SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Get your popcorn ready (perhaps grab a pickaxe too), because this week on See It or Skip It, Patrick Beatty and Richard Bonaduce are digging for cinematic treasures!
To start off, "Freaky Tales" offers a thrilling journey through 1980s Oakland—is it an evocative playlist from those times worthy of replaying, or merely a tune best skipped over? Next comes "A Minecraft Movie"—is it a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, or should viewers look elsewhere for entertainment? We also bring you special interviews with the film's stars and helmsman that can't afford to pass up. This episode delivers cinematic chaos, freshly cooked up with scorching insights!
Freaky Tales (R)
A Minecraft Movie (PG)
Where to Watch: Theaters
Directed By:
Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
Written By:
Anna Boden, Ryan Fleck
Starring:
Pedro Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn, Jay Ellis
Genre:
Comedy, Horror, Sci-Fi
All media courtesy of Lionsgate
In 1987 Oakland, "Strange Stories" intertwines four interconnected tales centered around music, cinema, romance, camaraderie, and bizarre occurrences. This thrilling journey unfolds across a city brimming with emotion, heritage, and unforeseen enchantment—though marred by brutality and gore.
Patrick and Richard both appreciated the movie and feel that the interwoven narratives bring to mind Quentin Tarantino’s style, though they might appeal differently to viewers depending on which aspect each wanted to delve into further. Patrick recalls watching it at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival and notes several crowd-pleaser scenes expected to keep drawing crowds over the weekend. Both Patrick and Richard recommend seeing it.
Should You Watch It or Pass It Up? Watch It
Where to Watch: Theaters
Directed By:
Jared Hess
Written By:
Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer, Neil Widener
Starring:
Jason Momoa, Jack Black, Sebastian Hansen, Danielle Brooks
Genre:
Adventure, Comedy, Video Game
All media courtesy of Warner Bros.
When a strange gateway sucks in two outcast teenagers into the pixelated, capricious realm of Minecraft, they discover a territory brimming with peril, enchantment, and limitless creativity. To return to their own world, they must join forces with an unlikely mentor called Steve and master how to endure the Overworld—block by adventurous block.
Patrick thought "A Minecraft Movie" was packed with comedy, clever references to the game, and hidden gems for enthusiasts to get excited about. He enjoyed how Jack Black and Jason Momoa portrayed their roles, appreciating the strong rapport between them. Although he felt the plot was somewhat basic, Patrick believes this movie will appeal greatly to families seeking an entertaining experience for their children at the cinema.
On the contrary, Richard argues that the cinematic experience isn't robust enough, pointing out that the film's opening act moves too slowly for children to engage with easily. Although he acknowledges that the movie caters primarily to enthusiasts, he can't endorse it himself.
See It or Skip It? Patrick – See It, Richard – Pass It
Be sure to check out Patrick's conversations with Jack Black, Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, and director Jared Hess. Watch It or Pass On It.
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