Lee Cronin’s The Mummy’ is good but flawed

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“Lee Cronin’s The Mummy” is a lot of things. It’s a great body horror movie with excellent visuals and excellent scares. But it’s also a disjointed mess with a beginning that would turn off many viewers and a plot that takes way too long to find its footing.  

Directed by Lee Cronin, it stars Jack Reynor as Charlie, Laia Costa as Larissa, and May Calamawy as Dalia. Charlie is a journalist living in Cairo, Egypt with his wife Larissa and their two kids Katie and Sebastian, with a third along the way. One day Katie is kidnapped and goes missing only to turn up eight years later after a plane crash, wrapped in cloth inside a sarcophagus. Charlie and Larissa take her back home to Albuquerque, New Mexico and try to make sense of everything while Dalia, a detective, begins to investigate further. 

Overall, the story is interesting; the problem is how the viewer is shown that story. The film keeps switching back and forth and so much of it feels like an exposition dump. The viewer is given puzzle pieces that while all fitting in the end, take away from the pacing of the film. It takes about 30 minutes for the film to really start going. And almost everything after that beginning is great nonstop horror. 

I did end up enjoying the movie for the most part. While not terrifying, the movie is scary and especially gory. Some scenes are absolutely shocking in how disturbing they are. What ended up surprising me the most is that with all the amazing effects, the film’s budget was only 22 million. 

The acting as well is pretty good. The parents give strong performances, and the child actors are giving it their all. The family dynamic wasn’t very strong in the film and definitely was not the focus. Dalia, the detective, is probably my favorite character with the actor giving the best performance of the film.  

Another issue the film has is a lack of any sort of theme. There is no reflection or message for the most part besides vague hints at guilt. The movie essentially has nothing to say; an issue further exacerbated in the rather pointless ending that adds so little to the plot.  

Disappointment is a word that comes to mind when watching the film. Yes, it was scary, shocking, and disturbing, but that’s all it was. And with a genre like horror that is, contrary to popular belief, thoughtful and heavily invested in showing us reflection of society, a film like “Lee Cronin’s The Mummy” stands out as thoughtless. And while I was not disappointed in this regard, many might be when they find out this has nothing to do with Brendan Fraser’s “The Mummy” series.  

Overall, I still had a good time with the film despite its heavily flawed nature. For those who thoroughly enjoy gory horror movies, this film is perfect for them. “Lee Cronin’s The Mummy” gets a 7.3 out of 10. 

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‘Southbound’ is an assortment of horrors

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Released in 2015, “Southbound” is a horror anthology film that leaves you not only scared but also intrigued. Each of the stories are separate, but end up weaving together perfectly to create a coherent narrative. It does something unique and lets the audience discover it. 

Each of the five stories in “Southbound” have their own directors, allowing for a variety in storytelling. “The Way Out,” directed by Radio Silence, follows two men fleeing from floating monsters. “Siren,” directed by Roxanne Benjamin, features a musical band who gets stranded in the desert. “The Accident,” directed by David Bruckner presents a man who runs over someone. “Jailbreak,” directed by Patrick Horvath, follows a man looking for his lost sister. And finally, “The Way In,” directed by Radio Silence, shows a family going on vacation. All of the stories are brilliant but if I had to pick one, “The Accident” is probably my favorite. 

The film not only connects the stories narratively but also thematically. They are always heading south for the most part and they never listen to the DJ on the radio. By then end more questions appear then answered, and you are left wanting more of the world shown in the film. About how this world works and the different anomalies we are shown. But I think the brilliance of the film is that these aren’t explained. The mystery isn’t ruined, and we are left to dwell on the unexplainable.  

The acting is mostly great, and you can feel the fear the characters are supposed to have. Mather Zickel, who plays Lucas in “The Accident,” does an especially good job. Other actors feel kind of amateurish and some of the characters act more candid than they should.  

The editing is worthwhile, and the score absolutely engrosses you into the world. While each story has its own theme, I believe the overarching themes of the films are being trapped and feelings of guilt. And that choice forces them into an unwinnable horrid situation in which they cannot come out as the person they once were. And guilt for past actions that will come to haunt the main characters forever. That if they hadn’t done that one thing, they wouldn’t be in their current situation. The ending of the film reveals deeper things about all the stories and is the most important part. 

