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EdwardtheBlackPrince
Reviews
Fallout (2024)
War never Changes.
Fallout is a very beloved series amongst Gamers with Its extensive world-building and Lore. The variety of factions and people that populate Its Wastelands to its themes of Corporatism and political ambition and its Morality & Ethics of Human Society. It's ripe for the picking stories to be told. All and all Fallout does well in not only respecting its source material but also serving as an entry point for newcomers without holding your hand. Putting you in the perspective of its main character starting with Lucy the vault dweller. Given her isolated upbringing and what she has been told her whole life. She's reckless, Naive, and Gullible. She has to adapt and learn from the people she comes across. And the choices she has to make and live with. The other two main characters. The Ghoul who is my favorite just this complete Badass bounty hunter and Cold-hearted man. You get to see his past pre-war and what's driving him. Maximus this brotherhood Squire who goes rogue in ways makes questionable choices in brotherhood. All three of their stories are tied to this Scientist. Also, this sub-plot Mystery Centered around Vault-tec. It feels Balanced out and paced the journey. You don't need to know everything about the Enclave, Brotherhood, or NCR. Prop also has to be given to the designers. I felt that they would have just done the bare minimum. The only well-made would've been the power armor. No, they did put effort into capturing the setting and atmosphere of the games. Morbid dark and violent. The Vaults Corps. Things like the Pip-Boy display and how it functions. The Action Lots of Blood and the use perfect use of Slo-mo Call back to V. A. T. S. The choice of Music how they had original Music, but also took from the Game Soundtrack and the way it's used adds to the charm. Overall, I enjoyed it, and for another season if it stays this route.
The Mummy (1999)
Death is only the beginning
The remake of the 1932 film. It retells the story of The High Priest Imhotep and how after Murdering the Pharoah and the death of his Lover is cursed for all entirely until a group of treasure Hunter uncover his tomb and, in the process, accidentally resurrect him and now must stop him from ruling the world. The film was, without doubt, a huge departure from the original going for more of an Indiana Jones action-adventure tone with a hint of horror, romance, and comedic elements. All and All creating a very enjoyable film it a well-paced despite being 2hrs building up to the grand moment when you finally get the mummy you get some moments getting to know the characters who do leave a memorable impact. Braden Frazer combines the right amount of charm. Rachel Weisz has a very snarky personality doesn't take crap or play games from John Hannah with anyone and is very serious when it comes to her work, but she has a cute personality. And she and Brden play well off one another. The biggest Highlight of The Mummy is The Mummy Arnold Vosloo as Imhotep makes for an enjoyable villain to say the least. While not as Iconic as Frankenstein Boris Karloff is memorable for his performance speaking in this very soft-spoken voice. While not Physically imposing he had a presence to him. Vosloo is more imposing from the moment you see him as a corpse he has super strength, releases plagues of locusts, and can control Sandstorms.
Napoleon (2023)
"liberty, equality, jospheine
Napoleon is remembered for a multitude of reasons, military prowess, political power, and ambition. Being a very angry small French man. (one of these is false) regardless he's one of history's most famous figures. Ridley Scott once more delivers us another period drama blurring the lines of Fact and fiction to create an entertaining historical epic. As you follow his story from Soldier to Emperor of France. His complex relationship with his wife Josephine. The film manages to cover the majority of Napoleon's life from the French Revolution to the battle of Waterloo and his exiles. Phoenix gives a good performance as Bonaparte depsite his accent being subpar he showcases aspects of the man with that famous Complex. He's not played as a Flawless Figure he is very flawed in his way. From timid to awkward, stoic and arrogance. When he enters a room, he gives off that presence of someone trying to puff his chest out, yet still trying to come off as intimidating and in charge. Then there are times when his leadership and his arrogance shines along with some badass moment when he's in charge as well as some funny moments that aren't Intentionally funny but come off as funny. Vanessa Kirby as Josephine also gives a good performance she comes off as his muse, extravagant, glamorous while not a Saint herself she awful but really both of them are a mess, yet they feel like they need one another which does complicate matters down the line. It's not a healthy relationship which makes the dialogue between them interesting to say the least. So, there's a lot of focus on their relationship, but also Napoleon's conflict with the consulate and the Diplomacy between Austria and Russia and the battles. The battles are good nicely shot graphic and leave you wanting more. While clocking in at about 2hr 38 it does feel like it's packed and rushed at times first half seems to fly by, to reach the point of him becoming emperor. Doesn't really delve into why his enemies despise him. Doesn't address the Napoleonic codes or his overall presence to the public. There's a 4hr director cut coming to Apple+ and perhaps fix these issues,but is it's a decently good film.
