Author: Shani

SPOILER FREE

Get prepared to continuously gasp and say ‘Oh my God’!

Following the release of ‘Black Panther’, Marvel has orchestrated a new level of excitement and emotions with ‘Avengers: Infinity War’; as it fulfills the build up over a decade of all the Marvel Films leading up to this one.

This film will not be a disappointment to to any fan and will leave you wanting more. The only downfall is that you will be left eagerly waiting for the next installment a year away.

“Avengers: Infinity War” is the first time we see all of our favorite super heroes together from ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’, ‘Doctor Strange’, ‘Spider-Man’, ‘Black Panther’ and those from the ‘Avengers’ films. They’re brought together for one purpose and that’s to go up against that one enemy, Thanos (Josh Brolin), a vain warlord who will stop at nothing until he gets what he wants.

This enemy’s sole goal is acquire the six Infinity Stones, which will wipe out half of the living beings in the Universe. The stones all hold a special power that helps balance the Universe, Power, Space, Reality, Mind, Time, and Soul. Put in the wrong hands, you possess the power to alter anything and everything.

These heroes we have come to love over the decade have the Universe on their shoulders and are willing the fight the battle to defend it, but will it be enough to stop Thanos?

Who will survive the fight and will they succeed in saving the living beings in the Universe?

All that we know is that they won’t give up and will surely give us a good show while doing so.

Expect many surprises, because you will have a few questions answered in this film. You won’t see them coming, but you will have plenty of those ‘oh my god’ and ‘A-ha’ moments. Not only will you get those surprises but you will also experience gut-wrenching moments, the title doesn’t have the word ‘WAR’ in it for no reason.

EPIC is an understatement for ‘Avengers: Infinity War’.

Avengers: Infinity War

Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Don Cheadle, Benedict Cumberbatch, Tom Holland, Chadwick Boseman, Zoe Saldana, Karen Gillen, Tom Hiddleston, Paul Bettany, Elizabeth Olsen, Anthony Mackie, Sebastian Stan, Idris Elba, Danai Gurira, Benedict Wong, Pom Klementieff, Dave Bautista, featuring Vin Diesel and Bradley Cooper, Gwyneth Paltrow, Benecio Del Toro, Josh Brolin, and Chris Pratt. Directed by Joe and Anthony Russo.
Running time: 149 minutes
Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of sci-fi violence and action throughout, language and some crude references.

If you’re hoping to take the kiddos to see ‘A Wrinkle in Time’, it’ll be a treat for them.

The film is beautifully put together, taking you on an adventure you could only dream of. It’ll remind you of the another Disney film, Avatar while you’re soaring through this film, reminding you of the Disney theme parks.

It’s obvious, the film wants to inspire the younger generations. In these troubling times, the film’s release comes at a good time; giving the message of hope, love and acceptance.

Even with all these inspiring messages, it still lacked the WOW factor. Pacing problems and some of the cast performance don’t live up to expectations. It’s sad because you walk into this film with high hopes.

All that said, it is a Disney film, so why wouldn’t you want to see it. If you’ve read the film, you’ll point out the obvious points where the film deviated from the film. Either way the kiddos will enjoy the film, but not too young and not too old.

A Wrinkle in Time
Starring Oprah Winfrey, Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, Storm Reid, Levi Miller, Deric McCabe, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Michael Peña, with Zach Galifianakis and Chris Pine. Directed by Ava DuVernay.
Running time: 109 minutes
Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and some peril.

If you’re looking to watch a film full of suspense and thrill, you’re picked the right one.

Red Sparrow stars Jennifer Lawrence and it’s safe to say we see her in a completely different light with this film. The film will have you on a crazy emotional roller coaster trying to piece things together throughout it. At times it becomes brutal and gut-wrenching but is sure to give you the thrill you seek. Lawrence surely does not disappoint in this film and seems to take on any task in order for her character to be portrayed in the right light.

Jennifer Lawrence takes on the role of Dominika Egorova, who is a prima ballerina of the Bolshoi, who entertains those who are the wealthiest and powerful of Russia.

Dominika’s personal life is very homey and based on family. She looks after her sick mother in an apartment which is all paid by the ballet company and government, along with medical bills. Dominika encounters a major bump in the road and is robbed of her way of life, follwing this incident she is offered a new way to support herself and her mother, which she is forced to accept despite what it entails.

