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Ryan Reynolds

Spirited: Redemption Ain’t Easy

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I am a self-proclaimed enthusiast of all things “A Christmas Carol.” I mean, one of my son’s names is Timothy – a purposeful reference to Tiny Tim from the Charles Dickens classic story of how a seemingly “unredeemable” Ebenezer Scrooge journeys through his past, present, and future in a ghostly attempt to change his ways. Since its publication in 1843, there have been over a hundred adaptations from radio to the stage to the screen and everything in between. One may even dare to ask the question, “why keep making new ones?”

To answer the question I ask another one, “should we ever stop seeking redemption?” Because if the answer is no (which I think is the correct one) then this story will always be relevant so by all means, let’s keep making them. And Apple+ showed up with their answer in Spirited, starring Will Ferrell, Ryan Reynolds, Octavia Spencer, and Patrick Page.

Before I tell you just where this version ranks in my list of top-rated adaptations of “A Christmas Carol,” I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you that I was absolutely delighted with this movie. It was funny, it was charming, it was well-written, it was musical (yes, musical), and it was simply a joy to watch. Will Ferrell plays the Ghost of Christmas Present in the real-life-after-life job of haunting Scrooge-like humans out of their spiteful and malicious ways and into a life kindness and generosity. Of course no Christmas Carol dream team can work without the Ghost of Christmas Past (Sunita Mani), the Ghost of Christmas Yet-to-Come (voiced by Tracy Morgan and performed by Loren Woods), and of course Jacob Marley (Patrick Page). Together with some very musically and theatrically talented ghosts, Present and his team take one chosen “perp,” on the ride of their life every Christmas Eve through their past, present, and show how their future will unfold if they don’t change their ways.

I mean you know the plot. But this year, this year their “Scrooge,” is a hopeless cause. He’s calloused, he’s greedy, he’s a manipulator. He has created such a ripple of negativity that he has even been classified as “unredeemable.”

He’s Ryan Reynolds. Well he’s actually Clint Briggs (played by Ryan Reynolds), the kind of PR executive that doesn’t hesitate to twist the truth (or re-write it even) to win. So committed to his cut-throat approach, he even advises his niece Wren (Marlow Barkley) to dig up dirt on her student council opponent and destroy his reputation, ensuring her victory…you know, for a middle school election. Little does Clint know that his actions have caught Present’s attention and through a compelling musical number and heartfelt plea, he convinces Jacob to choose Clint this Christmas, in spite of the label on his file. Jacob’s deal? That if it doesn’t work, Present takes his retirement package after two centuries of service and returns to earth for his second chance at life.

Balancing an ELF like optimism with a Eurovision voice and a Ricky Bobby style of determination, Ferrell’s portrayal of the Ghost of Christmas Present is easily one of my new favorites. Sure he has the same optimism and exuberance of most Present portrayals, but there’s a deeply rooted reality to him. There is a story to uncover as to why he is so committed to Clint’s redemption – so much so that he invites Clint into it so that maybe Clint will quit trying to sweet talk his way out of the journey and instead pay attention to how pivotal this journey will be. And Reynolds matches Ferrell beat for beat, creating a natural character journey that starts with defiance and reluctance but then shifts into curiosity, openness, and finally understanding. But ultimately, will it be enough by the end?

I admit I thought I had this movie figured out after some well-placed clues and hints. And obviously there was only one way this movie could end. But I was shocked and then pleasantly surprised with the bow that wrapped up the gift that is this movie. Yes I loved the musical numbers. Yes the casting is fantastic (Octavia Spencer brings the internal struggle of how far is too far to the forefront as Clint’s right-hand exec Kimberly, Sunita Mani had me cracking up as Past, and of course Ferrell and Reynolds were playing the kinds of characters they play best), and yes the spirit of “A Christmas Carol” is in every scene, even if it isn’t always obvious.

But the biggest “yes,” for me is my answer to the other question…can a Clint…can a Scrooge…truly be redeemed…and then stay as such?

Yes.

