Category: Movie Reviews

WOW! John Wick with a Vengeance invades Bollywood!

What an exciting, adventurous and extraordinary film to watch. It will put you on a wild roller coaster until the very end.

You would think that the over-the-top violence would make you cringe and you’d end up hating the film, but on the contrary with this one. The violence tied in with the flashbacks to an unforgotten traumatic past sucks you in to the film even more, so much so that you’re grasping your seat because you just don’t know what to expect next.

Great musical choices with an great set design that bring tension and an engaging thriller where people are stabbed, shot, dismembered, and killed in so many other graphic and unspeakable ways. When you think of the title Monkey Man, you may be thinking oh this is going to be another silly movie about a cage fighter or something along those lines, but the film and the story it tells is captivating.

Some may say Dev Patel tried entirely too hard with so many chaotic violent scenes but it sure did keeps the audiences attention.

Oscar® nominee Dev Patel (Lion, Slumdog Millionaire) achieves an astonishing, tour-de-force feature directing debut with an action thriller about one man’s quest for vengeance against the corrupt leaders who murdered his mother and continue to systemically victimize the poor and powerless.

Inspired by the legend of Hanuman, an icon embodying strength and courage, Monkey Man stars Patel as Kid, an anonymous young man who ekes out a meager living in an underground fight club where, night after night, wearing a gorilla mask, he is beaten bloody by more popular fighters for cash.

After years of suppressed rage, Kid discovers a way to infiltrate the enclave of the city’s sinister elite. As his childhood trauma boils over, his mysteriously scarred hands unleash an explosive campaign of retribution to settle the score with the men who took everything from him.

Packed with thrilling and spectacular fight and chase scenes, Monkey Man is directed by Dev Patel from his original story and his screenplay with Paul Angunawela and John Collee (Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World).

The film’s international cast includes Sharlto Copley (District 9), Sobhita Dhulipala (Made in Heaven), Pitobash (Million Dollar Arm), Vipin Sharma (Hotel Mumbai), Ashwini Kalsekar (Ek Tha Hero), Adithi Kalkunte (Hotel Mumbai), Sikandar Kher (Aarya) and Makarand Deshpande (RRR).

Monkey Man is produced by Dev Patel, Jomon Thomas (Hotel Mumbai, The Man Who Knew Infinity), Oscar® winner Jordan Peele (Nope, Get Out), Win Rosenfeld (Candyman, Hunters series), Ian Cooper (Nope, Us), Basil Iwanyk (John Wick franchise, Sicario films), Erica Lee (John Wick franchise, Silent Night), Christine Haebler (Shut In, Bones of Crows) and Anjay Nagpal (executive producer of Bombshell, Greyhound).

Serving as executive producers are Jonathan Fuhrman, Natalya Pavchinskya, Aaron L. Gilbert, Andria Spring, Alison-Jane Roney and Steven Thibault.

Universal Pictures presents a Bron Studios production, a Thunder Road film, a Monkeypaw production, a Minor Realm/S’Ya Concept production, in association with WME Independent and Creative Wealth Media.

Genre: Action Thriller

Cast: Dev Patel, Sharlto Copley, Pitobash, Vipin Sharma, Sikandar Kher, Sobhita Dhulipala, Ashwini Kalsekar, Adithi Kalkunte, Makarand Deshpande

Director: Dev Patel

Story by: Dev Patel

Screenplay by: Dev Patel and Paul Angunawela and John Collee

Producers: Dev Patel, Jomon Thomas, Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld, Ian Cooper, Basil Iwanyk, Erica Lee, Christine Haebler, Anjay Nagpal

Executive Producers: Jonathan Fuhrman, Natalya Pavchinskya, Aaron L. Gilbert, Andria Spring, Alison-Jane Roney, Steven Thibault

YESSSSSSSS!!!!! I haven’t been this excited to see a film since the last Guardians came out! Thank goodness this did not disappoint!

So many nods to the originals that it gives you goosies! So many horror scenes that leads me to believe that there are many more adventures to come. The films was 100% better than the attempt to revive the franchise that was done in 2016. Frozen Empire is a great continuation of the original cast combined with the all new Spenglers. The youngest of the Spenglers is a star in this film and is on a role as she takes after her grandfather.

