Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker (100TH POST/SPOILERS)

The Force will be with you...always...

Well just like that, Jake's Blog of Entertainment has reached 100 posts before we reach the end of the decade. To celebrate this major achievement, why not take a look at the conclusion to the major overarching story that has shaped the foundation of one of my all-time favorite franchises in the realm of fictional media. The Star Wars Saga has, to put it mildly, seen better days. There was hope for the franchise back in 2015 when The Force Awakens graced our screens, with Rogue One coming in 2016 to reaffirm that hope. Unfortunately, come 2017, and all went to Hell. For me, The Last Jedi was a major disappointment in a number of ways, but the worst thing to come from it is the massive uproar that has torn the fandom apart. It is just crushing to see so many people turn away from this beloved franchise and even worse to see the people who work so hard on these projects receive the most venomous of disdain. Fortunately, 2019 has seen the franchise do a bit of course-correction to begin repairing the damage done within the years, particularly with the Disney+ series The Mandalorian and the video game Jedi: Fallen Order. Ultimately though, it all came down to this, the final chapter in the Skywalker Saga. I was cautiously optimistic, wondering exactly what the heck the producers could do to make it so that we'd get a conclusion that brings the fandom together and leaves them satisfied. While the general consensus for the movie is less than positive, I found myself thoroughly pleased with what I saw yet still realize there are some heavy flaws plaguing this film. Now let's get into what makes The Rise of Skwalker work and what makes it fall short:

UPS

1. J.J. Abrams did a good job at addressing some of the problems I had with The Last Jedi. Most notably was the character of Snoke (who was easily one of the worst aspects of that film) essentially becoming a clone used as a puppet in Palpatine's grand scheme. Likewise, Rey, Finn (for the most part,) and Poe feel more well-rounded and interesting this time around after being a little watered down in The Last Jedi and the tone was more optimistic and hopeful, which gave me the feeling I hope for in a Star Wars movie. 
2. Leia. With Carrie Fisher's death, this movie had a very daunting task in addressing Leia's role in the movie, a task which either made or break the movie if nothing else did. I personally found myself content with what they did, especially since she had a much larger role to play than I ever would have expected. There were some issues here and there, but given the circumstances, I am content with what we were given.
3. Sure it's clear that bringing him back was a last ditch effort to please the fanbase, but Palpatine remained a true delight in the movie. Ian McDiarmid provided all the menacing, fiendish glee that he was known for and I think the story did factor him in pretty well. Some of the movie's best scenes involved him and it's nice to see the ultimate villain in this saga shine bright once again. 

DOWNS

1. This movie had major pacing problems. It's clear that J.J. and Rian Johnson had two very different ideas about where they wanted this trilogy to go, and with J.J. taking the director's seat once again, it's clear he wanted to fit in his entire vision. The issue is that what he fits in is enough to fill two whole movies. The beginning in particular is a complete mess, with so many things happening and none of it feeling organic and natural. Likewise, there are several plot threads (particularly revolving around Finn's feelings for Rey, the fact that he may or may not be Force Sensitive, and whatever was going on between Jannah and Lando at the end) that are given some setup before being left hanging with no resolution, which leaves us as audience members feeling like the endgame is not wholly satisfying. 
2. It plays things ridiculously safe. As much as I enjoyed what I saw, I can't help but think that they would work better if they took a few more risks. Say what you will about The Last Jedi (as I already have,) but that film did try to do something different with the franchise, and while the final product didn't come off as well as it possibly could have, the effort should still be appreciated. The Rise of Skywalker, by comparison, tried to go back to basics, and as a result feels like more of the same instead of something that truly broke new ground for the franchise.
3. If you were to provide a singular example of the problems this movie, and by extension the entire trilogy, has, then the sad truth is to look no further than Kylo Ren. It hurts me to say this but the movie really brought this character down for me. Adam Driver certainly gave it his all as usual, but given the great character arc he had throughout The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, it's disappointing that J.J. ultimately went the predictable route and had him be redeemed before essentially throwing him away to the sidelines. Yeah it was nice to see him have a final moment with a vision of his father, and having him help Rey fight Palpatine and eventually save her life at the cost of his own were indeed great moments, but again, I'm really dissapointed with what they did with the character since it seemed they were going in a different (and better) direction. Oh, and the less said about the kiss, the better...

OVERALL

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker had a similar problem as the final season of Game of Thrones: being a bundle of great, intriguing moments that did not have the proper setup to feel like they were earned or made sense with the overarching story. This also reaffirms the real problem in that the Sequel Trilogy had no clear plan going in, having two vastly different visions clash during a rushed production schedule that clearly affected how the story was to be developed. To say that this trilogy was not the best it could have been is a pretty big understatement. Still, I enjoyed most aspects of the movie and hope that from here on out, Disney will work to ensure that the upcoming projects do not have the same problems this trilogy did. I think we'll all be better off if they do, 

And that's it for my 100th post. Thank you to all who check out my posts and hope you continue to show your support in the years to come. Tune in for lists of the best movies 2019 had to offer before I close out the year with my Best of the 2010s post. Till then, take care and may the Force be with you :)

Retro-Reviews: Doctor Sleep (SPOILERS)

I always called it the Shining...