(Oh to answer your other question – Spirited is now in my top three film adaptations – up there with Mickey’s Christmas Carol and the 1970 film Scrooge with Albert Finney and Alec Guinness. And no, I will not be entertaining arguments against such rankings.)

The Adam Project: Finding Hope in Future’s Past

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Sometimes, Ryan Reynolds really gets it right. 

Although he’s one of the most bankable actors in Hollywood, Reynold’s films have been hit and miss. Best known as the wise-cracking Deadpool, his charming smirk may often bring his characters to life but the writing isn’t always there to justify his unique brand of pop culture quips. However, in Netflix’s The Adam Project  Reynolds channels the right energy to make it one of his more entertaining projects in recent years. 

Beginning in the year 2050, most of The Adam Project takes place in the present day where a 12-year-old Adam Reid (Walker Scobell) is still suffering from the loss of his father (Mark Ruffalo). Struggling to survive in school and taking his frustrations out on his mother (Jennifer Garner), Adam’s world is turned upside down when he comes home one day and stumbles across his future self (Ryan Reynolds). Bleeding from a bullet wound, the adult Adam claims to have returned to the past in an effort to save his future by stopping the process of time travel from ever being invented. 

While Reynolds may be the film’s biggest star, the most important ingredient to Project’s success may be director Shawn Levy. With films like the Night at the Museum trilogy, Real Steel and Reynold’s Free Guy on his resume, Levy has become an expert of finding the right balance of adventure, silliness and heart that is reminiscent of the classic 80’s family films of the Amblin era. With The Adam Project, Levy manages to walk that line once again with a fun and furious ride that feels like a creative mix of Flight of the Navigator and Back to the Future. (Though, it’s worth noting that, with some course language and mature themes, parents of younger children should take note that this film is PG-13 for a reason.)

Outside of Reynolds, the cast becomes particularly well rounded as well. Balancing out his trademark snark, Project makes good use of Garners’ warmth and Ruffalo‘s wit. (Side note: I can’t deny that it’s also fun to get a brief 13 Going on 30 reunion as well.) However, the absolute stand out of the cast is young Walker Scobell as Reynold’s younger self. Channeling Reynolds’ energy and sarcasm, Scobell’s ability to banter allows him to hold his own with the star onscreen, providing a unique take on the ‘buddy comedy’ that anchors the film. (Having said this, one does wish that more was given to the wonderful Catherine Keener and Zoe Saldana who are given little to do, despite the importance of their characters.)

While there are those that may argue that the time travel logistics of the film don’t always makes sense, The Adam Project cares little about such things. Like the best family adventures, what matters most are its characters and their emotional journeys. In this way, Project cares less about the sci-fi logistics and more about grappling with grief and healing. Fueled by a mixture of regret and anger surrounding the loss of their father, both versions of Adam are dealing with their own grief in different ways. Whereas adult Adam channels his pain into rage against his father, his younger self is taking it out on his mother. To them, the loss of their father is filled by complex feelings, ranging from inadequacy to blame. 

Because of his father’s own failings, adult Adam believes that he was unimportant to him. But is the world always the way that we remember it? As Reynolds revisits his own past, he begins to gain a new perspective on the way that things actually were. Even in his darkest moments, there is love in his home. As a child staring through his hurt, and be easy to forget that reality. 

There is hope when we realize that there is love.

With a spirit of adventure and fun, there is simply an energy and joy about this film that are undeniable. Once again, Levy has created a story that draws the viewer in with action but never loses its heart in the process. As a result, this is definitely one Project worth taking on.

The Adam Project streams on Netflix on Friday, March 11th, 2022.

Free Guy: Breaking Free from the Background

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Free Guy is an action-comedy film starring Ryan Reynolds as “Guy,” an NPC (non-playable character) meant for the background (and amusement of other real players) in the video game world of Free City, an open world mix-up of popular sandbox games such as Grand Theft Auto, Fortnite, and The Sims. The thing that makes Guy special though is that he gains sentience and develops self-awareness and artificial intelligence. Breaking from the monotony of his Bank Teller job duties, Guy becomes free and goes on one of the most action packed and surprisingly existential journeys you’ll see this year.

