Author: Shani

Some people will say just like the Halloween films, when will they stop with the Scream films. There are some Scream films that have fallen short and honestly we could’ve done without.

Thankfully, this one is not one of those.

Kudos to everyone involved in this film as it looks like the franchise could survive a little longer. No surprise, that the films continue to honor Wes Craven’s legacy including this one with a fresh perspective.

I was excited to see that this is perhaps the most tension-filled film in the series since the original that got us hooked on these horror flicks. The action sequences are more entertaining keeping you locked and wanting more with a lot more bloodshed. It’s great to see that they were able to more the horror from Woodsboro to New York. Yes, Woodsboro is a quiet town and it keeps it suspenseful not knowing who the killer is, but it’s even better in New York because in such a crazy busy city, the killer could be anyone.

The cast really carries the film, with the “core four” carrying tighter bond, with the relationship between Sam and Tara being at the center of attention in the film. It’s always great to see the OGs such as Courtney Cox who was up to her old ways. The biggest surprise was having them bring back Hayden Panettiere, who did a fantastic job in her role.

Fans of the film will of course miss Sidney and Dewey who carried the films for so long, but not to worry… this cast will not disappoint. Who knows… thy could have another flick up their sleeves, it could work!

Following the latest Ghostface killings, the four survivors leave Woodsboro behind and start a fresh chapter. In Scream VI, Melissa Barrera (“Sam Carpenter”), Jasmin Savoy Brown (“Mindy Meeks-Martin”), Mason Gooding (“Chad Meeks-Martin”), Jenna Ortega (“Tara Carpenter”), Hayden Panettiere (“Kirby Reed”) and Courteney Cox (“Gale Weathers”) return to their roles in the franchise alongside Jack Champion, Henry Czerny, Liana Liberato, Dermot Mulroney, Devyn Nekoda, Tony Revolori, Josh Segarra, and Samara Weaving.

DIRECTED BY 

Matt Bettinelli-Olpin & Tyler Gillett

WRITTEN BY

James Vanderbilt & Guy Busick

BASED ON CHARACTERS CREATED BY

Kevin Williamson

PRODUCED BY

William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, Paul Neinstein

EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY

 Kevin Williamson, Gary Barber, Peter Oillataguerre, Chad Villella, Courteney Cox,

Ron Lynch, Cathy Konrad, Marianne Maddalena

STARRING

Melissa Barrera, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Jack Champion, Henry Czerny, Mason Gooding, Liana Liberato, Dermot Mulroney, Devyn Nekoda, Jenna Ortega, Tony Revolori, Josh Segarra, Samara Weaving with Hayden Panettiere and Courtene

Walked in to this one without knowing what I was walking in to. I was surprised to see Elizabeth Banks having a hand in this one.

Lets talk about this girl who was high as a kite in the flick, Cocaine Bear… THE BEAR HERSELF! The poor thing got a taste of thee cocaine and couldn’t stay away. Somewhat inspired by real events, it’s such a ridiculous story because it’s a deranged bear going around killing park visitors all because she wants her fix.

The film will keep your attention with the gore, sick humor and the characters that at times will have you saying WTF! As the film progresses, you will be wathcing in disbelief at what you’re seeing and you’re going to want to see it again to just confirm that yes, that is exactly what you just watched!

At one point in the film, you will see this poor bear snort a line of cocaine off the shin of a severed leg. I just say poor bear because she’s been corrupted and is on a killing spree looking for more.

The one thing that did tug at the heart strings, is that this is Ray Liotta last film before his untimely death. At least it looks like he had a great time, because lets be honest… it’s a ridiculous film but worth the watch.

The real star if the film, is the bear herself which was obviously all CGI. She had so many ranges of emotions from her beast rage to extreme joy. You almost want her to find her fix because you see how happy it makes her and the pure joy she experiences LOL!

To not spoil the fun for you, you see multiple story lines cross paths and become a hot mess and the bear is like the person of the film you’re trying to avoid the entire time but end up coming face to face with. She just needs her fix and she’s good to go!

Inspired by the 1985 true story of a drug runner’s plane crash, missing cocaine, and the black bear that ate it, this wild dark comedy finds an oddball group of cops, criminals, tourists and teens converging in a Georgia forest where a 500- pound apex predator has ingested a staggering amount of cocaine and gone on a coke-fueled rampage for more blow … and blood.

