It’s Trailer Thursday!!!
As the weather gets hotter, i can’t help but think of football season around the corner. With football season, comes cheerleaders. Most cheerleading flicks are teen sex comedies or horror comedies where the girls get naked before they get killed, but there is an exception to every rule. In this case, there is But I’m a Cheerleader.
Check it out!
PLOT:
Before We Go, the directorial debut of Chris Evans, follows the journey of two strangers stuck in New York City for the night. Starting as convenient acquaintances, the two soon grow into each other’s most trusted confidants when a night of unexpected adventure forces them to confront their fears and take control of their lives.
What people are saying:
“Slight and familiar but sweet enough for Saturday night, Before We Go is the umpteenth re-up of Brief Encounter, not that there’s anything wrong with that.” 4 stars
“Evans and Eve as actors get a passing grade, but Evans as director fails to find a thematic center worth sticking around to watch.” 2 stars
“I know it says “Romantic” but to me it was more than Romantic, it was about finding a friendship without being intimate. I loved the aspect that both Alice and Chris were there for each other. Two people that had never known each other detailing there most personal feelings. I am from a time that two people could fall in love without being intimate. Without giving away the ending had to be that way because even though she felt something for him she was still married. ” 5 stars
“A cliché but heartfelt romance movie. A good movie to watch with your significant other on a rainy night. The chemistry between the leads is apparent and for a Directing debut, Chris Evans gives a solid attempt at a slightly different take on classic Rom coms. If you do not enjoy long walking and talking scenes however, I would advise against this movie as this is a common story telling method throughout the film” 3 stars
“Equal parts drama and comedy, this one isn’t as predictable as you would think. I recommend it for a lazy rainy day or a before bed movie with minimal expectations. The two starts are both great. Good enough I would watch again.” 4 stars
PLOT:
Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo), with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage!
What people are saying:
“There’s an emotional resonance to this story about growing old, chasing glory days and the joy of passing the baton that leaves the other two films choking on its digitally rendered dust. The end goal this time out isn’t just to sell a few more toys and Lightning McQueen lunchboxes. It’s actually tapping into something deeper than a corporate bottom line.” 4 stars
“The final chapter of the trilogy has saved the best for last and will at least deflect the most serious concerns of those who think this series has taken too many extra laps.” 4 stars
“Cars 3 is the sequel that Cars 2 should have been, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s good. It’s okay. The story is a retread of the first movie and some of the plot points seem forced. Plus, they cram so many characters into the movie that none of them can get any real traction. Pixar needs to stop focusing on merchandising and get back to creating quality animated films.” 3 stars
“Lightning McQueen is trying to beat a competitor, storm, who is a “rookie” so he trains his hardest but still cant beat him. i personally dont like the ending because we all like a hero but in this movie instead of the hero we all know and love(lightning McQueen) it turns out the hero is cruz. its like if harry potter wasnt the main character in the 4th movie even if the movie series was based on him. my last complaint is his color at the end. when he changes from red to blue it was cringy. i barely even recognized him. red is his signature color. now sometimes change is good. but was it really worth the risk this time? but i digress.” 2 stars
“What probably should have been Cars 2. Like those cinematic shorts featuring Mater, Cars 2 felt like a gigantic one. This one alone maybe doesn’t quite hit the traditional creative Pixar charm in ways, but obviously it’s more thought provoking and emotional then the previous. I felt a tad disappointed that Mater didn’t have a bigger role in this film, but then again he had enough of a roll in 2. Cruz was an engaging and fun new character to the franchise and the ending of the film I don’t think could have been more satisfying. You’re never too old to be involved with what you love, even if that doesn’t mean actually doing it” 4 stars
It’s Trailer Thursday!!!
Happy 1st Day of summer! Unless you live here in the south, then it seems like summer started not long after Easter! does that mean it’ll end early? Or is this punishment for having an actual winter, including a couple batches of snow, for once?
Anyway, i probably should have found a film that was summer related, but this film has been on my brain for a while, so this week’s trailer is for the animated gross out body comedy, Osmosis Jones.
Check it out and enjoy!!!
