A Quiet Place

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Directed by: John Krasinski
Written by: John Krasinski · Bryan Woods · Scott Beck
Gross Revenue: $154 mil

    Let's hear it for (Jim) I mean John Krasinski! This was a tense nail-biter that honestly took me by surprise and knocked me off my feet.  Let me say first that I am not that fond of the coveted horror genre. I can do without the gore and the sheer predictability of it all.  However, this movie was more so not about the monsters themselves but about the family and their ability to stay alive which I love. 

     If it was all about the ugly creatures I surely wouldn't have been so impressed. Which yes, I was as well as so many others astonished by this exceptional story and the execution of it. John has done an amazing job with this fantastic soundscape for the eyes. It takes a massive amount of skill to capture a film such as this.  From the body language to the facial expressions to the intensity of the environment. It all had me vibrating with anxiety. It is rare that I find myself yelling in my head at the characters in a thriller such as this, but I was. 

     It was one of those "skin of your teeth" movies and I enjoyed every bit of it. I found myself wanting to talk for them all and to just scream in terror for them!

Ready Player One

⭐⭐⭐⭐



Directed By: Steven Spielberg
Written by:  Ernest Cline · Zak Penn
Gross revenue: $393 mil

    

"This is hardest movie I've done since Saving 

               Private Ryan"

                                               - Steven Spielberg

       I admire Spielberg's honesty, watching the movie I can understand his resolve.Ready Player One is absolutely breathtaking in terms of visuals and detail. Never to have read the book, I can't do the whole book vs. movie thing, though even if I did I wouldn't have done that. People who do the book and adaption run-over full of trigger remarks are always misguided in my opinion. Expecting a film adaption to showcase every bit of a book is like squeezing a rock and expecting water to be expelled from it. Anyway, the adventure of it all, the fantasy of it all, and  the fact that I wished the whole thing were real is what pulled me in and didn't let go until the credits. I am not really a fan of Young Adult tales, be it film or literary I just find it most of the time, bland and uneventful. However, I am very much into video games and most indeed pop culture! However, Following an  18 year old orphan around while he searched for clues in a virtual game, set in 2045 with the "love interest" was not my idea of a good time. Then I thought to myself  "it is a Spielberg film" in a nut shell he sold me on taking a chance to see it. OOOHHH boy am I so relieved that I took that chance, because I was in another realm of bliss with this one.


       Talk about non stop fun and adventure, which I do most certainly love in a film. I feel if this had moved slower it wouldn't have worked so well. There have been complaints with the pacing but I don't have a problem with it. I've learned that when it comes to animation a slower pacing is not a good thing. At least not for me. I will not say there weren't a few bits I could have done without "love interests" in some films make me grind my teeth and this is one of them. Not only was it annoying and shallow, but his love was expressed prematurely and in the most unstimulating way possible. I just felt like it whole heartily didn't belong. I also felt the antagonist wasn't too much of a threat, but that can be looked over by how awesome everything else is. There has also been a bit of shade thrown at RPO due to its use of references. Some have went so far as to say it's just riding on the cat tails of the films they're mentioning. Uhm, how is that possible? AND WHERE?!  If anything I see homages and a massive amount of admiration, I see nothing to the affect of mimicking anyone's films. Honestly the moments they are speaking of were great, I mean the DeLorean alone was a must watch moment. I thought it was the dopest tribute to BTTF I've ever seen.

       Some would say this isn't the best Spielberg had to offer but I beg to differ, aside from what you all choose to say what coulda, shoulda, woulda been done. I say, see what he DID do, I mean this man was an innovator and will be a legend for eons. Though this movie was tough for him, he put all he had into it and you could tell, he spent 3 hours 3 times a week with ILM crafting this beautiful movie for us all. This was no easy feat and it still came out amazing and full of life just as all of his films do. You can tell in certain films that passion and hard work were the reason for the remarkable feature you're witnessing. I for one am happy I went with my gut and watched this movie, it an unbelievable world that I will visit over and over again.

The Shape of Water

⭐⭐⭐⭐


Directed by: Guillermo del Toro
Written by: Guillermo del Toro &     Vanessa Taylor
Gross Revenue: $110.7 mil



Guillermo Del Toro is a glorious master at his craft.  There is just something about a film that is developed with passion. The love and creativity is viewed in every frame. There is nothing like a Del Toro film, he puts his heart into every piece of art he directs and writes.

