
Ethan Peck
Ron Cephas Jones as Gramps Sutton
Romaine Waite as Mitch
Genelle Williams as Sarah Sutton
Laura de Carteret as Judy Sutton
Rodrigo Fernandez-Stoll as Fernando
Harris Shore as Ralphie
Ali Hassan as Singh
Telysa Chandler as Laurie

Netflix is coming for our sentimental heartstrings, so watch out Hallmark Channel movies! The Holiday Calendar will be watched at my house by my wife who loves these kinds of things. I will end up watching it too while playing video games. What is there to say about these kinds of things? They’re sappy, simple, predictable, but also comforting, calming, and warm just like the holidays should be. So, go with it. Put this on your calendar and let’s all let our hearts feel a little cheesy magic.

Did this trailer get you excited for The Holiday Calendar?
Leave your comments below!

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Review: JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN With Laughs And Action

By

Sean Boelman

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Johnny English Strikes Again is the newest entry in the spy spoof series headlined by Rowan Atkinson of Mr. Bean fame. The film follows Johnny English as he is forced to come out of retirement to find an evil mastermind after a cyber-attack reveals the identity of all of the active operatives in Britain.

This film was almost certainly made as an international cash-grab. The series has always had a better track record across the pond than it did domestically. The first film was far from a smash hit here, only making $28 million stateside, but cashing in on $132 million in other territories. The sequel was even less successful in the States, making just over $8 million, but was a bigger success overseas, making upwards of $150 million. Prior to its U.S. release, the newest entry has already racked up north of $80 million worldwide, so it is sure to be an overall success.

johnny english dancing — Rowan Atkinson stars as Johnny English in JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN, a Focus Features release.

Having watched the first two films in preparation, this newest entry is perhaps the most intriguing of the three. It contains the signature bumbling humor for which the series and its star are known, but delivered in a somewhat more balanced way. The plot is neither overly ridiculous, nor overly grim. Instead, the film has a nice balance between the humorous and action-packed elements.

The film had some very funny moments. Although a few of the recurring Atkinson gags are worn out by now, the film throws in some newer elements that are hilarious. Although the series has always been based on fish-out-of-water comedy, this entry takes it to the extreme, as it places the now 63 year-old actor in situations with new and futuristic technology. The film also uses a lot of irony, which elicited many laughs too. Although the humor isn’t particularly highbrow, it is amusing nonetheless.

The action storyline in this film was also relatively interesting. It is predictable and follows the same formula as the other two films, but this one has more intelligence because of the impact of modern technology on the plot. Although the villain is still a generic bad guy, the threat he poses feels more real and pertinent than the other two films.

johnny english covert — Rowan Atkinson stars as Johnny English in JOHNNY ENGLISH STRIKES AGAIN, a Focus Features release.

The film’s execution also benefits from modern technology. The technical aspects are of far higher quality because of newer camera equipment and special effects. This makes the film more exciting and more likely to appeal to the younger boy audience at which the film seems to be aimed. However, the modern is blended with the old school, such as English’s signature Aston Martin, that is sure to please the target audience’s parents and older fans of the franchise who saw the original when they were younger.

Overall, while Johnny English Strikes Again may not have been an entirely necessary re-visit to the series, it is amusing enough that it is likely to be a hit with its overseas target audience. It is worth checking out if you are a fan of Rowan Atkinson or have young kids interested in a goofy spy romp.

Johnny English Strikes Again opens in theaters October 26.

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Review: MID90S Is A Solid Debut From Jonah Hill

By

Sean Boelman

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In his directorial debut, Jonah Hill (Superbad, The Wolf of Wall Street) brings us mid90s, a coming-of-age tale set amidst the skater culture of the 1990s. The film follows Stevie, a thirteen year-old boy who struggles to fit in with his new, older friend group while also dealing with issues at home.

First and foremost, do not go into this movie expecting that – since it is from the mind of Jonah Hill – it will be the goofy/raunchy comedy to which most of his career has been dedicated. No — this is a much more complex, artistic film, and while there are touches of raunch here and there, it is always for the purpose of developing the protagonist rather than getting a cheap laugh.

That being said, the movie is still quite funny. There was a lot of great situational comedy throughout and also plenty of hilariously-written dialogue. Perhaps the funniest scene in the film involves a security guard played by Jerrod Michael, as the protagonist and his friends exchange repartee with him. This scene in particular shows the amount of talent both behind and in front of the camera.

mid90s crew — Photo Credit: Tobin Yelland.

The movie also does an excellent job of developing the protagonist. He is (for the most part) likable and relatable, and the story really captures the essence of what it means to be going through adolescence. Although some elements of the story are slightly exaggerated, the overall tone and feel are quite sincere. This is especially the case in the scenes between the protagonist and his mother. The mother, while maybe used too sparingly, is an effective tool to complement the protagonist and establish realism.

However, the film contains many of the issues to which first-time directors are typically particularly susceptible. For example, the movie struggled with its rhythm at times: some scenes are too long, feeling overly self-indulgent, whereas other scenes feel like they are cut short. Additionally, there are a few scenes that didn’t totally work. While they won’t be discussed in detail to prevent spoilers, it should be obvious as to which scenes these are that were jarring.

mid90s girl — Photo Credit: Tobin Yelland.

Additionally, the character of the brother didn’t work particularly well in the story. He needed to be developed more thoroughly and given more to do in the story. Yes, the character does provide a few strong scenes, but the film definitely could have done more to explore the antagonism and relationship between him and Stevie. Instead, the character seems like it was inserted predominantly to push the plot along and was only given two or three truly deep scenes. This was also the weakest performance by Lucas Hedges yet.

The movie is pretty consistently well-executed, though. There is one scene whose quality is questionable, but otherwise, it is very strong. The visual style is impressive. The film embraces the retro feeling without lingering on nostalgia. The old school look and sound of the movie are used simply to show the universality of the story. This is how life was back then, and similarities can be seen with how life is today. Sunny Suljic’s lead performance is very compelling, too. He brings a lot of depth to the role, capturing the dichotomy of the character’s mature and immature qualities.

Overall, mid90s is a solid coming-of-age film. It has many funny moments, multiple endearing moments, and shows that Jonah Hill is not just a talented actor, but also an up-and-coming filmmaker.

mid90s is now playing in select theaters and expands October 26.

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