If you love Stephen King, then you definitely know The Shining. It is one of his most well known and beloved stories with a film adaptation that is equally iconic for many reasons. One of those reasons is rather infamous. That is the fact that King himself is not a fan of the film, even when it's received such acclaim. A lot of this boils down to its loose adaptation of the novel's story, which is a fair criticism for King to have in all honesty. That being said, I loved The Shining and was more than excited to have the sequel, Doctor Sleep, receive its own adaptation, even moreso once I found out that none other than Obi-Wan Kenobi himself, Ewan McGregor, would be taking on the role of Danny Torrance. Ultimately, Doctor Sleep proves to be a solid follow-up to The Shining that manages in some ways to be even better than the original. And here's why:

UPS

1. Ewan McGregor is wonderful as Danny. I had no doubts, but I'm glad he was able to exceed my expectations with how truly awesome he was. He's one of those actors that will make any movie watchable even when it isn't all that good. Thankfully, this movie is really good, but McGregor's performance really brings the film together. He manages to craft so many layers to the character of Danny as we see him overcome all the personal struggles he has succumbed to in his adult years before finally standing up to the demons that have caused him so much trauma, even that of his own father. Overall, McGregor is solid, and he made the most of his time on screen. 
2. I liked the rest of the cast as well. They all do a spectacular job. Kyliegh Curran is a welcome presence that provides a heartfelt performance that combines with McGregor's to bring the film together, while Cliff Curtis is given more to do than I expected and ends up being all the better for it. We even get a nice role from Bruce Greenwood, a hauntingly tragic turn from Jacob Tremblay, and of course, Carl Lumbly as Dick Halloran, Alex Essoe as Wendy Torrance, and most surprising of all, Henry Thomas (yes, that Henry Thomas) as Jack! All three of them do such a good job at portraying these characters while not coming off as a cheap knock-off of the original, which is quite a feat to achieve.
3. The True Knot. Going in, the one thing that kinda turned me off about the movie were these guys. I just couldn't get into the idea of them being these people who devour the powers of those who "shine" in order to live forever. It just felt a little lame to me, even if it is in the novel. Fortunately, the movie puts those fears to rest as they managed to be engaging antagonists to carry the plot forward. They succeed at being this group of sickeningly twisted individuals, as one nightmarish scene (if you've seen the movie, you know exactly which one I'm talking about) proves, while managing to showcase the humanity they still carry within so that we can understand why they do the things that they do. Of course, Rebecca Ferguson shines the brightest as Rose The Hat, whose performance is as alluring as it is chilling. 
4. The fact that this movie manages to be faithful not only to King's source material, but to Kubrick's film as well. I'm not 100% on the novel, but I do have enough knowledge to understand the major differences between it and the movie, which makes it's all the more impressive that Doctor Sleep managed to bring the two together so that both could get the love they deserve. Director Mike Flanagan and the rest of the crew did a superb job at recreating all the elements from The Shining (complete with shot-for-shot recreations of some of the film's iconic scenes and spot-on duplicates of the sets and costumes) while mixing in some of the ideas from King that were left out, most notably being the ending which, while being a major change to the novelized version of Doctor Sleep, proves to be a satisfying conclusion to this version of the story.

DOWNS

1. This movie does feel way too long at times. This is a problem that's plagued a lot of movies this year and it's no different here. There are so many places where the movie makes you feel like it's reaching its conclusion before it sweeps you from under the rug to take you in a new direction. I can recall there being several times where I felt that way, and the reason that's a problem? They all happen before we even reach the Overlook. Overall, this movie does have a pacing issue and a little trimming down would help a lot. 

OVERALL

Doctor Sleep certainly is a worthy sequel to The Shining and in some ways proves even better. While I think the door is closed for this story (though you never know,) I did enjoy what I got and am glad it managed to be as good as it was. 

And that's it for this blog, guys! Tune in for more coming your way :)

In The Mind Of: Arthur Fleck/The Joker (SPOILERS)

I used to think my life was a tragedy...but now I realize...it's a comedy...

Everyone has a bad day. Several in fact. It's a natural part of life in the end. But what happens when someone so broken experiences that one bad day that pushes them over the edge. Over his long career as a comic book supervillain, the Joker has shown us what that could look like...at least given what little we know about him. Each iteration gives at least some background on why he came to be the way he is, but none have ever come close to making us feel for him the way the 2019 version does. 

Arthur Fleck is a failed comedian with an ailing mother and a condition that causes him to laugh uncontrollably at the most inappropriate times. Throughout the movie, Arthur experiences hardship after hardship, each worse than the last. He loses his job, gets embarrassed on national television by his idol, and learns the extent of his traumatic childhood. Combine all this with his deteriorating mental health, and Arthur finds himself walking down a dark path. What is interesting about Joker is that even though he is probably the most sympathetic interpretation of the Joker to date, Arthur is not someone to root for. His actions are truly horrific and at the end of the day, he's still the Joker. He may have had it hard, but it does not excuse the carnage and chaos that his actions have caused. 

Arthur is a truly unique interpretation of one of my favorite characters in all of fictional media, brought to life by the vision of Todd Phillips and Joaquin Phoenix's powerhouse performance. With what the ending of Joker entailing and the news of a sequel being in development, it seems this isn't the last we'll see of him after all...

Joker (SPOILERS)

Put on a Happy Face...

For so long, I have always had a fondness for villains. Yes, we're supposed to root against them, but at the end of the day, they always end up being the most compelling character in the entire story. One of the best examples of that being the case is when it comes to a character like the Joker. He has become so ingrained into pop culture that it'd be hard to imagine a world without him. Throughout his long tenure, the character has received several iterations; some that were absolutely stellar and others that ended up missing the mark. This year, we have received Todd Phillips' take on the beloved character, and to say that it is unique is putting it ever so lightly. Joker is a film that is unlike anything that came out of the comic book movie genre before, with a message that is important and relevant for people to experience. It is certainly a film that will be talked about for years to come, much like the film that inspired it, so let's get into why that is the case:

UPS

1. JOAQUIN PHEONIX!!! Holy cow, where do I even begin! He was phenomenal, absolutely phenomenal! No easy task for an actor who had to craft a performance that would live up to, if not outright exceed, the bar set by the iconic take given by the late great Heath Ledger. Thankfully, Phoenix proved up to the challenge and gave it his all. I don't really have many words to describe it. It was human, authentic, terrifying, tragic, funny...to put it simply, he became Arthur Fleck, who in turn became the Joker. A masterful performance that should, no must, get some form of recognition at the Academy next year. Make it happen!
2. Gotham City. Not what you'd call idyllic, but this film takes that to a whole new level. We get a real sense of the kind of world it would take to create a monster like the Joker and incite the madness that he inspires, and the way the city is designed and captured in this film allows us to be immersed in that.
3. The score! When it comes to talking about musical scores, I can't really find the words to describe how magnificent it is, so I just leave a link to it so that people can experience it for themselves. In this case, here you go. 
4. The way they tie Joker's origin to Batman's. Yes, that actually happened, and in a pretty clever way too! I dare not spoil it should anyone manage to go check it out, but it truly was a neat way to make it happen and it leaves me wondering where it could lead...possibly to a crossover with the upcoming Robert Pattinson trilogy?!
5. As I mentioned in the intro, this movie offers up an important message that must be addressed. Society has been shaped so that there are those who make it to the top...and those that are tossed to the curb. Here, Arthur falls into the latter, and it is that along with his deteriorating mental illness that contributes to his ultimate transformation into the Joker. To put it simply, the structure of society can contribute to the creation of monsters like the Joker, and if not careful can have drastic consequences. It is this message that the film conveys, and one that hopefully will be addressed and talked about for years to come. 

DOWNS

1. Ultimately, when being inspired by Taxi Driver, Joker starts to get a little self-indulgent in that regard. Having recently rewatched Taxi Driver, I realized this, and it got to the point where for a majority of the first half, it felt like the exact same film! Thankfully, Joker managed to come into its own as it progressed, but man, the similarities were distracting, thus keeping this film from being completely perfect. 

OVERALL

I have no words to describe Joker. It was a truly surreal experience and definitely the best film 2019 has offered so far. I don't think there can ever be a film quite like it, but it's nice to see that DC is finally allowing directors to craft character-driven stories that embrace their visions. The success that Joker is experiencing will no doubt shape the future of the industry going forward. Based on the movie, it seems like the best move possible. 

And that is is for this post guys, tune in for more coming your way and don't forget to...

Retro-Reviews: Taxi Driver (SPOILERS)

You talkin' to me?...

If you've heard that quote (which I can't imagine you haven't,) then you have, in a way, heard of Taxi Driver. Martin Scorsese is one of the most iconic filmmakers of all time, right up there with the likes of Spielberg, Kubrick, Tarantino, and Coppola. He's created many classics such as Goodfellas and is in the process of releasing his new flick, The Irishman. One thing many of his films share in common is the use of one iconic actor: that of Robert DeNiro. The pairing of Scorsese and DeNiro has produced some iconic films, and this one right here is easily one of the most cherished and beloved. With The Irishman right around the corner and a certain other film taking heavy inspiration from this film, I felt it natural to revisit Taxi Driver and determine what makes it such an iconic, dare I say it, masterpiece:

UPS

1. Robert DeNiro! Yes, the actor has had a huge variety of roles that it's hard to pick just one to consider his all time best, but his turn as Travis Bickle comes really, really close. There isn't much to be said about the performance. It is raw, vulnerable, and human, depicting what kind of fragile state one has to be in to succumb to the more brutal nature within their essence. Yes, Travis commits several brutal acts of violence and attempts to commit even worse atrocities, but the writing and DeNiro allow us to understand where he is coming from, ultimately making us question whether we should condemn him...or root for him.
2. The setting of New York. To this day, I don't think I have ever seen the Big Apple depicted in such a bleak and unsettling way. Scorsese's direction and the cinematography do an excellent job of conveying the way Travis sees the city, which makes his character arc that much more impactful. In every great story, the setting could be a character in and of itself, and Scorsese makes damn sure to incorporate that into the film.
3. Bernard Hermann's score.  To me, this score is just as important in capturing the essence of the film. The way it blends the smooth, peaceful sounds of the saxophone solo with that of the more bombastic sounds is something that is almost surreal. This being his final score before passing, Bernard Hermann really went out with a bang, crafting a score that will be timeless and irreplaceable. 

DOWNS

There is nothing in this film to really bring it down.

OVERALL

As I said, Taxi Driver is practically a masterpiece. I try not to make light of that term, but I can't think of many films that have hit all the right marks as this one does. It is a timeless tale that will remain relevant and influential for years to come. 

And that is it for this post, guys! Tune in for more coming your way and till then, take care :)

The Walking Dead Season 10: Death Predictions (SPOILERS)

The Walking Dead is about to return for its tenth season in less than a week. With that being said, a lot has changed since the last season. Thankfully, it has fallen into the capable hands of Angela Kang, so there is hope that the future will be bright. That being said, things are not looking so bright for our survivors as they face the evergrowing threat of the Whisperers. This will also be the season to mark the end of Danai Gurira's tenure on the show. In this post, I will go over who will survive Season 10, who I remain on the fence about, and those who I believe will perish. Let's begin:

LIVES
 Daryl
 Carol
 Michonne
 Aaron
 Jerry
 Siddiq
 Magna
 Yumiko
 Connie
 Judith
 Lydia

DEBATABLE (LEAST LIKELY TO MOST)
 Negan
 Gabriel
 Rosita
 Eugene

DIES
 Ezekiel
 Alden
 Alpha
 Beta

OTHER CHARACTERS

• Laura: Debatable
• Scott will die
• Barbara: Debatable
• Nora: Debatable
• Mrs. Robinson: Debatable
• Gracie will live
• RJ will live
• Earl: Debatable
• Nabila will live
• Bertie: Debatable
• Kal will die
• Oscar: Debatable
• Marco: Debatable
• Dianne will live
• Luke will die
• Kelly: Debatable
• Cyndie will live
• Rachel: Debatable
• Gamma will die
• Virgil: Debatable
• Dog: DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT!!!

And that's it for this post, guys! Tune in for more on the way and hopefully this show continues to improve with Season 10. Till then, take care :)

In The Mind Of: Pennywise The Dancing Clown/IT (SPOILERS)

Time to Float...