 I say everything, from cronos on down, even hellboy II which I believed the flack was highly undeserved. It all was brilliant. The Shape of Water is beyond astonishing and he, as with everything else executed this project with perfection and precision. From the opening credits I was in awe, it provoked a phenomenal feeling I only seem to get with his films. The ability to perfect the use of  darkness is always something I look forward to.

His vision of the "monster" is   
something I can understand seeming as I too have an affinity for fantasy of the dark persuasion.  I just love how he deals with very dreary subjects  and somehow makes it amazingly beautiful. There's poetry in his films and it's evident more so in The Shape of Water. It was such a great movie with an unbelievable cast, cinematography and score that was so good I got misty eyed. Del Toros mind is just beautiful and I'm so envious of it. He has the ability to create beings that would be seen as monsters and horrid creatures and make you fall in love with them. You empathize with them, you want them to thrive, live and love. My heart was with "the Asset" the entire time I wanted to free him as bad as Elisa did.

  Speaking of which, let's give Sally Hawkins a standing ovation please. Also, a moment of silence for the actresses in the same leading category for the Oscars. Cause she's got it, there's no doubt in my mind she'll win. To convey the amount of emotion needed without saying a word is TALENT and not everyone can do that.  She perfected the art of body language and facial expression down to a science and she deserves up most recognition.

  Michael Shannon and Octavia Spencer were more than good and I've always enjoyed them both. Shannon isnt new to playing no nonsense off the cuff characters and I genuinely love it when he does them. He does the antagonist so very well. However, this one was disturbingly amazing and made my stomach churn but he was fantastic.  Octavia is just adorable and her performances are always full of heart and sass and I love that.

The cast and crew executed this film masterfully . I felt at home watching this and I seldom feel that way with films so when the feeling does arrive I get emotionally attached and that's what happened here! Sweet, stunning and smart! Bravo! c'est magnifique!

Den of Thieves

⭐⭐

Directed by: Christian Gudegast

Written by:  Christian Gudegast Paul Scheuring

Gross Revenue : $34.4 mil

mis·lead·ing

giving the wrong idea or impression:

I WAS IN FACT  MISLEAD!! When I went into Den of Thieves I was expecting an action packed "cops and robbers"  type of situation. I mean, that is what the trailer LEAD me to believe as it did everyone, now I'm no stickler for action, its like my 6th favorite genre I think. However, when you show me something like this, which is what I have a soft spot for.....you know heist films. I expect just that! Not some half baked idea that sluggishly got off the ground. The trailer had me under the impression this would be a gun fighting non stop race against time type of movie and IT WAS NOT! One thing I hate most is when they edit trailers in a way  that totally contradicts the entire film.

Its starts with guns and ends with guns. But the middle is filled with lengthy character development and scenes that serve no purposes. Like the prom date, what exactly was that for? The divorce? It was personal but Gerard's character seemed unaffected by it, it didn't have any psychological ramifications. In my opinion, this film had no business being 2hr and 13 minutes. A good 3 scenes could have been easily thrown out. This entire story could have been done in 90 minutes. There was entirely too much of nothing going on for a good chunk of it. I enjoy the story, the premise is exactly the kind of thing I'd watch. However the execution was riddled with flaws and the directing even made the movie seem more boring then it could have been.

As far as performances go? Well Gerard Butler for me, was the only saving grace and he even seemed a bit off center in this role. Assuming you'd get a decent performance from  50 cent or  O'shea is like assuming you can squeeze water from a rock. I've seen 50 shine more in his show "Power" then in any movie he's ever done. As far as O'shea is concerned, well I'd rather watch his dad, Ice Cube in "Are We There Yet?" (which for me is the worst movie he's ever done) three times in a row rather then watch him ever. 

It was my fault for jumping to conclusions and thinking Den of Thieves was going to be the high grossing year opener. Word of mouth is powerful and chatter surrounding it was nothing short of disappointing, It dragged over the 7 day finish line with a $20 mil in the bank, which would surprise me if the month of January wasn't a nightmare for all releases. Let me just say that for fun, for entertainment and for a "okay" heist movie this would be a good choice, more so if you were really bored and stuck in the house with nothing else to watch yeah.

