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Dune: Part Two (2024)
A Transportive Cinematic Experience
'Dune: Part Two' picks up directly where the first left off, with Paul Atreides and his mother, Lady Jessica, still on the run after the surprise attack on House Atreides by the brutal Harkonnens. Now allied with the Fremen of Arrakis, the two survivors must learn the natives' ways if they are to survive the desert planet's harsh conditions. That will not be their only challenge, though, as the threat of House Harkonnen remains and Paul's destiny approaches...
For me, the most interesting aspect of 'Dune' is its mythology and lore, which combines classic sci-fi elements with a surprising amount of religious undertones. 'Part Two' dives deeper into the prophecies that foretell the coming of the Kwisatz Haderach, a messianic figure who is destined to free the Fremen from the oppression of offworlders and lead humanity to a better future. Some believe Paul to be this savior, while others insist the prophecies are nothing more than stories meant to further enslave the Fremen by instilling false hope. This creates a compelling clash of ideologies, represented by Stilgar's faith in his beliefs versus Chani's devotion to her people, with both sides having valid arguments. Even Paul himself sometimes struggles with the massive expectations thrust upon him by the believers. However, he's not above using them to his advantage by means of manipulation, giving him a layer of complexity not seen in most typical "heroes".
The characters, and the actors who portray them, are another of the film's highlights. Timothée Chalamet brings a new intensity to the role of Paul Atreides not seen in 'Part One', further cementing him as one of the finest young performers of our generation. Rebecca Ferguson (Lady Jessica) does the same, along with something else I certainly wasn't expecting: straight-up freakiness. Nearly everyone in the cast is great, save for Christopher Walken who feels... out of place as the Emperor. The film's MVP, though, is easily Austin Butler's Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen, who delivers an absolutely spine-chilling performance akin to Heath Ledger's Joker and Javier Bardem's Anton Chigurh.
Some may claim 'Dune: Part Two's greatest strengths lie in its technical elements, which serve to elevate the film even higher. Its cinematography, production design, sound, and visual effects work in tandem to stimulate the senses and create one of the most transportive cinematic experiences I've had. From the first scene on the sands of Arrakis my eyes were wide open and glued to the screen. Unfortunately, I found the climax of the film to be underwhelming. It begins in epic fashion yet ends quite abruptly shortly after, which is especially disappointing given how well the filmmakers lay the groundwork for the conflict over the course of both movies. It's still an enjoyable sequence but ultimately felt anticlimactic after all the buildup.
Although 'Dune: Part Two' may not fully live up to the hype, in my book, I absolutely do not regret spending my time and money on it. The film takes everything I enjoyed about its predecessor and builds upon it in (mostly) satisfying ways while introducing intriguing new layers to the characters and mythology. Just do yourself a favor and see it on the biggest screen possible, because this is the kind of movie made for the theatrical experience. I can now safely say that the 'Dune' franchise has me hooked, and with the promise of a third installment on the way, I eagerly await my next adventure to Arrakis.
Zack Snyder's Justice League (2021)
Triumphant, uplifting, emotional, and epic
In the wake of Superman's death in 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice', the aforementioned Dark Knight and Wonder Woman take inspiration from his sacrifice and recruit a team of extraordinary individuals to defend Earth from dire threats. That threat comes in the form of Steppenwolf, a ruthless military officer from the planet Apokolips. He, along with his army of nightmarish Parademons, are in search of three Mother Boxes hidden on our planet for his master and Apokolips' tyrannical ruler, Darkseid. Despite their differences, the heroes must come together to repel this extraterrestrial invasion and save the world, united as one.
Let me start off by saying that if the theatrical version of 'Justice League' is a gas station burrito, the Snyder Cut is a filet mignon. The difference in quality is astounding, with the latter version being far superior in virtually every way. It may be twice as long, but it's so well paced that you hardly notice the 4-hour runtime. Scenes never feel drawn out or cut short, and when the film starts to feel like it's slowing down, there's an action sequence right around the corner to pick things back up.
Speaking of action, there's plenty featured here to thrill you. Every character gets at least one moment to shine and make you cheer, with some awesome team-up moves sprinkled in here and there as well. The final battle is particularly exhilarating, showcasing the League working together to take down the bad guys. Zack Snyder's signature use of slow-motion is unsurprisingly on display throughout the film, though he manages to prevent it from becoming gratuitous, using it to add more weight to the scenes in which it's utilized and making the overall film feel more epic.
The highlight of the Snyder Cut, however, is the brilliant character work. Nearly every member of the League is given a satisfying and evocative arc, allowing them to grow and evolve from who we're first introduced to into more confident, capable heroes. The one who benefits the most from this is Victor Stone/Cyborg (Ray Fisher), the reclusive part-man, part-machine hybrid who finally finds his purpose and place in the world alongside this group of outsiders. He serves as the heart of the story, symbolizing that just because you're different doesn't mean you're broken. Additionally, the film contains my favorite live-action adaptation of Bruce Wayne/Batman (Ben Affleck), putting him in a more lighthearted, hopeful role of "mentor who's been around the block a few times but can still kick butt".
Among the failure that is the DCEU, 'Zack Snyder's Justice League' stands out as one of its shining lights. It's a shame we'll most likely never see these versions of these iconic characters again, because this film definitely left me wanting to see the next chapter in the director's planned 5-part story. Nevertheless, I still appreciate that the Snyder Cut even saw the light of day (even though I don't agree with all the methods employed to achieve that goal), and that it's as good as fans had hoped. Triumphant, uplifting, emotional, and epic, 'Zack Snyder's Justice League' soars.