From Here to Eternity (1953)
Snake eyes
From Here to Eternity is often regarded as one of the most impactful and bold of its time. Trying to take one of the most controversial books of its time. It did its best and adapted the depiction of the commentary of the military to abuse of power to the sexual tension and taboos between as well as none conformed and reveal the underside. The most famous scene is the Beach Affair with Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr. This adds a lot of the Sexual Aspect to Donna Reed and Mongomery's character in he's having a relationship with a prostitute. The overall story itself is a very bold film, especially for a time when you really couldn't speak of the military and such a negative manner. It had to have this squeaky-clean image. Here where witnessed some of the underbelly of the Military with the captains using their position, not their company and men, but more so themselves. With Private Prewitt (Montgomery Cliff) not writing to Box for his deep personal reasons, you see the whole film all of these soldiers and even higher up like Staff Sergeant trying to tear him down and fall in line. Trying to break his spirit, but with the support of characters such as Frank Sinatra who is like the free spirit of this movie. Frank showcases his acting on a very low point of his life. The movie is very enticing and surprises where it goes with its characters.
It Happened One Night (1934)
Oh Yeah?
In terms of Romance Films, It Happened One Night is often considered one of the most iconic of the genre itself. Often regarded as the pioneers of the Rom-Com. While It is often credited as a Screwball comedy. While it's not a complete slapstick show, as one would probably expect. Frank Capra talked about how he felt the original cut had too much humor that it overshadowed more of the Drama that he was trying to convey with the film with the mix of comedy. There are some innuendos the almost kiss and The Wall of Jericho it there while not as in your face It does get a fair number of laughs if you can appreciate the style of humor for its time. The Cast itself Clark Gable and Claudette Cobert add a fair deal of chemistry and dynamic between the two with them. The Bickering and the Collaboration between what would because trope and established elements. The Two of them are complete opposites in almost every way. A down on his lucky working-class man and A Spoiled Heiress. She's to marry this sort of a pushover in a way guy, but then you have Gable who's more a man who's not a pushover who gives orders and talks back to his Boss. He is a Guy in Charge even though he kind of feels like a loser at this point in his life. Which counterbalance with Claudette's Spoiled Tone.
Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)
You'll Cheer, you'll die
Want there to be said about a film with a title like that only that it delivers on what it promises. Killer Clowns from Outer is one of those films of the 80s that embodied all of the camp, all of the cheese, and absurdity. However, for a concept that seems like a product of its time, it's surely delivered a very entertaining film. From the cast who are as cartoony and 1 noted, but still, come likable. To the clowns themselves which again the movie delivers on that. Not just reduce theme to small roles while just having a much nothing going on with the humans. The Films knows its audience and knows they'll want the Clowns. More than 60% of the films are the Clowns just going around wreaking havoc in some funny and creative ways. From the uses of cotton candy hues to Killer Popcorns. The design of the Big Top Ship. There was quite a creative effort put into it and because of that, it helped Cemented it as a cult classic.
The Omen (1976)
It's all for you
The Omen stars Georgy Peck as an American Ambassador who after his wife's newborn dies. He decides to swap their baby with another without her knowledge. The Son Damin grows up and everything seems Normal and happy. All of a sudden, on Daimian birthday a death occurs followed by other strange Occurrences. This leads Robert to be confronted by a Priest who tells him that Damian is the Son of Satan (Antichrist). Following the Wake of The Exorcist there was an interest in the Themes of Religion and occultism. While not the first to cash in on the idea of creepy children. There was Village of in the Dammed (1960) and Even Rosemary's Baby (1968) touched on the idea of the Spawn of Satan. The Omen has a very real-world depiction that the Exorcist also manages to capture. While delivering a very Erie and Atmospheric as well as emotional elements. Tackling the essence of innocence, Lost, and Grief. The turmoil between both the Husband and wife and talking about some rather taboo subjects. The movie also does a great job of Building up with its suspense. Here it's more of a build-up to the reveal of Robert's finding out. The kid who plays Daimian himself does a good job given what he has to work with. Doesn't speak that much, but just why he acts and looks gives him an unnerving look. Even when stuff happens it is done in such a way that it seems very possible without coming off as Supernatural. Which in a way makes it just as creepy. With the shot that they go with accompanied by Jerry Goldsmith soundtrack.
