Jumanji: the Next Level

Jumanji: the Next Level

Dir: Jake Kasdan

Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, Awkwafina, 

Danny Devito, Danny Glover, Nick Jonas

       In late 2017, Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle was released and became a smash hit

    grossing nearly a billion dollars. So of course, Columbia Pictures decided to greenlight

    a sequel right away. 

       In this sequel, we find nerdy Spencer, a college student home for the holidays. When

    he decides to visit his grandpa (Devito) who tells him that he doesn't like getting old.

    So heartbroken Spencer fixes the broken Jumanji game and enters into the simulated
    world hoping to become his avatar DrBravestone (Johnson) again.

        Meanwhile his friends Bethany, Fridge & Martha start to worry about him when he
    doesn't show up for coffee. The kids head back into the game as different avatars 
    except for Martha. 

        Veteran actors Danny Glover and Danny Devito show up as their avatars and the
    fun begins. They go on an even more dangerous mission involving restoring a 
    village that was plundered by an evil viking like man.

         The film was slightly better than the previous and delivers on the action sequences.
   Kevin Hart does a good Danny Glover impression. The pacing is so smooth that you
   will not be bored. TNL features a perfect blend of action and comedy. It's not as good
   as the first movie but enjoyable.

 Grade: B-

Shazam

Shazam

Dir: David F. Sandberg

Cast: Asher Angel, Jack Dylan Glazer, Zach Levi, Mark Strong, Grace

Fulton

         Ever since Chris Nolan made his Batman movies, DC has been a dark somber place.

    Thankfully, this movie is a light of sunshine among them. Nickelodeon star Asher 

    Angel is Billy Batson, a foster kid who keeps running away from his problems. Until

    one day he meets an old wizard who turns him into a grown man with superpower
    based on pure of heart.

         Billy and his best friend/ foster brother (D. Glazer) attempt to keep Billy's alter
    ego a secret from their foster family. Meanwhile, evil scientist Dr. Sivana (Strong)
    becomes obsessed with learning about Shazam and the magic behind the power.

         This movie is hilarious and a lot of fun to watch. Despite copying the MCU in
    their light hearted tone, it works in just the right way. Sandberg joins fellow horror
    turned superhero directors such as Richard Donner, James Gunn, James Wan & 
    Zack Snyder.

       Shazam is the perfect blend of action and comedy. The message of importance of
    having a family, even chosen ones, is the central theme. It may not be a critical 
    darling but it has heart and that's what this movie aims to be. 

Grade: B+

Aquaman

Aquaman

Dir: James Wan

Cast: Jason Momoa, Amber Heard, Patrick Wilson, Yayha Abdul-Mateen,

Willem Dafoe, Dolph Lundgren, Nicole Kidman

        For years now, it seemed Aquaman was considered a punchline in the superhero

    world due to fishy capabilities but with the release of his film, all that seems to change.

    

        In the sixth installment in the DC movies franchise, Game of Thrones actor Jason
    Momoa stars as Aquaman, a half human/ fish hybrid who must return to his oceanic
    home of Atlantis and protect it from his half brother King Orm (The Conjuring's 
    Patrick Wilson). Orm declares war on the surface world after humans have polluted
    the once natural wonders. Aquaman's arch nemesis Black Manta (Mateen) shows up
    to fight him.

        Joining him on his quest is the beautiful Princess Mera (Heard) who leads him on
   a quest to find a magic trident. Veteran actor Willem Defoe plays Nudis Vulko, 
   Arthur's mentor and trainer. 

       James Wan take on the aquatic superhero is beautifully shot with vibrant colors
   something that the previous DC movies lacked. Aquaman's cinematography is one
   of the, if not, the best I've ever seen.

      After the success of Wonder Woman & Aquaman, perhaps DC/WB should stick
  to making solo movies rather than copying Marvels playbook and rushing out team
  up movies.

     Grade: B (8/10)

       

Mission Impossible: Falllout

Mission Impossible: Fallout

Dir: Chris McQuarrie

cast: Tom Cruise, Henry Cavill, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Sean Harris,

Alec Baldwin, Vanessa Kirby, Angela Bassett, Rebecca Ferguson

         Mission Impossible movies are one of the few franchises that shows no signs of

   slowing down upping the ante each time. Fallout may be the best one yet. 

         Adrenaline junkie Tom Cruise is back as Ethan Hunt. The plot revolves around

   the IMF team racing against time to recover stolen plutonium after a mission goes

   wrong. But first they have to give up a captured anarchist Solomon Lane (Harris)

   to a mysterious woman, White Widow (Kirby), who claims she can help them 

   recover the missing plutonium.

         Superman actor Henry Cavill joins the IMF as Ethan's partner sporting the
    now infamous mustache that had to be digitally removed for reshoots on the
    Justice League movie.