Cocaine Bear stars Keri Russell (The Americans), O’Shea Jackson, Jr. (Straight Outta Compton), Christian Convery-Jennings (Sweet Tooth), Alden Ehrenreich (Solo: A Star Wars Story), Jesse Tyler Ferguson (Modern Family), Brooklynn Prince (The Florida Project), Isiah Whitlock Jr. (BlacKkKlansman), Kristofer Hivju (Game of Thrones), Hannah Hoekstra (2019’s Charlie’s Angels) and Aaron Holliday (Sharp Objects), with with Emmy winner Margo Martindale (The Americans) and Emmy winner Ray Liotta (The Many Saints of Newark).

Directed by Elizabeth Banks (Charlie’s Angels, Pitch Perfect 2) from a screenplay by Jimmy Warden (The Babysitter: Killer Queen), Cocaine Bear is produced by Oscar^® winners Phil Lord and Christopher Miller (Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse, The Mitchells vs. The Machines) for Lord Miller, Elizabeth Banks (Pitch Perfect franchise) and Max Handelman (Pitch Perfect franchise) for Brownstone Productions, Brian Duffield (Spontaneous) for Jurassic Party Productions and Aditya Sood (The Martian) for Lord Miller. The film is executive produced by Robin Mulcahy Fisichella, Alison Small and Nikki Baida.

Genre: Dark Comedy

Cast: Keri Russell, O’Shea Jackson, Jr., Christian Convery-Jennings, Alden Ehrenreich, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Brooklynn Prince, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Kristofer Hivju, Hannah Hoekstra, Aaron Holliday, with Margo Martindale and Ray Liotta

Directed by: Elizabeth Banks

Screenplay by: Jimmy Warden

Producers: Phil Lord, Christopher Miller, Elizabeth Banks, Max Handelman, Brian Duffield, Aditya Sood

Executive Producers: Robin Mulcahy Fisichella, Alison Small, Nikki Baida

Rated R for bloody violence and gore, drug content and language throughout. 

If you’re a fan of the Creed films, then this one will not disappoint you. Once again Michael B. Jordan is back as Adonis Creed and he’s going up against an old friend and sparring partner, Jonathan Majors.

It’s great to see Jordan take on the additional role of director and shows excellent promise for future films he may dive in to. If you’re a boxing fan, you will be pleased with the fight scenes and the choreography of them. It was amazing to see how precise and how true to form they were able to get the fight scenes to be.

There were several homages and memorable scenes throughout the film that will bring you a bit of nostalgia. The story line of seeing the love and chemistry then the tragic downfall between these two main characters was great to see.

Majors definitely did not disappoint in his role and it’s safe to say, we haven’t seen the last of him. Also, this film will have you gain a bit more of respect for Michael B. Jordan as he is growing even more as an actor. Lets not forget Tessa Thompson who plays the love interest of Adonis, she puts on a superb performance.

Overall, it’s safe to say that this film does a spectacular job of closing out this great trilogy with a mix of sports, emotion and success. I will say though… Rocky was definitely missed.

After dominating the boxing world, Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) has been thriving in both his career and family life. When a childhood friend and former boxing prodigy, Damian (Jonathan Majors), resurfaces after serving a long sentence in prison, he is eager to prove that he deserves his shot in the ring. The face-off between former friends is more than just a fight. To settle the score, Adonis must put his future on the line to battle Damian – a fighter who has nothing to lose. Creed III is the third installment in the successful franchise and is Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut.

You could say this film was made to change the narrative around Whitney Houston. Perhaps you’ll understand her and her struggles more after watching it.

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Whitney Houston who was probably the greatest singer of our time was overcoming her struggles at the time of her death right before the Grammys. Yea, there have been numerous films created around her life story. It none have depicted her life I. The way that this film did.

You come to learn the many side of Whitney and even the adventures she had at a young age, when she was trying to figure out who she was as a person. Perhaps a subject that many have been able to relate to, being the person that your loved ones and society expect you to be; especially being a religious individual and a person of color. I don’t think anyone could see the weight she carried on her shoulders to not only make her family happy but the entire world. The expectations seemed to be higher for her.

The film is definitely one to watch and definitely covers all the hits. It’s great that the 22 songs in the 144-minute film are sung by Whitney herself, with the filmmakers obtaining the original recordings of her hits and remixing them so they sound just as breathtaking in a movie theatre as they do on a car stereo. As for Naomi Ackie, she put on a superb performance as Whitney Houston. Everything from her facial expression to her mannerisms were covered impeccably.

To hell with “all is calm.”

From 87North, the bare-knuckle producers of Nobody, John Wick, Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, Bullet Train and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw comes a holiday action-comedy that says you should always bet on red.