Aliens (1986)
They mostly come at Night...Mostly
When Alien first hit the Screen, it helped usher in an era of Sci-fi in its visual world-building and atmospheric appeal with round characters that were found but still had an element to it that was more than campy costumes and shooting lasers. Both Ridley Scott's and H. R. Giger's minds, combine to create this very other world feel to it. When James Cameron was brought on board to direct Aliens with the effort of past designers of the original, he managed to Honor the Substance and ominous tone of the Original while also expanding on the world. Alien was very much a Horror film in Space. A monster picking off Victims by one had a very ominous feel to it Whether there was noise, or it was complete silence. There was this feeling of isolation and low-level tension. This very much shows in the first half of the film When they are at the colony you still have the barren feel. You have these untrained everyday people against a single monster. How do you up that with a prepared Group? Enter the Colonial Marines one of the most Iconic Groups in Sci-fi History. Whether it's Bill Paxton as Hutson or Hicks or Vasquez. The chemistry between all of them is proud, Confident, Arrogant. The amount of charm and hubris Each of these characters delivers leaves a long-standing impact. Like most military, they believe they have complete control. And when you enter the base and see the hive it draws you in and then drops into the Action that this film delivers on a much larger heart pounding., but the movie still delivers on that human element one of the most important cores of the film is Ripley. Sigourney Weaver already made an impact with the original. The sequel cemented Her and the character of Ripley as Action Icon. She's just very rounded. She didn't just return to be there. The ordeal of She has been drifting in Space for 57 years and had a daughter who died and never married or had kids. The hearing You set her up as she lost having to find a purpose. When she meets Newt, she almost finds herself again being this guardian and mother to this little girl who lost everything herself. You feel a bond between them it's the drive of the movie not only to survival.
Cobweb (2023)
We're Family
An eight-year-old boy named Peter. He lives a very isolated life with his overprotective parents and constant bullying at school. Soon begins to hear strange noises and knocks coming from within the wall. He soon finds himself caught in a conflict situation between him and his parents. Overall, the movie itself has its basic formula of a creepy parent film so it doesn't offer much in those categories. Even with the basic plot, I found the film rather amusing they do a good job of setting up the being of the film the setting itself has sort of a muted Halloween film to it from the old setting of the house to the school having sort of this small town feel to it. The kid who also plays is rather decent. Again, he doesn't have much to go off with just coming off as a very awkward boy, but you feel enough for him for what he goes through. Both the parents give decent performances Antony Starr does a good job of playing this on-edge psycho. To be fair it is a little hard to not look at him and immediately think of Homelander from The Boys. Lizzy Caplan is your typical frantic hysteric mother you have seen in numerous films from Carrie to The People Under the Stairs, it's still amusing enough, but it seems there could have been more scenes between her and her son. The whole outside interference from the teacher kind of seems rather pointless. The whole idea of just this substitute who just completely concerned with this one kid doesn't feel as genuine as it should really, she didn't need to be a substitute she could have just been his teacher. The pacing of the film at no point feels like it drags it keeps the story going and does keep you invested although the end of the movie does end on a flat note and will leave many a little disappointed.
Coraline (2009)
Cor-a-line
Following in the wake of Nightmare Before Christmas. Highlighting the admirable craftsmanship of Stop-motion animation. Coraline is held in high regard by many in terms of modern animation. Combining the charm of the Light-hearted adventure of a Child's imagination with mixes of Horror elements in the storytelling courtesy of Neil Gaiman. It's an eerie Childrens story brought to life. Still enjoyed years later by both kids and adults. Its characters are likable and memorable. Caroline herself Dakota Fanning gives such an amazing performance to this character. She captures an essence that in many ways everybody can relate to in a sense. She has a very bitter attitude at the start, but never does she come off entirely as a brat. How so many when they are young may have experience. To move away leave everything that they knew and loved behind from their friends and have to make a go somewhere else. Feeling bored and in some way alone. Topping that off with Caroline's parents who are by no means bad but are so focused and devoted to their work that it can feel like they don't give her the attention that she feels she gets. The movie does a great job of transitioning between the two worlds. To just how lively and fun the other world is the garden alone is one the best highlights of the movie in just the amount of work and detail put into this world. And when you cut back to the real world everything is just so muted and mundane in a way reflecting Corline mood.
The Goonies (1985)
Dead men tell no tales
To many The Goonies is by far one of the most memorable films of the 1980s in terms of Fun Adventure. Taken the basic premise of a group of Kids setting out to find treasure, only to get led on a wild chase. The film over is wholesome and captures the charm of the advent of Youth and optimism. Rightfully so I say that wouldn't have been anywhere near as perfected if not for the cast and crew. Combing the creative efforts of Richard Donnor& Stephen Spielberg to bring this everyday world to life with these visuals and the settings which look almost straight out of Indiana Jones. Along with the soundtrack combine fast action and excitement with the upbeat and comic charm of the 80s., but the stars of the film and the glue that holds it all together overall is The Kids. These are some of the best performances given by children in a movie, memorable all in their own right Sean Astin as the straight kid and Corey Feldman as the Wiseass. Ke Huy Quan as the Inventor as while in some early roles for Josh Brolin everyone comes off as so Genuine and it makes them all much more relatable. Cracking jokes getting the one up on these criminals very Three toggles like Chuck connection the Soth a very lovable misunderstood ala, Frankenstein.