PLOT:
From Disney comes two-time Oscar (R) winner Brad Bird’s riveting, mystery adventure “Tomorrowland,” starring Academy Award (R) winner George Clooney. Bound by a shared destiny, former boy-genius Frank (Clooney), jaded by disillusionment, and Casey (Britt Robertson), a bright, optimistic teen bursting with scientific curiosity, embark on a danger-filled mission to unearth the secrets of an enigmatic place somewhere in time and space known only as “Tomorrowland.” What they must do there changes the world-and them-forever.
What people are saying:
“It’s important to note that Tomorrowland is not disappointing in the usual way. It’s not another glib, phoned-in piece of franchise mediocrity, but rather a work of evident passion and conviction. What it isn’t is in any way convincing or enchanting.” 2 stars
“An aggressively optimistic script admonishes the lazy and irresolute and urges humanity to end war and save the environment; the proselytizing burdens an already onerous plot.” 2 stars
“Fantastic! I hope this movie inspires more of our younger generation to create and explore. The message was sensational! If more people stopped listening to the depressing, action news network maybe they would begin to use their minds for something greater. I applaud this movie. Shame on those who continue to destroy our world by destroying our heart and minds” 5 stars
“Although i found the movie to be very complicated to follow plot wise and story wise especially for a disney movie, the movie itself was quite thrilling to watch due to the beautiful scenery, the good acting, and the philosophical message that it holds in the end of the movie” 4 stars
“The first 35 to 45 minutes was pretty darn good, and would’ve been great if done in half the screen time. Sadly, it quickly becomes mind-numbingly apparent that the reason for the loooooong opening stretch was because they were trying to stretch all the way to the ending. Yep, no story in the middle on this one. (And very few characters to hang it all on.) Worse, the ending is a formulaic snoozefest, complete with evil genius monologue followed swiftly by butt-kicking of said evil genius. If your constitution for vomit inducing endings isn’t ironclad, then make sure you have a bucket handy. Bright spots: Clooney, Laurie, and Robertson work wonders with the script, turning in three fine performances, but it’s Raffey Cassidy who steals the show—an utter joy to watch every second she’s on the screen. (500 extra sadness points for the actors bring their A-game to a script in search of a story. 1,000 extra-extra sadness points to whoever thought substituting some heart-string pulling at the end would make up for everything.)” 1 star
PLOT (spoiler alert!!!):
Three months following Syndrome’s defeat, the Parr family – Bob, Helen, Dash, Violet and Jack-Jack – continue operating under their superhero identity, the Incredibles. After unsuccessfully preventing the villain Underminer from robbing Metroville Bank, the authorities become concerned over the level of damage caused by the incident. As a result, Rick Dicker informs the Parr family that his department’s “Super Relocation” program is being shut down, forcing supers across the world to permanently adhere to their secret identities. Soon thereafter, Bob and Helen, along with family friend Lucius Best – the superhero Frozone – are contacted by Winston Deavor, a superhero fan, telecommunications tycoon, and owner of DEVTECH, who proposes a publicity stunt to regain the general public’s support of supers.
Helen Parr, considered the least-destructive of the supers, is selected to undertake the stunt by openly fighting crime in New Urbrem, under her old identity of Elastigirl. As part of the plan, Winston provides the family with a new home, to which Bob offers to take care of the kids while Helen is away. During her absence, Bob discovers that Jack-Jack has various super powers, but struggles with controlling the family’s infant. Seeking help, Bob takes Jack-Jack to Edna Mode, a family friend and superhero-costume designer, who agrees to help upon seeing the baby’s superpowers in action. Helen meanwhile confronts the Screenslaver – a mysterious villain who hijacks screens in order to project hypnotic images that can brainwash civilians.
After rescuing an ambassador from the Screenslaver’s clutches, she manages to defeat him, only to find that he is no more than a pizza delivery man, who has no recollection of what he did. While attending a celebration of the Screenslaver’s defeat at the Deavor’s, Helen realizes that the pizza delivery man was being controlled by hypno-screens within his goggles. Before she can alert anyone to this, Winston’s sister Evelyn Deavor overpowers her and brainwashes her with Screenslaver’s goggles glasses. Evelyn reveals herself to be the mastermind behind the Screenslaver – seeing supers as a threat to humanity’s independence, she sought to undermine her brother’s mission, and plans to brainwash the world’s leaders so that they cannot re-legalize superheroes. Evelyn then manages to lure Bob and Lucius into a trap, and place them under her control with brainwashing glasses.
