Author: Shani

If you’re a Sopranos fan, you’re in for a real treat.

The highly-anticipated prequel to David Chase’s award-winning HBO drama series “The Sopranos”, will be in theaters and on HBO on October 1st. If you were a fan of the series and looking for more of a backstory on how the Sopranos came to be, that’s exactly what you will get with this film. In fact, if haven’t seen the series, the film will also make you want to see what the series was about. If you already were emerged into the series, it’ll make you dive right back into the series to the good old golden days full of mob drama.

Perhaps the most recognizable performance is that of Michael Gandolfini who plays Anthony Soprano. Who better to play the late James Gandolfini than his own son? Papa would be proud, he is a spitting image of the man who made Tony Sorpano a household name during it’s six-season run.

The storyline to the film is centered around an young Anthony Soprano played by Michael Gandolfini, growing up in one of the most vicious eras in Newarks history. Young Tony was becoming a man as rival gangs were beginning to raise and challenge one another, such as the powerful DiMeo crime family who at the time had a hold over the race-torn city taking place around the 1967 Newark riots. Caught up in the mess that was Neward was his uncle Dickie Moltisanti whom he looked up to. Uncle Dickie was going through his own problems by trying to manage his professional and personal life, which were both falling apart. His long-time friend Harold plays a pivotal role in the film by realizing he doesn’t want to be part of the group anymore but in fact wants to make it in this country under his own terms.

Uncle Dickie takes on numerous battles within and out of the organization, killing seems to be a simple sport to him. It’s a battle he tries to find solace in by visiting his uncle (father’s brother) who is in prison for life for murder. At one point Anthony Soprano becomes the subject of a conversation and his Uncle tells him if he loves Anthony he needs to stay out of his life. This is a request Dickie takes to heart, but little did Uncle Dickie know his influence would help mold his nephew into one of the most powerful mob bosses we’d come to know, Tony Soprano.

“The Many Saints of Newark” was shot on location in New Jersey and New York, with several original characters from the series that inspired the film are featured in the movie. During the six seasons that the infamous show, “The Sopranos” ran, it was recognized as one of the greatest and most influential television drama series of all time. The series was awarded 21 Primetime Emmy Awards, 5 Golden Globe Awards, and 2 Peabody Awards, and many more.

The film rated R for it’s strong violence, pervasive language, sexual content and nudity. So expect the usual if you’ve seen The Sorpanos.

You can catch the film in Theaters and HBO Max on October 1st.

While it is worthy to watch, the question is will the audience flock to the theaters to view the film or wait for the release on HBO Max…

If you’re a true Clint Eastwood fan, you should definitely head to the theater to immerse yourself into the film.

Clint Eastwood produced and starred in the new film, Cry Macho, based on the novel by N. Richard Nash which is set in Mexico for the majority of the film. The 91-years-young icon portrays a man who has been lost in life for many years, not giving a damn of just about anything after the loss of his wife and son. He get presented with a deal he’s forced to do in order to pay a ‘so-called friend’ back after he paid his mortgage and didn’t leave him on the street after his tragic loss. The deal is to bring this friend’s long lost son (Eduardo Minett) back from Mexico who is enduring abuse at the hands of his mother and living on the street.

Clint Eastwood’s character, Mike does find the young boy who has had a rough life living on the street to avoid the abuse his rich mother threatens him with. Along their way back to Texas, the two encounter numerous life-threatening obstacles all because the child has basically become a pawn to both parents that each of them want to use to manipulate on another over money.

Perhaps the most shocking twist in the film is we see Mike being desired by two Latina women and as a true cowboy gentleman he turns them down. He does become smitten with one of the women but must leave her to complete his mission. It’s a bit gut-wrenching to see a man who has been alone for so long and avoiding life to turn away an opportunity to happiness.

