Star Wars The Clone Wars: The Final Season (SPOILERS)

To a dark place, this line of thought will carry us...

A long, long time ago, a piece of this franchise had a home on Cartoon Network. Following a shaky start with a not-so stellar theatrical film, The Clone Wars was a show that, like all the great ones, evolved over time. What started as a fun little episodic series bridging the gap between Episodes II and III became a show that dealt with themes that were deeper and darker, even for Star Wars, all the while addressing some of the pitfalls in the trilogy that spawned it. Simply put, this became a treasured item to the Star Wars fandom before not one, but two cancellations as George Lucas signed over the rights to the House of Mouse. While its initial six-season run was something that would always be cherished, it was only natural for the fandom to crave the true conclusion that they expected. For a time, it seemed to be only a dream...until finally, after so long, The Clone Wars returned for one last season! That being said, was it really worth the wait? When things like this happen, it could be crushed under the weight of the hype. Thankfully, the final season of The Clone Wars, while not without its pitfalls, was everything I wanted and more. Now let's get into why that is the case:

UPS

1. The animation and music. The good thing about having this hiatus was that the crew was able to produce all the episodes with the most up-to-date technology, and boy does it show! The last four episodes in particular are just filled to the brim with gorgeous animation and breathtaking music. I mean, that Ahsoka/Maul lightsaber duel, anyone? Or the final moment where Ahoska and Rex built a memorial for their fallen brothers? Or the moment where Order 66 is commenced? Speaking of which...
2. The Siege of Mandalore Arc. This...this right here....is what the whole series was building towards and the whole reason having the final season be released was such a joy to behold. It seemed inevitable, but unlikely, that we would get a whiff of the series addressing the events of Revenge of the Sith. Not only are the events addressed, but they coincide with what happens in this arc, which means that we get to see events like Order 66 happen from the perspective of characters like Ahsoka, Rex, and Maul. This makes for an even more satisfying and powerful conclusion and man, that final scene, a truly perfect way to cap off this series. 

DOWNS

1. The first two arcs, while not bad, are nothing special. This pertains more to the "Martez Sisters" arc than "The Bad Batch" one, but both feel so separate from the last arc that it only felt fair to mention them here. "The Bad Batch" arc was a fun little arc that saw the return of Echo, which is no doubt a plus, but having a tone similar to that of the first few seasons while premiering during the final season just made it feel out of place. "The Martez Sisters" arc, on the other hand, just had no reason to be four episodes long, even if it addressed the whereabouts of Ahsoka and offered a different perspective of the Jedi. This could've easily been condensed into two or three episodes so that time could be spent on another arc that was developed but never saw the light of day.

OVERALL

Star Wars: The Clone Wars concluded with a bang despite a rather rocky start. That last arc was no doubt some of the best storytelling that this franchise has produced in years. I hope that Dave Filoni will continue to be an active voice in pushing the franchise forward.

RATING: 8/10 - B+

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

Onward (SPOILERS)

Uh Oh, It's Magic...

The film industry has taken a heavy beating this year. While hopefully things will be able to bounce back for the most part, there's no doubt that the road to recovery is a long way ahead. Pixar's Onward is one of those films that has been affected by the Coronavirus, with a short-lived theater release before moving straight to Disney+. Judging from that statement, I bet you can guess how I was able to see this movie. Pixar is one of those studios that will offer some of the best family-friendly entertainment there is simply because the studio crafts stories that not only provide fun for the whole family, but also take risks and are rich with themes that resonate with everyone. That being said, not every feature can be Toy Story or Up, and they're have been some less than stellar entries that border on being downright forgettable. With how this one was positioned, it seemed we were gonna be faced with the latter. For me, I find it in the middle. It's not top-tier Pixar, but I still find it very enjoyable and a movie that has a very profound and moving story. Now let's see what makes Onward work and what doesn't:

UPS

1. Tom Holland and Chris Pratt. Frankly put, this paring is a dream come true. They hold a great dynamic that stands as the heart of the film. While I have issues with how the film tackles their relationship, Holland and Pratt's chemistry still shines bright and if they ever make a live-action movie where the two are cast as brothers, I would totally check it out.
2. The film moves at a pretty reasonable pace. While that comes at the cost of some solid worldbuilding and potential character drama, it does help to keep the film engaging and immerse you in the quest that the brothers share. It never felt stretched out or overstayed its welcome, and that I think is worth a plus in the UP department for me. 
3. The ending. Simply put, this is what sets Onward above other Pixar entries that don't reach the levels set by more iconic entries. The whole film revolves around the brothers bringing back their father and that of course is where the emotion comes in. What makes the ending stand out however is that it actually manages to subvert expectations in a way that feels satisfying and impactful. It may not have been what I expected, but in the end, it packed the punch and for that it felt like a fitting end. 

DOWNS

1. The film's pace, while good for the movie, does cause a bit of trimming that I feel keeps the film from being something truly special. As mentioned before, the world that this film presents is so intricate and fascinating that I would have totally supported taking some time to explore it. Likewise, and most irritating of all, it seemed like the film was setting up tension between the brothers only to drop it as soon as it was introduced. Frankly, I don't think having this happen would elevate the film per se, but if the producers were going to take time to set it up, then they should have at least tried to commit to it, even if for a small chunk of the runtime. 