From the looks of it, Ghostbusters 5 could quite possibly get the green light, fingers crossed!

In Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, the Spengler family returns to where it all started – the iconic New York City firehouse – to team up with the original Ghostbusters, who’ve developed a top-secret research lab to take busting ghosts to the next level. But when the discovery of an ancient artifact unleashes an army of ghosts that casts a death chill upon the city, Ghostbusters new and old must join forces to protect their home and save the world from a second Ice Age.

Directed by:                                                   
Gil Kenan

Written by:                                                     
Gil Kenan & Jason Reitman

Based on the 1984 film “Ghostbusters” An Ivan Reitman film written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis 

Produced by:                                                 
Ivan Reitman
Jason Reitman
Jason Blumenfeld

Executive Producers:                                    
Dan Aykroyd
Gil Kenan
JoAnn Perritano
Amie Karp
Erica Mills
Eric Reich

Cast:                                                              
Paul Rudd
Carrie Coon
Finn Wolfhard
Mckenna Grace
Kumail Nanjiani
Patton Oswalt
Celeste O’Connor
Logan Kim
Bill Murray
Dan Aykroyd
Ernie Hudson
Annie Potts

This film is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association for the following reasons: supernatural action/violence, language and suggestive references.

I’m a sucker for animal films, especially heartfelt dog films. I honestly avoid watching these, because chances are I am bound to end up in tears.

Sure enough that’s what happened when I watched Arthur The King.

Mark Wahlberg puts on a triumphant performances as man who persisted to not give up on his one last dream, little did he know that ONE dream would become second place to him when he met Arthur the dog. An unlikely bond is formed literally in the middle of the jungle. He meets mans best friend who gives him the will power to finish what he started and then he must do the same for his new family member.

It’s a feel good film to watch with the family. It does drag a bit at some points, but it’s worth it to watch. Just make sure you have some tissues around.

Over the course of ten days and 435 miles, an unbreakable bond is forged between pro adventure racer Michael Light (Mark Wahlberg) and a scrappy street dog companion dubbed Arthur. Based on an incredible true story, ARTHUR THE KING follows Light, desperate for one last chance to win, as he convinces a sponsor to back him and a team of athletes (Simu Liu, Nathalie Emmanuel, and Ali Suliman) for the Adventure Racing World Championship in the Dominican Republic. As the team is pushed to their outer limits of endurance in the race, Arthur redefines what victory, loyalty and friendship truly mean. 

ABOUT ARTHUR THE KING

RELEASE DATE: March 15, 2024

DIRECTOR: Simon Cellan Jones

WRITER: Michael Brandt

PRODUCED BY: Tucker Tooley, Mark Canton, Courtney Solomon, Tessa Tooley, Mark Wahlberg, Stephen Levinson

KEY CAST: Mark Wahlberg, Simu Liu, Juliet Rylance, Nathalie Emmanuel, Ali Suliman, with Bear Grylls as Himself, and Paul Guilfoyle

Mehhhh… It’s a good fun family film.

But just like other film franchises, there comes a time when you can tell they are running out of ideas for the films. Granted the kids will enjoy watching the film and adults will not be bored watching it with the littles. Although it does feel like a been there done that film.

I will say the film is not as good as the previous ones. It is definitely an entertaining sequel, with a fast pace and clear story lines. The central theme is centered around how one must cope with change and many should be able to resonate with it.

Any film with Jack Black never disappoints, so get ready to laugh and have a good time whether you’re with or without the little ones.

This spring, for the first time in almost a decade, comedy icon Jack Black returns to his role as Po, the world’s most unlikely kung fu master, with a hilarious, butt-kicking new chapter in DreamWorks Animation’s beloved action-comedy franchise: Kung Fu Panda 4. 

After three death-defying adventures defeating world-class villains with his unmatched courage and mad martial arts skills, Po, the Dragon Warrior (Golden Globe nominee Jack Black), is called upon by destiny to … give it a rest already. More specifically, he’s tapped to become the Spiritual Leader of the Valley of Peace.

