Ep 8. Annual "Second Chances" Encore Presentation â- Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, Bad Words, Muppets Most Wanted and Non-Stop

Just Seen It season 7 episode 8 titled "Annual Second Chances Encore Presentation" is a special episode, showcasing a selection of films that received mixed reviews from the show's critics. The episode features reviews of Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, Bad Words, Muppets Most Wanted and Non-Stop.

The episode starts with the review of Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit, a 2014 action-thriller film directed by Kenneth Branagh. The film stars Chris Pine as Jack Ryan, a young CIA analyst who discovers a Russian plot to collapse the US economy. The film also stars Keira Knightley, Kevin Costner, and Branagh himself as the primary antagonist. The Just Seen It critics discuss the film's predictable storyline and unconvincing action sequences, as well as Chris Pine's bland performance and lack of onscreen chemistry with Knightley. However, they also appreciate the film's solid direction and the strong performances by Costner and Branagh.

Next up is the review of Bad Words, a 2013 comedy-drama directed by and starring Jason Bateman. The film follows a 40-year-old man named Guy Trilby who competes in a national spelling bee. The film also stars Kathryn Hahn and Rohan Chand. The critics highlight Bateman's terrific performance as the foul-mouthed Guy Trilby, and appreciate the film's sharply written script and witty sense of humor. However, they also criticize the film's excessive use of profanity and its uneven pacing.

The review then moves to Muppets Most Wanted, a 2014 musical-comedy film directed by James Bobin. The film features the Muppets embarking on a world tour, during which they become unwittingly entangled in an international crime caper. The film stars Ricky Gervais, Tina Fey, and Ty Burrell, as well as a host of celebrity cameos. The critics praise the film's infectious energy, its clever gags and songs, and its joyous celebration of the Muppets' enduring popularity. However, they also admit that the film lacks the emotional depth of its predecessor, The Muppets (2011), and that some of the jokes fall flat.

Lastly, the episode features a review of Non-Stop, a 2014 mystery-thriller film directed by Jaume Collet-Serra. The film follows a US air marshal named Bill Marks, played by Liam Neeson, who receives threatening text messages during a transatlantic flight. The film also features Julianne Moore, Scoot McNairy, and Michelle Dockery. The critics admire the film's tense and suspenseful atmosphere, as well as Neeson's commanding performance as the tormented protagonist. However, they also criticize the film's over-reliance on plot twists and contrivances, as well as its lack of originality in terms of the genre.

Overall, the "Second Chances" Encore Presentation episode of Just Seen It provides a varied and entertaining look at four films that, while flawed, are worth revisiting for their strengths and weaknesses alike. The critics offer insightful and well-reasoned analyses of each film, highlighting both their merits and shortcomings without resorting to simple cliches or blanket judgments. Whether you agree or disagree with their opinions, their reviews are sure to make you think and engage with the films in a deeper and more nuanced way.