OVERALL

Onward is not one of my favorite Pixar films, but it's also nowhere close to being forgettable. In fact, I think this is one of those films that's ripe for a sequel. Should that happen, I'd definitely check it out.

RATING: 7/10 - B

And that's it for this post, guys. Stay safe out there and tune in for more coming your way :)

Better Call Saul: Season 5 (SPOILERS)

50% Off...

Ashamed as I am to admit it, I still haven't gotten around to watching Breaking Bad, something I will hopefully remedy now given our current circumstances. That being said, I have been a consistent follower of its spinoff prequel, and if Breaking Bad is anything like this, I know I'm in for a good ride. Better Call Saul is a show that, like its titular character, has experienced a gradual evolution as a series. With the conclusion of its penultimate fifth season, it has truly become something special. Let me get into why that is the case:

UPS

1. Jimmy's continual descent. Now taking on the mantle of Saul Goodman, we are really starting to see the sleazy lawyer we all know and love come into fruition. Despite that, there still is a little piece of Jimmy left in him, and that makes for compelling viewing that the writing and the ever dependable Bob Odenkirk make great use of. Now that Jimmy is sinking deeper and deeper into the criminal underworld, it'll be interesting to see what finally pushes him over the edge...and how this factors in to the flash forwards involving "Gene." However, what makes this season so memorable is that even though we are finally seeing Saul in action, it actually wasn't the most shocking and interesting development to happen. Case in point...
2. KIM WEXLER! This...this was not what I expected! At all! Am I complaining? Hell no! Throughout the series, Kim has always been the heart and the moral compass that kept the series grounded in reality. We watched her grow, struggle, and persevere. She was the shining light that brightened the day when things weren't going so well otherwise. Throughout this season, we really see that put to the test as her relationship with Jimmy is pushed to its breaking point. And still, we root for her, pray for her, wish that things will be okay for her...and then this happens. Yes, it seems like Kim is now one of the many characters in this franchise to, pardon the pun, break bad, and even more disturbing is that, if her plans for Howard are anything to go by, her schemes seem to be more vindictive and damaging to her soon-to-be victims. Really, when Jimmy becomes worried, you know we're gonna be in for a hell of a ride come the final season. 
3. How everything is starting to come together. Now that we are reaching the end, we are starting to see how this series will gradually lead Jimmy to where he ends up in Breaking Bad, and the results have been pretty exciting. Not only did the aforementioned, earth-shattering development occur, but we now have Lalo on a warpath after having just survived Gus' latest assassination attempt. And with everything he has seen and knows, I expect a lot of characters being in danger as we reach the final go-around. I don't know what to expect, given I actually expected Lalo to bite it in the finale, but man oh man, I am biting my nails in anticipation!

DOWNS

None of particular note.

OVERALL

Better Call Saul: Season 5 was a perfect penultimate season. It set the stage for the conclusion in a grand and exciting way. I can't wait to see what happens, and hopefully I'll be all caught up with Breaking Bad and El Camino beforehand. For now, though, I am so impressed with how far this show has come, and while I am sad to see it go, I just hope that when the final season does come along, it goes out on a high. 

RATING: 10/10 - A+

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

BoJack Horseman (SPOILERS)

Everyday it gets a little easier, but you gotta do it every day. That's the hard part, but it does get easier...

2020 has been a very peculiar year...to say the least. In the midst of all the chaos going on at this very moment, I have dedicated this post to being about a show that ended at the tail end of January. To put into words the ways this show has affected me personally is something that could possibly take up a novel's length of thought. To narrow down my thought process, I knew about BoJack, heard great things about BoJack, and had plans to eventually check out BoJack. Of course, planning isn't the same as doing, and it was a while before I actually brought myself to do so. Then, I got it recommended by a friend, and started watching weekly showings of the first season on Comedy Central. It was a pleasant joy to experience, to say the least, so much so that I couldn't keep myself from binging the last two episodes on Netflix before going full speed ahead. It then happened that this viewing experience coincided with a very personal loss...right as the show began to unfold into what made it such a phenomenon in the first place. Never in a million years did I think an animated sitcom about a talking horse could hold such a deep, meaningful, emotionally profound story about a truly broken individual who is doing all he can to be a better person. BoJack Horseman wasn't just a show for me anymore. It became something deeper, something surreal, something meaningful. It has become something I hold near and dear to my heart, possibly being my favorite show of all time. Now that it has ended, I have finally decided to make this post about why that is the case:

UPS

1. Let's start off by talking about the talking horse himself. BoJack is without a doubt one of the most complex, fascinating, and truly greatest characters to come from the realm of fiction, possibly even being my personal favorite. He has so many layers to him that there really is no clear-cut way to feel about him. On the surface, he's quite an asshole, but does have his moments and is pretty funny. It's when the series goes deeper that we realize there is so much more to BoJack, and with that, we have a character that we not only learn to care for, but one that we beg will get the chance to change and earn a happy ending. While it wasn't that clear-cut, it is nice to know that in the end, BoJack seems to be in a better place than he was.
2. The other characters. While BoJack is the glue that keeps everything together and always will be, he's got a great supporting cast to follow up. Starting things off, Diane is the heart of the show, being the one person who brings out the best in others despite struggling with her own insecurities and personal demons. Watching her journey unfold is about as rewarding as BoJack's, and there's the beauty of it all; while the show is primarily about BoJack, it does not push the other characters aside. It gives them room shine so much so that they could even carry the show themselves. Todd and Mr. Peanutbutter start out being standard comic relief characters, but as the show goes on, they become more well-rounded and show off more facets to their characters that make where they end up in the end more fulfilling. Finally, my personal favorite character, aside from BoJack of course, is Princess Carolyn, who is just such a joy to watch and has probably the most fitting and satisfying ending of all the main characters. Other characters like Herb, Charlotte, Secretariat, Sarah Lynn, HollyHock, and Beatrice also manage to affect the show in major (and in some particular cases devastating) ways.
3. The way this show integrates the animation with the subject matter. I know this being an adult cartoon can be offputting for some, but I don't think the show would work as well if it was live-action. For one, there's talking animals, but more importantly, the animation in this show is used in ways that allow the show to express everything that could be used to visually represent the inner thought process of BoJack. The episode "Stupid Piece of Shit" and the penultimate episode, "The View from Halfway Down," are prime examples of that. Overall, the animation is a creative way of allowing the show to express the more surreal elements of the show. 
4. The overall message. As previously mentioned, BoJack starts off the show being quite an asshole who does some pretty terrible things, but it's clear as the show progresses that he is trying to mellow out and be a better person, which makes it all the more devastating when something happens that either messes him up completely and/or he makes one terrible choice that nearly destroys any goodwill he may have gained beforehand. Still, he trudges on, and we're hoping, no, praying that he can change. This show tackles everything that encompasses the way one goes about dealing with the troubles in their lives, and how they rise above their demons to be the best possible version of themselves. It's something truly inspiring to watch and has affected me in a very personal way. 

DOWNS

1. In some aspects, the final season feels a tad bit rushed. Not to say that it wasn't great, because it was, but there are some things about it that keep it just a tad short of perfect. Most importantly, there's some plotlines that are pretty much left on a hanging thread. The two hugest examples of that are regarding Penny and Charlotte revisiting the trauma of BoJack's visit, and HollyHock cutting off BoJack. For me, the plotlines revolving around these three seemed like they were cut short, as if they were only meant to serve a purpose to the main storyline of BoJack being alienated over the incident regarding Sarah Lynn despite the fact that they are left at points where they could have evolved into more. Given that BoJack got closure with almost everyone that he cared about, it would've been nice that even if he never got the chance to patch things up, he (and by extension us) could at least know that HollyHock, his sister, was going to be okay. 

OVERALL

What can I say about BoJack Horseman? This show has impacted me in so many ways. It's funny, it's emotional, it's heartfelt, it's depressing...it's everything. If you haven't seen it yet, please give it a watch. You will not be prepared for what you are about to experience, but my hope is that once you finish, you walk away feeling the same way I did when I reached the end of the journey. 

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

Be safe out there everyone!

1917 (SPOILERS)

I am a poor wayfaring stranger...

War is Hell, and film has done a great job capturing that. There have been may truly remarkable films within this genre, and 1917 can stand tall among them. Towards the end of 2019, this film gained major traction and was set to be a major reaper of awards at the Oscars. While that wasn't the case, this movie still manages to be a tremendous achievement in a number of ways. Here's why:

UPS

1. The one-take. Yes, it's been buzzed about that this film was shot to look like one long, continuous take...and that's exactly how it's presented. For the entirety of the movie, you feel like you're following Blake and Scofield on their journey and get a firsthand look at what it's like to be a soldier during this war. To put it bluntly...it's not great. What's even better is that the most glaring cut happens at a point that makes logical sense in terms of what happens. Now of course, there were probably several more cuts, but it's a testament to the filmmaking that they are barely noticed and do nothing to tarnish such a incredible technical achievement. Speaking of which...
2. Roger Deakins' cinematography. If the one-take transported you into the world of World War I, then the cinematography was what immersed you in it. Deakins is a master at crafting these shots that look so authentic and real that you can't help but be awed by the raw beauty of what you are seeing. That whole sequence in the town at night alone...truly breathtaking. 1917 may not have ran off with as many Oscars as originally thought, but it did manage to snag the one that was very clearly deserved. 
3. Dean Charles Chapman and George McKay's performances. The story of this film is rather simple, so it helps that these actors bring us incredibly likable leads to follow. Chapman, familiar to those who have seen Game of Thrones, fills Blake with a youthful idealism that clashes well with Scofield's more jaded outlook on the war. It's this bright optimism that makes his rather shocking death (I seriously did not see it coming) harder to take in. Of course, the heart of this film lies with McKay, who really carries the weight of literally everything as he becomes the sole star of this film. Watching Scofield endure all the obstacles, all the pain, all the loss, is something truly enthralling to behold. He's an easy lead to root for, and the ending is all the more cathartic because of it. 

DOWNS

None of particular note.

OVERALL

1917, while rather simplistic in terms of story, is a technical marvel of a film. Do I think it got snubbed at the Oscars? Honestly no, but I do think it was a great film in its own right and should definitely be checked out if one gets the chance.

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

Uncut Gems (SPOILERS)

This is me. This is how I win...

