The Film Guru: ‘I Can Only Imagine 2’ disappointing, whereas ‘The Wrecking Crew’ loopy motion enjoyable

‘I Can Only Imagine 2′ (in theaters)

You can all the time inform when a sequel exists simply to earn money.

That’s undoubtedly the case with “I Can Only Imagine 2,” the sequel to 2018’s shock Christian hit. Not solely does the sequel wrestle to search out its personal story to inform, but it surely cheapens the ending of the unique film by repeatedly going over already resolved floor. We already noticed musician Bart Millard (J. Michael Finley) make peace together with his abusive father, however within the sequel it’s all he can take into consideration. The sheer quantity of flashbacks alone are exhausting.

Worse, it tries to attract parallels between Millard’s abusive father and Millard’s much more harmless parental missteps in a method that borders on offensive. Yes, trauma isn’t labored by way of as simply as it’s within the motion pictures, however this isn’t framed in a therapeutic method. It’s simply there for drama, and it leaves a bitter style within the story.

The film tries to herald one thing new by introducing Millard’s collaborator, Tim Timmons (Milo Ventimiglia). Ventimiglia is a captivating performer, and he offers a number of the film’s lightest and most entertaining moments. He additionally has a conveniently packaged tragedy designed to tug on the heartstrings, with timing much more handy than occurred in actual life.

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Still, he’s solely a supporting participant in what proves to be a disappointing story. Even should you’re a fan of Millard, or the music of MercyMe (Millard’s band), it’ll be robust to really feel any of the inspiration you in all probability get listening to their music.

“I Can Only Imagine” was a robust, inspiring film. It’s sequel, sadly, is finest forgotten.

Grade: One and a half stars

‘The Wrecking Crew’ (Prime)

Sometimes it’s good when a film is aware of precisely what it’s.

“The Wrecking Crew,” starring Dave Bautista and Jason Momoa, has one very clear objective — trigger as a lot motion film mayhem as doable. The automobile chases are dramatic, the struggle scenes are detailed, the ladies are superior, the lads are robust, and the quips are plentiful. I’m undecided how efficient the emotional subplot is, however that doesn’t actually matter when Bautista and Momoa work so properly collectively. It doesn’t actually matter why they’re beating up the unhealthy guys collectively — you simply wish to see it occur.

If you do care in regards to the plot, it options Bautista and Momoa as estranged half-brothers who get sucked into their useless father’s final case. This includes a number of combating, taking pictures, explosions, a random helicopter and a kidnapping that occurs solely to arrange the wonderful rescue that follows.

The film in all probability owes an apology to Hawaii, because it makes Honolulu appear as seedy and harmful as a number of the darker cinematic variations of New York. It additionally makes it look very fairly, however since that’s not onerous I doubt it’s sufficient of an apology.

The forged is nice, with Bautista and Momoa having a enjoyable onscreen chemistry collectively. Morena Baccarin, Roimata Fox, and Frankie Adams are all completely unbelievable, delivering a number of the film’s finest strains. Jacob Batalon isn’t unhealthy, however he has some bother standing as much as the stronger personalities surrounding him.

Still, it’s a small blip in a sea of in any other case superb mayhem.

Grade: Three stars

Jenniffer Wardell is an award-winning film critic and member of the Denver Film Critics Society and the Utah Film Critics Association. Drop her a line at [email protected].