For every 27 years, something comes to Derry. Something strange, something dark, something...evil. It can't be explained, and there's no way to prove what it truly looks like. It doesn't even have a real name, simply being known as IT. This creature can take many forms, but its preferred host is that of a clown known simply as Pennywise. Under this guise, IT begins to actively seek out children (its favorite food source) to frighten and feed upon, which says a lot about its character. First, that it is a sentient being who revels in causing as much pain and suffering as it can, and secondly, that it ironically is a ginormous coward that can only function when its victims are afraid. If they fight back, IT can be destroyed, which almost is the case when a young group of children known as the Losers' Club decide to fight back. Narrowly escaping death, IT goes back into hibernation and decides to seek revenge on the Losers once it awakens, leaving several bodies in its wake (including that of fellow Loser Eddie Kaspbrak) before the combined might of the Losers in their adult prime come together to destroy IT for good. 

Pennywise/IT is for me one of, if the most, evil characters to ever grace the realm of fiction. It is as nightmarish as it is jovial, hilarious as it is sadistic. There is no shortage of horrors it can conjure up, and yet you'll find yourself laughing your head off at certain times because it is, at the end of the day, a clown after all. 

IT: Chapter Two (SPOILERS)

For 27 years, I've dreamnt of you, I've craved you, I've missed you...

Every 27 years, IT comes to feed on the (preferably young) souls of Derry. In 2017, we saw the beginning of that take place. Now, two years later, that story has reached its conclusion. IT is one of, if not the all-time greatest, Stephen King story ever written, and its cinematic adaptation has done a mostly solid job of bringing that story to the silver screen. With that being said, reviews for the second outing have not been as strong as that of the first, so where do I stand? Well, I freaking loved it, and I personally found myself enjoying this one more than the first and think it's the best movie of the year so far. Here's why:

UPS

1. The Losers Club. It had to have been extremely challenging for the filmmakers to cast actors who could capture the essence of the perfectly depicted younger versions of these characters. The challenge proved to be a success, as these actors embody what it'd be like to see these characters grow up. Honestly, it's hard to pick standouts because they're all so perfect. Of course, if we're going to talk about the Losers, we naturally have to move onto...
2. Bill Skarsgaard's Pennywise. While not saying he wasn't terrific in Chapter One, there were issues I had with how they amped up the creepier aspects of the character and not have that balanced by the more cheerful and jovial side that would come with being, well, a clown. That all changed here, where we really see Skaarsgaard truly come into his own and express a wide range for the character. He's cracking more jokes, playing more innocent to those who aren't so easily fooled, and even sings a freaking song for crying out loud...all while reminding us that he is at the end of the day a ravenous monster with little to no semblance of humanity within his dark soul. Pennywise has become a staple icon in the horror genre, and although he may not match the icon status that Tim Curry has, Skaarsgaard's performance here comes very close. 
3. That glorious cameo from Stephen King himself. Nuff said.
4. There were some pretty awesome references to other horror movies throughout the movie. In particular, there is one striking reference to John Carpenter's The Thing that will surely leave fans smiling when they see it. 
5. The ending. While the final battle wasn't the best it could have been (which I'll get to in a bit,) it was still immensely satisfying to see Pennywise finally destroyed for good, emotional with Eddie's final moments, Stan's letter, and the truth about Richie's feelings for Eddie, and finally heartwarming in that everything finally seemed to work out in the end. Bill's a better writer, Mike leaves Derry, Ben and Beverly are together, and although he loses Eddie, Richie is at least comfortable with being himself and acknowledging the feelings he harbored for Eddie. Also, it seems that the Losers have kept in touch and are likely to remain friends for the rest of their lives. Overall, the ending brings everything full circle in an absolutely perfect way and is probably why I find myself liking this one more than Chapter One.

DOWNS

1. Henry Bowers! Going in, I was curious to know exactly what was gonna happen with the Losers' childhood nemesis, especially since Chapter One showed him falling to his apparent death. Let's just say that he really should've stayed dead. At the end of the day, Bowers' role was so small and minuscule that it proved an annoying distraction that could easily be cut and nothing would change.
2. It does feel too long at times. Of course, while I do find the time was allotted really well for the most part, I think it could've easily been trimmed down quite a bit. As much as I love them, I don't think we needed so many flashback scenes with the younger Losers and wouldn't be missing much if they were cut.
3. The final battle is a tad underwhelming. Yes, I loved Pennywise finally being defeated, and there were several great moments featured like Bill overcoming his guilt over Georgie's death and Ben finally professing his love to Beverly, but I guess my disappointment lies within the fact that we never got to actually see a real final showdown. It really only amounts to the Losers running around trying to hide from Pennywise, who doesn't even turn into a fully fledged spider here, something I was really looking forward to seeing. 

OVERALL

I loved IT: Chapter Two. Like I said, the sense of finality along with a more fleshed out Pennywise and a great adult cast really elevated this one for me, so I can't see any reason to bash it.

 And that's it for this post, guys! Tune in for more on the way and till then, take care :)

Once Upon A Time...in Hollywood (SPOILERS)

Bring a little lovin'...

