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.

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.

Birdman

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Directed by: Alejandro González Iñárritu
Written by:  Alejandro González Iñárritu, Nicolás Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris Jr., and Armando Bo
Gross revenue: $105 mil

So, why am I just now seeing this? Keaton's in it so I should have seen it a while ago but nope
this was a first time watch for me. I must say I do not understand people who say this film wasn't any good, did we not see the same version?? It seems so harsh to say this was a "bad" movie, it was original and severely entertaining. The writing alone kept me engaged to the point I got upset I had to use the restroom. You'd think it'd be a horrible mess given how big the writing team was, but they did an amazing job! Alejandro  per usual, is spectacular I'm a huge fan of his films they always seem to get some sort of critical acclaim, he's great at what he does. This, is Michael Keaton at his best folks, he had been more or less absent before this. Birdman was a terrific re-introduction of Keaton. Phenomenal comes to mind, I enjoyed this so much & I crave more creative films such as this. The camera flow was so beautiful and the cast was down right electric! Love love love!

The Anticipated Return of 007

       So there is some great little bit of news in the Bond Universe, that I am a little happy to hear. MGM is close to making a domestic deal with Annapurna for Bond 25 this week, and I am here for it! For those who don't know, Annapurna is a little known production company who's made some ripples in the movie world. The makings behind movies such as, Zero dark 30 and American Hustle. They've most recently dipped their toe into distribution waters with Detroit, which did reasonably well. This deal in my opinion could turn this companies world upside down, in such an amazing way.

 

       The ball is moving smoothly and I'm hoping it stays that way. Daniel Craig is fully on board with the final draft of his contract to be signed by the end of the week. November 8th 2019 is the release date and as we al know that could be pushed forward or back, no date is set in stone. Although no director has been selected the three contenders are Yann Demange (’71), Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049), and David Mackenzie (Hell or High Water). I'm hoping it will be David Mackenzie I love Hell or High Water, it was a amazing and his style just cant be beat. 2 years is quite a while to start my Bond posts but I really need this to start moving. We need to erase Spectre from our memory, or maybe just I do. That was no way to close Bond and I felt we all needed another go at it. So I am very thrilled this is headed in that direction.

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.

The bad batch

⭐⭐⭐⭐


Directed by: Ana Lily Amirpour
Written by: Ana Lily Amirpour
Gross Revenue: $180,851



         Despite the epic failure this movie suffered at limited box office release it was an amazing film.  Its not really about what's being said, its not lazy writing in this case. Its more to do with body language and emotion that transfers on film. It is a visual gem that will be discussed in small circles with massive enthusiasm. I loved it, I loved the silent Jim Carrey, I loved the way Arlen took the child under her wing & I loved the fact that Giovanni was a dirty lunatic. I loved the fact Jason was a visual ascetic, he didn't need to say much his eyes and body said a lot......as it often talks to me in my dreams. I'd rather him not speak anyway honestly the accent? It was comic relief for me. I mean I love that man but he should never ever do that again. As messed up and two faced as it was the silent chemistry Miami man and arlen had was beautiful and the girly girl in me wanted to see a happily ever after ending. Although, I knew that would not have been the right approach. This was not a film made for everyone and that's okay it wasn't aimed at the masses hints the limited release.

Logan Lucky

     

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Directed by: Steven Soderberg
Written By: Rebecca Blunt
Gross Revenue: $40.4 mil


          I wasn't quite sure what I was going to get with this, when I first saw the trailer. Indeed, I wanted to see it , I mean Daniel Craig in a role other than James Bond? Don't get me wrong it's amazing whenever he plays bond but its even better when I see him do other things. I must say his performance was pretty great and his scenes are what I enjoyed most. Now, on to Channing Tatum whom I adore but can be like watching paint dry at times.

        I tend to steer clear of things involving him that don't end in Mike. However, I was pleasantly surprised he was alright it wasn't as horrible as I imagined he'd be. The movie was slightly reminiscent of the Oceans movies and I guess that's to be expected, with Soderberg at the helm. I really have no complaints on that, oceans 12 is in my top 20 favorite films of al time. The writing was amazing, for her first gig Rebecca Blunt didn't do too bad especially with the climax, amazing flow the entire time I loved it. The dialogue seemed a little scarce at times but Daniel Craig's scenes more than made up for it. I definitely love it

Wonder Woman

🌟🌟🌟

Directed by: Patty Jenkins
Written by: Allan Heinberg
Gross Revenue: $411 mil

          

          I went into this film with high expectations seeming as everyone said it was "mind blowing" and "phenomenal". Certified Fresh....as the trailer that played 100 times a day told me. A few minutes into the film I was all yay "superhero action" but then I was brutally reminded that it was DC superhero, not marvel. Thus making it boring boring, boring. Gal Gaddot?? Id rather watch paint dry then watch her for 2 hrs, its virtually the same thing.
      
        I am a marvel girl but I am also a gigantic movie lover. I give props when due, but that never seems to happen with these guys. Aside from "christian bale" batman which didn't even have a DC FEEL IN MY OPINION! I think that had to do  more with Christopher Nolan's genius perception. I have tried to give DC a shot, batman vs superman, man of steel and now this! Why on earth can't I get through an entire DC film without the urge to just walk out because I'm bored out of my mind??!! I give it 3 stars because it was entertainment but that's it still boring as ever! Step it up DC JL  is probably going to be just another bloated with dialogue snoozer as well.

The Dark Tower

⭐⭐⭐

Directed by: Nikolaj Arcel
Written by: Akiva Goldsman & Jeff Pinkner
Gross Revenue: $110 mil
   

         I've never read a single Stephen King novel so I have nothing to compare it to. So if we are just talking from a movie perspective it wasn't horrible but it wasn't good either.. I feel the character development was a little weak and Idris definitely didn't give his best in my opinion and neither did Matthew. However, the story was intriguing and I really wanted to know more about the gunslinger history and what they went through with Walter. Word has it this was after the last book so the backstory wasn't needed for those who read them. For those who didn't, like me it left us wondering.