Just when you thought when needed the fun filled adventurous Christmas film with a little taste of comical violence! You could say this is the modern day version of ‘Home Alone’, but obviously not really fit for the younger children. You’re sure to have fun with this one, it will surprisingly keep you entertained through its entirety.

The stars of this film are David Harbour who plays Santa and his little costar who plays the role of the little girl; who’s actions will remind you of the Kevin McCallister. What a cute and great duo these two made for this one. Don’t miss out on it, but remember… don’t take the little ones!

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When a team of mercenaries breaks into a wealthy family compound on Christmas Eve, taking everyone inside hostage, the team isn’t prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus (David Harbour, Black Widow, Stranger Things series) is on the grounds, and he’s about to show why this Nick is no saint.

The film also stars Emmy winner John Leguizamo (John Wick), Cam Gigandet(Without Remorse), Alex Hassell (Cowboy Bebop), Alexis Louder (The Tomorrow War), Edi Patterson (The Righteous Gemstones)and Beverly D’Angelo (National Lampoon’sVacation franchise).

It feels like we’ve waited forever for the sequel to Avatar.

As technology has advanced through the years, James Cameron has pushed the limits of his power of belief even further, playing with 3D, High Frame Rate, and other toys that weren’t available when he started his career. One thing is for sure, Cameron has opened the door wide open and invited viewers into this fully realized world with so many striking images and phenomenally rendered action scenes that everything else fades away for the three-plus hours you’re viewing this film.

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One thing you will notice, “Avatar: The Way of Water” struggles to find its footing at first, throwing viewers back into the world of Pandora in a confusing/bumpy road. One can tell that Cameron really cares most about the world-building mid-section of this film, which you can’t blame him because it is one of his greatest accomplishments. But before all that, we come to find out what has come of Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), a human who is now a full-time Na’vi and partners with Neytiri (Zoe Saldana), with whom he has started a family with. They now have two sons—Neteyam (Jamie Flatters) and Lo’ak (Britain Dalton)—and a daughter named Tuk (Trinity Jo-Li Bliss), and they are guardians of Kiri (Sigourney Weaver), who is the daughter of Weaver’s character from the first film.

Their family’s happiness is threatened when the ‘sky people’ return, including an avatar Na’vi version of one Colonel Miles Quaritch (Stephen Lang), who has come to finish what he started, including vengeance on Jake for the death of his human form. He comes back with a group of former-human-now-Na’vi soldiers who are the film’s main villains. They aren’t the only villains in the film because Cameron portrays the military, planet-destroying humans of this universe as the villains as well.

Now somewhere mid-way through the film, you will get the vibe that you are watching a National Geographic film, because it takes you through a scenic ride of waterways, seas and sea life. Now do we need it? No, because a good 20-30 minutes could have been cut around this part to shorten the already LONG film. At the end of this scenic trip, Jane has moved his family to an underwater region run by Tonowari (Cliff Curtis), the leader of a clan called the Metkayina. Himself a family man—his wife is played by Kate Winslet—Tonowari is worried about the danger the new Na’vi visitors could bring but can’t turn them away.

All these issues bring up the subject of moral questions about responsibility in the face of a powerful evil. Do you do something or just stand aside and watch your home be destroyed? Do you let the beloved da red animals be poached for a prize and money?

What makes this film different from the first is that you come to know a bit more about each character and the deeper connections they have to one another and to Pandora. I will warn you, there is one character that you will say… what is your purpose? I don’t get it. Pet Gatos it’s setting it up for another film in the works. Let’s just hope it doesn’t take as long to see it!

If you’re invested into the Avatar franchise, you have to see it. If you’re not, it’s still worth a watch because it is definitely something beautiful to watch!

We were all a little worried what route this film would take after the untimely death of Chadwick Boseman, let’s be real… he made the Black Panther what it is today.

Letitia Wright was given the hard task of carrying on the title. It’s safe to say she did it justice. It’s hard taking on such a role, she had some pretty big shoes to fill.

The beauty of the film is that they honored Chadwick Boseman in the classiest and most sincere way. One of the most moving features to realize about the film is that they did not CGI Boseman’s character into the film. They used bits and pieces that he filmed during the first film and cut them into the latest film.

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Now let’s dive into bits of the film, without giving away too much. You will enjoy the story line, but mostly you will visually enjoy this film. It is absolutely beautiful to watch. There are some surprises in deaths… get ready to have your heartstrings pulled. As for the fight scenes, that’s where the disappointment came in to play. While they were set on adventurous locations, the fight scenes sort of fell flat and dragged out.

That being said, I gave the film four stars because of it. But it is still one that needs to be watched to see how the story of the black panther continues.