The Killing of The Sacred Deer

🌟🌟🌟🌟


Directed by:Yorgos Lanthimos
Written by: Yorgos Lanthimos,   Efthymis Filippou
Gross Revenue: $2.29 mil

   
       What in the amazed balls did I just witness??? Simplified??? A young boy inflicts revenge on his father's surgeon, whom he believes killed his father on the operating table. That sounds like a nice suspenseful, good over evil thriller right?? WRONG, WRONG, I'm not in the business of just blurting out spoilers so I won't delve too deep but I've gotta vent about this gem for a moment.

Not being familiar with any of Yorgos previous work, so I wont even try and dissect this the way I really want to. However, I will say nothing about this movie is "bad" aside from screwing with my mental with the total and utter lack of emotion and sterile environment, it's great. I found the performances to be the most astonishing part of the film. Martin? Was cringe worthy just to say the least, I was squirming in my seat, more than once I felt overwhelmingly uncomfortable. The dialouge in this was beautifully executed and that pulled me in even deeper. Just when I thought, okay I'm done, I kept watching, I could not look away it was magnificent.  


The Killing of The Sacred Deer was this vast, morbid pit of despair that just when I thought would make sense and a shinning resolution would be found, nope. Just more despair, more of "what the hell" and the type of person I am I enjoyed this film, that was void of all life and emotion. Its unlike anything I've ever seen, an endless ride to absolutely no where. I was left feeling despondent and I am totally okay with that.

Martin: If you dig a hole in the yard, better make it a big one.

Three Billboards outside Ebbing Missouri

 

⭐⭐⭐⭐


Directed by: Martin McDonagh
Written by: Martin McDonagh
Gross Revenue: $24.6 mil

   

  Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri was something that took me by amazing surprise. Besides the name i knew nothing of it, I hadn't even looked at the trailer. I know what a shame on me because I could have been in cinema bliss a long time ago. Let me just get this out of the way now, Frances McDormand is in a league of her own folks, she walked on that set and stole every single spotlight and made it hers. I've never been a Mcdormand fan per say but I believe I am slowly becoming one. She's a tour de freaking force, it seems every role she plays it is MEANT for her. Seriously, each of her roles fit like a latex bodysuit three sizes too small. She without a doubt brings every character to life in a way that many actors try to do but cannot execute. She is getting better and better with age. I know now that if the cast includes Frances I am more than certain I will love the movie, simply because of her. She well deserves every award she wins.

The movie itself is on a whole other level of greatness, its a dramedy in every sense of the word which is my 4th favorite genre. It punches you in the gut with subject matter that are tough to deal with and at all times more uncomfortable to watch. However,  when you want to see a mama raising hell over her deceased daughter due to her prolonged unsolved murder, this would and should be your first choice. Everything about it is fantastic though abrasive at times it's a must see. To be totally honest, i'm not familiar with  Martin McDonagh and his work at all, I know of hIs fIlms but i've never seen one. This, however has me second guessing my decision on never seeing In Bruges.



Not only was his direction spot on and very impressive, the writing was impeccable. Woody Harrelson, Sam Rockwell, whom of which won a globe for his Earth shattering performance. The cast alone made this movie an excellent experience, which made me proud to be a film fanatic. Though as I said it’s rough around the edges but it’s real, in a very dark comedic way. It grabs at your heart strings and sends a message that's incredibly hard to ignkre. Film, is very subjective I know, just because I love dark, twisted, humor shrouded in turmoil doesn't mean everyone will. That fact aside I beg you, if you haven't seen it pay yourself the honor of seeing it at least once. You may just like it and if you don't well that's okay to

The Disaster Artist

🌟🌟🌟🌟


Directed by: James Franco
Written by: Scott Neustadter, Michael H. Weber
Gross Revenue: $20.6 mil



       Critic Consensus:

Oh, hai Mark. The Disaster Artist is a surprisingly poignant and charming movie-about-a-movie that explores the creative process with unexpected delicacy.

    I simply cannot agree more, Rotten Tomatoes aren't always fair but they are known to be right on occasion.
The Disaster Artist is a one chance look at a very private Tommy Wisesau at a time where his dreams were both shattered and made real. It goes without saying, though some may beg to differ, you really should watch The Room to understand where The Disaster Artist is coming from. Sure, you can watch it alone without viewing The Room but I think you can't understand and get the full gravity of what Tommy was trying to do unless you see the actual film.