You walk in to Cry Macho expecting the typical Clint Eastwood film and while you do get that, you also get a spin of romance which is not usual for this iconic cowboy. It’s nice to see such an unexpected plot twist. While there is some altercations throughout the film, there’s not a whole lot of action which sets the same monotone vibe for the entire film.

The film opens in theaters on September 17th and will then be available on HBO Max 31 days after being released in theaters.

Rating: PG-13 (Thematic Elements|Language)
Genre: Drama, Western, Mystery & thriller
Director: Clint Eastwood
Producer: Clint Eastwood, Albert S. Ruddy, Tim Moore, Jessica Meier
Writer: Nick Schenk, N. Richard Nash
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 17, 2021 wide
Runtime: 1h 44m

The Queen of Soul herself chose Jennifer Hudson to take on the role of Aretha Franklin in the biopic that would come to light after Ms. Franklin’s death.

The selection came after Jennifer Hudson won the Academy Award for the role of Effie White in Dreamgirls. If Ms. Franklin were alive today, we could say she would be proud for the work in dedication Jennifer Hudson put into the role. The film showcases all the different layers of Aretha Franklin.

Aretha Franklin sings in her father’s church choir as a child and grows up to become an international musical superstar and the Queen of Soul, while simultaneously enduring an abusive marriage, constraints of patriarchy and also being actively involved in the civil rights movement.

The film is definitely one to see as it will most likely be an Academy Award contender. There’s no doubt Jennifer Hudson will also be a contender for another Oscar for the role. The only downfall to the film is that it is a bit too long, sitting at over two and half hours of screen time. Fans will dive in to dedication and struggle it took to become Ms. Franklin as her demons fight for the headline in the film as well.

F9 is the ninth chapter in the Fast & Furious Saga, which has taken us on a joy ride for two decades and has earned more than $5 billion around the world. It’s a cinematic spectacle that takes you to some of the most exotic and luxurious locations, that you have to watch on the big screen with surround sound.

VIN DIESEL’s Dom Toretto is living the quiet life off the grid with his leading lady Letty and his son, little Brian. There is always that thought in the back of their minds, danger always lurks just over their peaceful horizon. In this film, you will see a threat that will show a side of Dom that we haven’t seen before. This threat will force Dom to confront the demons of his past if he wants to save those he loves. His crew gets back together to stop a plot that could destroy the world, which is being led by the most skilled assassin and high-performance driver they’ve ever encountered: a man who also happens to be Dom’s forsaken brother, Jakob played by John Cena. Wait! Who knew Dom had a brother?!

If you’re looking a fun night out packed with action, adventure, answers, comedy, family and closure with a touch of a tease, then this is the film to catch this weekend in theaters. The film which runs 2 hours and 25 minutes will have you on a wild roller coaster ride. A full range of emotions will be experienced with ‘Oh my gods’ and full on bursts of laughs.

F9 sees the return of filmmaker JUSTIN LIN, who directed the third, fourth, fifth and sixth chapters of the series when it transformed into a global blockbuster. The action-packed film jets you off around the globe—from London to Tokyo, from Central America to Edinburgh, and from a secret bunker in Azerbaijan to the packed streets of Tbilisi. Throughout the film, old friends will be resurrected, old enemies will make their return, history will be rewritten, and the film once again tests the true meaning of family but this time like never before.

The film stars returning cast members MICHELLE RODRIGUEZ, TYRESE GIBSON, CHRIS “LUDACRIS” BRIDGES, NATHALIE EMMANUEL, JORDANA BREWSTER and SUNG KANG, with Oscar winner HELEN MIRREN, with KURT RUSSELL and Oscar winner CHARLIZE THERON.

They are joined by Fast fan favorites DON OMAR, LUCAS BLACK, SHAD “BOW WOW” MOSS and JASON TOBIN as well as new additions to the ensemble including ANNA SAWAI as Elle, a highly skilled fighter guarding an important secret, THUE ERSTED RASMUSSEN as Otto, a budding despot who’s working with Jakob Toretto, and Grammy-winning superstar CARDI B as Leysa, a woman with a connection to Dom’s past. The film also features a cameo by Reggaeton artist OZUNA.