Quentin Tarantino is a household name in the Hollywood industry. Through his unique style of filmmaking, he has more than earned his place in cinema history, crafting several memorable hits such as Pulp Fiction, Kill Bill, and Django Unchained. In this, his ninth feature film, Tarantino has taken a trip down memory lane and exposed audiences to the world of 1960s Hollywood through the lens of a washed up actor, his stuntdouble, and a hit actress whose life ended in horrific tragedy. Now personally, I have always been a huge fan of Tarantino, so where do I find myself when it comes to Once Upon A Time...in Hollywood? Well, while it's certainly not a bad movie, it's definitely for me one of Tarantino's weaker outings and one that I may not hold in such high regard as some of his other works. Let's get into why that be the case:

UPS

1. Brad Pitt steals the show, which is excellent given that he's opposite the always superb Leonardo DiCaprio. While the latter does pull off a great performance as leading man Rick Dalton, Cliff Booth is far more interesting to follow and Pitt portrays him with such charisma that you can't help but love him. 
2. The setting. The time between the 60s and 70s is such a glorious time for pop culture, and it's so cool and interesting to see Tarantino's interpretation of how that was like in the former. I'm sure many, such as my father, had heavy bouts of nostalgic joy. For me, the little voiceover of Batman and Robin that played over the credits was a nice touch.
3. THAT ENDING! Tarantino has a knack for providing an alternate take on how certain historical events play out (i.e. the ending of Inglorious Bastards.) In this case, it's the Manson Family's horrific murder of Sharon Tate. Nothing prepared me for what I saw, and that has to be one of the most insane endings to a movie I have ever seen, one that came completely out of nowhere, but in this case that's a good thing.

DOWNS

1. This movie takes a long time to really get going and becomes a little self-indulgent in its runtime, which wouldn't be bad if I didn't find myself getting so bored at times. While I already mentioned that Leo's acting was impeccable and there were a few solid scenes sprinkled throughout (such as the moments he shares with rising star Julia Butters,) Rick is easily the least interesting of the main leads involved and one who took up too much screentime while others such as Margot Robbie's Tate get the short end of the stick. All in all, if Tarantino trimmed down the runtime a bit and allotted time for each character's storyline better, the movie would have benefited tremendously.

OVERALL

While I can't say I'm the biggest fan of Once Upon A Time...in Hollywood, I do appreciate certain aspects and think it's still a movie that's worth a watch. 

And that's it for this post, guys! Tune in for more coming your way :)

Retro-Reviews: The Lion King (2019/SPOILERS)

Can you feel the love tonight?...

With Disney taking a trip down memory lane by remaking several of their old animated classics, it was inevitable that they'd tackle one of their most beloved and successful, The Lion King. With that being said, it seems like it'd be a daunting task to even try to recapture the magic of the original. Of course, I was cautiously optimistic when I saw the cast and learned that Jon Favreau would be taking over as director. Now that I have seen it twice, how does it hold up? With The Lion King being my all-time favorite Disney movie and possibly my favorite film period, I had many hopes and fears going into this. What I can say is that while it does at times feel like a dull, soulless cash grab of a remake without any of the heart and magic that the original had, my second viewing allowed me to take a step back and appreciate the things that were great about it. Now let's get into the good and bad of the 2019 re-imagining of The Lion King:

UPS

1. It is visually stunning. While there are problems with making the movie a photorealistic take, the visuals are still a sight to behold, with Mufasa in particular looking as majestic as he should. The African wild is a beautiful sight to behold, so it's nice to see that captured in this movie. 
2. The songs and most of the voice acting are great. The music has received an overall mixed reception from many, but I thought it was great for the most part. The score remains as powerful and moving as it was in the original and I like the new spin on the songs, even the shortened version of "Be Prepared." As for the voice acting, this may have been the hardest department for them to nail, but I think most of them were rock solid. Particular standouts are of course Billy Eichner and Seth Rogen as Timon and Pumbaa, and though he had the challenge of filling in for Jeremy Irons, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar. Not every performance was the best it could be, but overall, we had some great stand-ins for the originals, who are practically iconic at this point. 

DOWNS

1. The lack of emotions in the animals. It's easy to say the movie went too far in making things realistic, as the animals barely show any feelings. Because of that, many of the more emotional scenes are somewhat awkward to watch because the vocal performance doesn't match the character's facial expressions...at all.
2. There were some choices made that left me scratching my head. Particular moments were having Beyonce's song "Spirit" play out during the sequence where Simba returns to Pride Rock (which made the moment feel like that of a music video more than an actual scene within the film,) scenes like Rafiki discovering Simba's mane being padded out, and "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" being sung during the day, which I believe can speak for itself. These may feel like nitpicks, but still, they were strange things I noticed and couldn't help but question Favreau's reasoning for incorporating them into the final product. 

OVERALL

The Lion King (2019) is flawed and doesn't come close to the iconic status of the original. Still, it's nice to see this story done through a news lens. More could've definitely been done with it, but I did enjoy most of what I saw. Again, I can't say it's great nor can I say it's terrible. It's just there, and that's all I can really say.

And that's it for this post, guys! Tune in for more on the way and till then, take care :)

Spider-Man: Far From Home (SPOILERS)

I LOVE LED ZEPPELIN...

After the emotional roller coaster Infinity War and Endgame took us fans on over the course of 2018 and 2019, the MCU decided to press down on the break and takes things slow with a little adventure starring our friendly-neighborhood Spider-Man...or is he Iron Man? Anyway, with the release of Spider-Man: Far From Home, Tom Holland's tenure as the web-slinging superhero continues to grow. It's safe to say that he's here to stay, at least for now. That being said, how does his latest venture stack up? Surprisingly not that well if I'm going to be honest. While the film has received incredible praise elsewhere, I cannot find myself enjoying this film as much. Let's start with what I did like about and then get into why Spider-Man: Far From Home is one of the most disappointing films of the year and one of my least favorite Spider-Man films by far:

UPS

1. The cast is great, even if they're stuck with not so great material. Tom Holland remains as endearing as ever as the titular hero even if the movie fails to reward his efforts. Jacob Batalon may not have been given as much to do this time around, but he still remains just as lovable as he was in Homecoming. If I had to pick two real standouts aside from the one I'll mention in my next UP, I'd have to go with Zendaya as MJ and Tony Revolori as Flash. Zendaya really gets time to shine this time around, and the romance between MJ and Peter is easily far superior to the practically non-existent one between him and Liz. Flash really surprised me in the best possible way. As opposed to the stuck-up, one dimensional jackass he was in Homecoming, Far From Home dials back on his jerkiness to add more layers to his character, making him more likable and even sympathetic when you witness the little moments that detail the relationship with his parents. Now of course, there is one who stood above them all, and that's none other than...
2. Jake Gyllenhal as Mysterio. Going into the movie, the sole thing that absolutely sold me on this film was how Gyllenhal would portray this classic villain, and boy did he deliver. Despite the awkward reveal of his true nature and his rather lazy motivation, Gyllenhal's performance allows the character to really shine, making him charming and likable when he puts on the facade of a noble, charismatic hero then twisting it around to reveal the true slimeball he is at heart. Of course, the scene where he throws Peter into a whirlwind of mind-trip illusions is easily one of the most unique and inventive sequences in the entire MCU and he manages to do something no other villain has done in a Spider-Man film by revealing Peter's identity to the world! Yeah, Mysterio truly left his mark.
3. It is and forever will be a true, honest to God blessing to have J.K. Simmons back as J. Jonah Jameson. At the end of the day, he truly is irreplaceable.

DOWNS

1. This movie hasn't really changed Peter in my eyes. By the end, he still remains the same young, dorky, happy-go-lucky kid that he was back in Civil War. He hasn't matured, he hasn't felt the weight of consequence, and he certainly hasn't learned that with great power comes great responsibility, which is ridiculous since I felt Homecoming did such a great job in that regard. If I'm going to be frank, Mysterio was only delaying the inevitable by revealing his identity since Peter did such a terrible job keeping it a secret in the first place. All in all, this allows me to jump into my second point...
2. Not letting Spider-Man come into his own. It's nice to see him integrated into the MCU, but can't we have a movie that's just about Spider-Man and not feel the need to connect it to the overall universe. I mean, I like all the appearances from characters like Nick Fury or the Skrulls, but I came here to watch Spider-Man, not see set-up for the next string of movies coming in Phase Four. And finally, stop comparing him to Tony! When going into this, I was interested to see how Peter would process Tony's death and how that would affect his story going forward, but the direction the movie went with was not something I ended up being fond of. Again, it all comes down to the fact that the producers of this film don't seem to want to let Peter become a hero on his own, relying on the need to compare him to Tony and make it out like it's his destiny to take his place instead of being...well, you know, SPIDER-MAN! What's worst of all is that they seemed to get the memo and show a scene in which Peter and Happy have a heartfelt talk about how Peter should not get riled up over trying to live up to Tony and instead be his own hero. It was such a great scene and gave me hope that this would truly shape Peter into the hero he was always meant to be...and then Happy blasted AC/DC and it all flatlined again. 
3. It may just be me, but it seems like the characters were written to be quip machines. Of course, not every character is like that, but I found it very distracting that every single scene has a character saying or doing something that was meant to usher in laughter. Of course, this being the MCU, it was inevitable that we were going to be showered with a dose of humor, but still, for every joke and quip, I think there needed to be more room for more dramatic moments that allowed the characters to show off more facets to their personalities, and that simply wasn't there. 

OVERALL

Apologies for my mini rant of sorts. I just wasn't pleased with how this film turned out and feel that the MCU is taking Spidey in a direction that doesn't do him justice. With the bombshell the movie left us with in the first post-credit scene, I hope we can get a more personal and dramatic story that allows Tom Holland's acting chops to kick in full gear and give us all the heart and soul we have come to expect from a Spider-Man film because as of right now, I'm just not feeling it. 

And that's it for this post, guys. Tune in for more coming your way :)

In The Mind Of: Sheriff Woody Pride (SPOILERS)

Reach for the Sky...

We all have that one toy that holds a special place in our heart, so much so that we even consider it a living person that we can call a friend. For me, it's my camel. For Andy Davis, it's a cowboy doll with a snake in his boot. For as long he can remember, Woody has always been Andy's best friend, and they would always do everything together. For that reason, there is nothing he wouldn't do for Andy, even if it's not always the best course of action. When a new toy by the name of Buzz Lightyear arrives and becomes Andy's new go-to plaything, Woody's jealously gets the better of him, which in turn alienates him from his friends and puts him and Buzz in danger. Here, though, is where both he and Buzz come to realizations about themselves that allow them to grow and become friends. Together, they escape certain doom and return to Andy as partners who will look out for each other and share Andy's love equally.

Over the course of the Toy Story series, Woody has been in several situations where he questions his purpose in life. On one hand, his sense of loyalty makes him feel obligated to making a child, be it Andy or Bonnie, happy. On the other, he also wants to live a life outside of obligation, one where he can truly live of his own accord. Ultimately, once he is reunited with his old flame, Bo Peep, Woody discovers the life he has always wanted, only that it comes at a cost. Because he chooses to follow his own path, he has to leave his old friends behind, including Buzz. 

Woody is the heart of the Toy Story series. It was he who kept everything and everyone together, and through him the other toys have been able to find their own sense of belonging in the world. Woody himself grows from the experiences he shares with others as they do from him. By the end, he now can truly live life of his own accord. To Infinity...

And Beyond...

Retro-Reviews: Toy Story 4 (SPOILERS)

Being there for a kid is the most noble thing a toy can do...