Enter the Dragon (1973)
What's your Style?
Enter the Dragon is often Regarded as Bruce Lee's greatest film, as well as one the best films of all time. Combining a mixture of fast-paced action with charm. Not just from Bruce, but also from the likes of John Saxon and Jim Kelly. A simple plot of a drug lord called Han who's also a renegade Shalon Monk uses an island as a base of operation and stages a martial arts Tournament to find fresh recruits. We have Bruce go in to revenge the death of his sister and regain the honor of his Temple. The movie overall is just a fun joy to watch and is Enticement to any lover of Martial arts. All the highlights from the setting of the island tournament. Which has become a staple having been used in countless films and video games like Mortal Kombat. The fights from Bruce see how fast he moves and just the crazy look in his eyes. An uncredited role for Jackie Chan, see if you can spot it. The visual preceptive of the camerawork and the halls of mirrors. Creative Cinematography for the time.
Oppenheimer (2023)
Do the means justify the end?
Oppenheimer has always been regarded by History as an interesting figure for the advancement of scientific discovery. While also being a rather controversial figure for his choices and mankind. Nolans Oppenheimer takes the audience on that dramatic epic of ethical proportions, in many ways, it is conflicting yet still fantasizing in every way Throughout the movie, you see the psyche and internal conflict, personal Matters left facing. The themes of the era with the red scare with McCarthyism, the paranoia and the shadow hanging over following Oppenheimer throughout. What the influence of such a weapon carries? The pressure put on a man. If the possibility of the enemy having such a thing, is it better to act before they do? Are the ones who claim to fight for you the ones to trust themselves? This is a movie about Mankind, not just the bomb being built, or the overall progress much of the war. Much like say The Imitation Game focusing on the war being fought behind the battle line. This is a very heavy dialogue-driven focus on the aspects of science and politics, and the psychological of Oppenheimer, but all of this things investing as you jump around these different time frames. Primary because of the great reforming given by like Cillian Murphy, Matt Damon, and Robert Downey who gives probably the second-best performance in this ensemble cast. With most of his films, the cinematography is done amazingly as well as the visuals that emphasize of fission and chain reactions of the panning landshot the use of and the lack of color, and of course the big payoff of the bomb and the impact of all, and the Explosions Performances that on the big screen can't be compared to watching it at home.
Jaws (1975)
Those cold black eyes
The film coined the term Blockbuster. The film that made folks scared to go back in the water, and the film that put Spielberg on the map as one of the greatest Dictators of all time. Jaws has been credited for all these things and has gone done as a classic. Spawning numerous sequels and knockoffs. The basic tale of a killer Shark wreaking havoc in a small coastal town leaving only a small group of men to save the day. Despite this by today's standard rather played out the theme. Jaws even in its heyday offered something new in fresh that has never been managed to be duplicated. That being its character and charm from its human characters to the town of Amity Island and its residents. The movie never strives too far in the sense of surrealism keeping real closes to home. Bringing life into this town with its beautifully shot landscapes and shots of the water. The overhead tracking shot through objects. Yet still having the mystery and ominous tone with it still being centered around a killer shark. The production troubles of this film are well known. The weather and trouble Filming on the water and how the shark didn't work for most of the film. Which limited appearances of it for most of the movie. They had to work around it by having indications of the uses of debris and seeing the mutilated remains building on this mystery. No other movie especially nowadays could get away with not showing the shark this long, but it makes up for it with the Humans having such character and the mystery then the big reveal. Roy Schindler Richard Dreyfuss and Robert Shaw Solo portray these three. Brody this everyday man the sheriff of this small town and his conflict with the mayor and the whole situation with his fear of the water and fear of not holding up to his obligation to protect from this shark that he doesn't even know is real. Until it's too late. Hooper this likable and yet kind of arrogant Marine Biologist and his head butting with Quint who is sort of this drunken Ahab. When these three meet each other for the first time the best highlights of the movie take place.
Vertigo (1958)
Down the rabbit hole
Perhaps one of Hitchcock's most ambitious films Vertigo is a Suspenseful mystery and romance that dives into the Human psyche of want and desire While the story is rather simple a falling deeply in love with someone also suffering from the trauma of his past it adds up to a very complex scenario and somewhat of an everyman story, primary thanks the acting of Jimmy Stewarts. Same well as Kim Novak who character this troubled and conflicted situation between the two of them and their feelings for one another and what eventually occurs in the latter half of the Story. The film overall captures the mystery thriller. This is without a doubt Hitchcock's most colorful film both literally and metaphorically. The sweeping tracking shots of San Franciso in its heyday. Tracking Pov shots from the car following Kim Novak around the vibrant uses of Color such as the Flower shop and the contrast o Green and Red The psychological sequences, including the iconic opening Title Sequences. The Soundtrack adds the broad usage of an Eerie Memering Tone to the fills and also moments of whimsical romance and heart-racing tension. The one downside one could have with this movie is that it's a slow burn, but it leaves hanging on a thread wondering what's going on, and where it will lead.
