Like Father (2018) Written by: Lauren Miller Rogen & Anders Bard Directed by: Lauren Miller Rogen

     I don't understand how Netflix is able to market movies like this so well, only to deliver crap like this. In my humble opinion, Netflix continuously misses the mark on their original films. I've watched quite a few and I'm just never really that impressed.

     Now, don't get me wrong, the performances from Kristen Bell and Kelsey Grammer were both excellent; as were most of the other roles. It's the script that was lacking. That, and I totally didn't like the role of Jeff, played by Seth Rogen. He seemed really uncomfortable with this role and it showed. I think this is the first time I didn't like one of his his characters, but it was nice to seen a Fanboy reunion with him and Bell.

     I think the gay couple on the cruise, Jim (Paul W. Downs) and Steve (Zach Appelman), really stole the show. These two were absolutely hilarious and very caring at the same time. Grammer and Bell have really good chemistry and I have nothing but good things to say about their performances, but I'm confused as to why either would agree to film this based on the script.

     The film follows Bell's character, Rachel, as she tries to navigate the corporate branding world. The issue is, she only lives that life. On the day of her wedding she is calling clients and ends up being left at the alter because of it. Grammer plays her absent father, Harry, who has been keeping track of Rachel for years via the Internet.

     After a long night of drinking, the two find themselves on the cruise that was meant to be a honeymoon cruise for Rachel and Owen (Jon Foster). Of course, everyone confuses the Rachel and Harry as newlyweds, until Harry announces to their cruise companions otherwise.

     Father and daughter reluctantly begin to reconnect and we discover that Harry, a once successful businessman, has gone bankrupt due to his partners illness and eventual death. The way Grammer delivers on he and his partner, leads you to think they had a romantic relation, but you discover they did not. This would definitely made the film more interesting though.

     Eventually, Rachel learns how to not be so dependent on her work life, and she and Harry begin to enjoy their trip. It's so basic that it ends up being boring and extremely lackluster. I really hate when you get excellent performances, the camera work and all of the production portions are well done, but then the movie just isn't good.

     This movie is appropriate for anyone over 12, as there is a bit of language, sexual innuendos, and drug use. Watch at your own risk. 

The Meg (2018) Written by: Dean Georgaris and Joe Hoeber Directed by: Jon Turteltaub

     This ended up being better than I thought it would be, but that's not really saying a lot. My son and I watched this in 3D last night, and the only reason we went was because we had free tickets. I believe we both had a good time, and it was obvious that there were a lot of other people having fun as well.

     A group of scientists, under the dollar of billionaire Jack Morris (Rainn Wilson), hypothesize that what we believe to be the ocean floor is actually a layer of sludge with warm water underneath. The scientists are stationed on a high-tech platform with several levels under sea level that is headed by Dr. Minway Zhang (Winston Chao) and his marine biologist daughter Suyin (Bingbing Li). In addition, Suyin has brought her eight year old daughter Meiying (Shuya Sophia Cai), who is the shining point in the film. She is absolutely adorable and plays her part very well.

     Dr. Zhang, decides to launch a deep sea submarine to penetrate into this undiscovered world. The sub is manned by pilot Celeste (Jessica McNamee), who is accompanied by The Wall (Ólafur Darri Ólafsson), and Toshi (Masi Oka aka Hiro from Heroes). When the sub is attacked and disabled, Morris and Dr. Zhang send Mac (Cliff Curtis) to bring back Jonah (Jason Statham), the only man known to have completed a rescue at that depth.

     To make matters more interesting, the sub pilot, Celeste, is Jonah's ex-wife. Having vowed never to take part in a deep sea rescue after loosing two good friends, Celeste is the catalyst that changes Jonah's mind. However, when Jonah reaches the platform, he instantly falls for Suyin. And although she seems cold to him, she quickly warms up.

     On the platform is also engineer Jaxx, played by the absolutely ravishing Ruby Rose, and rover pilot DJ, played by the hilarious Page Kennedy. Also on the rig is Dr. Heller (Robert Taylor), who was present the last time Jonah was on a rescue and lost his friends. There is some bad blood between them because Heller blamed Jonah for the deaths of their friends.

     Jonah, takes a second sub down and save most of the crew of the other sub, but while in these new depths, they come face-to-face with the prehistoric Megalodon, the largest shark in history. After a narrow escape, Jonah and the crew on the rig soon find that the Meg has risen from the depths to hunt them and feed on anything in sight. Now it's up to Jonah and the crew to stop this ultimate predator, on it's turf, before it can wreak too much havoc. 

     The main issue I had with this film were the missed opportunities. There were a lot of funny moments, and because of that, I wish they would have poked fun at Jaws. Something along the lines of a "bigger boat" reference, or beach goers on a bouncy banana boat. Also, if you're going into this film with hopes of massive amounts of gore, ie the new "Piranha" films, you're out of luck. There is a lot of blood and guts, unfortunately, it all belongs to marine life.

     There is a lot of action and this may be the most attractive group of people you'll ever see on an ocean rig, but it is still enjoyable. Suitable for anyone 12 or older. Wait for the Blu-Ray release and don't waist your money going to the theater.