That poses a couple of obvious problems. First, Po knows as much about spiritual leadership as he does about the paleo diet, and second, he needs to quickly find and train a new Dragon Warrior before he can assume his new lofty position. 

Even worse, there’s been a recent sighting of a wicked, powerful sorceress, Chameleon (Oscar® winner Viola Davis), a tiny lizard who can shapeshift into any creature, large or small. And Chameleon has her greedy, beady little eyes on Po’s Staff of Wisdom, which would give her the power to re-summon all the master villains whom Po has vanquished to the spirit realm. 

So, Po’s going to need some help. He finds it (kinda?) in the form of crafty, quick-witted thief Zhen (Golden Globe winner Awkwafina), a corsac fox who really gets under Po’s fur but whose skills will prove invaluable. In their quest to protect the Valley of Peace from Chameleon’s reptilian claws, this comedic odd-couple duo will have to work together. In the process, Po will discover that heroes can be found in the most unexpected places. 

The film features the voice talent of returning stars Academy Award® winner Dustin Hoffman as Kung Fu master, Shifu; James Hong (Everything Everywhere All at Once) as Po’s adoptive father, Mr. Ping; Academy Award® nominee Bryan Cranston as Po’s birth father, Li, and Emmy Award nominee Ian McShane as Tai Lung, Shifu’s former student and arch-nemesis. Oscar® winner Ke Huy Quan (Everything Everywhere All at Once) joins the ensemble as a new character, Han, the leader of the Den of Thieves. 

Kung Fu Panda 4 is directed by Mike Mitchell (DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls, Shrek Forever After) and produced by Rebecca Huntley (DreamWorks Animation’s The Bad Guys). The film’s co-director is Stephanie Ma Stine (She-Ra and the Princesses of Power). In 2008, the Academy Award®-nominated 2008 inaugural chapter, Kung Fu Panda, became DreamWorks Animation’s highest-grossing original animated film and launched a franchise that has earned more than $1.8 billion at the global box-office.

Genre: Animated Comedy Adventure

Cast: Jack Black, Awkwafina, Viola Davis, Dustin Hoffman, James Hong, Bryan Cranston, Ian McShane and Ke Huy Quan

Director: Mike Mitchell

Producer: Rebecca Huntley

Co-Director: Stephanie Ma Stine

Rated PG for martial arts action/mild violence, scary images and some mild rude humor.

Dune: Part Two… I went in having high hopes for this one considering how terrible the first film was. It was so terrible that I think I dozed off for quite some time during the film.

Part Two did not disappoint! Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet definitely stepped their game up on this one. Perhaps this one was more intriguing because we come to see more of this young man coming in to age and having to take on the role he had been avoiding but was destined to take on. There is quite enough character development to keep your attention and wanting more.

When it comes to character development, we do not only see Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet take on bigger roles, but his mother becomes somewhat of a headache. Without giving too much away, her intentions are questionable. Yes, she wants the best for her son and wants him to be the almighty powerful but at what cost. We come to see what the cost is at the end of this film, which we will only find out what happens if there happens to be another film. Of course those who hve read the books will know what transpires.

The film itself was visually thrilling to watch with action and drama. The special effects and camera work were next level.

The saga continues as award-winning filmmaker Denis Villeneuve embarks on “Dune: Part Two,” the next chapter of Frank Herbert’s celebrated novel Dune, with an expanded all-star international ensemble cast. The film, from Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures, is the highly anticipated follow-up to 2021’s six-time Academy Award-winning “Dune.”