Rear Window (1954)
I'll be watching you
Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window follows Jimmy Stewart as a Photographer. Who after an accident confined him to his Apartment. When he's not being wed by his Nurse and visited by his Girlfriend Lisa (Grace Kelly). He spends his time spying on his neighbors to pass the time. He soon suspects one of his neighbors (Raymond Burr) just might have killed his wife and tries to prove it. Rear Window is an interesting film especially for its time a very self-contained movie it does a great job of adding suspense and mystery while also adding a dark sense of charm and humor. As well as a sense of self-doubt. Giving this is a setting that's very limiting pretty much puts us in the perspective of Jimmy how do you make this rear window received work for a whole movie? It does that by making a colorful cast of its leads and the side characters. You spend a good chunk of the film getting to know these characters the relationship between Lisa and Jeff a cynical relationship at first, to say the least Jeff is kind of a jerk but doesn't feel like he deserves or warrants a girl like Lisa who is very charming and life to her. Feels there's this disconnect between marriage and a fling. And kind of starts to reflect on himself as he watches his neighbors who themselves are almost in their sort of prison. You see this similarity between the songwriter trying to complete his song or Ms. Lonesome who a very sad and the newlyweds. Even though none of these characters interact with each other or the leads you get enough of what their about. And of course, having Raymond Burr Perry Mason himself was nothing short of genius to add to this mystery and charm when cutting between the killer and the neighbors.
Psycho (1960)
12 rooms 12 vacancies
When it's comes to Alfred Hitchcock Pyscho there's been much to been said about it there has also been that can not been said about it. That being it was a film of its time and ahead of time all around. It was the precursor to the Slasher as well the mind of the human mid. While seen as very tamed from a modern perspective it was very bold of its day. How it delved into the themes of brutal violence and sexuality adds to the scenery of suspense. The use of soundtrack and the shots of he stairs to the overlook of the Motel. The movie has a very eerie somber tone to it. Adding a sense of mystery and suspense. The cast give great performances of course Janet Leigh and Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates a lot of character to both of them and as you watch you begin how they both feel like prisoners running from their problems.
Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation (2015)
Keep em coming
Following the events of Ghost with the Kremlin as well as numerous Operations the C. I. A led by Alec Baldwin commissions that the I. M. F is disbanded which leads to Ethan and his crew being hunted down. As Ethan tries to prove the existence of the Shadow organization The Syndicate. Rogue Nation counties in the wake of Ghost in keeping its fast action and heart-racing Energy. Everybody from the last film from Cruise to Sean Penn humor continues to offer tons of charm and entertainment. The addition of Rebecca Ferguson is a welcome addition with adding a female member to the cast who has more of a presence and leaves much more of an impact than previous. The action continues to not disappoint, as the series keeps managing to top the last installment to the visual scenes of Vienna to Morocco. Beautifully shot.
The Little Mermaid (1989)
Somewhere Beyond the Sea
Following in the wake of Disney's Bronze Age (Dark Age) with a series of mixed results. The studio eventually returned to the traditional format of musical adaptations. Ushering in an era of critical and commercial successes starting with The Little Mermaid. Based on the fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. The Little Mermaid follows the story of a young Mermaid princess named Ariel who is fascinated with the surface& spends her days exploring the depths gathering trinkets. One day she travels up the surface during a shipwreck saves a human named Eric from drowning, and immediately falls in love with him. To be with him she strikes I deal with a Sea Witch Ursula who plots to steal the power of Ariel's Father Triton the King of Atlantica. Little Mermaid is often considered one of the best-animated films of all time too many. It returns to that formula it thrived on in the 50s and 60s. With colorful and details sets Memorable Songs and well-written characters. The story while your classic love-at-first-sight premise works into a charming narrative Ariel while she is disobedient never makes you feel like you can hate her. She is tired of her old life and the overprotectiveness of her Father and wants more. Which from Disney itself is a cliché all on its own, but you argue that Ariel was the first, and overall, it works She's Naive and is driven by dreams, but never does come off as Selfish. I found the scenes of her with Eric and without her voice very charming just going off the expressions she gives. I also really the setup between her and Father Triton. He comes off as a great father figure he's loving with a soft tone of voice calm and reasonable. The chemistry between him and Sebastian is funny in and now its own. Then all of a sudden, he starts yelling when he