Adam Sandler is one of the most interesting actors working in Hollywood. He's built a career starring in comedies, some good, great even, and others...not so much. Given the track record some of his more infamous outings have left behind, it wouldn't be a surprise if there are those out there who said he was one of the worst actors working today. However, I am here to tell you that that is not the case...far from it in fact. Uncut Gems is a film that proves with the right creative team, any "bad" actor can show the true talent they have buried inside them:

UPS

1. Adam Sandler is terrific! Absolutely, positively terrific! He plays the character of Howard with an endearing sleaziness that only he could pull off. Howard is a selfish, greedy, self-destructive scumbag who would probably gain the utmost disdain from just about anybody, and yet we find ourselves attached to him because Sandler provides his own brand of charm and humor to make him amusing to watch, even as the writing and direction make no bones about what kind of man he is. Speaking of which...
2. The Safdies. I think as great as Sandler is, these two are the crown jewel. They have such an incredible style that imbues this frantic energy within the film that has the audience immerse themselves in Howard's journey...which could prove to be a challenge given how anxiety-ridden and overly intense it is. Combine their direction with a sharp script written by them and Ronald Bronstein, and these brothers are two filmmakers worthy of recognition, which brings me to my next point that can be a more general topic of discussion as opposed to being regulated to the film itself...
3. A24. This studio, man. It has produced some of the most well-regarded and critically acclaimed films of recent years, with this fortunately being one of them. To have this film made the way it is shows that A24 is a company that cares about and allows filmmakers the creative freedom to produce the passion projects that they wish to bring to our world. For that, I find the company to be very commendable.  

DOWNS

1. The overly excessive cursing. This maybe pretty hypocritical of me given my own rather colorful vocabulary, but I feel that when every other line out of a character's mouth contains "fuck" or "shit" or any other variation, it could prove a little tiresome after a while. This movie is no different. This is very minor in the grand scheme of things, but it was just a little distracting once the movie got further along.  

OVERALL

Uncut Gems is a great movie. A really, really great movie. If I had seen it at the time of its release last year, it would've definitely made the Top 10 and have a very good chance of being near the top. If you love Adam Sandler, A24, or just need something that'll give you an experience unlike never before, then go see this! You won't regret it! 

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

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 :)

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...

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 :)

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 :)

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 :)

Avengers: Endgame (SPOILERS)

Part of the Journey is the End...

It all led to this. After 11 years of moviemaking, the MCU has brought us the true culmination of everything they have been building towards since it all began with Iron Man way back in 2008. After the emotional turmoil Infinity War put audience members through, it was up to the Avengers to settle the endgame and reverse the damage that had been done, whatever it takes. Now honestly, I couldn't formulate a full opinion until I saw it a second time because while I do think it offers up a truly satisfying conclusion to this story, it has a few issues that Infinity War didn't. Now let's get into what makes Endgame the perfect conclusion to the Infinity Saga and what doesn't:

UPS

1. The movie is 3 hours long, and yet it never feels like it's completely bloated and breezes right through all the same. There's a lot to unpack in this film, and I feel that for the most part, the runtime allotted for it nicely. There were definitely some things that could have been trimmed down (some of which I will mention later,) but for a movie as big as this one, I think it worked just fine. 
2. Though I have issues with the concept of time travel itself, it was great revisiting big moments from some of the other movies, particularly the Battle of New York and Peter Quill dancing to "Come and Get Your Love." There's also a couple of nice scenes where Tony is able to have a heart-to-heart with his father, which plays a big part in what is to come, same with Thor and his mother. Overall, while I feel the movie still falls under the issues of time travel, I think seeing these moments and taking a trip down memory lane was a real joy to behold. 
3. The final battle. Yes, the big, grand, absolutely epic final battle that featured everyone, and I mean EVERYONE!!! Filled with so many fist-pumping moments and having every character get a chance to shine, it was incredible to see this pulled off, and I wonder if there will ever be a scene to top it. As of right now, all I can say is that it truly seems impossible!
4. This being the end of the Infinity Saga, it also sees the end of several mainstays who've been there since the beginning. Thankfully, many characters get the proper conclusion to their arcs up to this point and have the seeds planted for future endeavors. Particular standouts, for me, are Nebula, Black Widow, and Captain America. To start off, Nebula has been a very intriguing character throughout the MCU ever since she debuted in Guardians of The Galaxy, and this movie sees the culmination of how far she's come since then. While there are issues regarding the scene where she kills her past self, it is a perfect symbolic moment that reinforces her development, and I look forward to where she will go in Guardians 3. Now Black Widow shocked me. I did not see her death coming, and while I think the way the scene played out was kinda ridiculous, I've come to see that this fits her character, as she has always tried to find ways to atone for her past, and taking the ultimate sacrifice so that half the universe could return is about as noble as you can get. Finally, Cap is one that really pleased me because given the buzz surrounding what seemed like his inevitable death, it was simply refreshing to see that not only did he survive, but he also was able to live out the life he always wanted, share that long awaited dance with Peggy Carter, and pass down the torch to Sam, who will now go off  on adventures with Bucky to carry on their old friend's legacy. Now, there were many great conclusions, but of course, there was one that managed to stand above the rest and deserve its own spot in the UPS section. Let's discuss it...
5. "I love you 3000." At the end of the day, it was none other than Tony Stark who made the final sacrifice to ensure that the universe would be saved and everything would go back to normal. It was a perfect ending to a character who has shaped this franchise into what it has become and it really shows how far Tony has come since everything began way back in his first solo outing. Robert Downey Jr. gave it his all, and while the future still looks bright for the MCU, it will never be the same without him.