The fact that I had only heard about this film last week is a crime. It is easily one of the better horror movies released in the 2010s. The film is highly underrated, and I suggest any fan of horror movies watch it. 

Overall, “Southbound” stands out as unique compared to most horror movies of the last decade. In a sea of uninspired slop, it shines among the rest. It doesn’t hold your hand, and it doesn’t overexplain itself. In the end I would give “Southbound” a 9.2 out of 10. 

 

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An audit of ‘Financial Audit’

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Financial Audit is a podcast on YouTube hosted by Caleb Hammer that focuses on giving people who are in debt honest and genuine advice through controversial means. Oftentimes, it is less to do with advice, and it acts as a harsh wakeup call to the participants.  

The first episodes were launched on YouTube in 2022 and became an official podcast in June 2023. Since then, there have been over 500 applicants on the show, according to The Daily Economy’s article about Financial Audit.  

Each participant signs a series of consent forms, provides their financial documentation, and more. In return for being humiliated for a live a recorded audience, they receive access to financial counseling, mental health help when needed, a budget made by Caleb himself, lifetime access to his budgeting app, and more.  

Hammer intentionally leans into the controversy surrounding his clickbait video titles, creative insults, and touchy topics to his advantage on the internet. Several times throughout his videos, he calms down and expresses his want to see these people succeed and get out of their debt.  

According to Caleb Hammer’s latest annual update post made in Dec. 2025, the “average guest has paid off $22,807 of debt in 12 months [after the show], and the median has paid off $12,000 in 8 months.” The numbers are telling of how effective his methods are in getting people to wake up and realize just how much trouble they are in and how to fix it.  

Having only recently gotten into the show, my financial knowledge has already increased and seeing how bad it could be in the future if things do not change is a real eye-opener. Some of the people who go on the show started with student loan debt, poor financial literacy, and a credit card out of school, only to end up on the show with debt in the six digits in some of the worst cases. 

Not only does the show hold some good comedic value for the sheer creativity of insults that get thrown around, but there is some genuinely good advice as well. Most of the podcast is Caleb and his guest or guests going in-depth about every credit card, every account; everything about their lives is brought into question.  

All of this leads to creating a working budget that pays their debts off, sets aside all the money needed for necessities, and still leaves some room for some fun. The base resources are always offered, with some specialized courses in finance, the first few meetings with a mental health professional paid for or are set up with courses on Course Careers for a certificate. With those resources, they are sent out after being shown a different view on life and given a reality check. After this, they often start working down their debt. Sometimes, you will see an update episode and just a few months made a massive difference for them. 

Seeing how these people can turn their lives around in such a short amount of time and pay down so much debt, really gives you hope for others and yourself to get out of whatever financial situation you find yourself in. 

Be aware of insulting and inconsiderate language before watching and keep an open mind towards the fact that everyone has a temper, and he is genuinely trying to help these people. If you can move past that, then this might be a great podcast to watch. 

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‘Matchstick Men’ is nearly perfect

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Released in 2003 and based on a book of the same name by Eric Garcia, “Matchstick Men” is a near perfect movie. From the music, to the direction, to the acting, there is never once a moment that makes you want to pick up your phone. My only regret is that I wish I had seen it sooner. 

Directed by Ridley Scott, it stars Nicolas Cage as Roy Waller, Sam Rockwell as Frank Mercer, and Alison Lohman as Angela. Roy is a conman with severe OCD and Tourette’s living in Los Angles. He, along with his partner Frank, sells overpriced water filtration systems via phone calls. Roy loses his medicine one day and finds out his doctor who has been illegally providing the drugs has left town. This causes him all sorts of issues until Frank suggests he sees a shrink to get more pills. While in therapy Roy laments about his failed marriage and the possibility that he has a child. Roy asks the shrink to call his ex, and he learns he has a daughter named Angela. 

Their relationship leads to Roy being able to manage his disorders more. What might seem like a rather generic parental movie about reconnecting with loved ones, “Matchstick Men” is so much more than that. Every scene feels highly important in the development of the main characters, especially Roy. With his mannerisms and the way they are shown when he is in a crisis, the viewer also feels like they are in crisis. 

Cage gives one of his best performances in this movie. Lohman also gives an excellent performance as Angela and does a pretty convincing portrayal of a 14-year-old, despite being in her 20s. The editing is perfect and the music choices are amazing as well.  