Wonka (2023)
A Deliciously Delightful Cinematic Confection
Warner Bros. Pictures' 'Wonka' chronicles the rise of the famous titular chocolatier from his humble beginnings to the man we know in the classic 1971 film. Along the way he encounters some kindred spirits, a few less-than-honorable rival chocolate makers, a chocoholic priest, and even a giraffe. The film tells an uplifting, emotional story that had me grinning from ear to ear one minute and getting choked up the next. This is complemented by an abundance of extremely creative musical numbers that you will no doubt be humming for days. The songs and plot perfectly blend together to create a fun, whimsical tone that carries through the entire film.
Timothée Chalamet absolutely shines as the wacky yet good-hearted young Willy Wonka, proving that not only can he act, but this guy's got some pipes too! I was captivated by his performance from the second he appeared onscreen till the credits rolled. Not to be outdone though, the cast includes some other talented standouts, such as Slugworth (Paterson Joseph), Mrs. Scrubitt (Olivia Colman), and the Chief of Police (Keegan-Michael Key). I also have to give a shout out to Hugh Grant's Oompa-Loompa and his perfect delivery of the character's deadpan humor.
While I was looking forward to seeing 'Wonka', I left the theater with my expectations exceeded. It's easily the feel-good movie of the year, regardless of your age. The filmmakers mixed a tablespoon of fun, an ounce of heart, a pinch of inspiration, and a heaping cup of joy to create a deliciously delightful cinematic confection that will transport you to a world of pure imagination.
Blue Beetle (2023)
Fun and full of heart
'Blue Beetle' is a fairly by-the-book superhero origin story featuring some cool action and one of the best practical comic book movie suits I've ever seen. Xolo Maridueña is perfect in the title role as Jaime Reyes, and much like Jaime himself, the film's greatest strength is his family. Each member brings something distinct and special to the table, making the movie a joy to watch. However, the two villains are pretty generic and Susan Sarandon's acting is as believable as Bigfoot's existence. Overall, it's a fun movie with a lot of heart, delivering a solid cinematic debut for an awesome character.
The Flash (2023)
One of the DCEU's Best
Unfortunately, we have all experienced heartache of some kind. Few comic book characters understand that better than Barry Allen, aka super-fast superhero The Flash. When he was just a kid, his mother was murdered in their home and his father was wrongly convicted and subsequently sent to prison for the crime. In the character's self-titled debut solo film. Flash uses his powers to travel back in time and prevent that tragedy from ever occurring, inadvertently becoming trapped in this alternate timeline he created. When Kryptonian General Zod arrives and threatens Earth, our hero must gather whatever protectors he can find to defend the world in which his family is happy. As the synopsis suggests, 'The Flash' is a very heartfelt, emotional film due to it being about loss & trauma and having the power to change it. The scenes between Barry and his mom in particular are equally wholesome and heartbreaking since we ultimately know her fate. Ezra Miller delivers a phenomenal performance as two different versions of Barry Allen; the main one more mature & serious and the other an 18-year-old carefree goofball. Their dynamic is delightful, with the latter version responsible for much of the film's humor. Surprisingly (and welcomed), 'The Flash' is one of the funniest comic-book movies I've ever seen. The jokes are perfectly placed and I can't even count how many times I laughed out loud from beginning to end. Another highlight of the film is Michael Keaton's Bruce Wayne/Batman, who proves you're never too old to kick ass! After 30 years, he slips back into the role like a comfy pair of Bat-slippers and cements his place in the Batman Hall of Fame. Keaton clearly loves playing the character, and that passion radiates from him whenever he's on-screen. 'The Flash' also features Ben Affleck's swan song as his iteration of the Caped Crusader in a fantastic, albeit bittersweet, send-off. Rounding out the film's ensemble of incredible characters is Kara Zor-El/Supergirl (Sasha Calle), who utilizes her limited screentime to enhance every scene she's in. Her role is like the parmesan cheese on the plate of pasta that is the movie: not too much as to overpower the entire dish, but enough to still appreciate it. After seeing Sasha's debut performance as the Girl of Steel, I truly hope she continues to play the character going forward. Now, while the movie is outstanding, it's not perfect... although the good FAR outweighs the bad. My only two criticisms are that, while Flash's powers are portrayed in really cool, visually interesting ways, the CGI resembles PlayStation 3 graphics at times (specifically in an otherwise cheer-worthy sequence towards the end) and the villains feel a bit wooden and generic. Overall, while it took nearly a decade to make it to theaters (ironic, huh?), 'The Flash' is well worth the wait. Full of heart, humor, and great performances, the film stands out among the hit-and-miss DCEU as one of its best offerings to date.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse (2023)
A Revolutionary Masterpiece
In 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse', the follow-up to 2018's 'Into the Spider-Verse', we catch up with Miles Morales (Shameik Moore) as he tries his best to juggle his responsibilities as a student and son alongside his role as Brooklyn's one-and-only Spider-Man. However, when a new villain called The Spot (Jason Schwartzman) emerges and fellow spider-powered hero Gwen Stacy (Hailee Steinfeld) unexpectedly returns, our friendly neighborhood wall-crawler embarks on an adventure that takes him way out of his neighborhood. In the same vein as such classic sequels as 'The Empire Strikes Back' and 'The Dark Knight', 'Across the Spider-Verse' tells a darker, more mature story than its predecessor, while still retaining much of the heart and humor that made it so beloved. While the film contains quite a few pretty heavy moments, there are also some wholesome, endearing ones as well, creating a nice balance. Revelations are revealed that give more depth to Miles and Gwen, and we see them make tough decisions that perfectly reflect who they are as characters. Some intriguing new players are introduced as well, such as the anti-establishment Spider-Punk (Daniel Kaluuya) and the no-nonsense Miguel O'Hara (Oscar Isaac), that add additional layers and perspectives to the story. The latter in particular creates a unique dilemma for Miles that no 15-year-old should have to face. The film also does a terrific job of taking a villain who starts out as an unintimidating joke and turns him into a terrifying threat by the end. While Miles himself is always a delight to watch, Gwen stole the show for me this time. She has a much bigger role than she did in 'Into the Spider-Verse' and takes her well-deserved place in the spotlight alongside Miles as essentially co-lead. With all that said, the film's biggest strength is absolutely its revolutionary visuals. 'Across the Spider-Verse' brilliantly blends multiple animation styles into a dazzling four-course feast for the eyeballs, so much so that as I went to sleep that night I was still trying to process everything I'd seen. From the beautiful environments to the mind-blowing action sequences to the characters themselves, every single shot in this movie is downright entrancing. In conclusion, 'Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse' is unlike anything I've ever experienced. It's a true masterpiece of comic-book movies, of animation, and of filmmaking in general. The bar has been raised. Other studios, take notes: this is how it's done.
Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3 (2023)
A Perfect Sendoff
Back in 2014, Marvel Studios and director James Gunn introduced us to a little-known misfit ragtag from the comics called the Guardians of the Galaxy. Now, 9 years later, this unlikely crew has evolved into a family, and it's time for them to face the music. The "music" comes in the form of the High Evolutionary, the film's antagonist and Rocket's "creator". When one of the Guardians is wounded, the rest of the team must race against time to save their friend. Along the way, they're taken to some unique locations you won't soon forget. But that's only half of the film's plot, as the other is devoted to exploring Rocket's heartbreaking backstory and giving us more insight into our favorite trash panda. While he's certainly the standout of the film, though, every single character is handled expertly and given their moment to shine. Chris Pratt delivers perhaps his best performance as Peter Quill/Star-Lord, and Will Poulter makes an intriguing debut as Adam Warlock. As for the aforementioned High Evolutionary, Chukwudi Iwuji does a terrific job of portraying one of, if not the cruelest villains in the entire MCU. As the movie progresses, I went from disliking this guy to absolutely hating his guts, which in turn only made me cheer on our heroes even more. Besides the Guardians themselves, another cheer-worthy aspect of the movie is the music. In true James Gunn fashion, Guardians Vol. 3 treats its soundtrack almost as a character itself, utilizing it in a way that elevates and enhances the entire movie. Also, I have to give specific praise to the ending. This film contains, without exaggeration, one of my favorite final scenes of all time. It's bittersweet, heartfelt, joyous, and beautiful. I seriously don't think I've been this moved by a movie since 'Avengers: Endgame'. As a whole, 'Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3' is a fun, action-packed roller coaster of emotions full of unforgettable moments, and easily one of the MCU's best installments. James Gunn managed to craft a perfect sendoff for this bunch of good-hearted "a-holes" we've come to love over the last decade, from the first needle-drop to the last.
Scream VI (2023)
A Killer Good Time!
In 'Scream VI', the survivors of the previous film relocate to New York City to get away from the trauma of Woodsboro, only to realize that Ghostface is willing to commute. They find themselves thrust into a fight for their lives against a foe more ferocious than ever. NYC serves as a refreshing change of scenery for the franchise, offering exciting and suspenseful new set pieces, though it unfortunately felt a bit underutilized. I really hope they stick with this setting for the foreseeable future so as to take full advantage of it. Another series-first in this film is the absence of Neve Campbell's Sidney Prescott who, up until now, has been the face of the franchise. While I do love the character, I didn't find myself missing her for 2 reasons: 1. I can't see a role for her in this story where she wouldn't have felt forced into it just for the sake of having her in the movie, and 2. I think her departure has allowed the torch to be fully passed to the new characters to let them shine. I wouldn't mind seeing her return down the road, but for now she can rest easy knowing her successors are more than capable of carrying on her legacy. As for the returning cast, I absolutely love the newly-established "core four", who really come into their own after being introduced in 'Scream' (2022). Each of them is likeable in their own unique way and they all have great chemistry with each other. Sam (Melissa Barrera) makes for a particularly interesting "final girl" given her family history, and I was very happy to see Tara (the always-stunning Jenna Ortega) have a much bigger role than the previous film. Mindy (Jasmin Savoy Brown) once again delivers most of the smart, witty meta dialogue that this series is known for as the new "Randy Meeks" of the group, while her brother, the kind-hearted Chad (Mason Gooding), is probably my favorite of the four. It was nice to see Kirby (Hayden Panettiere) from 2011's 'Scream 4' again, and although Courteney Cox's Gale is an OG character, she doesn't add much to the narrative this time and is just kinda... there. The film takes Ghostface himself and his kills to a satisfyingly brutal new level, making for the bloodiest, goriest installment yet. One of the only issues I have with the film is the killer's motivation, but I'd have to delve into major-spoiler territory to explain why. Ghostface's identity was a genuine surprise to me though, and the writers do a good job of keeping you guessing until the mask comes off. All in all, 'Scream VI' is a home run thanks to its characters, setting, and brutality. It has even surpassed 'Scream' (2022) as my favorite since the 1996 original. I'm happy to report that, even after 27 years, this franchise still knows how to deliver a killer good time!
Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
A Fun, Comic Book-y Adventure
In Marvel Studios' 'Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania', our favorite pint-sized (and occasionally giant-sized) hero Scott Lang/Ant-Man (Paul Rudd) and co. Are sucked into, and subsequently trapped in, the otherworldly Quantum Realm. There, Scott is forced to make a deal with the Devil, or in this case the dictatorial Kang the Conqueror (Jonathan Majors), the only one with the means to get them home. As the title suggests, the majority of the movie takes place in this subatomic universe, which doesn't look half-bad, considering it's basically a fully-CG environment. It is home to some unique creatures and residents, who have fairly minimal roles and are ultimately kinda forgettable, though the one named Veb was hilarious. The movie wastes no time getting the plot in motion, as we're off into the Quantum Realm within the first 10 minutes, and it's pretty well-paced overall. As far as the cast, everyone does a solid job. Paul Rudd is delightful as usual, and Michelle Pfeiffer's Janet van Dyne gets some time to shine in a larger role than expected. Newcomer Kathryn Newton portrays Scott's now-teenaged daughter Cassie, and while it was cool seeing her suit-up alongside her dad, she comes off as a bit unbelievable at times. However, it's Jonathan Majors' Kang who steals the show. He's menacing, intimidating, and has a calm-yet-confident demeanor. I've always loved characters who know how much of a threat they are, like Darth Vader, and Kang definitely fits into that category. I truly cannot wait to see more of him in future MCU projects. Oh, and I almost forgot to mention MODOK, the most perfectly goofy and ridiculous character I've ever had the pleasure of meeting in a movie. Overall, 'Quantumania' is much bigger in scale than the previous films in the 'Ant-Man' series, but still retains most of the humor and heart that they've become known for. In fact, I personally like it better than the last installment, 'Ant-Man and the Wasp'. It's a fun, extremely comic book-y (in a good way) family adventure through an intriguing sci-fi world, and I definitely had a good time watching.
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
Heartfelt, fun, and enjoyable
Last we saw Thor Odinson (Chris Hemsworth) in 2019's 'Avengers: Endgame', he had relinquished the throne of Asgard to Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson) and set out with the Guardians of the Galaxy to chart his own path. Now, in 'Thor: Love and Thunder' (his fourth solo film), when a vengeful man (Christian Bale) with a serious grudge against the gods of the universe begins killing them off one-by-one, Thor must part ways with the Guardians and put an end to the slaughter. This time, however, besides King Valkyrie and rocky sidekick Korg, he has an unexpected new ally fighting by his side in the form of ex-girlfriend Dr. Jane Foster (Natalie Portman) who, by wielding his former hammer Mjolnir, has become the Mighty Thor! Thor and Jane's relationship takes center stage here, as this film is essentially Marvel Studios' first romantic comedy, and director/writer Taika Waititi (returning from 2017's 'Thor: Ragnarok') and co-writer Jennifer Kaytin Robinson breathe new life into said relationship and truly make you want to see them get their "happily ever after". Chris Hemsworth's and Natalie Portman's chemistry is great, and I cared about these two more than I ever have before. The comedy was pretty hit-or-miss for me, but thankfully most of it landed. It's just as silly as its predecessor 'Ragnarok' (perhaps even more so), but there are also some really emotional moments that balance out the silliness. Unfortunately, the story does often feel rushed, and definitely could've benefited from being a bit more fleshed out. However, I absolutely LOVED the ending! I've also seen some criticism about the film's CGI, but everything looked real and convincing enough for me, so I have no complaints about it. The cast is a delight, and Hemsworth's Thor continues to be a highlight of the MCU, but Portman's Foster and Bale's Gorr the God Butcher really steal the show. Jane/Mighty Thor is such a likeable character and is impossible not to root for, and Gorr is honestly one of the creepiest, most unsettling movie villains I've ever seen, yet he's also sympathetic because of his motivations. We sadly don't see as much of the latter as I would've liked though, and I wish he had a bit more screen time. The film is also amplified by a rockin' soundtrack full of some of Guns N' Roses' greatest hits. Overall, 'Thor: Love and Thunder' is a heartfelt, fun, and enjoyable rom-com adventure, and a worthy inclusion to the MCU.
The Batman (2022)
A Smart, Gripping Masterpiece
It's no secret that Batman has quite a few movies under his utility belt, but there's one core aspect of his character that's rarely been shown on the big screen: his detective skills. He is known as the "World's Greatest Detective" after all, yet in most of his films, we don't see him do much investigating... until now. More so than a traditional comic book movie, 'The Batman', from director/producer/co-writer Matt Reeves, is a detective story, a refreshing change of pace from the character's previous live-action installments. In the film, Gotham City's elite and "upstanding" citizens become the targets of a mysterious serial killer called the Riddler, and Batman (two years into his crime-fighting crusade), along with GCPD Lieutenant Jim Gordon, must solve his clues in order to put an end to the bloodshed, all the while uncovering corruption and lies kept hidden by the city's rich and powerful. Along the way, they encounter an intriguing cast of characters, including unlikely ally Selina Kyle, crime boss Carmine Falcone, and Oswald "Oz" Cobblepot aka the Penguin, Falcone's lieutenant and proprietor of the Iceberg Lounge nightclub. Every single member of the cast is incredible, with many of them becoming my personal favorite live-action adaptations of their respective character, such as Robert Pattinson's titular Dark Knight, who exudes a quiet intensity and is able to convey a multitude of emotions without speaking a word, and Colin Farrell's Penguin, who is utterly unrecognizable in the role and steals every scene he's in, to name a few. The film itself is captivating and incredibly well-paced despite having a nearly 3-hour runtime, and my eyes were glued to the screen throughout the entirety of it. One reason for this is the fact that 'The Batman' is easily the most beautifully-shot comic book movie I've ever seen, due to the exceptionally brilliant work of cinematographer Greig Fraser. I also have to give major praise to composer Michael Giacchino and production designer James Chinlund, whose music and sets elevated the film to a whole new level and filled me with excitement, suspense, and many more emotions. Overall, Matt Reeves and co. Have proven that they truly understand the characters they're working with and have crafted a smart, gripping masterpiece set in a new Bat-universe which I'm incredibly eager to revisit as soon as possible and will hopefully continue for many years to come.
Blade Runner 2049 (2017)
A Riveting Sci-Fi Mystery
Set 30 years after the original, 'Blade Runner 2049' follows LAPD "blade runner" Officer K (Ryan Gosling) as he uncovers a secret that could cause chaos in his dystopian society. At nearly 3 hours long, you're taken on a lengthy investigation to discover the origins of said secret, yet the movie keeps you engaged and interested through its entire runtime. The cast all deliver great performances, specifically Gosling and Jared Leto (who plays, you guessed it, a creepy guy). The stunning scenery and set design fully immerse you in this futuristic world, and the music perfectly complements every scene it's utilized in. This film also has some of the best cinematography I've ever seen, and from a visual standpoint, is truly a work of art. While I'm admittedly not a fan of the original, I enjoyed this sequel much more. A riveting sci-fi mystery (you could even call it a detective story) with some gorgeous camerawork and an unexpected twist or two, 'Blade Runner 2049' is more than worth your time and will linger in your mind long after the credits roll.