DOWNS

1. While I thought the time travel was done well for the most part and offered up some nice moments that were mentioned in the UPS section, I still think there were issues that left me scratching my head in confusion. I know they tried to explain it off by saying the past wouldn't affect the future, but to what end? A lot happens in this movie that makes you wonder how everything pieces together, such as wondering what happens now that Nebula and Thanos from 2014 die in the present and 2014 Gamora is now running around as well. Does that mean Guardians of The Galaxy never happened, or it did but under drastically different circumstances? How about the fact that Cap went back to the past yet managed to return to where he was in the present, but this time as an old man, and where did he even come from? This could be me overthinking, but I've always had issues with time travel as a story concept given how incredibly complex it can get, and trying to comprehend it seems to make me even more confused than before.  
2. The humor. While I thought Infinity War had some of the best humor in the MCU, here it was rather hit or miss. Particularly jarring was the jokes that went on for longer than they should, like where Hulk is offering to let Ant-Man take a picture with those kids and when Thor and Quill argue over who is in charge of the Guardians of the Galaxy. Some jokes were good, but sometimes the movie seems to indulge itself too much in the comedic side of things that it simply falls flat and leaves more of an eye roll than a chuckle.
3. Okay, Cap wielding Thor's hammer was fine, but I felt him twirling it around and being able to shoot lightning was a bit of a stretch, at least in regards to the MCU (I'm not too familiar with how this moment plays out in the comics.) Yes, it was already alluded to in Age of Ultron, with many saying he was already worthy even then, but it just seems like it was too easy for him to become so skilled so fast.

OVERALL

Avengers: Endgame is a perfect conclusion to this grand and epic saga. Yes, there are flaws, but everything it accomplished is unbelievable. I still think I need some time to ponder how I truly feel about it, but for now, I can't be anything but satisfied and grateful that I was able to watch this universe unfold the way it did. I don't think anything can match the impact this franchise has left and will continue to make for years to come.

And that's it for this review, guys. Tune in for more along the way :)

Shazam! (SPOILERS)

Say The Magic Word...

What more can I say about the DCEU? It has been quite the roller coaster to experience. There's a lot that can be unpacked in regards to that discussion, but to say it had a rocky start would be putting it very lightly. However, Wonder Woman proved that there was still potential for something great to come out of this universe, and while that wasn't fully realized in Justice League, Aquaman swooped in and proved that DC's biggest strength, at least for now, is in their solo outings. Now Shazam! has arrived and, at least for me, saved this ailing franchise. It's as if DC took everything they've learned from the past and gave us the result of that, which is for me the best movie in the DCEU so far. Now let's get into why that is the case:

UPS

1. Billy Batson. Now the character of Shazam may not be as mainstream as the likes of Batman or Superman (I didn't really know much about him outside of Injustice,) but this movie may have pushed him out into the forefront, which is great because he may be one of the best, if not the all-time best, hero the DCEU has produced. What really sets him apart from the other heroes is that he is a child, so we see how that would play out when he is granted superpowers. It is also worth noting that Billy is given a very clear and profound character arc throughout the entire movie, which really makes his transition into a true hero by the end so much more powerful. Of course, none of this would be nearly as great without the performances from both Zachary Levi as the titular superhero and Asher Angel as young Billy himself. They both breathe life into this character, with Levi in particular selling the fact that he is, well, a kid with superpowers. For a character that I didn't know much about, this movie may have helped Shazam become one of my favorite superheroes ever. 
2. The rest of the cast. Even though Levi and Angel are juggernauts by themselves, everyone else is great. I loved every character and it was nice that the movie included personal stories for each of them as well. Personally, I can't pick any standouts because every actor brings a lot of heart and emotion to their roles. However, there is one other character that I need to talk about, and that is...
3. Doctor Sivana. A big part of why I wasn't as hyped for Shazam! at first was because the trailers positioned Sivana as another run-of-the-mill antagonist. Trailers being trailers, what I ended up discovering was that not only was Dr. Sivana a great villain, but he may just be my personal pick for the best villain in the entire DCEU, the reason being is that he has probably the most sympathetic backstory of any of the other villains and is just as developed as Billy is, which makes their conflict more personal and intriguing. All in all, I'm glad that he survived the film and especially love that he'll most likely be returning...with help from a little friend ;)
4. The connections to the world of the DCEU. Yes, things haven't been perfect, but the fact that instead of outright ignoring it, the producers of Shazam! embrace the world the characters live in and connect it to the movie in subtle but clever ways is something that is genuinely appreciated by me. GET HIM BATMAN!
5. Remember how I said in the opening that it seems like DC has learned from the past and applied that to this movie? Well, I gotta stand by that. For once, it feels like they are finally allowing directors the chance to express their own vision instead of having Warner Bros. jump in and tear it to shreds. It's clear that this movie was made with a lot of heart, care, and soul, and if things continue down this path, then the future is bright.

DOWNS

Nothing of particular note.

OVERALL

Shazam! is a breath of fresh air. A definite step in the right direction for DC and one that I hope leads to a promising and lasting future. You won't wanna miss it!

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

Captain Marvel (SPOILERS)

Higher, Further, Faster...