    I'm not going to sugar coat it or put a pretty ribbon on it, The Room was horrendous, it was bad. Like, nails on a chalkboard bad, I'd rather watch paint dry bad, though there was a silver lining....it was hilarious. Which is something you could tell just by watching it, it's definitely not what Tommy was trying to do.  I love The Disaster Artist for giving us an inside look, so to speak into  the mind behind the madness.  Wiseau is such a passionate soul,  the movie more times then not had me thinking of myself and my own dead and buried dreams. You can respect Tommy for his effort and the amount of heart he tried to put into his movie.

     Oh before I go, let me just say that ONLY James Franco can deliver in a film like this. Before even watching it I often said he was meant to play Tommy. That fact was solidified by his brilliant exectution both in front and behind the camera. The chemistry that he and his brother Dave have is the sweetest thing to watch. It was like he was speaking through Tommy with the endering things he was saying. I just admire them both a great deal and I'm so happy I'm living in a time such as this, when James Franco is at his best.

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.

Thor: Ragnarok

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟


Directed by: Taika Waititi
Written by: Christopher Yotes, Craig Kyle, Eric Pearson
Gross Revenue: $835 mil



Jaw dropped and wig snatched folks!! Taika Waititi just resuscitated this lifeless, dead to the world frannchise and brought it back to life. Words are escaping me at the moment, Ragnarok was so good it's stolen my passion for expression...I'm all choked up on pure joy. I typically wait for the dust to settle to view a big Budget CBM. Don't ask me why, it's just how I tick. Now, as I was saying ....or trying to say, THIS IS WHAT A CBM SHOULD FEEL AND LOOK LIKE.  This is how you set the bar, this is why Marvel is far superior to the "other guys". From beginning to end it served up all the goods, from Directing, witty fun dialouge, flawless and I mean flawless visuals that make me wanna kiss everyone on the CGI team! It was all so beautiful, I'm talking a rose dipped in 24 kt gold and sprinkled with diamonds beautiful.

If you like the melancholic, dark, abrasive, slow cinematic experience then please, stay far way from Ragnarok, because you'd be getting none of that. Tears literally were welling in my eyes, I was so very pleased with this Thor and yet so very saddened. I feel, man handled, short changed, frickin robbed!!! This is the Thor we should have been gifted with long ago! Nope, what'd we get?A boring, bloated, lengthy origin film, and crawling half dead dumpster fire called Dark World. Why, oh why, give me the best Thor I've ever witnessed in the last solo installment?? Cold wold, cold, cold world.

There were so many good elements in this movie. Mmm Thor, Hulk holding a legitimate conversation, Jeff Goldblum as himself, the witty banter, Thor with no hammer, Thor with no hair and korg....I severely wanted more of him!! Oh, and let's not forget that sexy little fight bit in the last act! I think thaaaatsss about it......oh right LOKI, he's flipped flopped more than a pair of nike slides worn by Usain Bolt. However, I'm willing to get over it as long as I get to keep seeing his beautiful face!

I just am so very pleased with this movie, there isn't a word big enough that describes my feelings at the moment.  I'm not someone who lives and breathes for the next superheo movie, but marvel sure knows how to make a girl sweat. I'm so anxious to see infinity war now, my bones are vibrating!! If this is the kind of delivery they've committed to I'm so in for the next 20 movies they've got in the slow cooker.

The Mountain Between Us

🌟🌟

Directed by: Hany Abu-Assad
Written by: Chris Weitz - J. Mills Goodloe
Gross revenue: $54.7 mil

Charismatic, the term cannot be any less relevant when you're dealing with Idris Elba & Kate Winslet. I love these two as separate beings, but when they come together my lort it was like a spark ignited. The mountain between us takes two very normal people and throws them into a survivalist type of situation. Now I'm all for snow and the elements, but I feel that's all this movie had going for itself. Kate & Idris ? Phenom....as usual, story??? Not so much.  Being based off of the Novel written by Charles Martin, I'm almost entirely sure - though I've never read it - this film didn't do it justice.

This movie had a 2 man writing team, and not one could shell out a decent plot?? One of which, Chris Weitz who's been behind, Star Wars: Rouge One, The Golden Comapss and About a Boy should have been able to help with the dull romance.  Given how much I like Idris and Kate this movie deserves 2 stars and a half star simply because I loved the idea of those two in an on screen romance.