The movie tackles a variety of themes, but the strongest is loneliness. Besides Frank, Roy doesn’t interact with anyone else at the beginning of the film. And those who he does interact with are the people he is conning. Despite all the money he has, he has no one. It is through that human connection with Angela that he finds new meaning in his life and a desire to change as a person. Illusions also play a big role in the story of the film. Roy and Frank create illusions of wealth to con people. They put on different personas all to make money. But illusions go way deeper than that, especially relating to the ending. 

The only thing one could criticize about the movie is that it gets very outlandish near the end. But I would argue that the movie draws you in so much that you can ignore it and have an amazing watch. By the end, the movie pulls what some might call a con on the viewer though in the best way possible. 

“Matchstick Men” is definitely a top-ten movie for me. I highly suggest that you watch the movie to experience it for yourself. You could not possibly regret it. “Matchstick Men” gets a 9.8/10. 

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‘Leprechaun In the Hood’, deeper than you think

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No matter what you think of the “Leprechaun” series, one cannot deny that they are entertaining. From its campy plot to the outright crude humor, it never bores. “Leprechaun in the Hood,” the fifth movie in the series, stays true to these core values while being different enough to stand out from the total of eight movies. And while this movie is awful and hilarious, it has a message that must be thoroughly explored. 

Directed by Rob Spera, the film stars Warwick Davis as the Leprechaun, Ice-T as Mack Daddy O’Nassas, and Anthony Montgomery as Postmaster P. Set in Los Angeles, Mack Daddy is a record producer who has acquired his musical talent from the Leprechaun from whom he also stole his gold, strapping him in a frozen stone state. Meanwhile, Postmaster is a rap artist along with his two friends Stray Bullet and Butch, who are trying to make it big. Postmaster and his friends attempt to convince Mack Daddy to pick them; he refuses, citing the positive message of their music which Postmaster refuses to change. The three decide to rob Mack Daddy, getting his gold, shooting him, and awakening the Leprechaun. 

This of course follows the standard “Leprechaun” film format of someone taking the gold and then the Leprechaun chasing afterwards. But it goes deeper than that. The core theme of the film is greed and its corrupting force. Mack Daddy only wants music that sells well and is marketable. Postmaster P. who originally wants to make a positive uplifting change with his music, slowly becomes consumed by the need to win the music competition. The only way these two men are able to have that power is through the Leprechaun’s golden flute, which literally forces the listener to direct their attention to the sound. The desire for the flute leads to death and misery. The Leprechaun represents the total corruption of that power as well, from his hoarding of gold to his ability to control minds. Even when it seems our hero has won, he simply becomes another puppet of greed. 

But of course, the movie also has problems. The acting, besides Warwick Davis’s, is all laughably bad and absurd. The editing choices are baffling at many points, and the general quality of everything is awful. This is, however, a low budget direct to DVD movie whose production studio disbanded a year after release. So, taking everything into account, it all makes sense. The “Leprechaun” series is not something that is to be taken seriously on any level. The films are essentially cash grabs which ride off of name recognition and being able to turn a profit. And it must have been profitable because not only was another “Leprechaun” movie, but it also functioned as a direct sequel to this one and was titled “Leprechaun: Back 2 the Hood.”  
Overall, I had a great time watching this movie on St. Patrick’s Day and it’s definitely worth watching, especially around friends. “Leprechaun In the Hood” gets an 8.6/10. 

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Film Review: ‘Mickey 17’

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Most people struggle with burnout or long hours at work. In “Mickey 17,” however, the main character faces a far greater risk: Repeatedly dying, horribly dying, every single time. Directed by Academy Award winner Bong Joon-ho, the film blends a science fiction topic, dark comedy, and meta-social satire to explore what human life is worth in a capitalistic-ruled world. With Robert Pattinson in the lead and Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Mark Ruffalo, and Toni Collette supporting, the movie offers an unusual yet thought-provoking look at identity, survival, and worker exploitation in future space colonization. 

The film, based on Edward Ashton’s novel “Mickey7,” follows Mickey Barnes as he accepts a risky job as an “Expendable” on a distant planet’s colonization mission. His role includes performing dangerous tasks, such as exploring hostile locations and testing high-risk equipment. Each time he dies, scientists 3-D print a new body for him and upload his memories from a brick, allowing him to return to work for his next assignment. The story begins with the seventeenth version, Mickey 17, who starts to question whether it is right for the system to treat him as disposable, as he is left for dead in a hole. 

