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.