Avoiding the same fate as their parents, Dash, Violet, and Jack-Jack, whom Edna had outfitted with a super-suit, sneak aboard the Deavor’s ship to rescue their parents, as the world leaders meet for a hearing on supers. After freeing their parents and Lucius, the group reveal Evelyn’s plan to the assembled leaders. A battle on the boat ensues, threatening to crash the ship into New Urbrem. However, the group manage to stop it, while Helen apprehends Evelyn when she tries to make an escape. Following the incident, the Supers Relocation Program is reinstated in response to the group’s heroism, making supers legal once again.
REVIEW:
There have been some long-awaited films to be released in the past 12 months including, but not limited to Wonder Woman, Black Panther, Star Wars : The Last Jedi, etc. None of these come anywhere near the anticipation for Incredibles 2. 14 years we have been waiting for this sequel…14 years!!! Will this be worth the wait or a major letdown? Let’s find out!
What is this about?
What did I like?
Right where we left off. Every now and then we are privy to a sequel for a film that was released some 5, 10, 15 yrs prior. While it is great to see these characters, and in some cases actors, again, the feeling just isn’t the same…even if they move the story forward and age with the actors. The brilliant thing about animation is that these characters don’t age (I read they did think about aging them in an early meeting, though). The only difference in this cast over the past 14 years is the voice of Dash is a different actor, for voice change reasons and the guy that was agent Dicker retired and passed away. Once those holes were filled, it was easy to come in and pick up right where The Incredibles left off. Literally, they pick up in the same scene that ends the first film!
Jack-Jack of all trades. There has been a real emphasis placed on marketing the baby, Jack-Jack. Can you blame them, though? The kid is cute, has a seemingly unending array of powers, and there is a fight with a raccoon that steals the show! If this moves forward with another film, I am interested to see where they go with him and his powers. One theory is that he’ll stop being cute, rebel against the family, and become a supervillain. Meh, I’m not much a fan of that theory, but this kid does need to be reigned in a bit. Strangely enough, he seems to have a rapport with Edna…maybe that will lead to something?
Comedy. Let’s face it, outside of the Guardians of the Galaxy films and Ant-Man, superhero films are serious business (Marvel does throw in jokes here and there, unlike the brooding, depressing DC Universe). I don’t know why, but I was afraid this film was going to go in that direction as well. Instead, there are plenty of jokes to go around. Pixar may be known for tugging on the heartstrings primarily *COUGH* Up *COUGH*, but leave us not forget they know how to make an audience of all ages laugh, too, something they succeed with in spades with the film. Situations with Jack-Jack, Bob learning new math, the character Voyd’s nervousness around Elastigirl, etc. All the jokes land and make for a thoroughly entertaining film.
What didn’t I like?
Feminism. Over the course of this blog’s history, I have made it no secret that I am no fan of feminism. Everyone should have equal rights, sure, but don’t shove your agenda down my throat, or say I am a bad person because I prefer seeing a damsel in distress once in a while. The level of feminism in this film isn’t bra burning, stop shaving your armpits, listen to 90s era lesbian grunge, for lack of a better term…blame the ladies I went to college with…but it does reek of trying to put the focus on Elastigirl and shove her down our throat. I’m ok with that, except for the fact that we for a good chunk of her in the last film. If you wanted to give us some girl power, why not put the focus on Violet, which some of the film was, or make a new super, which they did and i’ll get to her next. Hell, even give some more with Edna, even though she doesn’t have powers, one gets the feeling she could do some damage. All in all, though, in this day and age where is seems to be a crime to be male, let alone a straight male, this film took the easy road and pushed all the guys to the back of the bus.
Voyd the other supers. We saw in the last film that all the supers were killed, either by horrific accidents, which Edna Mode blamed on capes, or by Syndrome’s robots. As one generations falls, another one must rise. Enter a new group of supers. Most are forgettable, tbh, except for Voyd. I have two issues with the new guys. First, all of these powers are what we’ve seen a billion times, electricity (Black Lightning), telekinesis (Jean Gray), super strength (Mr. Incredible), flight (Angel), and the one that did stand out was an old man whose acid reflux allows him to spit lava! *SIGH* Second, Voyd is a great character. Her fangirling over Elastigirl almost made me want her to turn on her, but that would be a rehash of the first film in some respects. I do think they could have dialed her back a bit or given her compatriot supers some more time to develop personalities. I don’t think the electric dude said anything outside of introducing his powers when we first meet him!
