Missing 2023

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Picture is owned by Sony Pictures


     We are back, with the review of "Missing". I do feel a little rusty, so please bear with me as I get back to this. I hope to have multiple reviews for you all by the end of the weekend.

 When "Searching" came out in 2018, it was met with positive reviews and made 75 million with a budget of just under 1 million, it was no surprise that they would try to replicate it in any way they could. With "Searching " be a one and done story, how do you continue the formula. Let us discuss.....

    The premise is simple and to the point.  June Allen (Storm Reid) is a teenager who tries to find her missing mother (Nia Long) after she disappears in Colombia with her new boyfriend.

    I will say that something, that works well and continues from "Searching", is the use of the phones and computers to tell this story. The use of this still feels fun, and inventive. This makes something that should feel generic come across more original. When it comes to my thoughts of my views on how the "unfriended" series used their internet setting, see those reviews.

    There are two specific performances that help to sell this film. Storm Reid as the lead, June needs to be solid, or you don't have a film. She carries this, she is able to take it from spoiled teen to scared and desperate. She pulls it off beautifully and should be someone to watch out for in future lead roles. There is a private investigator that helps June along the way, named Javi played by Joaquim de Almedia. I have watched him in things since I was a kid. It was a treat to see him in something new. I can say that Almedia and Reid probably never interacted during the making of this movie, but a testament to their talents, the relationship felt genuine and one that I rooted for throughout the film.

  When it comes to mystery films, you are only as good as your ending. The ending here does not feel earned. Personally, I believe it is the twist. Without spoiling it feels more Lifetime movie, than something that knocks me out of my seat. It is hard to not compare it "Searching”. Spoilers to anyone who has not seen it but let's be honest it's been out for a while, so come on! When it is revealed that Detective Vick is covering for her kid, it feels awesome. It is something that you do not see coming and pays off.

    Overall, there was a lot that did not come together at the end. Most everything surrounding the character of Kevin. None of his motivations are explained, felt like there were a lot of loose ends with him that end up tying directly into the disappointing ending. Perhaps more screentime with him could have fixed it.

 To sum it up, not a terrible movie just a bit of a letdown. 

GRADE:C+

What did you guys think? If you've seen it sound off in the comments!


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