REVIEW: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker ★★★★

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.

Star Wars/Disney

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.

Star Wars/Disney

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)

REVIEW: Frozen 2 ★★★★★

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.

(Courtesy of Disney)

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!

REVIEW: Toy Story 4 Expected To Bring Life To The Box Office

“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!

REVIEW: X-Men’s Dark Phoenix ★★★

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.

REVIEW: Captain Marvel ★★★★

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

REVIEW: Ocean’s 8 ★★★★

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!

REVIEW: ‘Avengers: Infinity War’ ★★★★★

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.

REVIEW: ‘A Wrinkle in Time’ ★★★

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.

REVIEW: ‘Red Sparrow’ ★★★★

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.

REVIEW: Black Panther ★★★★★

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.