Although Free Guy markets itself as just another comedy action film, it’s actually one of the takes an interesting look into the potential future of artificial intelligence, simulation theory, as well as criticizes the monotony of modern life. For those unfamiliar, simulation theory is the belief that we could be living in a digital simulation. In other words, we’re all just AIs who are code living in a virtual world where technology has improved so much that the NPC themselves are intelligent and the digital realm is indistinguishable from reality. Free Guy lives within that premise, as Guy does not know that everything within his world (and everyone he’s ever cared about) is really just part of a video game. 

When Guy discovers that he’s just some background character in a video game, everything feel pointless to him. Guy’s original character cycle is to wake-up, go to his job at the bank, suffer some kind of abuse for a player’s mission in the game, and repeat. Looking at his own life, he begins to criticize all the things people in the city do every day. But it’s also a reflection of our “real” society as well. When Guy says ‘This is all meaningless! This is all fake’, he’s also talking about many of our lives in the real world. Living our lives in the day-to-day, the loop that so many of us are in is essentially the same as some random background NPC character. In many ways, it can feel like we’re all NPCs who just can’t get free and escape. Tasked to serve Free City’s creators, all the NPC’s purpose (including Guy) is to just gain as much money as possible for the business itself. Antoine, the CEO of Free City (played by Taika Waititi), actively declines innovation that isn’t profitable and does whatever he can to squeeze enjoyment out of the misery of the NPCs in Free City, even though he knows that they are self-aware and intelligent beings. The ruler of Guy’s world is the business that he’s a product, not unlike the big businesses that we work for and allow to manage/monetize our lives. 

As he grows in his self-awareness, Guy gathers the other NPCs in order to assist in breaking them free from their work cycles. The speech is honestly pretty inspirational, as it dives into the monotony of their lives and inspires them to pursue what they really want to do with their lives and be free. Obviously, this moment is a message to the audience to wake up and not do things you do simply because you think you have to. You’re not just some background character living for someone else’s amusement. You’re so much more. You have freewill and should use it to pursue what you really want. Like the NPCs within the game, we too have power in real life.

When most people bring up simulation theory, it’s often pretty bleak. After all, you’re just code. Therefore, nothing you do is “real” and that you’re “fake”. Nothing truly matters since everything around you is just more code, more facade. But Free Guy has a positive look into life in a simulation and why it matters. Whether or not you are really in a simulation, you still can live a full and free life. (And honestly who’s to decide what’s real or fake, even if made of code?) If you have intelligence, you have free will. What makes your life any less real than the “real world”? What makes you any less alive? Your life and your friends and family are real to you, whether you’re code or flesh.

Despite the story having one of the most interesting underlying messages I’ve seen this year, it is also an amazing action comedy. While Reynolds excels in these roles, he really comes alive onscreen as Guy. With wonderment and lust for life, Reynolds does a great job portraying a character who is learning what it’s like to be truly alive for the first time. His performance is  hilarious and gives you a sense of joy watching him evolve. 

Filled with video game and pop culture references, Free Guy is definitely targeting the younger generation. As a Disney product, the film takes full advantage of MCU and Star Wars weaponry in the most amusing fight scenes. (This is similar to the partnerships the video game Fortnite has integrated so well into their games.) What’s more, the gaming moments are also done very well. This really feels like a video game, and you can tell that the CGI and special effects team did their homework into other open world games in order to get it right.

Overall, Free Guy is a very pleasant surprise and one of the most interesting and meaningful movies you’ll see this year. With all the video game references and action/comedy that you’d expect from Ryan Reynolds, Guy is great film that gives you both a look into the future of AI and our place in this world.

Free Guy is available in theatres on August 13, 2021.

The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard: Reynolds, Hayek and Jackson comedy goes Fast & Furious

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The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard brings back beloved (and unlicensed) bodyguard Michael Bryce (Ryan Reynolds), who is having an identity crisis of sorts. While taking a sabbatical from work, Bryce is thrown back into action when Sonia Kincaid (Salma Hayek) drops back into his life and demands his help in rescuing her kidnapped husband, hitman Darius (Samuel L. Jackson). After freeing him from his abductors, the three are recruited by the FBI to prevent madman Aristotle Papadopolous (Antonio Banderas) from bringing his maniacal plans to reality. Though they can hardly stand the sight of one another, the three must set aside their differences in order to save Europe from total chaos. 

