Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves (Review)

There is a harrowing bridge to cross midway through the film where Regé-Jean Page’s knight in shining armor, Xenk, explains the precise formula to avoid the bridge’s Gnomish trap.

One must begin at the center, using odd number blocks only, moving forward with each step, except for every fifth step, which must be a lateral move.

The “quite simple” formula represents everything I loathe about the D&D game.

Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves is an adventure film based on the popular roleplaying game of the same name that follows a charming band of unlikely heroes who embark on an epic heist that goes dangerously awry.

Continue reading →

The Pope’s Exorcist (Review)

Published by Forces of Geek – 7/12/23

The subgenre of exorcism horror films has made its mark in cinema. Some might conclude that if you’ve seen one scary movie with crucifixes, holy water, and contorting heads, you’ve seen them all. The subject of Director Julius Avery’s latest film, however, promises a different and higher-stakes version of possession-filled chaos.

The Pope’s Exorcist follows Father Gabriele Amorth, whose occupation is precisely what the title says. Academy Award winner Russell Crowe plays the Vatican’s leading exorcist, investigating reported possessions around the globe.

Continue reading →

White Men Can’t Jump (2023 Review)

Published by Forces of Geek – 6/5/23

“Y’all act like white men can’t dunk.”

Myles Bullock’s Renzo states in a baffled tone when the crowd at a basketball tournament erupts as Jack Harlow’s Jeremy unleashes a dunk during a pivotal juncture in the big game.

In many ways, Renzo’s perplexed statement is a commentary on the past and present this film represents.

White Men Can’t Jump is a remake of the beloved 1992 sports comedy starring Wesley Snipes and Woody Harrelson. Fast forward 31 years, and now Sinqua Walls (Power) and fast-rising rap star Jack Harlow are the lead hoopers.

Jeremy (Harlow) and Kamal Allen (Walls) are two people who are hard up for money and team up to use their considerable basketball talents to make ends meet.

The means, however, is unstable, and a big win by the pair is needed to set things right for them and their loved ones.

Continue reading →