To prep for the arrival of Endgame, Marvel brings us its first female-led feature. In the months before its release, there has been major buzz surrounding this film...and most of it, unfortunately, was not very good. For starters, the trailers were pretty underwhelming and did nothing to garner much excitement, while elsewhere, trolls took to the internet to bash the movie as much as they could. With all this being said, what did I think of it? Well to start, as anyone can already tell you, don't believe the trolls. Secondly, I, like many, was underwhelmed by the trailers, but early reviews promised a solid experience, so I went in holding my head high and found myself mostly rewarded for doing so. This movie is a very enjoyable installment to the MCU, though not without some major flaws. In this post, I will go over what made Captain Marvel work and what didn't:

UPS

1. Brie Larson is great. A big reason the trailers were so frustrating is that they never really managed to showcase their star. How could you do that, trailers?! Well thankfully, Larson does knock it out of the park by providing effortless charm to the role. She's tough, she's funny, and while the writers don't fully flesh Carol Danvers out to the fullest extent that they could have, Larson more than makes up for that. 
2. Besides being great all on her own, Larson has great chemistry with the rest of her cast, in particular, of course, with Samuel L. Jackson. It's no secret to say that the movie really picks up once Nick Fury arrives on the scene, providing a highly entertaining dynamic that provides some of the best moments in the film. Alongside Jackson, Lashana Lynch provides a lot of heart as Maria Rambeau. Though we don't see enough of her and Carol's friendship, the moments they are together really allow it to shine. All in all, the more these three are together, the better the movie is. 
3. Talos and the Skrulls in general. While I do have my problems with the twist (which I will get to later,) I do appreciate the different direction Marvel takes with these characters. Turning them from straight villains into characters with more moral ambiguity provided some neat potential for a truly interesting conflict which we never really see come into fruition. Talos himself is a great character and Ben Mendelsohn owns the role. 
4. Goose the Cat. Just Goose the Cat. Anytime a movie offers us an animal sidekick to tag along, you know you will be in for a treat. While I try not to say she stole the show, it's pretty hard to do so. She's just such a lovable addition to the movie.
5. This. Need I say more?

DOWNS

1. Again, while making the Skrulls morally ambiguous was a smart move, the direction taken afterwards was less than satisfactory. Turning the Skrulls into anti-heroes does not mean that the Kree needed to turn into full-on villains, yet that's exactly what happened. As a result, the conflict became less interesting when there was potential for something more. 
2. The first act takes a while to get going, and during that time there isn't much fleshing out of any of the Kree (they really get the short end of the stick, do they?), their way of life and how that pertains to Carol, or the conflict with the Skrulls. Meanwhile, the last act, well, the twist pretty much explains the issues regarding it, but being more specific, the final battle is a pretty big letdown, with Carol pretty much annihilating the Kree fleet in a flash while Ronan shows up, does nothing, and leaves. Yeah, that's it? It's such a frustratingly minuscule role that I wonder why they even bothered adding him in. He doesn't even look that intimidating this time around. 
3. As I have said before, as great as Brie Larson is, the character of Carol Danvers was pretty one-note in terms of actual character. The movie never really takes the time to flesh out her role in the story nor really explain who she is, having flashbacks to her story pop up every now and then in very minimal doses. I left with the feeling that because I knew so little of who she was, she never feels like she goes on a journey or change of some sort. She's not a bad character by any means and I'm sure she'll get a better showing in Endgame, but considering this is her first solo outing, I was hoping the writers would do more. 

OVERALL

Captain Marvel is definitely worth seeing. The trailers did not do it justice and the trolls will not be swaying anyone anytime soon. While I do have some issues with how some things were handled, I hope to see more of her as time goes on and can't wait to see her tagalong with the OG Avengers team as they work to reverse the damage done in Infinity War...whatever it takes.

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

Glass (SPOILERS)

First name, Mr. Last name...

M. Night Shyamalan is a very interesting case. It's safe to say he is divisive among the world of cinema...and that's putting it lightly. However, one thing that I am sure everyone can agree upon is that he truly struck gold with the film Unbreakable. With a unique take on the superhero genre and powerful performances from Bruce Willis and Samuel L. Jackson, this film really did a lot to put Shyamalan on the map. Since then, his career took a nosedive before he reemerged in recent years, with the film Split being considered his comeback. While I am not the biggest fan of the film personally, I genuinely enjoyed the performance by James McAvoy and was intrigued to see where Shyamalan could go with the character of Kevin Wendell Crumb. At the end of the movie, it turns out that Split was a stealth sequel to Unbreakable, creating a mini-shared universe that was planned to close out with Glass. Now reviews for this film are...not so great. That being said, I really enjoyed Glass for what it was and think it did a (mostly) solid job wrapping up this trilogy. And here's why:

UPS

1. The actors were really good in this film. Our big three continue to sell us on their characters, with McAvoy going even further by taking on many more personalities. Outside them, Sarah Paulson delivers a reserved yet ultimately intense performance as Dr. Ellie Staple, who per Shyamalan's twist turns out to be more than she lets on, while Spencer Treat Clark, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Charlayne Woodard reprise their roles from their respective films in welcoming ways. Overall, they all give it their all, even if the story (especially in regards to Willis, which we'll get to,) doesn't do enough to serve some of them well.
2. The ways in which Shyamalan ties this movie to Unbreakable and Split. The two major ones for me were having Shyamalan himself cameo as a way to show that the characters he played in all three movies were all the same person, while of course the big one is definitely the reveal that Kevin's father was on the same train as David and as a result perished when it was derailed. All in all, these reveals made everything come together nicely and make the movie more satisfying.
3. Now, contrary to what everyone else may say, I actually really liked the ending. Sure, it may not be what everyone was expecting and in some ways was kind of disappointing, but it was a truly unique way to wrap the story up and provides a sense of joy when it seemed like it was going to be a lot more depressing. 