Robert Pattinson, as always, delivers yet another outstanding performance by making each version of Mickey distinct through changes in voice, body language, and emotions. This lets viewers see that, though they share memories, every Mickey is a little different. Naomi Ackie shines as a character who challenges injustice, while Steven Yeun adds depth as a fellow crew member struggling with the pressures of the mission. Mark Ruffalo and Toni Collette play the amoral leaders who view workers as replaceable slime, managing to be both charming, estranged, and unsettling. 

Director Bong Joon-ho, known for “Snowpiercer,” “Okja,” and “Parasite” once again demonstrates his talent for blending genres and delivering relevant social commentary. He skillfully balances humor and tension, often pairing absurd moments with serious questions about life, ethics, and human and animal rights. The film looks striking and stark; the icy alien planet appears cold and dangerous, emphasizing the crew’s isolation and mankind’s obsession with ambition. The cloning labs and technology feature a gritty, realistic style rather than the shiny chrome-lined appearance typical of other sci-fi movies. 

The writing explores complex themes. At its core, “Mickey 17” questions whether someone who is cloned again and again remains the same individual or becomes something new. The story also critiques broken and unfair economic systems that prioritize productivity and profit over human life. While these ideas are engaging, the film often loses momentum as it tries to balance philosophical exploration and world-setting flashbacks with a fast-paced sci-fi narrative. 

Despite some slow moments, “Mickey 17” stands out as an original sci-fi movie. Its combination of dark humor, strong acting, and thoughtful ideas makes it memorable. Idea-driven science fiction will appreciate its bold story, while those seeking a fast-paced adventure may find it slower and more contemplative than expected. 

Overall, “Mickey 17” is a bold, unique movie that continues Bong Joon-ho’s tradition of blending entertainment with awareness-raising about global social issues. Robert Pattinson’s stellar performance is a highlight of his range, and the film asks challenging questions about identity, mortality, and humanity 

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‘Overwatch 2’ died so ‘Overwatch’ could live

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On Oct. 4, 2022, “Overwatch” 2 was released to the world. Set two years after the original Overwatch title, the game quickly went on a steep decline from what it once was, leaving myself and many others worrying that the Overwatch franchise may be sunsetted, or shut down. That is, until Feb. 4, 2026, when Blizzard announced their plans for 2026, and with it would come big changes to how the game was played and the story within the game, instantly feeling the world with a feeling that Overwatch was back.  

One of the biggest changes made to Overwatch is how the seasons work. Every major update, Blizzard would introduce a new theme, or season, to the game, and with each season came all sorts of new mechanics, skins, and even the occasional new character. The only real problem that I, and many other players, saw was that these seasons had no real tie in with the story of “Overwatch 2.” Sure, there would be an occasional lore drop, and all the new characters would have detailed backstories, but they never affected the big picture of the game and its story. 

However, the new Overwatch’s seasons will tie into a bigger story. The first season of 2026, “Conquest,” is the first part of a grander story called “The Reign of Talon.” Talon, an in-game terrorist organization and one of Overwatch’s biggest threats to world peace, was led by Akande “Doomfist” Ogundimu, who wanted to cause conflict to strengthen the world. However, he soon found himself engaging in a violent confrontation with a woman named Marzia Bartalotti, Talon’s rightful heiress who fights under the name “Vendetta.” The brawl ended with Vendetta throwing Doomfist out of the window of Talon’s headquarters, potentially killing Doomfist and ensuring her spot as their new leader and bringing forth a new era of chaos. The animation for the fight, titled “Reign of Talon” was animated perfectly to show Vendetta’s story and the fight itself, and it served as a great pilot to what 2026 would be about- Vendetta starting her new empire.  

Another thing that I think is revitalizing “Overwatch” are the playable characters. In the past, Blizzard would only add three new heroes each year, and despite offering unique playstyles, they often had next to nothing to do with the overall story. However, each new season will have a new character, and they will all help move the story forward. Conquest brings five new characters off the bat- Domina, a Talon-hired negotiator who has a long-ranged beam, Emre, a fast-paced ex-Overwatch member who is corrupted by a mysterious AI, Mizuki, a healer who is torn between Talon and Overwatch, Anran, a close-ranged fighter and college graduate who uses fire to attack and, along with her water-based brother Wuyang, use their elemental powers to help Overwatch, and Jetpack Cat, a stray that was placed in a jetpack with a tractor beam that can really mix things up in a fight. I know I have found a new favorite character in Anran, who works well with my up-close-and-personal approach to fighting in competitive games, and her flames and her speed can make her a menace in brawls. With this diverse blend of new characters, as well as the five others to come as the year progresses, I am excited to not only see how they affect the story, but also the ways they affect how the game is played.  