The unrealistic story line from the very beginning rubbed me entirely wrong. Then the whole "cmon" factor never crossed, it was was one mistake after another and besides their cute flirty banter, I wasn't really thrilled about it. I wasn't bored watching it so it wasn't awful.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom (Official Trailer)

I love this franchise, but when I heard another was being pushed out I was wondering, what else could be done? Seems universal has surprised me again! Next year is going to be amazing for cinema!!!

 I've never been so emotionally connected to fictionalized beings before. This trailer brought on such an amount of "awwwww" it was alarming. The Dino's I once loathed, I now feel unbelievably bad for. I have a feeling I may cry when I see it! However, here it is the much anticipated Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom!

Avengers: Infinity War Trailer 11.29.17

Infinity War trailer will premier tomorrow on GoodMorning America!! THIS IS NOT A DRILL! We as MCU fans have waited a long while for this!! Excuse me while I get a little emotionally involved with the trailer!!!

Murder on The Orient Express

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Directed by:  Kenneth Branagh
Written by: Michael Green
Gross Revenue:  $196 mil

From beginning to end this was spectacular. From the dialogue, to the off train shots, to the cinematography. I am deeply in love with a magnificent period piece, Murder on The Orient Express was no exception. The cast was phenomenal and I've never read the novel, but it felt like a good mystery book on screen. I just loved it, it had a feel to it that made it seem more classic than modern and that was a good treat.

I am not understanding the whole "boring" bit, its a mystery not a action/suspense/ thriller I never once got that vibe from the trailers. There's no way anyone should have went into this with any type of action or thrill seeking expectations. Looking at the trailers would let you know straight off, thats not what this was about. You ever played the game Clue?? Yea, its kinda like that....

I need more of this, more art, more depth, for some crazy reason the filmmaking industry are scared of films like this. The box office wants nothing to do with them, everyone is so concerned with the next dollar made and daily numbers. The mainstream film world is congested with the next big CBM or  the next cinematic universe. When did become we so concerned with  the tone of a film rather than what it made us feel?? I love big budgets just as much as the next person, but films like Murder on The Orient Express really makes my passion for cinema burn. For a film that was released between thor & justice league I believe it didn't do too bad!

Atomic Blond

🌟🌟🌟🌟

Directed by: David Leitch
Written by: Antony Johnston & Kurt Johnstad
Gross Revenue: $95 mil

David leitch has Atomic Blonde & John Wick under his belt, and I must say this is a very very good start. His style and his shots are amazing. I love love love john wick and this movie feels like a film made 10 years ago which is fantastic, this is cinema. Regardless of the accuracy, the film itself was magnificent the scene cuts and the fights were glorious.

Though I love Charlize, her accent could have used some work but thats petty much my only complaint. Something about the last shot of her in the interrogation room made me misty eyed, it was beautiful. The visual and colors were so great & the costume designer?!

I'm a woman, so let me just say I couldn't not get enough of her outfits my lawd talk about a slay. I really really enjoyed it I will defiantly watch it again. The soundtrack? Don't even get me started on how amazing that was! The dialouge wasn't as air tight as I'd hoped but thats not what this film was about. The actors executed their roles with precision and accuracy
I truly couldnt ask for a better cast. Look, if you dont like action and strong female presence then you are aolrely missing out, this....is a gem. Who needs diana?? This is what MY WONDER WOMAN LOOKS LIKE!!!

Official Trailer Wes Anderson's Isle Of Dogs 2017

 I am more than sure i have stressed my love for Wes Anderson, so it comes as no surprise I bring to you his new creation. Isle Of Dogs, the official trailer has me more than excited to see it. If you adore stop motion like I do this should be a real awesome movie!! Enjoy!!

American Made

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Directed b\y: Doug Liman
Written by: Gary Spinelli

Gross Revenue: $80 mil

Isn't it great seeing Tom Cruise in something other than mission impossible?? (the mummy aside) His onscreen charisma just doesn't fade, I mean he can put people in seats just to hear him speak. This was one crazy almost unbelievable turn of events that I don't think you could possibly make up. Though I am sure this film only scratched the surface on what "truly" took place between Barry and his multiple dark dealings. However, I enjoyed it immensely and Doug Liman did an okay job in capturing this off the wall recount of events. Whoever this Gary Spenelli is I dig his writing just a bit, it wasn't a masterpiece but it did flow in a very appealing way.