Wild and unruly, The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard is a fun but flawed ride that earns its credibility through sheer star power. Back behind the director’s chair is Patrick Hughes who kicks things up a notch from the last entry. Whereas the first film kept things (relatively) straightforward with its plot, the sequel goes for more… everything. More comedic banter. More gunfire and blood. Higher stakes and stunts. (In fact, the story has leaned into its own wildness so much that it borders on the type of mayhem that have made the Fast and Furious films a global success.)

However, while Wife’s Bodyguard may be over-the-top with its story and characters, it still remains a fun ride. Despite its madness, Hughes understands that the true building block of the film remains its leads and they receive the attention that they deserve. Even though Jackson and Reynolds have great comedic banter together, the most welcome piece is Hayek, whose role is increased significantly (as the title suggests). Though she has mixed up her acting choices throughout her career, Hayek’s comedic talents have always been her greatest strength and she bounds around onscreen with an energetic silliness.

Although the leads receive significant screen time, it’s worth noting though that the supporting characters feel like they’re given little to do. While Freeman’s role is more of a cameo, one would expect that Banderas would have more time to establish himself in a villainous role but his scenes feel minimal. (Having said this, it is fun to see him working again with Hayek. Desperado reunion!) However, one could argue that the actor who suffers most in the film is the stellar Frank Grillo. As FBI Agent O’Neill, Grillo’s character is set up with a significant introduction and then almost criminally underused within the film, despite his seeming importance to the script.

At its heart, Wife’s Bodyguard emphasizes the importance and impact of our parents. Here, all the characters are either feeling the damage left by their families or looking to begin one of their own. For example, the film highlights the pressure that Michael feels to live up to his father’s legacy. As one of the world’s best bodyguards, Michael’s step-father is respected by all. Although he loves his father, Michael constantly views himself as a comparative failure, especially without his AAA license. At the same time, as Sonia and Darius try to set out on their honeymoon, she yearns to be a mother. While the two try desperately to have children of their own, they have yet to be successful and Sonia is growing increasingly frustrated with the delays.

While the two stories seem to differ, the film holds them up against one another in such a way as to highlight what it means to choose your own family. Though the characters may not be related, Darius, Sonia and Michael continue to establish a bond of support for one another that draws them together. In a strange way, this creates a newly supportive (but dysfunctional) environment that becomes a family that we choose ourselves. (Again, this theme seems to echo the heart of the Fast and the Furious films…) By taking biology out of the equation, Hitman’s Bodyguard emphasizes the importance of our relationships and having people around us that have our backs.

To Wife’s Bodyguard, that is the nature of family.

With heightened stakes and antics, The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard should entertain fans of the first film and its leads. Despite the film’s flaws, Reynolds, Jackson and Hayek have a zaniness about them that always makes them interesting to watch, even in moments when this Hitman misses the mark.

The Hitman’s Wife’s Bodyguard is available in theatres on Wednesday, June 16, 2021.

The Croods: A New Age – Stone Age Meets the Modern Age

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If you want to look at the present, sometimes we need to start with the past.

Following the events of 2013’s The Croods, The Croods: A New Age follows the ‘first family’ as wander through the wilderness. Their simple lives are turned upside down though when they stumble upon the Bettermans, a family that has built a life of privilege through their innovative technology and their high value on self-protection. When the Bettermans decide that the Croods are a threat to their life of luxury, they attempt to rid themselves of their visitors but, in the process, unleash the danger that lurks on the other side of their incredibly high walls.

Directed by Joel Crawford, Croods: A New Age was not a sequel that seemed necessary yet proves to be most welcome. Whereas the first film focused entirely on the Crood clan, New Age opens up the world considerably (and creatively) with the addition of the Bettermans and their utopian realm. While the first film was fairly well-received, the world in which they lived had a relatively limited colour palette as the Croods trudged through their largely dusty terrain. However, with a new environment comes new opportunities for innovation and Crawford and his team let their imaginative juices fly.