She takes on training to become a “Sparrow” – a specialized agent trained how to seduce and emotionally manipulate those they encounters. Sparrows know how to identify needs in their targets and transform themselves to meet whatever need in order to complete their missions.

Her first target becomes Nate, played by Joel Edgerton, he is a CIA agent that Moscow believes is working with a mole within the Russian government. The mission is a simple conquest – get close to Nate and learn the identity of the mole. But Nate is obviously a smart and experienced man and knows who Dominika is and her purpose, so this is where the film starts to get even more interesting.

This is where the film starts to play games with your mind, because you start to think one thing about Dominika and her relationship with Nate, but then you think vice versa. Up until the very end of the film, you will be teased and mind-blown and you won’t see the endgame coming!

Red Sparrow

Starring Jennifer Lawrence, Joel Edgerton, Matthias Schoenaerts, Charlotte Rampling, and Jeremy Irons. Directed by Francis Lawrence.
Running time: 139 minutes
Rated R for for strong violence, torture, sexual content, language and some graphic nudity.

So much anticipation was built up for the long awaited film, Black Panther and thank goodness it did not disappoint. This film has to be one of the best stand alone superhero films recently released by Marvel Studios. Many would argue Iron Man is perhaps the best, but Black Panther sure does come in very close to it.

The cast, the plot, the script, the action, the CGI… everything was perfectly well balanced to produce an exquisite and revolutionary film to please Marvel fans. It’s a true film that represents heroism and challenging characters and the audience to always do what’s right despite what may be at risk.

If you recall, we met T’Challa known as the Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman), in Captain America: Civil War that was released in 2016; where his father, King T’Chaka (John Kani) of Wakanda was killed. This film picks up after his father’s death, where now T’Challa is to take the throne.

With power and ruling over Wakanda, comes bumps in the road and that’s just what T’Challa encountered when an old enemy reappeared, Ulysses Klaue (Andy Serkis) along with a new enemy, American mercenary (Michael B. Jordan) also known as the “Killmonger”. This new enemy appears with a a grand purpose and that is to take over the throne and everything that Wakanda has to offer.

Seeing Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) and the American mercenary (Michael B. Jordan) on screen together will definitely give fans a thrilling adventure and even have you clenching your seat through the film. Lets not forget about the women who empowered this film and most definitely left a lasting impression, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, and Letitia Wright each stood out in their own ways in Black Panther.

If you haven’t gotten your tickets to see this film yet, good luck! This film is sure to be sold out the first weekend. Marvel fan or not, you’re going to greatly enjoy this film.

Black Panther

Starring Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Martin Freeman, Daniel Kaluuya, Letitia Wright, Winston Duke, Sterling K. Brown, with Angela Bassett, Andy Serkis, and Forest Whitaker.
Directed by Ryan Coogler.
Running time: 134 minutes
Rated PG-13 for prolonged sequences of action violence, and a brief rude gesture.

What do you get when you put together Jada Pinkett Smith, Queen Latifah, Regina Hall and Tiffany Haddish together in a film? COMEDIC GOLD!

That’s what you’re going to get when Girls Trip hits theaters this Friday (July 21st). The raunchy comedy makes for a literal girl’s night out with every bit of excitement and hysterical laughs. The film follows 4 longtime friends who always have a a crazy time together while rekindling their friendships when they all decide to take a trip to New Orleans for the New Orleans’ Essence Festival.

This film is sure to be the summer’s best comedy as these four ladies manage to keep us laughing throughout the entire film with their quirkiness, vulgarity and raunchiness. Played by any other actresses, this film probably would not be as entertaining; they picked the right people for each role. This film is perhaps the female version of ‘The Hangover’, so you know you won’t be disappointed.

Perhaps what will make this film even more successful is the fact that it’s easy for for audiences to relate to the film, by showing us how to live in this world with love and joy. Another important lesson that many an relate to is how to take care of relationships, both with your significant lover and that of your friends so it doesn’t slip away. The how you can balance your professional and personal life so you don’t drive yourself crazy.

