tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36073814271030820432024-03-12T15:59:24.943-07:00Something Cinematic Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.comBlogger445125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-21468572878602580852021-03-26T20:06:00.000-07:002021-03-26T20:06:56.090-07:00Nobody Review<p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNkt2lJMyIi8JVaaL_gw1wzGjgG8SGOcx8Tn58WK5iaXdRajnPLul9UelLduulXsWX3Up4nZHLeuPArMcfpQxcxzOXcDZBhyeRHkz2AKtcWAHTXf4cgSvB8bRMlr5xlQhncvgfE96zbwY/s755/nobody.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="477" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPNkt2lJMyIi8JVaaL_gw1wzGjgG8SGOcx8Tn58WK5iaXdRajnPLul9UelLduulXsWX3Up4nZHLeuPArMcfpQxcxzOXcDZBhyeRHkz2AKtcWAHTXf4cgSvB8bRMlr5xlQhncvgfE96zbwY/s320/nobody.jpg" /></a></div> When thinking of action heroes, the likes of Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger always come to mind. A name that does not strike this moniker is actor and comedian Bob Odenkirk. Among his versatile resume, Odenkirk’s most notable role is on the hit television series Breaking Bad as well as its the series spin-off Better Call Saul-where he plays the title character. Needless to say, Odenkirk’s demeanor is not something you would expect for an action star, but that is precisely the point in the new movie: Nobody. Directed by Ilya Naishuller, Nobody takes the concept of an average guy turning out to be a skilled killer. Truth be told, this was not a movie I was anticipating-in fact I hardly knew anything about it even when I headed to the theater. Regardless I decided to see the movie and much to my surprise Nobody had much to say as an action movie.<p></p><p style="text-align: center;">Read the full review <a href="https://somethingcinematic.com/2021/03/26/nobody-review-twisted-brutal-and-simply-a-blast/">here </a>and for more Cinematic Content head over to <a href="https://somethingcinematic.com/">Something Cinematic</a>.</p>Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-28441973712329103952021-03-19T20:13:00.000-07:002021-03-19T20:13:05.730-07:00Justice League Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1bHjC2CQRZm-1djd8EoR24y_Uk8y4r0H4SbUKM4myZgTNtMYWqoKPKJFp3X5i4PnPCi7agQ6ZU_8rT5NAF4AcPb509WhVpQhIvQpDlAeOS7h_-nOmnJQQ6B5uTZeDy-HTE8rHIGCIlfM/s755/justice_league_ver45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="510" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK1bHjC2CQRZm-1djd8EoR24y_Uk8y4r0H4SbUKM4myZgTNtMYWqoKPKJFp3X5i4PnPCi7agQ6ZU_8rT5NAF4AcPb509WhVpQhIvQpDlAeOS7h_-nOmnJQQ6B5uTZeDy-HTE8rHIGCIlfM/s320/justice_league_ver45.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Three years ago, a team of superheroes united on the big screen. The Justice League, DC Comics iconic team, made their debut in the 2017 blockbuster that continued the events of Man of Steel and Batman v.Superman: Dawn of Justice. It should have been a triumphant moment for the filmmakers and fans alike, but the final product ended up being nothing more than a beautiful lie. After director Zack Snyder left the project due to a personal tragedy, the studio tried to make its release date by hiring Joss Whedon (director of Marvel’s Avengers) to finish the project. What transpired was an altered version of the movie that was met with both criticism and controversy. Now, thanks to the efforts of Release the Snyder Cut movement, Justice League has been restored as Zack Snyder returned to the director’s chair to finish what he started. Though this director’s cut did not debut in theaters, it did however find its way to viewers thanks to WB’s streaming service HBO Max. Trying to watch the film was an adventure in of itself for me, but after several delays I was able to see this massive blockbuster. While I am not a major detractor of the theatrical cut (though it has not aged well for me) I will definitively state that not only is Zack Snyder’s Justice League the superior version, it is one of the best superhero movies ever made.