   The Good: The action scenes involving the plane jump and rooftop chase had me 

   on the edge of my seat. There also was plenty of intrigue and double crossing to

   give James Bond a run for his money. Pegg's gadget man Benji has been an utter

   delight since he came on board in the third film.  

   The Bad: Nothing much to dislike about this movie just that I felt it was quite

   predictable and I could see it coming from a mile away. It doesn't spoil the

   viewing experience but it makes it feel more cut and dry than past entries. 

   Overall: MI: Fallout is everything we wanted and more from a franchise that

   keeps trying to top the last installment. It's a fun ride from start to finish 

   complete with twists and turns at every corner. It's the best movie to end  

   the summer on.

Grade: B

Tomb Raider

Tomb Raider

Dir: Roar Uthaug 

Cast: Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Daniel Wu, Walt Goggins

       Video game adaptations have always been a dodgy aspect of filmmaking. From 

   JCVD's portrayal of Guile in the Street Fighter film to the horrible Bob Hoskins' 

   Super Mario Brothers film of the early 90's, it hasn't exactly been great. This 
   version is a less hypersexualized version that starred Angelina Jolie way back
   in 2001.

       The beautiful Alicia Vikander stars as Lara Croft, a young woman who has a 

   taste for adventure. At the start, we see her working as a bike courier in the streets

   of London. Before she can claim her inheritance money, she finds clues to the 

   disappearance of her father Lord Richard Croft (West).  

       She follows the clues to a remote island encountering merciless mercenaries 

   using slaves to find an ancient grave reputed to hide mystical powers. The evil

   Mathias Vogel (Goggins) captures her to use her knowledge of opening the 

   ancient crypt to bring about the end of the world.

     The Good: The action scenes were intense to watch and didn't know if 
   Alicia was actually hurt or not. I appreciated the nod to Indiana Jones movies
   when the booby traps were set off. The father/daughter dynamic hits all the
   right notes. Alicia Vikander is very easy on the eyes. 

    The Bad: While Vikander did a decent job portraying the famous heroine, 
  she lacks the charisma that Jolie's take had. This movie had less action and
   more drama which dragged the film down a tad. 

    Overall: Judging by the trailers, I thought it'd be a cheesy flick and it turns 
   out it isn't. It's a very enjoyable film that doesn't take itself seriously. The
   open ending left me wanting more in a sequel should they decide to make 
   another one. 

Grade: C (7/10)

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle

Dir: Jake Kasdan

Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Jack Black, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas,

Bobby Cannavale

     When it was first announced that Jumanji would be getting a sequel, many people 

   cringed at the thought it'd be nothing more than a cheap cash grab but as it turns out,

   it's a pretty fun movie. 

      Taking place right after the last movie, four awkward teens get sent to detention 
   where they stumble upon an old video game and get sucked into it. They soon realize
   that they don't have to play the game as their avatar version of themselves, they 
   must survive too. They are sent out on a quest to return a cursed gem known as the
   "Jaguar's Eye" to it's rightful place on the island's giant jaguar state perservering
   though many levels and all terrains. The teens in their new bodies must work 
   together before it's too late. 

    Each member has their own personality. Johnson spoofs himself as a geeky teen in
   a beefy man's body while Jack Black character was absolutely hilarious as a girly
   girl trapped in a overweight man's body. Gillan's character Ruby is clearly based 
   off of Lara Croft as shown to be scantily clad. Kevin Hart is his usual funny self 
   playing a zoologist with a weakness for cake.

   The Good: The cast play off each other quite well and humor never got old. The 
   running joke is that these great actors are playing against this trope. I appreciated
   the nod to some of the classic movies like The Breakfast Club & The Goonies.

   The Bad: At times, it felt rushed and superficial. While it tried to compare itself to
   the original film, it fell painfully short. There were a couple crude scenes that may
   not sit well with small children but older kids might find it funny instead. 

   Overall: While it felt like an unnecessary film, it did what it could and that is to 
   entertain and I was pleasantly surprised with how it turned out. It's the funnest
   film of the holiday season and a stark contrast to the depressing Star Wars film 
   that's constantly getting attention. Rather than coming across as crass it doesn't
   just respect Robin Williams legacy, it tastefully honors it. 

Grade: B+ (8/10)

Thor: Ragnarok

Thor: Ragnarok

Dir: Taika Waititi

Cast: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Hiddleston, Cate Blanchett, Tessa Thompson,

Mark Ruffalo, Jeff Goldblum, Karl Urban

         The third movie in a series tend to be the worst but this one bucks the trend and

   is easily one of the funniest in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Chris Hemsworth

   returns as our favorite demigod who swears to protect his home world of Asgard

   from the evil goddess Hela (Cate Blanchett). 

