Jumanji (2017)

⭐⭐

Directed by:  Jake  Kasdan
Written by: Scott Rosenberg , Jeff Pinkner, Chris McKenna, Erik Sommers 
Gross Revenue: $168.60 mil

re·boot
restart or revive (a process or sequence, especially a series of films or television programs); give fresh impetus to:

        I understand this is a reboot given what the definition above implies, it was trying to revive Jumanji and bring something new to the table. I'm not going to sit here analyze every piece of this film  and say "well in the original jumanji.."  because that's not what this is.  This is not a verbatim retelling of the original, its a sorta kinda sequel I guess. Although there are a few things that do permit comparison, I'll discuss that in a bit. Everyone seems to get so flustered and paranoid with reboots thinking its just a hard reset to an already good movie or franchise. That's not always the case, and thank goodness that wasn't the case here. The original is good as is and I am happy they kept it that way. 

       Now, what can be said about this kind of sequel? Well, it was fun and entertaining, that's just about the end of it. I always enjoy The Rock, Kevin hart and the always hilarious Jack black in anything they're starring in. So it's no surprise that I'd want to see it based on star power. It goes without saying that I was pretty anxious to see this, as a child I always wanted to know just where Allen Parish went. Sure Jumanji came to him, but I wanted to see the real world, I wanted to see more.  When I heard  another Jumanji was coming and that's  where they were going, I was stoked as hell. You can imagine my disappointment over Christmas weekend, I was sure I was going to just fall head over heels in love with it. Alas, I did not. I like it, do not get me wrong it has total watchability but there are a few errors that set it staggering down to a 2 star review.

   The casting did an amazing job with the leading and supporting roles, I don't have any issues with that but Van Pelt??? Horrible, horrible choice, of all the people to choose from they choose Bobby Cannavale?? Seriously, the original Van Pelt? Johnathan Hyde, yeah he's still alive they could have just called him up. They included Allen Parrish for a sec, eluding to the fact that it is a sequel so, why change Van Pelt?? That wasn't the only element I found to be absent, where was the other worldly feel that the first Jumanji held? I mean this was the world Allen Parish came from, so why didn't it feel like it? Where was the sense of danger? The sense of  "omg what's coming next?" There was really nothing that made it seem even similar to the world Allen claimed it was in the first. There were no man eating flowers, vines that would bury you alive, no dog sized spiders or mischievous monkeys. Honestly, they could have been in any jungle around the world, nothing out of the ordinary and that's what bothered me most.

        As a standalone it's amusing and the cast does a good enough job in the comedic department  so that kept me semi engaged. I enjoy role swapping films and light hearted survivalist flicks so it wasn't a total loss. I say if your okay with a jumanji movie not really being a jumanji movie then by all means give it a go. Especially if you like Jack Black, I found him to be just a tad bit funnier than Kevin Hart who was good, but gave his usual "Kevin" performance. Not quite sure if this will make my worst of 2017 list or the best but I am glad they gave it a shot. In the type or world we live in now, I'm  sure we will see another Jumanji in the near future.

Justice League

🌟🌟

Directed by: Zack Snyder
Written by: Joss Whedon, Zack Snyder
Gross Revenue: $634 mil



    In a perfect world the DCEU would be everything I've ever wanted and more. The movies would be the stuff that hopes and dreams are made of. However, this isn't a perfect world, in fact the DCEU is what pure blood drenched nightmares are made of. It seemed to be a Batman vs Superman man lite in the opening. Then, it was followed up with an all too rushed character round up, only to sputter to a hault with the all too weak Villainous battle.

   

        Before I continue let me say I did not come at this with any expectations seeming as I'm not a true DC fan. However from a movie point of view I thought I was going to legitimately enjoy it. I didn't go into this with a biased attitude being I love marvel. I would really love to enjoy a DCEU movie, seriously I'd love for them to be on the same level as marvel. That just never seems to happen, I haven't been entertained by a DC film since the watchmen. Not saying they all don't have elements I enjoy.

      For instance the best part of the movie was Auquamans cornball lines and Barry's awkward humor. I'd love to see a Flash movie and I'm excited for Auquaman, he had a more commanding on screen presence. More so than Superman whom of which was as always, quite boring and well, batman is Ben Affleck....nuff said. The visuals were good, if you like made for TV effects. I've seen better CGI in a Netflix series.

    Like I've stated, in a perfect world I wouldn't have to say all this. However, for some reason they just can't seem to pull a good movie off in this day in age. WW aside because that is a whole different monster, I believe it was only successful due to where society is at  in terms of gender equality. Not, because it was a good film. Anyway, I may be making a mistake by having high hopes for Auquaman, but I can't help it. I like his delivery, as bad as his one liners were his presence is electric.  Maybe the next JL will be everything we wanted and then some, at least that's what I'm gonna pray for.

The Fate of The Furious

⭐⭐⭐

Directed by: F. Grey Grey
Written by: Chris Morgan & Gary Scott
Gross Revenue: $1.24 Bil



        Now I know most rather forget this franchise and wish it would just go away.  For a film that has grossed over a BILLION dollars it cant be all bad. As for me? I love love love these movies although I was apprehensive to see this one. That is due to the fact that Paul Walker is no longer in it and I felt his absence would negatively impact the film. Though him not being there was felt in my opinion it really didn't endanger the film it is what it always has been fast and fun. So to get right down to it, there is something that I can always look forward to in 'Furious" n=movies and that's off the wall stunts and cheesy one liners. I love the fact that this franchise has stuck to the same formula, cars cars and more cars. They haven't lost the idea of why it was originally made, indeed no one really cares about street racing anymore but we all love pretty cars. 

        As usual I love the cast there is nothing I can say on that I mean Kurt tussle, Jason Statham, The Rock and Tyrese where my favorites. Even though The Rock did get the cheesy one liners they were funny and well executed.  The writing was a little messy but thats a furious movie for you. Although come on you can not say the phantom cars weren't bad ass! I think it was very well played as a furious movie it felt like one, which for me hadn't happened since 5. The closing scene? Talk about feels omg I was a puddle of tears. I'm a very emotionally connected viewer so I was a goner after he named his son.