The saga is coming to an end…

SPOILER FREE REVIEW

The movies that have captivated us for decades since the first film was released in 1977 is finally coming to an end. The surviving Resistance faces the First Order once more in the final chapter of the Skywalker saga.

Star Wars fans will be content with this finale. Is this the BEST Star Wars film? Absolutely NOT! But it does the job closing out the saga. If you have expectations for how it’s supposed to end, forget them and leave them at home because you’ll be setting yourself up for disappointment.You’re either going to love it or hate it.

Loose ends get tied up and we finally find out the true identity of the scavenger Rey, who turns out to be far from a scavenger. Lots of familiar faces show up in the film and it gives you all the feels of nostalgia. You’ll notice quite a few connections to the films of the past. Along with the nostalgia, you might choke up a bit in quite a few scenes. For those who are true Star Wars fans, you will sense that this film is an homage to George Lucas. It very much feels like the classics that captivated us back in the day when they were directed by Lucas.

The CGI, cinematography, visuals and effects are up to par with what you would expect in a Star Wars film.

If you’re looking for something to do with the family during the holidays, head to the theater and watch this one. You don’t have to be a Star Wars fan to enjoy it. It’s full of action, beauty, drama and surprisingly even a dose of love… YES… LOVE. You might feel like it cheapens to franchise, reminding you of a Twilight romance, but don’t worry it’s not in the entire film.

Remember… leave the expectations at home in order to enjoy the last installment of the franchise.

Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker (original title)
PG-13 | 2h 21min

Director: J.J. Abrams

Credited cast:
Adam Driver Kylo Ren
Daisy Ridley Rey
Billie Lourd Lieutenant Connix
Keri Russell Zorii Bliss
Ewan McGregor Obi Wan Kenobi (voice)
Harrison Ford Han Solo
Carrie Fisher Leia Organa (archive footage)
Mark Hamill Luke Skywalker
Ian McDiarmid Palpatine
Kelly Marie Tran Rose Tico
Andy Serkis Snoke (voice)
Lupita Nyong’o Maz Kanata
Oscar Isaac Poe Dameron
Domhnall Gleeson General Hux
Frank Oz Yoda (voice)

If you’re debating about seeing Disney’s second installment of Frozen, don’t even think twice about it!

Frozen 2 will not disappoint those who are fans of the first film. The film is filled with laughs, excitement, action and even more music. It definitely gives you the broadway vibes with each character having quite a few musical scenes.

The only warning when watching this film is that there is a scene that is a bit deep for the little ones and you may need to do some explaining.

Now if you’re wondering if there will be a hit song that will stay engraved in your mind for weeks to come, don’t worry because there really isn’t like that. Even though, it’s been said ‘Into The Unknown’ is supposed to be this film’s ‘Let It Go’; don’t really see that happening because it’s such a dramatic song performed by Indina Menzel.

All in all, once the film ends, you will be surprised how much the film covered in an hour and a half. You learn you much about the famous sisters, their parents and the past. Just go watch it, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry and be completely satisfied!

“Toy Story 4” is in theaters today and many believe this film will bring life to the summer box office.

The movie is expected to have an enormous debut and the fourth installment is expected to debut with a $160 million opening in the U.S. and $260 million worldwide.

“Toy Story 3” opened with $145 million domestic, and eventually made over $1 billion worldwide.

The film itself wrapped everything up well. They tried to target all audiences and did a good job but there’s a few moments that may loose the kids. The ending did a good job closing it out and it’s not the ending that you may expect. Perhaps many will not love it.

There are some new characters (other than creepy benson) to love and they are great. Key and Peele as ducky and bunny are hilarious, they bring a new dynamic to the big screen. Bo peep made a great return and is a strong female lead. Forky is such a lovable character that has you giggling throughout the entire film. Duke and giggle are adorable and bring fun little twists and laughs to the film.