Seen it all before. There is a misconception that this is the exact same film, just with the genders reversed. That isn’t the case. For instance, the villain isn’t anywhere near as strong a characters as Syndrome. There is a twist that comes before the last act, which you can probably see coming a mile away, but it doesn’t affect a character like you would think. Elastigirl isn’t hiding her superhero assignment. Blah, blah, blah All that said, there are more things in common with the first film that I would like for there to be, such as the main plot of one going out to be super, while the other stays home and takes care of the kids. If that was done for familiarities sake, then ok, but if it took Brad Bird 14 years to come up with that perfect story, I am highly disappointed.
The Incredibles is my all time favorite Pixar film. I have waited as we have had a sequel, and a prequel, to just about every Pixar film that was released before (and after) 2004. Not all of them have been good, some have been an obvious cash grab, and others were just horrible, but Incredibles 2 delivers. Is it as good as its predecessor? No, but let’s look at the superhero landscape and people’s general attitudes since the original was released. There has been a definite shift. That being said, I highly enjoyed this film and look forward to watching it again, and again, and again. My only real issues are that the Underminer got away and there are now 2 blueprints for how to do a solid Fantastic Four film for whichever studio ends up getting the rights. Do I recommend this? Yes, very highly! Stop reading and watch it multiple times with the whole family!
5 out of 5 stars
PLOT:
Schoolyard fights are commonplace — though they’re typically between students. But English teacher Andy Campbell suddenly finds himself challenged to a brawl when he inadvertently gets under the skin of his tough-guy colleague Ron Strickland.
What people are saying:
“I could tell you to sit through Fist Fight and then get back to me – but I like you, so I’m not going to urge you to subject yourself to 91 minutes of cinematic detention that felt twice as long and was so ugly, so mean-spirited, so bereft of laughs, I found myself rooting for a technical malfunction if only to catch a momentary breather.” 1 star
“A consistently intelligent (or at least bright), coherently constructed comedy that is on occasion a rather pointed critique of the American education system in the early 21st century.” 4 stars
“Cursing doesn’t bother me, but I was surprised when the kid did the song and well, let’s just say that back in the day her mouth would have been the cleanest in America after it was over. But yes, senior days you get pranks. I’d venture that some of the stunts the kids pulled in this movie would have gotten them sent to jail for a few days. If you want a quick laugh, skip to the end credits and watch the bloopers that run during them. Be advised there is a blooper involving the horse. ” 3 stars
“Charlie Day and Ice Cube are ready to rumble in the outrageous screwball comedy Fist Fight. In fear of his job Any Campbell rats out a fellow teacher who gets fired, leading him to challenge Campbell to a fight at the end of the day. Day is hilarious and elevates the material, and Jillian Bell is surprisingly good as well. However, the writing is pretty bad, as it’s ridiculous how out of control the school is. And there’s far too much vulgarity and crudeness. Yet, ultimately it’s all about the fight; which proves to be an exciting knock-down, drag-out, bare-knuckle brawl. It’s got a lot of problems, but Fist Fight is entertaining and delivers some good laughs.” 2 1/2 stars
“This film has jokes and humor that will keep you laughing, but not all the jokes achieve this which makes some of the humor uncomfortable. This movie thrives on the two standout performances of Ice Cube and Charlie Day, who as high school teachers wanting to survive the chaos of senior pranks at their high school, will do what it takes to defend themselves. This movie has great Character development for Charlie Days’ character, bring him from being a wimpy high school teacher to a complete bad-ass. The other actors in this movie are in this movie to be comic relief or to provide Charlie Days’ character with motivation. Overall, this movie isn’t a bad type of comedy movie, but a comedy movie that tries to bring a message of confidence in oneself and not to feel so down on yourself because theirs some part of you that knows you can do it. Not a bad movie, but could of been a lot better.” 3 1/2 stars
It’s Trailer Thursday!!!
