The LEGO Ninjago Movie starring Dave Franco, Justin Theroux, Fred Armisen, Abbi Jacobson, Olivia Munn, Kumail Nanjiani, Michael Peña, Zach Woods & Jackie Chan Warner Bros. Pictures Image Credit: IMDB
“Shunned by everyone for being the son of an evil warlord, a teenager seeks to defeat him with the help of his fellow ninjas.” —IMDB
I have loved every single LEGO movie that had come out, and while I admit that the first was so incredibly impressive, the films that have followed have not failed to impress me, and the LEGO Ninjago movie is no exception to that. These films do not try to be more than anything than they are, which is a comedic family friendly, fun, action-packed adventure. Moreover, that is precisely what the film achieves quite perfectly. Continue reading “Action Packed Ninja Fun | Review of ‘The LEGO Ninjago Movie’”
Wonder Woman starring Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, Robin Wright, Danny Huston, David Thewlis, Connie Nielsen & Elena Anaya Warner Bros. Pictures Image Credit: IMDB
“Before she was Wonder Woman she was Diana, Princess of the Amazons, trained warrior. When a pilot crashes and tells of conflict in the outside world, she leaves home to fight a war to end all wars, discovering her full powers and true destiny.”
—IMDB
As a comic book fan and reader, I tend to set my standards high, especially for DC because those are the comics I buy. But ever since The Dark Knight, there hasn’t been a decent DC film. Until now. Personally, they either miss the mark on understanding the characters (Harley Quinn being the exception) or lack the humor needed to keep the audience entertained between all the drama and darkness. Wonder Woman doesn’t do that. Wonder Woman gets everything right and let me say this, it was amazing. Continue reading “A DC Miracle | Review of ‘Wonder Woman’”
King Arthur: Legend of the Sword starring Charlie Hunnam, Àstrid Bergès-Frisbey, Djimon Hounsou, Aidan Gillen, Jude Law & Eric Bana Warner Bros. Pictures Image Credit: Goodreads
“Robbed of his birthright, Arthur comes up the hard way in the back alleys of the city. But once he pulls the sword from the stone, he is forced to acknowledge his true legacy – whether he likes it or not.”
—IMDB
Another film about King Arthur. Tales of his majesty and the realm of magic and swordsmanship have been adapted in many ways, from the big screen to the small screen. There hasn’t been an accurate adaptation of the tale since Excalibur and the Merlin miniseries, but pivotal characters weren’t left behind, weren’t forgotten in the telling of the stories. This film seems to have forgotten all about Merlin, Morgan Le Fay and Mordred and the pivotal parts they played in shaping up the Arthurian legend.
The Lego Batman Movie starring Will Arnett, Zach Galifianakis, Michael Cera, Rosario Dawson & Ralph Fiennes Warner Bros. Pictures Image Credit: IMDB
“Bruce Wayne must not only deal with the criminals of Gotham City, but also the responsibility of raising a boy he adopted.”
—IMDB
By far the best Batman movie out there, The Lego Batman Movie is awesome for so many reasons. Focusing on who the character is, in such a playful way, the writers understood what makes Batman such a strong character and a fan favorite character. He’s always had his head up his tushie, and this film uses that element to make the film so funny. But then there are those sadder moments, the moments that reflect on the past and the defining moment that makes Batman who he is. The writers understand Batman better than I’ve seen in such a long time. Then there is that classic dynamic he has with Joker. This film nailed that relationship, that very toxic and twisted relationship, with perfection! Not since The Dark Knight has their relationship been so clearly and wonderfully established to build up this duo that has been the cause of so many iconic comic book moments. Continue reading “Best Batman Movie Ever | Review of ‘The Lego Batman Movie’”
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them starring Eddie Redmayne, Katherine Waterston, Ezra Miller & Colin Farrell Warner Bros. Pictures
“The adventures of writer Newt Scamander in New York’s secret community of witches and wizards seventy years before Harry Potter reads his book in school.”
—IMDB
In one word: magical. I know that’s to be expected but the film brings more to the world of Harry Potter as it traverses new territory in so many ways.
Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them brings Newt Scamander to New York city combining the dark element’s that grew the Harry Potter franchise up as well as a fun light scavenger hunt through New York to bring new and magical creatures to life in the film. Two stories that intersect perfectly. There are obviously those moments that will make the audience want to scream but that’s only because of the direction of the story, and it’s not a bad thing. In life, there are those moments when people above station place blame when they themselves don’t pay attention. It’s not a bad thing, it’s a realistic thing that provides the film one of many grounding moments. (There were times through all the Harry Potter books and films that I just wanted to scream at the characters for being stupid.) Then there is the heart of the film that will make the audience laugh, cry and just say “aww” repeatedly. It was a well-structured film that was just mesmerizing and it makes the viewer second guess themselves.Continue reading “A Worthy Precursor to the Magical World of Harry Potter | Review of ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’”
Sully starring Tom Hanks Warner Bros. Pictures Image Credit: IMDB
“The story of Chesley Sullenberger, who became a hero after gliding his plane along the water in the Hudson River, saving all of the airplane flights 155 crew and passengers.”
—IMDB
Sully is a remarkable film about a man who acted quick and ended up saving a number of lives. Recreating the miracle on the Hudson. What makes this film so amazing isn’t just the star power but it’s taking this event, this small (time wise) event and expanding on it in a very humanistic way focusing on who Sully was. He wasn’t just a pilot; he was a human being who made an impossible decision in a matter of moments, seconds really. And he was a very humble man who faced so much in the aftermath that no one knew about. And this film explored that through Sully’s story, it explored the aftermath and it explored everything this man was going through. Continue reading “Remarkable Story Telling | Review of ‘Sully’”
The Legend of Tarzan starring Alexander Skarsgård, Christoph Waltz, Samuel L. Jackson & Margot Robbie Warner Bros. Pictures Image Credit: IMDB
“Tarzan, having acclimated to life in London, is called back to his former home in the jungle to investigate the activities at a mining encampment.”
—IMDB
I have to say this film touches on some tough subjects regarding racism and slavery. It’s not a terribly unique plot device, but it is one that still matters today. Why? Because the past always matters. Otherwise, no one would learn anything from it. Continue reading “Strong & Thoughtful | Review of ‘The Legend of Tarzan’”