The big-screen epic continues the adaptation of Frank Herbert’s acclaimed bestseller Dune with returning and new stars, including Oscar nominee Timothée Chalamet (“Wonka,” “Call Me by Your Name”), Zendaya (“Spider-Man: No Way Home,” “Malcolm & Marie,” “Euphoria”), Rebecca Ferguson (“Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning”), Oscar nominee Josh Brolin (“Avengers: End Game,” “Milk”), Oscar nominee Austin Butler (“Elvis,” “Once Upon A Time…In Hollywood”), Oscar nominee Florence Pugh (“Black Widow,” “Little Women”), Dave Bautista (the “Guardians of the Galaxy” films, “Thor: Love and Thunder”), Oscar winner Christopher Walken (“The Deer Hunter,” “Hairspray”), Léa Seydoux (the “James Bond” franchise and “Crimes of the Future”), Souheila Yacoub (“The Braves,” “Climax”), with Stellan Skarsgård (the “Mamma Mia!” films, “Avengers: Age of Ultron”), with Oscar nominee Charlotte Rampling (“45 Years,” “Assassin’s Creed”), and Oscar winner Javier Bardem (“No Country for Old Men,” “Being the Ricardos”).

“Dune: Part Two” will explore the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavors to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.

Villeneuve directed from a screenplay he and Jon Spaihts wrote based on Herbert’s novel. The film is produced by Mary Parent, Cale Boyter, Villeneuve, Tanya Lapointe and Patrick McCormick. The executive producers are Joshua Grode, Jon Spaihts, Thomas Tull, Herbert W. Gains, Brian Herbert, Byron Merritt, Kim Herbert, Richard P. Rubinstein and John Harrison, with Kevin J. Anderson serving as creative consultant.

Villeneuve is again collaborating with his “Dune” creatives: Oscar-winning director of photography Greig Fraser; Oscar-winning production designer Patrice Vermette; Oscar-winning editor Joe Walker; Oscar-winning visual effects supervisor Paul Lambert; Oscar-nominated costume designer Jacqueline West. Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer is again on hand to create the score.

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures Present A Legendary Pictures Production, A Film By Denis Villeneuve, “Dune: Part Two.” The film is slated for a March 1, 2024 release in theaters and IMAX nationwide and internationally beginning on 28 February 2024, distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures.

I really wanted to LOVE this film with it being part of the Kingsman series.

It is a very hyped up movie from the writer of the Kingsman series, the trailer showcased moments of silliness, spy action, Bryce Dallas Howard screaming and a cat that’s seemed like Taylor Swift’s cat; that seemed to be up to no good.

To kick off the film… be prepared because it is cheesy AF, but it’s also obvious that it is supposed to be. For the majority of the film, it leads the audience to believe it is one thing, when it really is another, being revealed in surprise twists that aren’t very surprising. You can almost call the shots and surprises that are about to come at you.

The cast does put on some great performance. One thing to note though, Henry Cavill’s hair is absolutely terrible. Poor guy, how did he let them do him like that?!

As for Dua Lipa, she seemed to be a bigger part in the film but in reality he time in the film was very shortly lived, but even with her short time she did great. Sam Rockwell is follwing in the footsteps of his Hollywood boys such as Tom Cruise, because the man is in his mid 50s and is at a point where age can be defied.

One more thing to note and perhaps the most important is that the film is entirely TOO LONG. They could have easily shaved off 45 minutes.

To make up for it being TOO LONG, there are quite a few ridiculous laugh out loud moments.

I did enjoy the film overall to watch once, and recommend it for the silliness alone. But, I would not watch it again. Don’t take the movie seriously, and I believe you will too. The very long ending is just ridiculously crazy with the suspension of disbelief, but embrace it.

The greater the spy, the bigger the lie.

From the twisted mind of Matthew Vaughn (Kingsman franchise, Kick-Ass) comes Argylle, a razor-witted, reality-bending, globe-encircling spy thriller.

Bryce Dallas Howard (Jurassic World franchise) is Elly Conway, the reclusive author of a series of best-selling espionage novels, whose idea of bliss is a night at home with her computer and her cat, Alfie. But when the plots of Elly’s fictional books—which center on secret agent Argylle and his mission to unravel a global spy syndicate—begin to mirror the covert actions of a real-life spy organization, quiet evenings at home become a thing of the past.

Accompanied by Aiden (Oscar^® winner Sam Rockwell), a cat-allergic spy, Elly (carrying Alfie in her backpack) races across the world to stay one step ahead of the killers as the line between Elly’s fictional world and her real one begins to blur.