I find that this was more of the Tom Cruise we haven't seen in a long time. Even though this was a good movie he still carried it on his back, as he does with most other movies he stars in.  Now I am not complaining about that, unlike most I'm not ashamed to say I love Tom cruise, I have since The Firm. Hes the man with the magnetic charm and 1000 dollar smile that will sell ticket no matter what the movie is about. Is this flick worth 5 stars? No, but it I feel 4 is generous enough.

(Official Trailer) Pacific Rim 2 Uprising

I loved the first Pacific Rim I've seen it about 7 times and it never gets old. This sequel is something I wasn't all too happy about seeming as there was no Guillermo at the helm or Charlie Hunnam on screen but now seeing the trailer I can honestly say I am thrilled. Lets not take away the fact that John Boyega who I am coming to enjoy more and more is headlining this new Jaeger crew. Along side him is Scott Eastwood, who is proving hes more than just a pretty face. The cast isn't too shabby especially since they kept charlie Day, who is always a treat to watch...for me at least.  

I am such a sucker for these kinds of movies I mean transformers and CBM'S are the stuff dreams are made of. I know its not art and it's no "best picture" nomination, but it is escapism in its rawest form and that's what brought me to film in the first place. A little reminder, there is no Guillermo in on this so it wont have his finesse or style. Its directed by Steven S. DeKnight,  if it doesn't ring any bells that's because he's virtually unknown. He's directed episodes for Smallville, Angel and Buffy the vampire slayer,  I know most of those are making some of you cringe with fear. However,  I watched each and every one of those shows from the pilot to the series finale and they are not that bad. He also did some work on Starz's Spartecus which I've never seen.  

I'm a little nervous on the execution, seeming as they have a FIVE MAN WRITTING TEAM...yes you heard that right. Five, and you know what they say about too many cooks in the kitchen. Anyway, without further interruption with my constant blabbering, here is the very awesome and well scored Pacific Rim Uprising trailer...ENJOY!

Mother!

⭐⭐



Directed by: Darren Aronofsky
written by: Darren Aronofsky
Gross Revenue: $35.4 mil




         Now I get why there are so many "mixed" reviews, this is literally a love or hate type of movie. Through the film I found Jennifer Lawrence to be strangely annoying & I usually love her in her roles. This one? Not so much, I mean her performance seemed very shallow & withdrawn. The story in of itself, was madness & scratched on the surface of religion which is something I don't wanna get into because I am more than pissed about that. This movie was a bit much & the dialogue was damn near horrible. Although I did like Javier Bardem, the chemistry was not there at all & them together was like nails on a chalkboard. The final act was disgusting & left me speechless, I know it was a movie & I get that. The mama in me though was shook & I was utterly repulsed. The movie as a whole was boring & as I've already stated pure undiluted madness.

Baby Driver

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Directed by: Edgar Wright
Written by: Edgar Wright
Gross Revenue: $224 mil

      

        This movie is absolutely amazing! I love baby so much and the originality of the film is so refreshing in a world of reboots. I crave for something new, untouched & fresh. Baby driver is definitely a re-watch for me Edgar Write has done it again. As with all his movies this one will be a classic, he hasn't failed me yet. This was so well written and executed with finesse I no longer see too often & its just not fair.

        This movie reminded me of a time when  we would be in awe by the sheer brilliance of something we had never seen before. When the mainstream box office wasnt choking on big budgets and the next big CBM. When filmmakers weren't afraid to think outside the box and render their own ideas onsceen. Movies made in the good Ol' days of cinema pushed the bounds of our imagination and it was astonishing. If you want something beyond the usual flicks, well you've gotta dig through the indie world.  I shall reiterate it is not fair.

       Baby driver gave me something I missed. It gave me nostalgia almost for the old film industry and how they took risks and didn't care about common interest. This movie is not a movie for everyone  but they promoted it as such and it did pretty well. The soundtrack? Oh dont even get me started on how perfect that was. I had no issue with the casting Jon Hamm was an astounding antagonist. 

        My only quip was the dialogue between baby and Deborah it was a tad awkward. Other than that I completely and utterly fell in love with Baby driver. I couldn't ask for more.