Skip to main content

Pain Hustlers (2023)

 

Pain Hustlers is a fictional story based on how similarly true events transpire in the pharma business. 

From the director of various Harry Potter & Fantastic Beasts films, David Yates, the film is very different than a typical Yates film. He had a major stinker with The Legend of Tarzan and Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. This is by far his best film. Who knows why but perhaps it's the first time writers Wells Tower and Evan Hughes, both who've basically done nothing. That being said it's a great way to start.

Emily Blunt has a hard time with her American accent throughout most of the film, but she does a great job playing the rags-to-riches woman who just wants what's best for her kid. It's relatable and builds on her legacy as an actress. 

Chris Evans plays the man who brings Blunt into all of this. He plays a much more interesting character than he has in his previous few Netflix films. I believe he's trying to branch out and show his range but he keeps playing unlikeable characters. Regardless of how well he plays the character, he's going to get a reputation that will have moved away from Captain America and into a negative typecast. 

The film was interesting and believable. It was a great first time for Tower and Hughes. This also is the best David Yates movie, but that's not saying much. Result: B-


Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

One Battle After Another (2025)

One Battle After Another (2025) is written and directed by Paul Thomas Anderson , who is no stranger to ambitious projects after films like Licorice Pizza  and, one of the best films of all time,  There Will Be Blood.  His direction once again shows his knack for blending complex characters with striking visuals, though the film occasionally falters in how it handles some of its supporting roles. Oscar winner Leonardo DiCaprio , known for The Wolf of Wall Street and Titanic , is nothing short of amazing. He completely commits to the role, bringing intensity and emotional depth that anchors the movie. Oscar winner Sean Penn , best remembered for Mystic River and Milk , transforms himself into a truly awful villain. His presence is unsettling and effective, giving the story one of its strongest dramatic cores. Oscar winner  Benicio Del Toro , from Sicario and Traffic , plays the calm and collected Sensei with quiet authority. His controlled performance contrasts...
Post a Comment
Read more

The Strangers: Chapter 2 (2025)

The Strangers: Chapter 2 (2025) is directed by Renny Harlin , who also helmed The Strangers: Chapter 1 earlier in the year. Much like its predecessor, this sequel leans into style and shock value, but Harlin does a slightly better job balancing tension with atmosphere. Filmed back-to-back-to-back with the rest of the trilogy over 52 days in Slovakia, the production feels rushed but not without improvement. Madelaine Petsch , known for Riverdale and Sightless , returns as the lead and noticeably carries the film. Her performance is sharper this time, showing more range and conviction despite the quick filming turnaround. She brings much-needed emotional weight that the script itself often lacks. Ema Horvath , who appeared in The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and What Lies Below , gets more focus here. While her character is central to the story, the writing doesn’t give her much depth beyond moving the plot along. Still, she holds her own against the chaos. Richard Brake ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Caught Stealing (2025)

Caught Stealing (2025) is directed by Darren Aronofsky , known for Black Swan and The Whale , with the screenplay adapted by Charlie Huston . Aronofsky keeps the tension high while balancing gritty realism with stylized action sequences, creating a film that feels raw yet cinematic. Especially with Bad Bunny's  main scene. Austin Butler , acclaimed for Elvis and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood , commands the screen with a performance that rivals his breakout role. He brings emotional depth to a very flawed yet sympathetic protagonist. Zoe Kravitz , recognized for The Batman and Mad Max: Fury Road , delivers one of her strongest performances to date, adding nuance and sharp charisma to the story. Matt Smith , best known for Doctor Who and Last Night in Soho , brings a unique 90s persona that makes his scenes stand out.  Liev Schreiber , from Ray Donovan and X-Men Origins: Wolverine , and Vincent D'Onofrio , known for Daredevil and Full Metal Jacket , both add subtle humo...
Post a Comment
Read more