The Toy Story franchise holds a special place in the hearts of many. The original trilogy is easily one of the greatest there is, holding a lot of heart, emotion, and all around fun for the whole family to enjoy. It also had one of the most perfect endings to a story ever, so when it was announced that a fourth film would be released, there were obviously concerns. I myself thought that this being Toy Story would mean that it would at least be enjoyable if not something that would be treasured the way the first three are. Once I saw it, I, like many others, do feel it is the weakest of the four but nowhere near as bad as many of those more bitter about the announcement would believe it to be. Let's get into why Toy Story 4 was worth the release, and why, if necessary, it wasn't:

UPS

1. For starters, the animation. It's come a long way from the first movie to say the least. Just take that sequence in the rain! Absolutely gorgeous. 
2. The new characters were welcome additions. I wasn't sure how I felt about Forky at first, but as the movie progressed, he ended up being one of the best characters in the movie let alone the entire series. Likewise, Ducky and Bunny were a perfect comic relief duo who are the centerpiece of easily the funniest moment in the series. Then there's Duke Caboom, and can I say more about how great he is? YES I CANADA!!! Alas, I'll leave it there and continue on to the next three characters who shared the greatest spotlight. 
3. The arc of Gabby Gabby. When you compare her to the other villains, it almost seems cruel to call her one despite the fact that she does several morally questionable things in her quest to accomplish her goals. Still, it's easy to root for her once the extent of her pained and broken nature is out in the open. Once she is able to find herself a kid who will love and cherish her, you can't help but shed a tear at how happy it is to see things go right for her. 
4. The return of Bo Peep. One of the advantages this movie had was being able to tie up any loose ends that weren't wrapped up in the third movie; most glaring of all the whereabouts of Woody's old flame. While it was great seeing her return, it was even better to see them give her a complete revamp on her character. In the place of her previous characterization, Toy Story 4 shows off Bo's more adventurous and active lifestyle, allowing us to see a different side that adds new layers and not only makes her a better character but one that has a clear impact on Woody's arc. Speaking of which...
5. After leaving this movie, it's easy to see that this movie was made to offer a fitting conclusion to the story of Woody. It was really interesting to see that as Bonnie began to divert her attention to other things, Woody started to question his purpose in life, making it his mission to make Bonnie's life happy even when he himself is not. It makes it all the more emotional when he helps Forky see the meaning behind being there for a child (which gives him newfound purpose,) offer Gabby Gabby a chance to find her happy ending, and finally choose to stay with Bo and her friends to go on adventures of their own. While the ending itself may not hit as hard as the one in Toy Story 3, it still packs the punch when you see Woody say goodbye to his old friends which leads to the fact that this may very well be the last time we ever see the old gang together again. At least we have the assurance that even though Woody will no longer be with Buzz, Jesse, and the others, they will still hold a place in his heart. 

DOWNS

1. Though we managed to get the emotional goodbye scene at the end, the fact of the matter is that the other toys were sidelined for the most part. While it can be justified considering this movie focused more on the culmination of Woody's journey as well as introducing the other toys, it is still jarring to see characters like Jesse placed in the background and showcased for a single scene or so. Buzz had it better than the others for sure, but even he feels like a bit of an afterthought in the grand scheme of things. Still, what we got from Buzz was great and of course the ending made up for the lack of screentime the others were given. 

OVERALL

Toy Story 4 is the kind of movie that didn't need to happen but at the end of the day, almost no one is complaining that it did. For that, even though it may not be as revered as the first three, it will stand by them with pride. 

And that's it for this post, guys! Tune in for more on the way :)

To Infinity and Beyond...

Child's Play (2019/SPOILERS)

You are my buddy, until the end...

Slashers are a staple of the horror genre. These movies are the kind that many go to just watch these icons slash and dash their way through several unsuspecting victims. Michael, Jason, Freddy, Leatherface, the list goes on and on. Among these guys is Chucky the killer doll. Chucky has always been a favorite of mine, being that what sets him and his movies apart from the others is that they add a touch of humor that makes for some quality entertainment. He's been after the same kid for the first three movies, then he got married, had a son, and recently ended his original tenure creating an army of multiple versions of himself. What is even better is that he's actually had very few bumps in the road, with only a few installments ranging from average to downright awful. All of this good buzz has been propelled by the iconic voicework of Brad Dourif, who is to Chucky what Robert Englund is to Freddy. Now when news surfaced that the series was to be rebooted with a whole new crew and Dourif no longer voicing the character, you can imagine how concerned I was. Then this happened. Needless to say, that played a big part in wiping away all of my concerns. Aside from the awful design of Chucky, the marketing also did a good job of really selling this as something completely different from the original which was deeply appreciated by me. Things were looking up for this movie, so how did it hold up? Surprisingly well. Honestly, I loved this movie so freaking much! It was everything I could want in a Chucky movie and I was finding myself enjoying it more than the originals at times. With that being said, let's get into what makes Child's Play a hit and what doesn't:

UPS

1. The cast is solid. One thing that was a plus from the start was that the movie was populated by several incredible and popular actors. Overall, they all did a really good job, especially Aubrey Plaza, Bryan Tyree Henry, and Gabriel Bateman. They added a lot to their characters and made it easy to care about them and their struggles, particularly in Bateman's case. Of course, they are no match for the standout, who is none other than...
2. CHUCKY! There were so many ways the producers of this movie could have ruined this character, but it's safe to say that they did not do anything of the sort. In fact, the new spin they gave Chucky was probably the best thing that they could have done in their situation. Having him be a robot who developed a real bond to Andy brought a sympathetic light to the character and offered a more tragic iteration that produces a clever message about the many dangers that come with producing AI technology. And of course, Mark Hamill nails the voicework as I always knew he would. He may not be as iconic as Dourif, but if there was anyone who could even come close to replacing him, it would have to be Mark. 
3. As morbid as this sounds, the kills. This movie was outrageously gory...and it's all the better for it. The clear standouts are Karen's bastard boyfriend Shane, the creepy apartment custodian who shares an uncanny recognition to Jack Black, and the massacre at the store. All the kills were just so over the top and bonkers that as gruesome as they were, the absurdity of it all makes it a joy to watch instead of being hard to stomach. 
4. That kickass theme song from Bear McCreery, composer of the The Walking Dead. Oh, and the "Buddi Song" :)
5. The tone of this movie is definitely fitting for a Chucky movie. It knows exactly what kind of movie it is and rolls right along with it. Simply put, if you love Chucky and especially when the movies take the horror-comedy route, then you will have an absolute blast watching this movie.

