DEATH OF A UNICORN & A WORKING MAN

DEATH OF A UNICORN

Written & Directed by Alex Scharfman

Oh Lord, a new week means yet *another* new dump from the fine folks over at A24. This time a quasi-horror/comedy that would've fit perfectly as a summer release in the early 2000s, but in the year 2025 just comes off mostly stale and toothless. There is still a bit of fun to be had thanks to the absurd premise and some of the cast of game performers.

Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, mismatched and miscast, star as a father/daughter duo en route to a wealthy pharmaceutical family's compound deep in the forest. On the way they accidentally run over our titular creature, which eventually leads to the action. Rudd, one of Hollywood's most reliable funny guys for over 30 years, completely flounders here trying to do Sincere Cheesy Dad. Everything about his performance rings hollow and coupled with the umpteenth Jenny Ortega as Angsty Goth Girl casting, these two have very little chemistry together. 

The rest of the cast, including Richard E. Grant, Téa Leoni (Welcome Back Diva!), and Will Poulter, fare much better as the obnoxious neo-liberal family trying to exploit the magical creature for financial gain. Most of the films real laughs come from these excellent performances. 

Essentially a horror-comedy that's not particularly scary and not nearly funny enough with some insanely cheesy and fake creature effects throughout. Nonetheless, I still didn't totally hate it. The audacity to be this dumb must sometimes be celebrated. 🦄 

⭐⭐ Out of 4

A WORKING MAN

Directed by David Ayer

Well, he's done it again!

#Statham 

⭐⭐⭐ Out of 4