Either way, it’s the film to see this weekend with the entire family!

The X-Men are back on the big screen with Game of Thrones alum, Sophie Turner in the lead role as Jean Grey in X-Men: Dark Phoenix

Critics aren’t too happy with the finished product.

The film is just a disappointingly average superhero flick, with a familiar story, disinterested actors, cool sequences, and a whole lot of missed opportunities. With the build-up of this film and having Sophie Turner as the lead role, high expectations were set for this film.

Unfortunately, the film fell a little flat at boring. Although, the film does do the job by giving us a wild ride to complete the mutant adventures.

X-Men: Dark Phoenix is in theaters this weekend.

SPOILER FREE Captain Marvel hits theaters this weekend it is the 21st movie from Marvel Universe. Can you believe that?!

This film brings out the first female director for the Marvel Universe and first female character to get her own origins film. It’s the perfect film to entice Marvel fans right before the release of the Avengers: Endgame.

Marvel fans will be happy to know that this film gives the standard Marvel Comic Universe movie vibes as you will get an origins story about Captain Marvel. The humor and visual effects are up to par just like all the other Marvel films.

Fans are going to love the fact that she is the first female superhero and does it well. You’ll get excited to see all the history and references tied in to this film referring to the other Marvel films. If you’re the casual movie viewer will and don’t care to follow the previous movies, you will definitely this film. Just keep in mind, it’s not up there with Black Panther or Winter Soldier but it does leave you satisfied.

Brie Larson being an Academy Award winner gives us a fresh take on the origins story and definitely plays the part. For someone who’s trying to figure out her place in the world and find her emotions, her humor and actions made her such a badass and it did not disappoint. It’s so refreshing to see this superhero role who cares about people and comes to accept herself and own her powers.

As for the scrolls, they are awesome villains and get the right introduction to see what they’re all about. You will be very pleased with Brie Larson and Samuel L. Jackson’s perfect on-screen chemistry together, it made us want more.

Last but not least, make sure you stay for two post-credit scenes. All we can say is it will you goosebumps and make you even more anxious to see Avengers: Endgame.

In Theaters March 8th, 2019
Directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck
Starring: Brie Larson (Captain Marvel), Samuel L Jackson (Nick Fury), Ben Mendelsohn (Talos), Clark Gregg (Phil Coulson), and Lashana Lynch (Maria Rambeau).
Running time: 2 hours, 5 minutes

The much anticipated “Ocean’s 8” hits theater this week.

Many were excited to know the spin-off from the “Ocean’s Trilogy” was in the works. The most excitement came when we learned of the all-female cast which included, Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Helena Bonham Carter, Sarah Paulson, Rihanna, Mindy Kaling, Awkwafina and Anne Hathaway. Don’t worry the film honors the previous films and carries on the Ocean’s legacy.

You can’t really walk in to this film, with as high expectations as you had for the previous films. You would expect to film to be a hilarious flick throughout the entire duration, but it actually lacked it. Also, at time you would feel the pacing was a tad slow. Perhaps the surprises is what will keep you on your toes and make up for the pacing.

Remember in the 2001 “Ocean’s Eleven” movie that grabbed our attention for this adventure, started with an Ocean getting out of prison and already masterminding another heist. Well, ‘Ocean’s 8’ kicks off just the same. This time, the Ocean being liberated is Debbie Ocean after 5 years, the sister we never saw in any of the other films. She’s ready to go and hit the jackpot, by robbing the Met Gala.

In order to pull of the heist of her life, she enlists a team of women who all have a different skill needed in order for the heist to go off without a glitch. Of course, there’s always bumps in the road and things don’t go according to plan, but Debbie like Danny is prepared for everything.

We can’t really say much more, without ruining the film for you. You won’t be disappointed but you will leave the movie asking yourself ONE QUESTION! But we can’t tell you what that question even is!