Featuring wild creatures and dazzling bursts of colour, there’s an energy within New Age that was missing from its predecessor which also gives the franchise new life. (Personally, I believe that anyone who came up with the idea of ‘wolf-spiders’ really needs to seek some professional help, regardless of how adorable they look.) Filled with modern references like ‘window addiction’ and enough technological wonders to make The Flintstones jealous, Croods: A New Age feels relevant to the modern family and keeps the laughs going along the way.

Even the cast seems slightly more… well… animated in the sequel now that they some new blood to play with. Given the opportunity to work alongside Dinklage’s sophisticated but slimy Phil Betterman, Nicolas Cage’s Grug seems much more likable and endearing. At the same time, with their relationship now firmly established, both Emma Stone and Ryan Reynolds are much more comfortable with one another as their characters move towards their ‘forever’. Stealing the show, however, are the aforementioned Bettermans, played by veterans Peter Dinklage and Leslie Mann. Stepping into the role of antagonists to the Croods, Dinklage and Mann are a joy to watch as the obnoxiously wealthy Bettermans. (‘Emphasis on the better,’ they remind.) Though detestable for their celebration of privilege, Dinklage and Mann embed their performances with a nervous desire to protect their family that somehow makes them seem more sympathetic. 

Similar to the first film, A New Age also wants to explore what it means to be both an individual and valued part of the pack. As they settle into the Betterman’s luxurious villas, the Croods finally have the opportunity to have some privacy… but is that something that they really want? As they adjust to living in a technological paradise that allows for them to finally have some space between them, the Croods also find themselves more divided.

Having built a bond between them by always sticking together (primarily out of fear), their new environment provides a certain sense of ease to it that gives them freedom. While this can be life-giving to some, innovations like the ‘man-cave’ and Thunk’s obsession with the window also create roadblocks within their family. In this way, the film recognizes the modern challenges of relationships as we continue to find new ways to create space between us and struggle to maintain open communication in the family unit.

What may be most surprisingly, however, is that A New Age is also unafraid to venture into a new age of ideas by adding the numerous layers of cultural subtext to the family-friendly adventure. From the female empowerment of the Thunder Sisters to the abuse of the environment, the film explores a broad range of culturally relevant issues that help elevate the film’s story. (In fact, through Betterman’s control of the bananas and water supply, the film even suggests the socio-economic ramifications of creating a caste system where the divide between rich and poor continues to grow.) In doing so, there’s a certain level of bravery to A New Age as it intelligently explores some of the deeper issues of our current culture while never becoming overburdened by the conversations or losing the fun.

Despite having little that’s new to the standard animated release, the disc Little Red Bronana Bread and Dear Diary: World’s First Pranks are not spectacular but are effective and entertaining. What’s more, director’s commentaries are always welcome as well. Still, the simplest shorts may be the most helpful. For parents looking for something to do with their kids during a lockdown, shorts that offer creative options like ‘FamiLeaf Album’, ‘How to Draw: Caveman Style’ and ‘Stone Age Snack Attack’ may help bring some activities into your home. It’s also worth noting that the colours really pop onscreen with the home release, especially on the 4K disc.

Filled with humour and heart, The Croods: A New Age is a worthwhile venture. Once again, Grug, Eep and the rest of the family prove that the value of knowing your place in the pack and the importance of supporting one another in the most difficult of circumstances. 

Without question, they have peaked my interest to see what happens in the next age.

Croods: The New Age is available on VOD, 4K, Blu-Ray and DVD on February 23rd, 2021.

Giveaway! THE CROODS: A NEW AGE on Blu-Ray!

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Thanks to our friends at TARO PR, you can bring The Croods: A New Age home on Blu-Ray!

Return to a simpler time with a Blu-Ray copy of The Croods: A New Age. Directed by Joel Crawford, New Age stars the talents of Nicolas Cage, Ryan Reynolds and Emma Stone as the ‘first family’ encounters the ‘next family’ for the first time!