This week’s trailer is a cult classic that seems to be growing in popularity. What is the reason for this? Maybe because the current political climate we live in feels like aliens have taken over anyone that has sense, but i won’t go into that.
Enjoy the trailer for They Live
PLOT:
Also known under the title The Hangover, this crime film follows Sergeant Stevens (Lawrence Tierney) as a detective who must clear his name when incriminating circumstances make him the prime suspect in a film-actress’ murder.
What people are saying:
“A muddled but diverting B film noir melodrama from cheapie American International Pictures. Future sex queen Jayne Mansfield, known as the blonde bombshell, made her acting debut, costarring as a nymphomaniac. Its attempts to be hard-boiled fall apart when it becomes apparent that writer Burt Kaiser couldn’t get a handle on the plot line, and instead lets the narrative get mired in too much silliness. It also suffers from a weak directing effort by Bruno Ve Sota and cheesy production values” 3 stars
“Rather lurid and somewhat boring.” 2 stars
“Female Jungle is a fairly good and at times noteworthy low budget indie feature. Produced by star Burt Kaiser, who plays a down on his luck sketch artist with the longest 1950’s hair this side of Elvis, the film also features Lawrence Tierney, who sleepwalks through his role as a drunken cop trying to win back the respect of his sergeant by helping solve a murder mystery. Tierney’s career was entering crisis mode at this point thanks to his own drinking problem, and though he’s obviously trying his best here, it shows. The story is fairly feeble, but the fine cast–which also includes John Carradine, Attack of the Giant Leeches man Bruno Ve Sota, an unglamorous looking Jayne Mansfield, and Davis Roberts–is worth watching. For a poverty row cheapie the film looks quite good–a testament, perhaps, to the effective work of DoP Elwood Bredell, who always did good work with little money on ‘B’ classics like Man Made Monster and Phantom Lady.” 2 stars
“I’m not into old flicks from the 50’s and even the 60’s but still, I have to buy some to complete my collection. But it came clear after this one, I don’t like horrors from that era but crime stories I do like. The reason is very simple, they don’t use cheap effects. But still, they have to give you a special reason to watch them. This one still stands after those years due the perfect editing, what I mean is that they use single camera to make those flicks, so when you see a cut it’s been taken from another take. Mostly faults are visible in expression of faces or drinks that are for example empty and suddenly they’re full again. Another reason to watch it is to see sex symbol Jayne Mansfield in her screen debut. Already in some sexy outfit and as seducer. A strange life she had dying at age 34. All acting is well done, of course no nudity in it but the use of blood dripping from one’s hand is impressive for that era. When one is killed due gunshots, the close up and the blood running was also well done. It’s not a master piece but it surely is still enjoyable.” 2 1/2 stars
“Even allowing for the fact that it was a low budget, quickly made picture (like many film noirs were), this picture for me was more bad than good. First the bad, the film suffers from some stilted acting by the supporting players and so-so dialog. The film even manages a couple of moments of unintentional humor. It is about a murder that takes place outside a bar where an off duty cop is drinking heavily. The cop is played here by Lawrence Tierney (who looks more like his younger brother, Scott Brady, than he has in any other role of his I’ve seen). The cops on duty browbeat Tierney into helping out with the investigation. I did not understand why they expected Tierney’s character to help, he was off duty after all. Now for the good, after a few false leads and dead ends, the killer is revealed. I must admit, the killer’s identity was unexpected. I was fooled. The leading performers here are competent but the one person that really stands out, literally, is a young temptress played by Jayne Mansfield. It is easy to see why she ended up with a Hollywood career playing Marilyn Monroe type parts. This film was released as the second half of a double feature. That is where it belongs. The western it was released with, Oklahoma Woman, is a much better film.” 2 1/2 stars
PLOT (spoiler alert!!!):
On the shipbuilding world of Corellia, orphaned children are made to steal in order to survive. Han and his lover Qi’ra make an escape from the clutches of a local criminal gang. They bribe an Imperial officer with a stolen sample of coaxium, a powerful hyperspace fuel, in exchange for passage on an outgoing transport, but Qi’ra is apprehended by their pursuers before she can board. Han vows to return for her and joins the Imperial Navy as a flight cadet. When the recruiting officer asks for his family name, Han says he has no family, and is alone, so the recruiter gives him the surname “Solo” in his documents.