DOWNS

1. Some wonky effects in regards to Chucky's new design. Admittedly, the look of the doll is not great but I actually grew to like it once I saw that it highlighted the Quasimodo-esque nature of Chucky before he makes the shift into evil killer doll. I do not however like when a moving mouth is clearly photoshopped onto the doll. It is so utterly distracting, and for a film that is actually incredibly well made for the most part, this is a glaring flaw that persists throughout. 
2. I was surprised and rather disappointed with how there wasn't much time dedicated to the idea that no one believes Andy when he tells them Chucky is alive. Given how integral that was to the story of the original, it seems odd with how little it actually occurs here, and the times that it does happen are so minuscule that it seems rather unnatural with how everyone turned against him in the ways that they did. I don't know, I was just put off by how he has one little outburst and that leads to his mother being concerned for his well being and his friends thinking he's a freak even though they helped him hide a severed head and were perfectly fine with hanging around him afterwards. Doesn't really add up to me. 

OVERALL

Child's Play managed to be an incredibly solid remake that set itself apart from the original and put a nice little twist on the story. It's not all perfect, but overall, a worthy addition to the franchise and a testament to how remakes can be done right. 

And that's it for this post, guys! Tune in for more on the way and till then, take care :)

In The Mind Of: Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen (SPOILERS)

We break the Wheel together...

Westeros is a cruel and unforgiving place filled with deception, betrayal, and murder. It was not where heroes would triumph over the villains and bring about everlasting peace. The fact of the matter is that nothing comes easy in this world. Despite all of this, there are still people out there who wish to do the right thing and make it a better place. Among them are Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Snow, two people who have been outcasts in the past before eventually becoming two of the most influential and powerful people in Westeros. 

Both come from rather obscure places. Jon is the illegitimate son of Lord Eddard Stark who does not know the identity of his mother and feels out of place in the Stark family due to his status as a "bastard." Daenerys, meanwhile, is the daughter of the Mad King Aerys Targaryen, whose tyrannical reign was ended during Robert's Rebellion. Born as soon as her family fled King's Landing, Dany never knew what life was like outside of where she and her brother Viserys were held up. Eventually, both Jon and Dany go on journeys of self discovery that shape them into the people they become. 

Joining the Night's Watch, Jon matures into a braver man who realizes that what he thought he wanted was far from what he needed, and it is through developing bonds with people like Sam and Ygritte that he starts to see that. Likewise, Dany is faced with several struggles that test her resolve and how far she is willing to go to get what she wants. Through the strength of her compassion and the advice of people like Jorah, she is able to check her worst impulses and become a fierce yet caring leader.

By the time these two meet, they both have reached high points in their lives. Jon has become King in the North and Dany has amassed an army large enough to take back the Iron Throne. It is here that tragedy strikes. Once she reaches Westeros, Dany is faced with overwhelming odds that see her lose a lot of what she cares about. Likewise, Jon is faced with the burden of being King, which brings responsibilities he has no desire of holding. In spite of this they manage to find allegiance with one another which soon blossoms into romance. Together, they work with everyone else to combat the greatest threat imaginable and manage to defeat it. However, what seals the final nail in the coffin is the truth of Jon being the son of Dany's late brother, Rhaegar Targaryen, and Lyanna Stark, thus making him Dany's nephew and the true heir to the Iron Throne. From here, their relationship takes a downward spiral and further complications cause Dany to give into her darker nature, which in turn forces Jon to make the ultimate sacrifice and take her life before she can bring ruin to a world she sought to save and protect.

In the end, Jon and Dany's story is not particularly happy, especially in Dany's case. Still, their actions led to the status quo being changed and the people of Westeros opting to elect who rules from now on. Ultimately, Westeros is far from where it could be, but there's a glimmer of hope that change is coming, so it was not a completely bitter end for the two of them either. Plus we got this :)

UPDATES: Top 10s for Game of Thrones (SPOILERS)

With Game of Thrones officially over, it's time for my final updates of the Top 10s. Let's see how things have changed one last time:

Top 10 Moments
 10. "Hold The Door" (Season 6 Episode 5 "The Door")
 9. The Battle of Blackwater (Season 2 Episode 9 "Blackwater")
 8. The Battle of Hardhome (Season 5 Episode 8 "Hardhome")
 7. The Battle of Winterfell (Season 8 Episode 3 "The Long Night")
 6. The Battle of The Bastards (Season 6 Episode 9 "Battle of the Bastards")
 5. Drogon burning the Iron Throne/The Last of The Starks (Season 8 Episode 6 "The Iron Throne")
 4. The Red Wedding (Season 3 Episode 9 "The Rains of Castamere")
 3. Tyrion killing Tywin (Season 4 Episode 10 "The Children")
 2. Ned's Death (Season 1 Episode 9 "Baelor")
 1. All of "The Winds of Winter" (Season 6 Episode 10 "The Winds of Winter")

Top 10 Episodes
 10. "Blackwater" (Season 2 Episode 9)
 9. "Hardhome" (Season 5 Episode 8)
 8. "The Long Night" (Season 8 Episode 3)
 7. "Battle of The Bastards" (Season 6 Episode 9)
 6. "The Dragon and The Wolf" (Season 7 Episode 7)
 5. "The Bells" (Season 8 Episode 5)
 4. "The Rains of Castamere" (Season 3 Episode 9)
 3. "Baelor" (Season 1 Episode 9)
 2. "The Children" (Season 4 Episode 10)
 1. "The Winds of Winter" (Season 6 Episode 10)

Top 10 Characters
 10. Petyr "Littlefinger" Baelish
 9. Sansa Stark
 8. Jaime Lannister
 7. Eddard "Ned" Stark
 6. Tyrion Lannister
 5. Theon Greyjoy
 4. Sandor "The Hound" Clegane
 3. Jon Snow and Daenerys Targaryen
 2. Cersei Lannister
 1. Arya Stark

And that's it! Consider these my definitive rankings for Game of Thrones. What a journey it has been.