DOWNS

1. Bruce Willis, as mentioned before, was not given the full spotlight that he deserved. Compared to Jackson and especially McAvoy, Willis easily gets the short end of the stick, which really sucks considering that he started out the film being a major focal point before sizzling out and eventually dying in the climax. Yep, he dies, and the way it happens make it all the more unfortunate. All in all, he did the best with what he was given, but sadly it wasn't enough. 
2. The way the movie starts trying to bridge the world of the film with the world of comics starts to get very heavy-handed. In particular, during the final showdown, everyone takes very long amounts of time to stop what's going on to talk about how these events would play out in comics, and it just sounds so unnatural and out-of-place. All in all, it flowed well in Unbreakable but it didn't work quite so well here. 

OVERALL

I was really impressed with Glass. Sure, not everything played out the way it could have, but it was different from what I expected in a good way. It may be hard for me to recommend it, but if you like these movies, I would at least give it a shot. Who knows, maybe the overall consensus will turn around someday. After all, Unbreakable didn't start out with the best record either...

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

Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse (SPOILERS)

What's up Danger...

Spider-Man is my favorite superhero. I believe that has been firmly established by now. However, I am mainly pertaining to Peter Parker and realize that there are so many more Spider-People out there, among them being Miles Morales. Overall, my knowledge of the character isn't as extensive as that of Peter, but I have always found him to be a cool character and a worthy successor to the former. When I learned that this movie was going to be based on him, I was excited. However, the movie has gradually changed since it was first announced, with it being revealed that it was not only about Miles but about the entire multiverse of Spider-People. This includes Spider-Gwen, Spider-Noir, and so many more. Now, given that this was thought to be a Miles movie, was the addition of all these other Spider-Folk necessary? Probably not. Is that a bad thing? In this case, absolutely not! This movie is fun, inventive, and unique, bringing a real breath of fresh air to those who felt the Spider-Man franchise needed to shake things up. Let's see what made Into The Spider-Verse work and what (if anything) didn't:

UPS

1. Miles is great. Despite the plethora of Spider-People in this film, Miles still retains his place as the main character of the story, which is just splendid given that he is cool, likable, and has a great character arc all brought home by a great design, solid dynamics with the other characters (especially Peter, Gwen, and his father and uncle,) and Shameik Moore's excellent vocal performance. Overall, I really enjoyed the way he was depicted and found his story to be just as triumphant and fulfilling as Peter's. Speaking of which...
2. The original Wall-Crawling Web Slinger is spectacular. At first glance, I didn't think that I was on board with the way he was depicted since I wasn't sure Jake Johnson's voice quite fit. By the time the movie came along, Johnson and this version of Spidey really won me over due to how different he is from what we are used to. His life is a mess, he's a deadbeat cynic, and he ultimately has really lost his way. This movie is all about building up Peter just as it does with Miles, and we watch his arc unfold without having Miles fall to the sidelines, which is genuinely appreciated by me.
3. The other Spiders were fun additions to the cast, and thankfully didn't eat up too much screentime than what was necessary. What's even better is that there isn't one clear standout; all of them are so different and unique that there really isn't a way to choose between them.
4. The villains. For me, these guys were the most surprising thing about the whole movie. While I was firmly on board with Kingpin being the main antagonist, I didn't think he could ever reach the heights set by Vincent D'Onofrio in Daredevil, which makes it even crazier to see that he not only matches that, but can prove to be even darker by killing the Peter Parker in Miles' universe and having a tragic backstory that shapes his goals in the movie. In addition to him, we have the Prowler, who provides a hefty amount of emotional drama for Miles while also having a kickass design and Mahershala Ali's voice. Alongside them are a female version of Doctor Octopus, Tombstone (who is Kingpin's hitman, which I think is a nice touch,) and a bunch of other classic baddies that serve their purpose well. They may not be the standouts, but they more than fulfill their roles. 
5. I think this article speaks for itself...

DOWNS

There really isn't anything to mention. I would have preferred a Miles solo movie but what we got more than made up for that. 

OVERALL

I loved Into The Spider-Verse. It's definitely one of my favorite Spider-Man movies by far, maybe even up there with some of the best live-action ones.

And that's it for this post, guys. Tune in for my Best of 2018 list to close out the year and then it's onto 2019.

Bohemian Rhapsody (SPOILERS)

Is this the real life?...