(Side note: I would recommend watching the original first, as you'll probably understand and enjoy this one more.)
West Side Story (2021)
A Classic for a New Generation
It's not easy to remake a classic, especially one as iconic as West Side Story. Enter Steven Spielberg, Hollywood legend who's no stranger to classic films. His and screenwriter Tony Kushner's take on the beloved stage musical-turned-film more than lives up to the legacy of the original, featuring incredibly-choreographed dance numbers and songs you'll have stuck in your head for days. The central story remains relatively unchanged, other than a few minor differences, yet feels fresh and new. Everyone in the cast is fantastic, with two notable standouts: Ariana DeBose as Anita and Rachel Zegler as Maria, the latter making her film debut. Both women have a lovely singing voice and deliver beautifully emotional performances. The perfectly-crafted sets truly transported me back to 1950's New York City, and the vibrant use of color made the entire film visually stunning. While the original has long since cemented its place in cinema history, I have no doubt that this wonderful re-imagining will become a classic for a new generation.
Avengers: Endgame (2019)
The Cinematic Event of a Lifetime
Marvel Studios' 'Avengers: Endgame' is the end of a journey 11 years and 21 films in the making. This journey began in 2008's 'Iron Man', the film that launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) and every Marvel Studios film since then has led us here. I assure you though, 'Endgame' is the PERFECT ending to the 'Infinity Saga', as it's been dubbed. The film revolves around the remaining Avengers trying to undo the catastrophic loss of life brought on by Thanos in last year's 'Avengers: Infinity War'. Eventually, with the help of Scott Lang/Ant-Man, they discover a way to go back in time via the microscopic Quantum Realm and try to steal the 6 Infinity Stones and bring back all the lives that were lost. The film's runtime is a little over 3 hours, but that's because there's a LOT of story to tell, and not a SECOND of it feels slow or unnecessary. From the opening scene, 'Endgame' grabs your attention with the force of the Infinity Gauntlet and refuses to let go! The film's directors, Joe and Anthony Russo, manage to juggle a vast amount of main characters and story threads BRILLIANTLY, without ever making the story feel boring or rushed. Everything flows PERFECTLY from one scene to the next, and (at least in my opinion) never gets confusing or hard to follow. Well, there actually is ONE scene where Bruce Banner explains how time-travel works in the MCU, and I didn't really understand it, but it's time-travel so no one knows FOR SURE how it actually works. Other than that, I understood everything just fine. Now, onto the acting. 'Endgame' features some of the BEST acting performances I've EVER seen in a Marvel movie, from Chris Evans (Steve Rogers/ Captain America), Scarlett Johansson (Natasha Romanoff/Black Widow), Jeremy Renner (Clint Barton/Hawkeye), Chris Hemsworth (Thor) and Tom Holland (Peter Parker/Spider-Man), but the standout performance is definitely, without a doubt given by Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark/Iron Man). I'm not kidding when I say RDJ deserves an Oscar for his performance. The film also has THE BEST third act in the HISTORY of comic book movies. It's nothing short of ASTONISHING how they were able to pull that off, but they did, and it was the greatest thing my eyeballs have ever witnessed. There's a very emotional scene towards the end of the movie where, for the first time in my 20 years of life, I FULL-ON ugly-cried watching it. It was bad. I pretty much cried from that scene until the end of the movie, so I HIGHLY recommend you bring tissues. Maybe an adult diaper too, because you are NOT gonna wanna get up to pee. So, to wrap this up, 'Endgame' is more than just a movie. It's the cinematic event of a lifetime, the likes of which I doubt we'll see again for a VERY long time. It's a love-letter to Marvel fans who have been on this journey for the past 11 years, and it's everything I ever wanted it to be. I know I said this last year about 'Infinity War', but THIS time I'll emphasize it more: 'Avengers: Endgame' is the GREATEST comic book movie of ALL-TIME.
Spider-Man: Far from Home (2019)
The Best Live-Action Spider-Man Movie Yet!
In 'Spider-Man: Far From Home', your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man goes on vacation! The film follows Peter Parker and his classmates/friends as they travel abroad on a school trip to Europe, but as we all know, evil doesn't take a holiday! I don't wanna talk too much about the plot, because there are some twists and reveals that I do NOT wanna give away, but what I WILL say is that the story is very fun and engaging. The European setting is a welcome change of scenery from New York City, where all of the Spider-Man films have taken place. 'Far From Home' is a perfect mix of 'feel-good vacation movie' and 'comic book movie', and I honestly felt like I was right there on vacation with them. I've seen some people say that the first half is a little slow, but I don't have any problems with the pacing. There's a lot of comedy in the movie, and it's hilarious! A few jokes fall flat, but most of them made me laugh out loud. Pretty much every character gets at least one comedic moment to shine, which is nice. The action is exhilarating, and the visual effects are some of the best I've ever seen. There are a few scenes that feel like they were ripped straight out of a Spider-Man comic, and the film takes advantage of it's international setting to produce some incredible action set pieces. Three scenes in particular are in my Top 5 scenes in any Spider-Man movie. The characters are all very likeable, and each one brings something unique and special to the film. The acting is fantastic from the entire cast, but Tom Holland (Peter Parker/Spider-Man), Jake Gyllenhaal (Quentin Beck/Mysterio), and Zendaya (MJ) really steal the show. In my opinion, 'Far From Home' cements Tom Holland as the definitive live-action Peter/Spidey. Jake's Mysterio is PERFECT, and has become one of my all-time favorite cbm (comic book movie) characters. I love how they made Mysterio feel modern and realistic, yet stayed true to the source material at the same time. As for MJ, I wasn't crazy about her in 2017's 'Spider-Man: Homecoming', but after 'Far From Home', she might just be my favorite live-action Spidey love interest. They really fleshed out her character in this film, and she had much more depth and personality. Zendaya has phenomenal chemistry with Holland, and it shows on-screen. I'm very much looking forward to seeing their relationship grow and evolve in future installments of the franchise. Another thing I really love is the music, which compliments the film perfectly. Overall, 'Spider-Man: Far From Home' takes everything I love about it's predecessor, 'Spider-Man: Homecoming', and improves upon it, while fixing a lot of problems people (not me) have with it. It's fun, funny, action-packed, visually stunning, heartfelt: everything I could want in a Spider-Man movie, which is why it's definitely my favorite live-action Spidey feature yet! If you're looking for the perfect summer movie, I HIGHLY suggest you web-swing to your nearest movie theater and go see 'Spider-Man: Far From Home'!