Following the events of 2013’s The Croods, The Croods: A New Age follows the ‘first family’ as wander through the wilderness. Their simple lives are turned upside down though when they stumble upon the Bettermans, a family that has built a life of privilege through their innovative technology and their high value on self-protection. When the Bettermans decide that the Croods are a threat to their life of luxury, they attempt to rid themselves of their visitors but, in the process, unleash the danger that lurks on the other side of their incredibly high walls.

In order to enter, simply like/share this post on Facebook and/or Instagram and tell us who your favourite cast member is from The Croods: A New Age!

Winners will receive a Blu-Ray copy of The Croods: A New Age.

All entries must be received by 11:59pm on Wednesday, February 24th, 2021.

The Croods: A New Age was released on Blu-Ray, 4K and DVD on February 23nd, 2021.

Special thanks to our friends from TARO PR!

5.16 Discovering Identity in DETECTIVE PIKACHU

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With Pokemon: Detective Pikachu, Nintendo gets back into the movie game with their first live-action adaptation of the popular franchise. When Tim Goodman gets the news that his absentee father has passed away, he returns to his home to search for answers. However, after Tim discovers his father’s partner, a wise-cracking Pikachu, he quickly discovers that there may be more to the story than he first believed. As the two venture out to solve the puzzle of his father’s disappearance, Tim and Pikachu learn to work together while, at the same time, tackling their own inner battles as well. This week on the show, Steve welcomes a couple of Pokemon masters in Rob Jackson and Anthony Simone to get to the bottom of the mystery behind why video game movies often fail and the film’s understanding of identity and mental health issues.

You can also stream the episode above on podomatic, Alexa (via Stitcher), Spotify or Soundcloud! Or, you can download the ep on Apple Podcasts or Google Play!

5.16 Detective PikachuDownload

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

Thanks Anthony and Rob for joining us!

teenFish#3 – Telling Stories with ONCE UPON A DEADPOOL

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Have you ever really wanted to know what goes on in the mind of today’s teens? Not just ‘what are they thinking?’ but how they feel about life’s issues? About truth? About where God is in the world today? At long last, ScreenFish is proud to announce teenFish, a new podcast series that lets teenagers speak about media that matters to them in their own voice. Hosted by Daniel Collins (Infinity Warm-Up), teenFish will be air the first Sunday of every month and invite local youth to engage the truth and lies of the shows and films that excite them.

With the release of ONCE UPON A DEADPOOL, the Merc with a Mouth steps for the first time into… a PG film? Previously released as DEADPOOL 2, this film trims the R-rated fat while adding some new Princess Bride-themed material (Fred Savage!) but does it still hold the same impact? This month, Daniel welcomes Jacob to talk about what they think about death and the meaning of family.

You can stream the episode above, on podomatic or on Spotify! Or, you can download the ep on Apple Podcasts, Google Play or more!

4.18 DEADPOOL 2 and the New F-Word

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The Merc with the Mouth is back… and he’s got babies on his mind! In DEADPOOL 2, the hero without rules wants to settle down and start a family with Nessa, the love of his life. However, when tragedy strikes, Deadpool must try to rescue a young mutant who’s being hunted by Cable, a deadly assassin from the future. (Insert Terminator 2 joke here.) This week, Peter Adourian joins Steve to tackle the new F-Word (family), Deadpool’s cultural relevance and his God-complex.

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

4.18 Deadpool 2

Thanks Peter for joining us!

3.16 The Meaning of LIFE

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This week, Steve is joined by special guest and friend to the show, Wade Bearden (Seeing and Believing) to talk about whether or not there’s a meaning to LIFE, the newest sci-fi actioner to hit the big screen.  Yes, the film is tense but does it have something to say?  Plus, the guys give their top 3 remakes since the year 2000!  Only on ScreenFish.

Want to continue to conversation at home?  Click the link below to download ‘Fishing for More’ — some small group questions for you to bring to those in your area.

3.16 Life

A special thanks to Wade for coming on the show!