Among the Beetles and the Rolling Stones, Queen is a British rock band many won't soon forget, so it's fitting that we get a movie about them. However, reviews have been rather divisive, with many praising Rami Malak's performance while criticizing the movie for being a cliché and generic biopic with a ton of inaccuracies. With that being said, what were my thoughts? Personally, I absolutely loved Bohemian Rhapsody, and here's why:

UPS

1. Rami Malak. Even if this movie was an utter disaster, I think he would still be its silver lining. He may not be a spitting image of Freddie Mercury, but in his performance he embodies the icon in every single way. He really captures the essence of this man, who lived a fulfilling yet troubled life, and we adore him, feel for him, and are outright amazed by him. It really is a performance to remember, maybe even the performance of the year for me. 
2. The music. Of course I cannot write a review for a movie about Queen without mentioning their music, and I think this movie gives the right amount of exposure. They capture every famous hit and show how some of them were made. The making of "Bohemian Rhapsody" is a particular highlight. If you're going in expecting to hear many of the band's greatest hits, then you're definitely in the right place. 
3. The Live Aid Concert sequence. Aside from Rami Malak, this was the moment that had all the people talking and for good reason. It is the absolute best way to close out this movie and a truly glorious spectacle to behold. I don't have any words to describe it. You just need to see it for yourself. 

DOWNS

There was nothing in this movie that really brought it down for me.

OVERALL

Bohemian Rhapsody was a great movie, definitely a contender for best of the year for me. It may not be completely accurate to Mercury and the band's lives, but it's still a worthy way to commemorate their legacy, and I'm sure anyone who loves the band will find it enjoyable. 

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

Halloween (2018) (SPOILERS)

Happy Halloween, Michael...

John Carpenter's Halloween is my favorite horror film of all time. Over time, however, the franchise has experienced so many sequels, retcons, and reboots that it became a completely convoluted mess, so it was practically inevitable that it got canned for a while, but now, 40 years later, David Gordon Green and Danny McBride have decided to breathe new life into the franchise. At first, I, like many, was incredibly skeptical. However, things took a turn for the better with three pieces of news: it was a direct sequel to the original and discards all the convoluted ideas of most of the sequels, Jamie Lee Curtis was returning to reprise her role as Laurie Strode, and John Carpenter himself voiced his approval as well as provided the score for the film. It was almost to good to be true, so did it live up to the hype? Let's find out:

UPS

1. Jamie Lee Curtis' performance. Past the first film, Jamie never got the spotlight she deserved in this franchise. The closest she's ever come was with H20, only for that to be undermined by that ridiculous retcon in Resurrection. Thankfully, this new film has done the character the most justice out of any of the films, and Curtis delivers one of the best performances of her career. She really captures the essence of a broken but hardened survivor, and it is really easy to root for her as she learns to rise above the trauma and repair the broken pieces of her life. All in all, she was a welcome return to the series, and with the news that she may return for another movie, it's all the better.
2. Michael is in top form once again. Like so many other elements, Michael got thrown through the wringer the more the series continued. He went from being a crazed psycho who could easily embody the essence of pure evil to the pawn of a cult, a punching bag for Busta Rhymes, and even to a grunting hobo. It didn't bode well for him, and while he never scared me that much at first, the sequels did nothing to make that any better. Thankfully, this movie returned Michael to his more grounded roots, and this time, he's actually pretty terrifying. He's more brutal and random in his killings, his mask is probably the best one since the original (probably my personal favorite in fact,) and the fact that he just won't stop is really put into focus here. Overall, it's nice to see my favorite horror icon done justice again, and even better to see that play out on the big screen for the first time.
3. John Carpenter's score. Holy shit, this music KICKS ASS!!! Composed by Carpenter, his son, Cody, and Daniel Davies, it is a truly epic composition that perfectly sets the mood as well as the original score did. Take a listen here...
4. The nods to the sequels. Though things got really out of hand the more they kept being made, there were still a few decent ones and some that were outright good! I felt it was nice to see a few call backs here and there to acknowledge that they did exist. Special shoutout goes to the Silver Shamrock kids. 
5. A true return to form for the franchise. The crew making this movie were really keen on making sure this movie was as true to the original as it could possibly be, and they did not disappoint. Laurie and Michael were back and better than ever, the atmosphere was there, the music fired on all cylinders, basically everything (well almost everything) that was great about the original was re-captured here, and I can't thank them enough and would hope that if another film is made, they are the ones producing it. 

DOWNS

1. The infamous Dr. Sartain twist. Now personally, it didn't bother me as much as it did many other people (though I'd rather not see anyone else wear Michael's mask except Michael,) but I do feel that it still had no business being there and was underdeveloped in the end. Again, it's an interesting concept to see someone so desperate to understand a person like Michael that they would go to whatever lengths they felt necessary to achieve that, but it is unfortunately one that we could do without in the long run.
2. Though we did get a nice nod in a voiceover, it still hurts to not have Dr. Loomis with us anymore since Donald Pleasance has passed. May he rest in peace. 
3. The ending was a little disappointing. Don't get me wrong, it was immensely satisfying to watch the three Strode women kick Michael's ass, but I think more clarity was needed in regards to their victory. Specifically, we should have seen a clear picture of Michael being engulfed by the flames so that Laurie at least thought he was "dead" as opposed to leaving without a definitive answer. The audience could know that Michael was alive, but at least give Laurie some true closure if this be Jamie's last movie. 

OVERALL

Halloween was the best movie since the original, and the best sequel it could've asked for. I know there were a few gripes I had with it, but overall I was satisfied with the final product and couldn't have asked for anything better. 

And that is it for this post, guys. Tune in for more on the way and of course...