Three years later, Han has been expelled from the Imperial Flight Academy for insubordination. While serving as an infantryman during a battle on the planet Mimban, he encounters a gang of criminals posing as Imperial soldiers led by Tobias Beckett. He tries to blackmail them into taking him with them, but Beckett has him arrested for desertion and thrown into a pit to be fed to a beast – a Wookiee named Chewbacca. Able to understand Chewbacca’s language, Han persuades him to work together to escape their confinement. In need of extra hands, Beckett rescues them and enlists them in the gang’s plot to steal a shipment of coaxium on the planet Vandor-1. The plan goes awry when the Cloud Riders show up with their leader Enfys Nest, resulting in the deaths of two crew members, Rio Durant and Beckett’s wife, Val, and the destruction of the coaxium.
Beckett reveals he was ordered to steal the shipment for Dryden Vos, a high-ranking crime boss in the Crimson Dawn syndicate. Han and Chewbacca volunteer to help him steal another shipment to repay the debt. They travel to Vos’s yacht where Han finds Qi’ra, who has joined Crimson Dawn and become Vos’s top lieutenant. Han suggests a risky plan to steal unrefined coaxium from the mines on the planet Kessel; Vos approves but insists that Qi’ra accompany the team. She leads them to Lando Calrissian, an accomplished smuggler and pilot who she hopes will lend them his ship. Han challenges Lando to a game of sabacc, with the wager being Lando’s ship. Lando cheats to win but agrees to join the mission in exchange for a share of the profits.
The team boards his ship, the Millennium Falcon, and heads for Kessel. After reaching the planet and infiltrating the mine, Lando’s droid co-pilot L3-37 instigates a slave revolt. They use the confusion to steal a consignment of coaxium, but L3 is severely damaged and Lando is injured during the escape. With the help of L3’s navigational computer, freshly hotwired into the ship’s systems, Han pilots the ship along a dangerous route through an uncharted maelstrom to elude an Imperial blockade. The Falcon, badly damaged, lands on the planet Savareen to process the coaxium.
During a confrontation with Enfys, who has tracked the team from Vandor, Lando flees in the Falcon. Enfys explains to Han that she and her crew are not pirates, but rebels trying to prevent the syndicates and the Empire from gaining power. Han becomes sympathetic to their cause and tries to trick Vos, but Beckett has already alerted him to the double-cross. Vos sends his guards to kill Enfys, but the Cloud Riders overpower them instead, leaving Vos defenseless. Having anticipated Vos’s strategy, Han tries to take the coaxium, only for Beckett to betray Vos, escaping with it and taking Chewbacca hostage. Qi’ra kills Vos and sends Han after Beckett; once alone, she contacts Vos’s superior, Maul, to inform him of the mission’s failure and claim Vos’s position within the syndicate. She avoids telling him of Han’s involvement, instead blaming everything on Beckett.
Han catches up to Beckett and confronts him. Han shoots Beckett first before he can shoot him, and with his dying words Beckett tells Han he made the smart choice. Qi’ra leaves in Vos’ yacht, while Han and Chewbacca turn the coaxium over to Enfys. She offers Han a chance to join the rebellion against the Empire; when he declines, she gives him one vial of coaxium, enough to buy a ship of his own. Han and Chewbacca locate Lando and challenge him to a rematch in sabacc, once again wagering the Falcon. Han wins, having stolen the card Lando was keeping up his sleeve in order to cheat, and he and Chewbacca leave for Tatooine, where a “big-shot gangster” is putting together a smuggling operation.
REVIEW:
Han Solo has long been a fan favorite, but we have never really known much about him, how he partnered up with Chewbacca, won the Millennium Falcon, etc. Part of this mystery is what has made him such an endearing character, but there is also that part of all of us that wants to learn more about his past. This is what Solo: A Star Wars Story sets out to accomplish. Was the goal met?
What is this about?
With the emerging demand of hyperfuel and other resources, Han Solo finds himself in the middle of a heist alongside other criminals, where they meet the likes of Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian in an adventurous situation exposing the criminal underworld of the Star Wars saga.
What did I like?