Synonpsis:
Best friends Ryan, Sasha, Lisa and Dina are in for the adventure of a lifetime when they travel to New Orleans for the annual Essence Festival. Along the way, they rekindle their sisterhood and rediscover their wild side by doing enough dancing, drinking, brawling and romancing to make the Big Easy blush.
Rating: R (for crude and sexual content throughout, pervasive language, brief graphic nudity, and drug material
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Directed By: Malcolm D. Lee
Written By: Kenya Barris, Tracy Oliver
Runtime: 122 minutes

When it comes to reboots, it’s hard to top the films that preceded it; especially if the films did well.

Well unfortunately, for Universal ‘The Mummy’ had some strong films to live up to. It’s hard to go in to a film while trying to block the others out. You can’t help but measure those up against the film being released this Friday. This film just comes off as a watered down action-horror flick, with events just being predictable throughout the entire film.

Although, Tom Cruise did book the gig as the main attraction of the film, his performance still falls a little flat. This film doesn’t really distinguish itself from any other films out there. Yes, he good eye candy for the audience but it’s just not enough to get the audience to care about him.

There are some parts in the film where humor is used but it just isn’t funny. It seems likes poor writing and getting the actors to try too hard. Another thing you may notice about the film, is that mid-way it tells you about future installments coming. Now this can be either a good or bad thing, ultimately it takes away from actual that is going on right now. At that point you’re losing interest in the film so they needed something to grab your attention obviously.

The film isn’t awful but it’s also not great! You could wait for this one to come out on DVD or better yet, wait for it to hit netflix.

OPENING DATE: June 9, 2017
RATING: THE MUMMY has been rated PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned – Some Material May Be Inappropriate for Children Under 13) for violence, action and scary images, and for some suggestive content and partial nudity.
RUNNING TIME: 110 minutes
CAST: Tom Cruise, Sofia Boutella, Annabelle Wallis, Jake Johnson, Courtney B. Vance, Marwan Kenzari and Russell Crowe

The highly anticipated sequel to Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1 was definitely worth the wait.

The film brings back all of your favorite characters along with a new storyline that many did not see coming. The film does keep you entertained mostly but there are some slow paced scenes. That’s to be expected since we need to see an explanation why certain events are occurring in the film.

One things for sure, you will have plenty of laugh out loud moments and will walk out of the theater with a smile on your face.

As expected the film picks up from the 2014 film, Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 1. You have all your characters Outlaw Peter Quill/Star-Lord (Chris Pratt), Zandar’s former assassin Gamora (Zoe Saldana), bulky warrior Drax (Dave Bautista), tough-guy Rocket (voiced by Bradley Cooper), and the adorable star of the movie, Baby Groot (voiced by Vin Diesel). They’re basically a group of protection service/problem solvers that galaxies can hire.

During one of their missions, of course Rocket decides to take something that does not belong to them, but there was an abundance of. While on the run from this galaxy they come across a type of God who saves them, named Ego (Kurt Russell). After their meeting, it is revealed that Ego is in fact Quill’s father, which would make Quill part human and also has intense powers. At one point everything begins to unravel and everyone but Quill see that things are too good to be true on this uninhabited planet.

Old rivals and new enemies are created throughout the film and all of them get their chance to fight it out and let old wounds heal. Yondu (Michael Rooker), was the person who took Peter from Earth as a child and raised him as a part of the outlaw gang the Ravagers. Nebula (Karen Gillan) is Gamora’s adopted sister who has such a desire to kill her sister for her tormenting childhood, while they were raised by the titan Thanos.

As expected the Guardians managed to create a new enemy when Rocket decided to steal a few of the batteries they were supposedly hired to protect. These newfound enemies are “The Sovereign,” led by their high priestess, Ayesha (Elizabeth Debicki).

Is the movie worth watching? HECK YEA it is! Just for the good laughs! The movie is a hit and will not leave you disappointed. You’re going to have to watch it just to see the ending. You’ll find out if the Guardians can stop fighting long enough to keep themselves alive. Plus there’s no way you’ll want to miss Baby Groots adorable performance throughout the entire film!

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2

Starring Chris Pratt, Zoe Saldana, Dave Bautista, Vin Diesel, Bradley Cooper, Michael Rooker, Karen Gillan, Pom Klementieff, Elizabeth Debicki, Chris Sullivan, Sean Gunn, with Slyvester Stallone and Kurt Russell. Directed by James Gunn.
Running Time: 137 minutes
Rated PG-13 for sequences of sci-fi action and violence, language, and brief suggestive content.