           Critically acclaimed director Taika Waititi (What we do in the Shadows) takes a

   stab at a blockbuster that draws inspiration from Norse mythology and combines

   the Thor character with the Planet Hulk comic. 

 Spoilers ahead, use caution

          After escaping the pits of Hell, Thor returns to find his father Odin missing 
    from Asgard. He contacts Dr. Strange (Benedicts Cumberbatch cameo) and tells
    him that he's alive in Norway. There Odin gives him some fatherly advice only to
    pass away. When all of a sudden, a black cloud opens up in the sky only to have 
    the evil Hela show up. Together, Thor and adopted brother Loki (Hiddleston)
    fight her only to get separated in the Bifrost.

     

        Thor lands on a trash infested planet called Sakaar where he meets a young

   female warrior, Valkyrie (Thompson) and unknowingly has to fight the big green 

   monster The Hulk (Ruffalo). Meanwhile Hela rules over Asgard with an iron 

   fist. The only way to stop Hela is to fulfill the prophecy and create Ragnarok.

   In Thor's vision, Odin tells him the Asgard isn't just a place but people as long

   as they are protected. 

   The Good: The action scenes along with humor was spot on. Jeff Goldblum's

   Grandmaster was hilarious every time he was on screen. The inclusion of Led 

   Zeppelin Immigrant Song during the fight was the icing on the cake. This film

   was a lot lighter in tone than the depressing Thor: Dark World. This movie 

   featured  alot of colorful backgrounds which is bereft in most blockbusters today.

  The Bad: I thought Hela was too overpowered, killing off characters senselessly

  just for the sake of the plot. The last half of the movie felt rushed and didn't 

  connect well with me. The overuse of horrendous CGI that look like low budgeted

  action TV show. 

  Overall: I went into this movie expecting your typical superhero movie but I was

  blown away about how good it is. On a whole, this is an entire different outing 

  for the MCU. We see a side of the cosmic universe we've never seen before. It's

  what GOTG Vol. 2 should've been,a lighthearted movie that perfectly balances 

  the humor with action.

Grade: B+ (8/10)

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets

Dir: Luc Besson

        Cast: Dane Dehaan, Cara Delevingne, Clive Owen, Rihanna, Ethan Hawke

             

          Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets is the latest from acclaimed 

    French director Luc Besson ( The Fifth Element, Lucy ) and is based on the 

    comic of the same name. In this adaptation, Luc transports us to a futuristic world

    wild beyond our imagination. After a montage of explorers and aliens being 

    welcomed set to David Bowie's Space Oddity, we witness a Utopian like planet

    and their pale skinned inhabitants get wiped out. The magic pearls that they

    harvest help the remaining species survive.

     

     First off, the visuals are outstanding flooding the screen with eye popping CGI &

   nifty scifi gizmos. Some of the aliens depicted are very reminiscent of other alien 

   creatures such as the ones in Avatar and Star Wars. Unfortunately, the aliens here

   become a background noise to the thin and tiresome plot. 

      British actress/model Cara Delevingne is Agt Laureline alongside Dane

   Dehaan's Valerian as the pair play two young intergalactic agents who must 

   protect an alien species before it faces extinction. They go to identify the cause
   of a fatal radiation leak in a gigantic space station called Alpha before it's too
   late. 

     Pop star Rihanna shows up as a shapeshifting jelly like alien stripper named
   Bubbles whom Valerian befriends. Dane sounds weirdly like Keanu Reeves.

   Good: The visuals are stunning and rich if not completely mind warping. 
   The action scenes are energetic and fun and comes across as if watching 
   a video game but with more color. 

   Bad: Cara and Dane's characters are about as bland as a bowl of oatmeal. The
   two young actors shared absolute zero chemistry that made their romantic 
   subplot feel just forced. The fact that they looked more like teenagers suited
   for an MTV reality show made their roles hard to believe. The pacing teetered
   on the brink of boredom with its slow, drawn out exposition. The trio of alien
   platypuses were Jar Jar levels of annoying.
  
  Overall : The passion project for Besson was just average in its storytelling and
  lacked the kind of humor that made the Guardians of the Galaxy so good. Had this
  movie have more brevity it would've been a better film. Adapting a French comic
  to the big screen was a no easy task for Besson. Valerian is a crazy mess but a 
  fun mess in it's pure artistic vision.

Grade: C- (6/10)

The Legend of Tarzan

The Legend of Tarzan

Dir: David Yates

Cast: Alexander Skarsgard, Margot Robbie, Christoph Waltz, Samuel Jackson,
Dijmon Hounsou

       In the hundreds years since Tarzan was written, there have been many portrayals of

    the iconic character. From Johnny Weissmuller to Christopher Lambert and even to 

    a Disney animated film, the character of Tarzan has enjoyed enormous popularity.