As these changes and more come to “Overwatch,” I have seen players from far and wide jumping back into the game, to the point that “Overwatch” has seen a higher player count in the second week of Conquest than at the start of the season, marking the first time since the game was released back in 2022 that this has happened. Season 1: Conquest is active right now, and the next season should be releasing sometime in April, knowing Blizzard’s previous update schedule and how they intended on keeping it about the same. As I continue to watch the gaming giant return to form with a smile on my face, I know that whatever comes next, I will welcome it with open arms. 

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‘Iron Lung’ shocks with low budget and high praise

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A surprising independent hit emerged in theaters Jan. 30 as YouTube sensation Mark Fischbach, also known as Markiplier, premiered his feature-length film “Iron Lung, a blood-soaked sci-fi horror adaptation of an indie video game that has sparked responses from critics, Hollywood, and audiences. 


Iron Lung follows Simon, a haunted convict tasked with piloting a rusted submarine called the Iron Lung through a vast crimson blood ocean on a desolate moon, after the cataclysmic event known as the “quiet rapture,” an apocalypse that erased all the stars and planets. What begins as a claustrophobic mission quickly becomes an unsettling psychological journey for both the character and viewers. 


In spite of its humble roots, the project funded by Markiplier himself and shot on a notoriously low budget, Iron Lung has exceeded many expectations at a box office opening, and over 3000 theaters, the film grossed nearly $18 million during its first weekend. With global totals climbing into the mid10 millions, these numbers for a film without a major studio backing it or a traditional marketing campaign signify a notable victory for independent cinema. Industry observers see the film’s financial performance as a direct result of Markiplier’s massive online following, which includes nearly 40,000,000 YouTube subscribers. 


This film has sparked controversy amongst critics and fans alike. The critics call it ambitious but flawed. Among the mainstream critics, several negative themes reoccur; the issue of pacing and narrative thickness, bare bones execution, and the slow burn that runs for too long. Critics who responded more favorably tend to appreciate the distinctiveness of the project rather than the conventional cinematic polish, so appraised Iron Lung for atmospheric ambitious restraint. Even if those qualities might alienate viewers seeking a more traditional horror experience, some of the audience rallies behind the unique experience. 


Several fan reviews highlighted the personal dimension Markiplier brings to work, noting that he has a long history with narrative gaming and that the horror story structure informed the movie’s mood and emotional pull. Some credit Markiplier’s ability to maintain the audience’s attention. 


Markiplier’s Iron Lung arrives at an interesting moment in cultural history where boundarypushing creators are increasingly crossing over from digital platforms to traditional media industry. Analysts see the films performance and mixed reception as indicator that the audience habits are evolving, blending elements of interactive media, niche fandom, and indie filmmaking. Iron Lung stands as one of the most significant early experiments, in what some commentators are calling Metatextual cinema. This refers to when the worlds of gaming and film influence one another. This is much like other successful films in the same category, such as Five Nights at Freddy’s and Amazon’s Fallout series. 


For Markiplier himself, the experience had been transformative. Rather than resting on the comfort of his own online successes, he chose to gamble, creatively write, direct, finance, and even distribute the film on his own terms. That kind of commitment is rare in today’s industry, and even the mid mixed reviews many agree that the effort does deserve recognition for its ambition and passion.

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‘Twisted (2026)’ is absurdly perfect

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Despite all the problems with “Twisted (2026),” directed by Darren Lynn Bousman, it proves to be a deeply enjoyable movie, though maybe for all the wrong reasons. Coming from the man who has directed four “Saw” movies, you can see that series’ DNA everywhere. It transcends a level beyond good or bad and needs to be seen to be believed.  

“Twisted (2026)” stars Djimon Gaston Hounsou as Dr. Kezian, Lauren LaVera as Paloma, Mia Healy as Smith, and Neal McDonough as Bradshaw. Set in New York City, Paloma and Smith, lovers, run a realtor scam where they rent a house while pretending to put it out on the market, earning them tens of thousands of dollars. Paloma takes on various aliases from classic literature leading police to begin an investigation. 