The top-flight ensemble cast features Henry Cavill (The Witcher), John Cena (Fast X), Oscar^® winner Ariana DeBose (West Side Story), Grammy winning pop superstar Dua Lipa (Barbie), Emmy winner and Oscar^® nominee Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), Emmy winner and comedy icon Catherine O’Hara (Schitt’s Creek), Sofia Boutella (Kingsman: The Secret Service), and the legendary Samuel L. Jackson. Alfie is played by Chip, the real-life cat of supermodel Claudia Vaughn (née Schiffer).

Argylle is directed and produced by Matthew Vaughn, from a screenplay by Jason Fuchs (Wonder Woman). The film is produced by Matthew Vaughn, Adam Bohling (Kingsman franchise), Jason Fuchs, and David Reid (Kingsman franchise). The executive producers are Adam Fishbach, Zygi Kamasa, Carlos Peres and Claudia Vaughn.

Apple Original Films presents, in association with MARV, a Cloudy production. Argylle is distributed by Universal Pictures.

Genre: Fantasy Spy Thriller

Cast: Bryce Dallas Howard, Sam Rockwell, Henry Cavill, John Cena, Dua Lipa, Bryan Cranston, Sofia Boutella, with Ariana DeBose and Catherine O’Hara and Samuel L. Jackson

Directed by: Matthew Vaughn 

Screenplay by: Jason Fuchs

Producers: Matthew Vaughn, Adam Bohling, Jason Fuchs, David Reid

Executive Producers: Adam Fishbach, Zygi Kamasa, Carols Peres, Claudia Vaughn

LaKeith Stanfeild does like to stand out from the crowd and he knows how to do it without overdoing it. Even so, the film did fall sort of flat at times.

The film did have it’s times of laughter. It is a film designed to be eye opening to today’s youth by somewhat comparing how humans lived thousands of years ago compared to today.

It was refreshing to see an all-star black cast which included French actor and comedian Omar Sy carry the weight of telling this story and doing it well.

It was definitely interesting to see this take on the role of the messiah historically and how that might have altered the image of how we see the one we know best versus how he’s described. Most definitely will make you think and also make you want to pick up the Bible to refresh your memory.

From visionary filmmaker Jeymes Samuel, The Book of Clarence is a bold new take on the timeless Hollywood era Biblical epic. Streetwise but struggling, Clarence (LaKeith Stanfield) is trying to find a better life for himself and his family, make himself worthy to the woman he loves, and prove that he’s not a nobody. Captivated by the power and glory of the rising Messiah and His apostles, he risks everything to carve his own path to a divine life, a journey through which he finds redemption and faith, power and knowledge. The Book of Clarence Official Soundtrackfeatures new music by Jeymes Samuel, JAY-Z, Lil Wayne, Kid Cudi and more.

TriStar Pictures will release Legendary Pictures’ The Book of Clarence in movie theaters nationwide on January 12, 2024.

Written and Directed by:

Jeymes Samuel

Cast:

LaKeith Stanfield

Omar Sy

Anna Diop

RJ Cyler

David Oyelowo

Micheal Ward

Alfre Woodard

Teyana Taylor

Caleb McLaughlin

Eric Kofi Abrefa

Marianne Jean-Baptiste

with James McAvoy

and Benedict Cumberbatch

It’s an intense story to portray and Zac Efron took on the task.

How can you begin to describe the intensity and dedication Zac’s portrayal of Kevin is. This film is a heart-wrenching point of view that delivers every high and low of their lives, the good and the bad.

The performances unlike any other by the entire cast. This is not a feel good movie, so if you’re looking for a good time film, don’t watch this one. Yo’re sure to shed some tears, so watch it at home. True fans will watch it in theaters and appreciate their story being told. The ending is actually the beginning and that is beautiful. Lily James puts on a superb act as Pam. Zac Efron seriouosly dedicated himself to the role and embodied the story, which should earn him or the film some type of Oscar nod.

The film does more come off as a Lifetime movie mixed in with a documentary. The use of actual footage brought forth the intensity of the story.