puts his foot down voice echoes with such a presence. He has regrets about how harsh he is towards Ariel, but at the same time, you see why he has such worries for his daughter and the human world. As for the Villain Ursula, she is good well much of the film is bright. All of Ursula's scenes just ooze ominous and atmosphere just how wicked her design is. How her legs form into a dress the use of shadows and the expressions on her face. She gives this creepy present. The rest of the side characters are all right. Flounder's, OK. Sebastian is probably the best character of the three. He starts a trend for the rest of the Renaissance film of the leads always having an animal companion. The soundtrack is good with classics Part of the World and Under the Sea. It offers a variety of styles from Caribbean to Sea shanties.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
We're the Guardians of the Galaxy
In James Gunn's final farewell from Marvel, we have Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. The Guardians now in possession of Knowhere are in the process of rebuilding the Colney following Thanos's attack. Quill's still mourning the loss of Gamora and failing to impress the variety picked up in Endgame. Matters only get worse when all of a sudden Adam Warlock(Will Poulter) shows up to destroy the guardian and in the process, Rocket is mortally wounded and is put on Life support. So now the Guardians have to set out and the means to save him all wrapped in the possession of the mysterious High Evolutionary. In many ways, Guardians 3 set out what it tends to do in what's meant to be a farewell to not only the director but also these characters that we've gotten to know over several films. While there's still humor and charm to be found in this film It stands out from past several films going for a more serious tone. The first half of the film is far slower paced it's more dialogue-driven as imposes actions and in many ways, it works, and in many ways, it doesn't. With subplots that don't overall mean much to moments that do feel like bloat that just expands the film's runtime. This is understandable given they wanted everybody to get their fair amount of screen time, but some moments could have been trimmed down in favor of giving more focus to other things such as Starlord and Gamora. Overall the theme of family, loss, and moving on emotional investment in the relation of the team. The cast as a whole for the most part a great all the guardians are delivered well the humor is rather mixed in this film when it does happen not every joke don't hits as in previous films. Most of the funny lines are Delivered by Drax. Whereas many from Mantis just come off as forced. Groot is Groot he's fine, but the design they give him just looks terrible compared to how he looks in the first. Star lord they set up a subplot with him, but their address in small moments then never addressed again. Him being a Celestial his blunder with Thanos in the first half he just acts like a jerk and halfway through he;'s more the character we knew in the other films. As for the relationship between him and Gamora with little she has to do with the Story Zoe Saldana does give a great delivery, but when it comes to the overall situation between her and Quill. Rocket, of course, is the center point of the story the drive to push all of them to show their love and admiration for each other as sort of the defauctonional family they are. Most of his scenes are done through flashbacks and overall I enjoyed them. Rocket was always the member we knew the least about and had just hinted to go off. It's here that finally shows the answers and where the more serious aspect of the film derives from. It's darker, depressing, and violent. The High Evolutionary sells all of these points. It was quite shocking that they were able to make this villain work the way they did. He's a welcome addition to what's been missing past Endgame. He's a villain a Fanatic geneticist who's obsessed with making the perfect lifeform. Doesn't care about any of his creations, or any of the despicable actions he commits. He's not misunderstood, he wasn't wronged in his past He was just psycho with a God Complex, and the movie does well in making you hate him. The worst aspect starts with Adam Warlock. It's been stated numerous times that it's too late to bring this character into these films. Set up at the end of the second film and did nothing with him for infinity war and Endgame where everybody stated he should have been with Thanos. Now we're finally giving him in the film and he sucks. He's reduced to nothing more than a puppet and is a dumb mama's boy who connects to overall nothing in the grand scheme of things. The second is the soundtrack. The soundtrack in these films has always been some of the best highlights. Whereas a lot of films rely on Licensed songs just for cheap grabs. The songs in guardians' films always fit setting the tone and pace of the action. They all for the most part fitted with the scenes they were assigned to. Here personally I don't remember a single song from this. It just felt like Gunn was just going all out same with the camera shots and spins. The songs are just thrown in everywhere just for the sake of noise. Overall while the film does feel bloated and some things don't add up the movie does serve as a sent-off to these character ad a good farewell.