Meanwhile, Dr. Kezian is a world-renowned neural surgeon whose wife, who was also a doctor, passed away, and he is trying to make a breakthrough in neural transplants. Kezian is frustrated with the bureaucracy of the system and his superior Bradshaw. Paloma decides to rent Dr. Kezian’s house, which she then shows people in an attempt to scam them. A prospective buyer tries to hit her; she rejects his advances leading to a fight with Kezian sees on his cameras. He subdues the attacker and figures out Paloma’s scam. Kezian kidnaps her in an attempt to use her to advance science. All of that happens within the first 30 minutes of the movie, and it only gets crazier from there. 

 All the actors here are great, and you can empathize with each of them. Kezian is dealing with grief from the loss of his wife, leading him to take a drastic, but in his eyes, necessary action. Paloma is an orphan, and she only scams because it’s how she has survived all these years. They are both dealing with grief, and it’s the core theme of the film. 

Hounsou’s acting especially knocks it out of the park, and he carries a lot of movies.  The plot itself is full of holes, but one can overlook that because of how much fun the film has. The movie goes by fast with its 90-minute run time, and it uses all of it. The pacing is downright perfect, something a lot of movies struggle with. The editing only deepens the absurd nature of the movie with split screen shots and other unique choices. Despite its label as a horror thriller, the movie is rather hilarious. “Twisted” on most levels is not a good movie. One could even say that at points it is so bad that it is good. What it is is an entertaining movie you can completely turn your brain off to and enjoy the complete absurdity of.  

In a sense, there aren’t a lot of movies like that anymore, with of course the closest comparison being the “Saw” franchise. Movies that are supposed to be these bloody horror-filled thrillers end up being intentionally hilarious. Overall, if you are looking for something to just mindlessly enjoy with friends or family, “Twisted (2026)” is perfect for that. On a pure enjoyment-based rating, it gets an 8.1/10.  

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‘Untitled Home Invasion Romance’ Utterly Incoherent

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“Untitled Home Invasion Romance” is a movie that has zero idea what it is doing. From the script to the acting, it seems nobody knows what is going on, jumping around so much it ends up being about nothing.  

The film is directed by Jason Biggs who also stars as Kevin alongside Meaghan Rath as Suzie, Anna Kokle as Heather, Justin H. Minas Stu, and Arturo Castro as Ernie. Kevin is an actor most famous for an erectile dysfunction commercial, and an attempt to save his marriage takes Suzie to her old hometown so they can bond more. Suzie is upset about coming to stay there for the weekend due to past trauma when she was younger. Kevin’s plan is for his friend Ernie to act as a burglar in order for Kevin to step in and save Suzie as a way to rekindle their love. 

Suzie connects with her old friend Heather who is now the police chief. Heather ends up taking Suzie home and Kevin gets in a wreck before he can arrive to pretend to save Suzie and win back her love. When Ernie breaks in Suzie ends up killing him causing Kevin’s plan to fail. An investigation begins, old friends show up, and past memories come up all affecting our lead couple.  This all leads to a plot that is all over the place and deeply confused.  

The film is at best dumb fun and if you can turn your brain off you might enjoy it. But besides that the film has so many problems. It drags along for way too long and honestly could have been a short film. The acting might be the worst part of the movie. Nothing the actors say or do feels real; it feels fake. It’s a comedy but when the movie tries to be serious, it fails. The emotions the actors give are not at all believable. Meaghan Rath is the only actor that’s enjoyable to watch and gives the best performance. The script is awful with the movie moving from one thing to the next for little rhyme or reason. It feels at times like three different movies stitched together making no movie at all. The movie is full of plot holes, but it’s also not funny enough for the viewer to be able to ignore that. It’s not suspenseful to actually be a thriller. None of the stakes of the movie are exciting enough to get invested in either.  It’s clear that Biggs’ first time directing has been quite the failure all around.  

The movie does, however, have an interesting message: To be a fighter and not rely on others to protect you for everything. It’s an empowering message in a quite stupid film. Don’t watch this movie. Do not spend your hard-earned money to rent it on Amazon Prime Video. You can waste your money on far better things. Overall, “Untitled Home Invasion Romance” gets a 2.5 out of 10. 

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