Kessel run. In Star Wars, one of the first things out of Han Solo’s mouth is how he made the Kessel run in 12 parsecs. When we meet Lando Calrissian in Empire Strikes Back, he also alludes to it, if I’m not mistaken. For something that is such a major bragging point, one would think we’d have seen it. Hell, i had no idea what the Kessel run was until halfway through this film. I was thinking it was some kind of race, a la Cannonball Run, so I am very pleased to learn what this was and see it actually happen.
All hail, Khalessi. Every review of this film that i have heard and/or read is praising Donald Glover’s performance as Lando Calrissian, and with good reason. With Han, the jury seems to be split, though. I want to speak about Emilia Clarke. First off, Solo better back up off my future wife!!! Second, anyone that has seen an episode of Game of Thrones is more than aware of the acting chops this young actress has, but one thing that hasn’t really been put on display are her action chops. Sure, she starred in the last Terminator film, but who actually watched that? If she keeps making these blockbuster films, she is sure to be one Hollywood’s “it” girls. Some would say she is more deserving that most of the current crop.
Bring the fun. Surely by now, you have heard of the massive backlash against The Last Jedi and most of the cast and crew. If you haven’t, go look it up on YouTube, or google some of the insane things the rabid fan have said while hiding in their parents’ basement eating hot pockets and breathing heavily through their mouths. For me, I feel these films dubbed “the new trilogy” are too dark and serious. Somehow, the makers of this film remembered that the original films may have had some dark themes interspersed with exciting action, but there was also fun and levity in there as well, something these new films seem to forget.
What didn’t I like?
Language barrier. This whole time we’ve been under the impression that Han and Chewbacca just understood each other. Well, throw that assumption away because, according to this film, Han speaks Wookie. Now, i will give the film credit for introducing that aspect of their relationship because it explains how they got together in the first place. However, they way they bring it up in their initial meeting and it is never mentioned or used again is what i didn’t like. No, we didn’t need to hear Han butchering the Wookie language (it is explained that he isn’t a Wookie linguist), but perhaps gradually show the growing relationship and understanding of the two, rather than two Wookie lines and bam, they can understand each other perfectly.
Cat scratch fever. I was just made aware as i was setting this review up that the character of Dryden Vos was originally to be played by Michael K. Williams, but was recast with Paul Bettany because of scheduling issues. My problem has nothing to do with Bettany nor does it involve some comparison of the two actors. My issue is with the look of the character. Had Williams been able to return to the set for reshoots, we’d have seen a true alien life form, much like we are used to seeing in this universe. Instead, we get Bettany who appears to have had a run in with a lion, tiger, or something along those lines. I guess if this was a last minute addition, i could understand it was a quick fix, but given all the money that this production has, surely something more imaginative could have been done. Unless this was a case of Bettany not wanting to sit in the make up chair for hours on end as I’m sure he has to do to play Vision in The Avengers films.
Low stakes. Through no fault of its own, this picture is flawed. How so? Well, no matter how perilous situation they were put it, we all know nothing is going to happen to Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Lando Calrissian, as they appear in the holy trilogy. Much like every character in Rogue One was killed off because they weren’t in the actual films, we have the same scenario here. As much as I liked Lando’s droid L3 and the Emilia Clarke’s character Q’ira, we know what fate awaits them, whether it is in this film or beyond. This is a problem with prequels, you can’t really give the audience a heart attack because of a situation involving the main character because it is already known they survive.
Final verdict on Solo: A Star Wars Story? Something amazing is happening with the Star Wars franchise here in the last few years. We’ve had 4 films. The 2 that continue the main story have been well-received, but reaction has been average at best, most of that coming from The Force Awakens. The other 2 films, this and Rogue One, exist outside the main story, weren’t super hyped-up (personally, I was avoiding this film) and yet, they have been some of the best films in the franchise since the holy trilogy. I could list a laundry list of complaints about this film and end up typing all night, but instead the thing that is most important to know about this film is that is has everything we have come to love about the Star Wars franchise, action, comedy, romance, adventures in space, characters we wish we could be, aliens, etc. For that reason I say this is a must-see!