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
What a Bunch of A-holes
Director James Gunn is brought in to direct Guardians of the Galaxy. A boy named Peter Quill(Chris Pratt) is abducted by aliens and grows up to become a space outlaw a.k.a Starlord. He comes into possession of a mysterious orb and soon finds himself pursued by multiple forces and ends up getting arrested along with Gamora(Zoe Saldana) a highly trained assassin, a talking raccoon and tree named Rocket(Bradley Cooper), and Groot(Vin Diesel) also Drax the Destroyer(Dave Bautista). Guardians of the Galaxy when it came out was quite surprising in the sense that it accomplish quite a lot being that at this point it was a new IP following a comic series that even among readers, not too many folks were all that familiar with these characters. It opened up that gateway for expanding the Marvel Universe. We leave the comforts of Earth and go on a cosmic adventure. FUll of Strange worlds and Ship battles. Overall the film does a great job setting up its World and its characters the Guardians as a whole a just a group of Ruffians who seem to be in it just for themselves, but just boarding the line of Lawfulness. Not changing around completely, but still, in the end, become better folks and find their place among themselves. You get enough time to get an idea want they are about even though some are left more ambiguous such as Rocket, but the time gives you get the serious moments between the action and the humor. Which just adds to the charms. Such as the scene between Peter and Gamora talking about their past in nowhere. The soundtrack is nothing short of amazing from the original Tracks to even the License music. In most films, it would come off as gimmicky just throwing random pop culture songs that wouldn't feel right in this whole sci-fi setting. However, the Music does surprisingly fit the style and tone that the movie going for, no point did find any of the Songs unfitting for the scene played in, and connected a lot to Star lord's characters.
Interview with the Vampire: The Vampire Chronicles (1994)
The price for Immortality
Interview with the Vampire Stars Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, and Kirsten Dunst. In a Story about a vampire named Louis(Brad) who tells his life story to a reporter. Leading up to his meeting a Lestat the Vampire turns him and temptation him into a life of immortality. Only for Louis to reveal all the guilt and torment he has to endure. This might come off as kinda a turn-off to a lot of people it's not your traditional monster film in the sense that it's not just mindless killing for the sake of it, but it it does something different and creates a compelling story, behind it. As were giving a story of humanity while still mixing those horror elements. The relationship told between Louis and Lestat is truly investing, While the movie has Undertones when it comes to its sexuality THere's a Bromance at most between the two with them. Albeit is a very abusive and toxic relationship. Throughout the Film, Louis begins to question the price of being a Vampire the things he has to result to and trying to keep his humanity. This makes for a very interesting concept of having a Vampire who regrets his life and the effect he has on others. Tom Cruise as Lestat contradicts all of the themes as he's just more of this parasite who exploits and manipulates Louis and everyone around him. Such with Kirsten Dunst as this little girl that they meet later on and Lestat turns her to use her and to keep Louis under his control and you get this whole deep arc of her character as now she immortal but stuck in a 12-year-old body it takes its toll on her mentally as time passes. She begins to become more bitter and self-loathing in her life. Kirsten Dunst for being so young at the time adds some much weight to all her scenes and in every way should be commended for it. As tension grows between the three of them. It is a very Psychological Horror, to say the least, and overall it's Compelling while slow to grab you at first. It does grab and then move along never does it feel like the movie drag.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
1up!
It's been 30 years since the brothers were last on the Big screen, and with the ever-changing culture in adaptations. Now seemed a perfect time more than ever to take another shot at the Italian plumber's. The Super Mario Bros Movie is a film for Fans that respects its fan and the Source Material. While its story is paper thin, Essentially the brothers get sucked into the Mushroom Kingdom. Luigi gets captured and Mario has to form a team to save his Brother and Stop the evil Bowser from destroying everything. Honestly, that's fine now if this was any other franchise such as Legend of Zelda or Metroid I be more critical of that. Mario has never been the Narrative Franchise. It has always leveled down to wholesome fun, and in many ways, the film delivers all of that. The animation's beautiful The world is bright and vivid and appealing to look at the settings feel like levels from the games. When the characters are jumping around you can see that 3d platforming. The soundtrack is good when it mixes elements of the games and adds little spins it fits. However, like practically every animated movie there are pop cultural songs. They're not awful, but you could have left them out. The Cast as a whole for the most part they're good. Chris Pratt as Mario he's fine. He was the one everybody was most worried about, He's not great it's not Charles Martinet who does have a cameo. However, he tries and doesn't half-ass it. Save with Charlie Day as Luigi. When he first shows up in the Mushroom Kingdom he's confused and starstruck with this world, but he adjusts to the situation. He's not some bumbling idiot the whole movie. Princess Peach, I like her she got some funny movies. Yeah, she's not the Damsel being rescued this time again they decided to do that with Luigi which sucks a little because, for the most part, he's absent from a huge chunk of the film until the end in the Mario Bros Movies, but I enjoy him for the few scenes he got. As for Peach she serves as Mario's guide to this World and helps to aid and to get an army to fight Bowser. She has her moments, but Mario is still the Hero of the film. Speaking of half-assing Seth Rogen as Donkey Kong is honestly the most unbearable in the movie. He doesn't even try to do a character it's just him playing himself, not Donkey Kong. Who just comes off as a Cringy Teenager and a idiot. That says something I should be not saying Donkey Kong is the most unbearable when you have Toad in the movie. Lastly, we have Bowser voiced by Jack Black Who's the funniest in the entire film. From beginning to end they do a great job with his voice of making Bowser come off as opposing and a threat to just being obsessed with Peach and going Gaga for her. He's having a blast and it shows. If there's something that can be criticized really most is the pacing. It does feel like you could give a little more time for the story to flesh out the world and the relationships between the characters. There's a section where they show the other islands through a quick Transition and you even see Yoshi's, a couple of minutes in these other worlds would have been cool. The Humor works in the sense that there are jokes that don't hit that well sometimes, but the Slapstick is more fun. And when comes to Fanservice there is a ton of it. Some of them can be missed if you're not looking closely enough and it's not just blatantly thrown in there you face the whole time plenty of things can be found in the backgrounds through the music and lines. Like when Peach says there is a whole Galaxy of Worlds out there or The Plumbing Commercial. It adds to the Nostalgia and Charm of the Fans. I would compare it to the Lego Batman movie where on the surface there's Humor, but Deep in the easter Eggs a lot more appreciation shows and adds to the overall dialogue. It is not executed to the extent of Batman, but it falls under the Banner of its a fun adventure for all, appealing to children as well as nintendo Fans.