Incredibles 2 (2018)
Pure Fun and Enjoyment
'Incredibles 2' picks up right where it's predecessor, 'The Incredibles' left off, with the titular heroes, the Parr family, thrust into an exciting new adventure. The plot focuses on Helen Parr, aka Elastigirl, with the help of millionaire businessman Winston Deavor and his sister Evelyn, trying to make superheroes legal again, while Bob Parr, aka Mr. Incredible, stays home with the kids. When a new villain emerges with a dangerous plan to turn the general populace against Supers, the Incredibles, along with family-friend Frozone, must band together to stop the rogue. I found it humorous how Bob and Helen's roles are reversed from the first film, but it's refreshing and it works. I found the story very compelling, with the perfect combination of action, mystery, suspense, and humor. Unfortunately, the film's antagonist, The Screenslaver, isn't as compelling as the first film's villain, Syndrome. Screenslaver's identity is kept hidden for most of the film, with clues here and there to keep you guessing. Ultimately, it's not too difficult to figure out who is under the mask, but it's still an interesting mystery. Most of the cast from 'The Incredibles' returns for the sequel, and once again do a stellar job. The animation has greatly improved from the first film, with the characters and scenery looking better and more realistic than ever. One aspect of this film I especially enjoyed is that we see more of the Parr family working together to take down the bad guy, with even the kids, Dash and Violet, helping to save the day. The film's standout character is without a doubt the Parr family's youngest member, Jack-Jack, who is a delight to watch and steals every scene he is in. Overall, 'Incredibles 2' is pure fun and enjoyment from beginning to end, and I actually enjoyed it more than the first. Much like 'The Incredibles', the film's ending leaves the door open for another installment, and I immensely hope we get to see 'Incredibles 3' one day, because I can't get enough of this 'Super' family.
My Rating: 9.5/10
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018)
The best Spider-Man movie!
Amazing. Spectacular. Sensational. Superior. These words have all been used to describe the character of Spider-Man. They can all ALSO be used to describe 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse'. The film follows young Miles Morales who, after being bitten by a radioactive spider (sound familiar?), starts on his thrilling journey to becoming the new Spider-Man! Along the way he encounters several alternate, dimension-displaced versions of Spidey. These Spider-People include an older, jaded Peter Parker, Spider-Gwen, Spider-Man Noir, Spider-Ham (Yes, he's a pig), and Peni Parker (along with her biomechanical suit called SP//dr). The story is uplifting, inspiring, and hilarious, with the message that "Anyone can wear the mask". The animation style is unlike anything I've ever seen before. The film looks like a comic book come to life, and it was captivating and mesmerizing to watch. It really is a "comic book movie"! I left the theater feeling like I had just witnessed something truly special. The cast and characters were all FANTASTIC, but my favorites were Spider-Ham and Spider-Gwen. The villains were all menacing and intimidating, which I feel is rare in an animated film. The music was also incredible and complimented the film PERFECTLY. In conclusion, 'Into the Spider-Verse' is an emotional story about believing in yourself and becoming who you were meant to be, regardless of any obstacles that may be in your way. It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from...you can be a hero. YOU could wear the mask. It is not only the best Spider-Man movie thus far, it's my new favorite animated film and one of the greatest comic book movie's of all-time.
Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)
A Triumphant Musical Experience
'Bohemian Rhapsody' gives birth to the 70's rock band Queen, with it's focus on the life of lead singer extraordinaire Freddie Mercury. It's packed with emotion, heart, and rockin' music! I'm usually not a big fan of drama films, but this one was so captivating that I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. Freddie's life-story is extremely intriguing. It was fascinating to see the band perform some of their greatest hits. I had no idea how many great songs were by Queen! I absolutely loved the parts of the film where we get to see the band in concert, especially when they perform at Live-Aid. It is such a touching moment, and if you've seen the film, you know why. I've never been to a concert, but after seeing this movie, I felt like I was sitting in the front row! As for the acting, Rami Malek portrays Freddie Mercury PERFECTLY. He exudes the EXACT same energy as the singer, and he looked identical to him. When I got home, I watched Queen's actual performance at Live-Aid, and Rami even did the same MOVES as Freddie. I can barely tell the difference between the two. Everyone else was fantastic too, but I honestly think Rami Malek deserves an Oscar for his performance in the film. In conclusion, 'Bohemian Rhapsody' will make you laugh, cry, cheer, and sing along. I wasn't a huge fan of Queen before, but after seeing this movie, they're my favorite band. I honestly think it's one of the best films of the year, and DEFINITELY one of my favorites. It better get nominated for a few awards, because it deserves every single one of them. 'Bohemian Rhapsody' is a triumphant musical experience that will ROCK YOU!