4 1/3 out of 5 stars
PLOT:
An interracial couple moves into their California dream home, only to find themselves the target of their volatile next-door neighbor — a racist LAPD officer — in this tightly wound thriller starring Samuel L. Jackson and Kerry Washington. Newlyweds Chris and Lisa seem like they have the perfect marriage and now, with their new home in the exclusive community Lakeview Terrace, the perfect life as well, but things soon turn ugly in the posh neighborhood when they begin to receive threats from their neighbor Abel, a middle-aged LAPD officer who has obvious objections to the couple’s interracial marriage. What starts as an attitude problem soon morphs into full-on harassment, and before long the couple finds that their worries go far beyond their property values — or the encroaching California wildfire burning in view of their community — as they begin to fear for their lives.
What people are saying:
“Some will find it exciting. Some will find it an opportunity for an examination of conscience. Some will leave feeling vaguely uneasy. Some won’t like it and will be absolutely sure why they don’t, but their reasons will not agree. Some will hate elements that others can’t even see. Some will only see a thriller. I find movies like this alive and provoking, and I’m exhilarated to have my thinking challenged at every step of the way” 4 1/2 stars
“It’s ironic when the tactics it uses to ratchet up the suspense actually reduces the very real tension that gets communicated in its first half.” 1 star
“Samuel Jackson pulls off another great role. A cop living next your worst nightmare? could happen. I wouldn’t call this movie a hard core thriller, but it does have its edge of the seat type of moments. I wasn’t sure about watching it, but after I started I couldn’t stop.” 3 stars
“Though it wasn’t perfect and could’ve been much better, it’s a pretty enjoyable character study. It seems like the film, in most spots, doesn’t completely get off the ground and falls a little short before it gets too intense. The three lead performances — particularly Patrick Wilson and Samuel L. Jackson — are quite strong and the story keeps you hooked despite some cliches.” 2 1/2 stars
“Samuel Jackson is downright scary as a totally racist (without provocation, at all) psycho. People are down-playing the race angle, which is the entire underpinning of this movie. He had it out for the couple SOLELY because they were an interracial couple. I doubt most men (of any color) would have put up with his psycho behavior as much as this white husband did – that part is not believable. It also throws like four different, unrelated themes together for no apparent purpose. It’s great to see a film that finally depicts black on white racism (of which there is much), but the plot and story could have been tied together better.” 3 stars
It’s Trailer Thursday!!!
The last few months have seen a drastic upturn, for lack of a better term, in feminism and their causes. With this in mind, i figured why not feature a more female centered film for this week’s trailer. This led me to Skirts Ahoy.
Brought to you by the same people who created Anchors Aweigh, i know i look forward to watching this in the future. Enjoy the trailer!
PLOT:
Four moms whose only common ground is their kids’ preschool class, decide to get together for a harmless “fun mom dinner.” The night begins as a disaster, but the combination of alcohol, karaoke, and a cute bartender, leads to an unforgettable night where these seemingly different women realize they have more in common than motherhood and men.
What people are saying:
“…makes the repeated mistake of banging us over the head with its running gags and needlessly spelling everything out, making the movie feel longer than its 81 minutes. “These are indeed moms, and they do have dinner, but the “fun” part is in short supply” 1 1/2 stars
“Stereotypes and contrived shenanigans don’t seem to actually offer much catharsis for harried moms seeking escape. And the dads inevitably butt into their me-time.” 1 1/2 stars
“Based on the previews, this looked cheesy. But, it turned out to be a lot of fun! Nice surprise.. Loved it and I’m planning to watch it again with my girlfriends for our movie night.” 3 stars
“God bless Bridget Everett who tried to make this movie fun but was thwarted by everything around her. Basically no central conflict driving the plot. And it’s bewildering why all these funny people made themselves unfunny for this script and director” 1 star
“Not a great film. You are constantly expecting some kind of interesting twist but all the characters are extremely average with extremely average uninteresting motives. The pop culture references are going to be completing irrelevant in a year or so, so luckily this movie wont last the test of time. The plot is barely existent and the two/three ongoing stories have no resolution whatsoever, its almost as if the screen writers got half way through the movie, realised they had wasted too much time on random detail and gave up before they got to the end. If you’re expecting something along the lines of Bad Moms you will likely end up disappointed.” 1 1/2 stars
Let's All Go to the Movies!!!! 