Knock at the Cabin (2023)
It's a Shyamalan Film
A couple and their daughter are on a getaway to a Cabin in the Woods. When a Stranger named Leonard (Dave Bautista) followed by his accomplices arrives at the Cabin and holds the Family Hostage. They reveal That the end of the world is near and in order to prevent this the family needs to decide amongst themselves to kill one of each other to prevent the end of humanity. In many ways, Shyamalan's always been one for surprises. In the sense that you know his formula and think you have the overall reception down before ever seeing the product. Either for better or worse This movie follows every checkmark to be found in his movies. Awkward hokey acting, an interesting concept never fully realized, and an ending that the director thinks is clever, but 8/10 times it's completely stupid. A Knock at the Cabin is a Mediocre film from its beginning to the end. It's a poorly paced story that at no point builds on the promise of Horror or Suspense. Its cast is some of the blandest and forgettable characters ever to be put in these films. At no point do you feel any sort of Attachment or investment and any of these characters, because overall they don't deliver much performance from the crew to the family. Bautista himself adds nothing to this film as do the two women. Despite trying to give them some background. The only one who comes the closest to speaking like a normal person is Rupert Grint, only because he shows emotion other than Socially Awkward. The family themselves are not interesting, they just aren't despite stating that you are supposed to care about them. You don't when you get down to it. The girl's alright not really, but the fathers are just Gay that's their character. The movie points that out multiple times through Flashbacks that don't really add up to much, and also them just flat out saying it. There's no depth to be found in this film no drama or Tension. It's just Boring and lackluster.
John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)
All paths lead to death in the end
John Wick: Chapter 4. John sets out to prepare for his war against the High Table, and be free from all this once and for all. However, the job isn't going to be an easy one and all those close to him are caught in the crosshairs and old friends turned rivals are involved in the matter. John wicks' chapter 4 is nothing short of an epic action if the term can apply to action films. Its film it's ushering a fresh light on the genre from its stunts to the fight choreography and high tension. Which continues throughout these movies including this one. The chapter is by all means the best out of the four films since the first. It sets up the situation and throws you off on this thriller of a ride. With the 4th film, not much can be said that hasn't been said about the previous installments. Action is amazing fast paced, and excellent stunt work. Great performance from the cast Keanu Reeves you know him you love as John, Ian McShane, and The late Lance Reddicks. The new cast while Parabellum did a good job of setting up the grand finale. It didn't have the most interesting dialogue. The Adjudicator this woman was not at all interesting and took away a lot of the awe and charm of the mystery of the Table. Here was given Bill Skarsgård as The Marquee. He carries more than a traditional shadow figurine showing that this is a guy who has a lot of power calm and is calculated but won't lift a finger and do his dirty work. He's a face you can love to hate So are the side characters Donnie Yen is arguably the best character in the film as he plays a blind swordsman named Cain. He has his reason for wanting john dead, but in many, he's conflicted on the matter. Some of the more somber moments of the film between him and John are compelling. And of course, he's a badass. Fast and on his feet, kind of out stages John in some scenes. They do a very great job and creative ways of showing how he fights.s There's also another guy after John simply called Mr. Nobody who doesn't have any Vendetta against John. He's just a guy trying to collect on John's head., but he's so frequent in the movie and when he's now on screen with his dog he's a charming guy. The visuals are stunningly beautifully shot very well-lit, amazing camera angles. There's one shootout with an overhead view and it's a straight-up video game it's awesome. The only cons that could be made about the movie are the run time. Unlike Parabellum where it just got so carried away with the action that it started to become desensitizing. And the between scenes were lackluster. Here it trying to wrap up the series your gonna want to go all out.