Captain Marvel (2019)
Mediocre and Forgettable
Marvel Studios' 'Captain Marvel' introduces the world to the MCU's newest hero, Carol Danvers, a woman without a past. The film tells Carol's origin story (which takes place in the 1990's), and the plot revolves around her trying to figure out where she came from because, as far as she knows, her name is Vers and she's from Hala, capital planet of an alien empire called the Kree. However, she cannot remember her past, and she keeps having dreams of a life she doesn't know in a place she doesn't recognize. She's also a member of an elite Kree military unit called Starforce, and during a rescue mission gone wrong, she ends up captured by the Skrulls; alien shapeshifters with whom the Kree are at war. She escapes, but crash-lands on Earth and meets S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Nick Fury, thus beginning their adventure together. The story starts off strong, but slows down drastically during the second act and never really regains it's momentum. There are a few unexpected plot-twists, such as the revelation that the Skrulls are actually the GOOD guys and the Kree are actually the BAD guys, and the identity of the mysterious older woman from Carol's dreams, but the plot itself is overall pretty mediocre and bland. The action is cool, but the CGI in the third act is very messy and takes away from the enjoyment of the film. The acting is okay. Brie Larson's performance felt wooden and one-dimensional, and she basically had like, 2 facial expressions the entire movie: stoic and smirk. Unfortunately, I feel like Brie was miscast as the character. The standout performances were Samuel L. Jackson (Nick Fury) and Ben Mendelsohn (Skrull commander Talos, who stole every scene he was in). Goose the Cat was also a scene-stealer, although I REALLY don't like that he was responsible for Nick Fury losing his eye. What irks me is that there really wasn't a 'main' villain, just a bunch of secondary villains. The closest we got to a main antagonist was Jude Law's Yon-Rogg, but there wasn't even a final battle between him and Carol, which I found disappointing. I also felt that the film had no real STAKES. Once Carol unlocked her full power, she didn't really have anything to lose because nothing was a challenge for her. The Earth wasn't in danger or anything, and she beat everyone SUPER-easily. The humor was good though, and Brie and Samuel had great chemistry and bounced off of each other very well. Overall, 'Captain Marvel' was a forgettable Marvel movie and felt like an appetizer, when everyone's hungry for the main course...'Avengers: Endgame'.
The Greatest Showman (2017)
One of the Best Feel-Good Movies Ever
'The Greatest Showman' tells the inspiring story of P. T. Barnum, creator of the Barnum and Bailey Circus. He was a poor boy who came from nothing, but dreamed of a better life by changing the world. The film perfectly captures the wonder of the circus and it's astonishing star attractions with dazzling costumes and uplifting musical numbers. I've never been to the circus, but after watching the film, I felt like I had a front row seat to the 'greatest show on Earth'. The stellar cast, including Hugh Jackman, Zendaya, and Zac Efron, was a thrill to watch sing and dance the tale of the circus. The film also had some of the most enjoyable original songs I've ever heard in cinema. It's a perfect film for the whole family and a great choice for family movie night. All-in-all, 'The Greatest Showman' is definitely one of the best feel-good movies I've ever seen.
Thor: Ragnarok (2017)
Best Film of the 'Thor' Trilogy By Far!
'Thor: Ragnarok' was amazing! Best film of the 'Thor' trilogy by far. The action scenes were mesmerizing, the humor was some of the funniest in any superhero movie I've ever seen, the story was captivating, and the acting was superb, with the standout performances being Jeff Goldblum as The Grandmaster, Tessa Thompson as Valkyrie, and Korg (who is actually voiced by the film's director Taika Waititi). An instant classic (in my opinion), 'Ragnarok' is one of the best films of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I also can't forget to mention Hela, the main villain played brialliantly by Cate Blanchett, who has a very interesting, and personal, connection to the God of Thunder. And if you've been wondering what Hulk has been up to since we last saw him in 'Avengers: Age of Ultron', you'll find out! Overall, 'Thor: Ragnarok' was a joy to watch, and I was very pleasantly surprised. Now bring on 'Avengers: Infinity War'!!
Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017)
Best Spider-Man Film To Date!
'Spider-Man Homecoming' is, in my opinion, the best Spider-Man film to date and one of the best superhero films ever made. Tom Holland is the definitive on-screen Peter Parker/Spidey and perfectly embodies the personality, spirit, and youthfulness of the character. Michael Keaton is fantastic as main villain, the Vulture, and is one of Marvel Studios' best antagonists thus far. He is chilling to watch and very intimidating. The rest of the cast give stellar performances, especially Peter's best friend Ned and Aunt May. Robert Downey Jr.'s role is small, but vital to the film's captivating plot and story. The action scenes are breath-taking, and I loved seeing a less-experienced Spider-Man who is just now learning how to use and control his newfound abilities. The movie is also hilarious and probably one of the funniest comic book films so far. I also loved seeing Spidey doing good deeds and committing random acts of kindness around Queens, NY, and the film uses the NYC setting perfectly. In conclusion, 'Homecoming' was an absolute delight to watch and I look forward to seeing more of this version of Spider-Man and his journey to full-fledged superhero in the future, and it can't come soon enough.
12 Strong (2018)
Pretty Good
'12 Strong' was an insightful look into the lives of 12 soldiers who were deployed to Afghanistan following the horrific 9/11 terrorist attack. They were a small group sent on a seemingly impossible mission but selflessly ignored the odds for their country. After watching this film, I have an even greater respect and admiration for our military and the sacrifices they make to secure the freedom and safety of this great nation. The actors did a phenomenal job portraying the real-life men who embarked on this mission, particularly Chris Hemsworth (I call him Captain Ameri-Thor, because in this film he plays a captain in the U.S. Army, and he also plays Thor). The action scenes were very intense, although they were a little confusing to watch at times because I couldn't always tell who were the good guys and who were the bad guys. Otherwise, it felt like I was right there on the battlefield with them. It's also worth noting that the scenes where the soldiers were on horseback were very cool to watch. It's amazing that the horses never tried to run away from the danger, but kept running towards it. I think those horses deserve extra carrots! In conclusion, I would definitely recommend this film if you want to see what real-life heroes look like and the lengths they'll go for our country. To all of our military, past and present, at home and abroad... "Thank You".
Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi (2017)
Disappointing
'Star Wars Episode 8: The Last Jedi' was very different from any Star Wars film before it, in some ways good, and in some ways bad. It had an interesting story, like pretty much every other 'Star Wars' film, which isn't at all surprising. I was extremely excited walking into 'The Last Jedi', but I left kinda disappointed about certain aspects. I loved seeing the legendary Rebellion hero and Jedi Master Luke Skywalker again, but his death is the main part I was disappointed by. He is one of the most iconic characters in film history, and I feel his end should've been equally as iconic. I was on the edge of my seat when he showed up on the planet Crait to help the Resistance and him and his former student Ben Solo/Kylo Ren were about to fight. I thought it was going to be the most epic lightsaber duel of all-time, but instead it turned out Luke wasn't even there! He chose to stay on his little island and project a Force-illusion or hologram or whatever you want to call it, instead of showing up in person and facing Kylo like a man. Then he just disappeared and "died" like Yoda did in 'Return of the Jedi'. That really rubbed me the wrong way. Even if he knew he was gonna die, why didn't he go to Crait in person and duel Kylo Ren to buy the Resistance even MORE time to escape? Then when they were safely off-world, he could've done what Obi-Wan did in 'A New Hope': lowered his lightsaber (which technically should've been his green-bladed one instead of his blue one which had just been broken in half about a scene before), allowed Kylo to strike him with his red lightsaber, and just disappeared, leaving only his robes and lightsaber behind. That would've been an epic and iconic end for such an iconic character. Anyway, I feel like I'm ranting, so I'll move on. The space battle at the beginning was amazing, even though it didn't end well for many Resistance fighters and pilots. There were definitely a lot of deaths in this movie. Luke, Supreme Leader Snoke, Captain Phasma, Vice Admiral Holdo, Rose's sister, and Admiral Ackbar ("It's a trap!") all died, which was very sad. I was hoping to learn more about Snoke's backstory because he was shrouded in so much mystery since The Force Awakens, but I guess he just wasn't that important. I got so excited when Kylo Ren killed Snoke because I thought he was turning good again, but it turns out he's still evil and just wanted to be Supreme Leader so he wouldn't have to take orders from anyone anymore. I guess it wouldn't have made much sense if he turned good again because then who would've been the main Force-using villain? The ensuing battle between Rey and Kylo vs. Snoke's guards was pretty cool, I just wish there would've been an actual lightsaber vs. lightsaber duel because this is actually the first Star Wars movie (aside from Rogue One) without one, which makes me kinda sad. Probably the biggest question going into 'The Last Jedi' was the mystery of Rey's parentage. It turns out her parents were just... nobodies. Drunks who sold young Rey off for drinking money or a way off Jakku or something, which was initially very disappointing to me because I really wanted her to be descended from or related to a character from the original trilogy or even the prequels. But the more I think about Rey essentially coming from nothing, the more I'm ok with it. After all, Anakin Skywalker was just a slave boy (and so was his mother), and I guess it shows fans that anyone can be a hero, no matter who you are or where you come from. Plus, it means she's free to forge her own path and make her own destiny instead of being held down by a famous bloodline. I really hope she has a double-bladed lightsaber like Darth Maul's in Episode 9, since she's proficient with a staff. The scene at the end with the little boy on Canto Bight using the Force to grab the broom and holding it like a lightsaber while wearing Rose's Resistance ring was cool because I think it symbolizes that a new generation of Jedi will rise, so the Jedi will never really "end" as Luke wanted. The acting from everyone was fantastic, and I think this was definitely Mark Hamill's finest performance as an older and more weary Luke. Overall, while there are some parts I didn't like, the film as a whole was solid. Not my favorite Star Wars film (that honor goes to The Force Awakens), but definitely solid, I just really wish Luke went out like more of the epic badass I know he is. I think the main, overall message of the film is that no matter how dark and dire things get, there is and always will be hope. By the way, I forgot to say my favorite part by far was Yoda's cameo. I almost cried.
Black Panther (2018)
Good, But Not Great
'Black Panther' is being praised as "Marvel's masterpiece", but unfortunately it didn't quite live up to the hype for me. The film's first act is enjoyable, where we are told the origin of the African nation of Wakanda and introduced to the main characters. Sadly though, the second act felt drawn-out and kind of boring, and the film never seems to regain it's momentum after that. The scenery is beautiful and it is very well-shot. Wakanda is easily one of the coolest and most vibrant locations in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and I can't wait to see more of it in May's 'Avengers: Infinity War' (YAY!!!). Some of the acting was terrific, particularly Black Panther's sister Shuri (Letitia Wright), the film's primary villain Erik "Killmonger" Stevens (Michael B. Jordan), and secondary villain Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis). Shuri and Klaue served as the film's comic relief, and their humor was refreshing and on-point. Killmonger is definitely one of Marvel's best villains to date. He was intimidating and captivating to watch. Unfortunately, Black Panther himself (Chadwick Boseman) didn't seem to show much emotion and struck me as very monotonous. The action scenes were pretty cool, but some of them were too dark and I didn't always know who was who, which made them hard to follow. The end fight between Black Panther and Killmonger felt very CGI-heavy, which took away from the enjoyment. Although I like the design of Black Panther's new suit more than his first suit from 'Captain America: Civil War', it looked too cartoony for my taste. It was even more unfortunate that Killmonger had the exact same type of suit with a different design. Overall, 'Black Panther' was good, but fell short of great.