    Adapted from the novel by Edgar Rice Burroughs, The Legend of Tarzan stars
    Swedish actor Alex Skarsgard in the title role. 

      The movie opens with a bunch of jungle natives getting slaughtered by Leon 

   Rom's (Waltz) soldiers. He acts an emissary for Belgium's King Leopold whose
   country is on the brink of bankruptcy. Leon is sent to Congo where the tribal 
   chief (Hounsou) wants Tarzan in exchange for the valuable diamonds of Opar.
   Since being raised in the jungle, Tarzan left his homeland and settled down in
   England now known as John Clayton.

      Tarzan and his bestie G.W. Williams (Jackson) along with his animal friends 
   help protect his jungle from the evil Leon. Oh yeah, Tarzan is married to Jane too.
   Playing her is the beautiful Robbie who sets out to prove she's no damsel in distress.

    Good: The cinematography was impressive along with Waltz's portrayal of the 
  villain only like he can. Margot Robbie was easy on the eyes. The action scenes
  were epic on such a grand scale.

   Bad: The dependency on CGI and slow motion fight scenes tried covering up the

  lack of a good, coherent story. Robbie and Skarsgard shared absolutely zero 

  chemistry whatsoever. 

   Overall: The trailers for this film made it look exciting but it turned out to be 

  just average. If you want to shut off your brain for a couple hours, this one should
  be right up your alley.

Final Grade: C (7/10)

Kong: Skull Island

Kong: Skull Island 
Dir: Jordan Vogt-Roberts

Cast: John Goodman, Brie Larson, Tom Hiddleston, Samuel L Jackson,

John C. Reilly. Toby Kebbel

       The summer blockbuster season gets off to an early start in this feature from 
  WB and Legendary Pictures. It also pays homage to classic monster movies of
  the 1950's & 60's.

       It's the early 70's and during the Vietnam War, a group of scientists studying 
MUTOs  (Massively Unidentified Terrestrial Organism) send some researchers 
to a remote island hidden deep in the South Pacific. There, they come across 
a gigantic ape the size of a building that inhabits the island.

       Leading the expedition is Gov. agent Bill Randa (John Goodman).To help him 
are a Ber Grylls type adventurer James Conrad (Hiddleston), a cute photographer
girl, Mason (Larson) and strict colonel Preston Packard (L. Jackson).

      When the army begins to drop napalms, Kong is awakened and starts attacking
 the military copter. Col Packard makes it his personal mission to hunt down and 
 kill Kong after witnessing this. The survivors band together and try to get off 
 island when they meet a wacky Navy pilot (Reilly) whose been stranded there
 for almost 30 years. His quips during the film make for a good comic relief.

     The cinematography is amazing and the panoramic shots are incredible along with 

some great closeups. The CGI used during the monster battles looks fantastic. While

it plays out like an average monster film, the story is nothing to write home about. 

The film focuses more on King Kong fighting the monsters that inhabit his island 
than the characters who aren't fleshed out as one hoped. They're just fodder to move 
the story along.

    All in all, it's a fun popcorn movie that doesn't take itself seriously. You can turn
off your brain for awhile and enjoy it for it is. While it may not win any major awards.
it's serviceable in it's own right in the WB/ Kaiju universe. 

  Grade: B+ (7/10)

The Croods (2013)

 

The Croods
Dir: Chris Sanders, Kirk DeMicco
Cast (voices): Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, Ryan Reynolds, Cloris Leachman

       The Croods is one of those movies that not only kids will enjoy but adults as well

   and that features an all star cast. After their cave gets destroyed by a massive earthquake,

   a prehistoric family sets off on a journey to find a new home.

       Along the way, they meet a caveboy named Guy (Reynolds), whom their daughter

  Eep (Stone) falls in love with. Guy shows the family how to adapt to be modern. The

  crazy Nicolas Cage voices Grug, her overbearing father whom he must keep his family

  together. Grug doesn't trust Guy and they bond hoping Guy is capable of being with

  Eep. 

      I thought this movie was really funny and had some good lessons. Plus I also like

  Emma Stone alot. The Croods focuses on a strong family dynamic that carries the 

  story forward. The morals of not being afraid should inspire kids to do the same. 

  Dreamworks Animation continues their winning streak and while it may not be an

  instant classic like Toy Story, it'll surely put a smile on the kids faces.

Grade: B- (7/10)

Class Movie 1: The Jungle Book

    This past summer, my class went out to the movies and saw "The Jungle Book" 
 It tells the tale of an orphaned boy named Mowgli living in a remote part of the 
 jungle. He befriends a bear named Baloo. 
     I can't give a review of this since I was out sick with a bad cough and didn't get
 a chance to see it. My classmates reported back and said they enjoyed it alot. I 
 did see the 1967 animated version when I was little. My favorite character in the 
 movie is Baloo.