I’m not one for musical and I was not expecting to like this film. I absolutely LOVED this film.

The film opens on the Georgia coast in 1909 by establishing the bond between young Celie (played by newcomer Phylicia Pearl Mpasi) and her sister Nettie (played by Halle Bailey from THE LITTLE MERMAID). When the two are forcefully separated, Celie loses hope which Nettie always provided, and she ends up living a miserable life as she lives her life being abused by Mister (a powerful Colman Domingo, RUSTIN) who mistreats every time he sets his eyes on her. Assuming the role she made her own on Broadway is Fantasia Barrino as adult Celie, who embodied the heart of the story.

Memorable characters and performances in every single scene in this film. Danielle Brooks (from “Orange is the New Black”) is a outstanding as Sophia, a role she also shined portraying on stage. Sophia is wife to Harpo (Corey Hawkins from STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON), he is one of the few men trying to break the tradition of abuse. Taraji B Henson is a force to be reckoned with as singer Shug Avery, one of the few women from the area who was able to gain independence and make a name for herself on her own terms.

The supporting cast is filled with talent and surprises. David Allen Grier appears as Reverend Avery, Shug’s estranged dad. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor appears in flashbacks as Celie’s Mama. Elizabeth Marvel portrays the racist wife of the Mayor, and one who has such an impact on Sophia’s life. Oscar winner Lou Gossett Jr (now 87 years old) shows us exactly how his son Mister turned out the way he did.

As this is a musical, you should expect to see artists play a part, and it’s quite a treat and surprise to see H. E. R. As Squeak who is Harpo’s girlfriend. Jon Batiste plays the role of Grady, who turns out to be Shug’s fashionable husband. Another surprise was Ciara making an appearance as grown-up Nettie. Keep an eye out for a quick surprise that dates back to Spielberg’s movie.

The film is a labor of love and passion for those involved, and the ending is sure to get the waterworks going when a memorable reunion occurs over Easter dinner.

Warner Bros. Pictures invites you to experience the extraordinary sisterhood of three women who share one unbreakable bond in “The Color Purple.” This bold new take on the beloved classic is directed by Blitz Bazawule (“Black Is King,” “The Burial of Kojo”) and produced by Oprah Winfrey, Steven Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones.

“The Color Purple” stars Taraji P. Henson (“What Men Want,” “Hidden Figures”), Danielle Brooks (“Peacemaker,” “Orange Is the New Black”), Colman Domingo (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Fear the Walking Dead”), Corey Hawkins (“In the Heights,” “BlacKkKlansman”), H.E.R. (“Judas and the Black Messiah,” “Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration”), Halle Bailey (“The Little Mermaid,” “Grown-ish”), Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor (“King Richard,” “If Beale Street Could Talk”), and Fantasia Barrino (in her major motion picture debut).

The screenplay is by Marcus Gardley (“Maid,” “The Chi”), based on the novel by Alice Walker and based on the musical stage play, book (of the musical stage play) by Marsha Norman, music and lyrics by Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray. The executive producers Alice Walker, Rebecca Walker, Kristie Macosko Krieger, Carla Gardini, Mara Jacobs, Adam Fell, Courtenay Valenti, Sheila Walcott and Michael Beugg.

Joining director Bazawule behind the camera are director of photography Dan Laustsen (“John Wick: Chapter 4,” “The Shape of Water”), production designer Paul Denham Austerberry (“The Flash,” “The Twilight Saga: Eclipse”) and editor Jon Poll (“Bombshell,” “The Greatest Showman”). The choreographer is Fatima Robinson (“Coming 2 America,” “Dreamgirls”) and the costumes are designed by Francine Jamison-Tanchuck (“Emancipation,” “One Night in Miami…”). The music supervisors are Jordan Carroll (“The Greatest Showman,” “Godfather of Harlem”) and Morgan Rhodes (“Space Jam: A New Legacy,” “Selma”); the music is by Kris Bowers (“King Richard,” “Green Book”); and the executive music producers are Nick Baxter (“Babylon,” “CODA”), Stephen Bray (“Respect,” “Juanita”) and Blitz Bazawule.