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Read the full review <a href="https://somethingcinematic.com/2021/03/19/justice-league-review-justice-is-served-in-this-cinematic-masterpiece/" target="_blank">here </a>and check out more cinematic content on <a href="https://somethingcinematic.com/" target="_blank">Something Cinematic</a>. </span></p>Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-5868382595134160812021-03-12T18:43:00.000-08:002021-03-12T18:43:07.053-08:00Raya and the Last Dragon Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6siBjAgEI9_9LNURggGztSK7cD-gelg_ewQ4fb257avUYDqtHMkofUitSa9EtIiBYb-yej6Z7lCNO9lH3o4o_yAfM9Crm05C8AtaWCY6XpEw113vKVCJaKcaEV2H1KA3iDOwLZGwg0sP/s755/raya_and_the_last_dragon_ver6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="510" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6siBjAgEI9_9LNURggGztSK7cD-gelg_ewQ4fb257avUYDqtHMkofUitSa9EtIiBYb-yej6Z7lCNO9lH3o4o_yAfM9Crm05C8AtaWCY6XpEw113vKVCJaKcaEV2H1KA3iDOwLZGwg0sP/s320/raya_and_the_last_dragon_ver6.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>In the realm of Disney, the studio have created a variety of magical worlds. From enchanted kingdoms to whole new worlds, the house of mouse have enticed moviegoers with a number of magical realms and it is a concept that the studio utilizes even to this day. This is certainly the case with the studio’s latest film: Raya and the Last Dragon. Directed by Don Hall and Carlos Lopez Estrada, Raya and the Last Dragon started off as the project Dragon Empire (which was being handled by a different team) until it eventually changed into the feature presentation in question. The film was originally slated to hit theaters last November, but (as the story goes) the movie was pushed back due to the pandemic. Now after cementing its new release date, as well as premiering on Disney+, the movie has made it to theaters; and like many films before it, Raya and the Last Dragon turned out to be a standout movie for Walt Disney Pictures.<div><br /></div><div>To see the full review, click <a href="https://somethingcinematic.com/2021/03/12/raya-and-the-last-dragon-disney-film-is-a-delightful-journey/" target="_blank">here</a> and head over to <a href="https://somethingcinematic.com/" target="_blank">Something Cinematic</a> for more cinematic content. </div>Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-89156121760142421002019-05-29T10:30:00.001-07:002019-05-29T10:30:30.670-07:00Update: A New Beginning Greetings. It's been sometime since I've posted anything on this blog and there has been a reason for it which I explain in this long overdue update. You see Something Cinematic has a new site which I've been working on for a few months now. While it's not 100% complete the site is live and you can see it here (<a href="https://somethingcinematic.com/">https://somethingcinematic.com/</a>). There I will post all new content which will include written reviews and upcoming videos. <div>
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So what does that mean for this blog? Well ultimately it means that this site will be discontinued, but I will not take it down. All of my previous reviews will remain on this site and I may use this blog as a backup in case of emergencies. For those who have visited this site I want to thank you for your support over the years and I hope you join me on this new adventure. </div>
Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-73594115685477928082019-03-16T13:03:00.000-07:002019-03-16T13:03:31.193-07:00Cinematic Adventures: The Adventures Continue <iframe frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="https://www.bitchute.com/embed/b0BOSXbwGrfR/" style="border: none;" width="640"></iframe><br />
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The Adventure Continues: At long last Cinematic Adventures returns! Or does it?! Yes it does...but don't tell Timdiana!</div>
Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-15946368903250064242018-08-02T19:32:00.001-07:002018-08-02T19:32:21.807-07:00Christopher Robin Review: Pooh's Return is a Delightful Experience <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When Disney is not producing animated or superhero films the studio is busy retelling their classic tales in a live action format. From <i>Cinderella </i>to <i>Beauty and the Beast</i> the studio continues to take their animated classics and breathe new life into them with these new retellings. The latest title to take in this live action leap is not an adaption of a classic movie but rather a film that centers on a particular character; and in this case it is the bear from the Hundred Acre Woods Winnie the Pooh. The stories of A.A Milne and E.H Shepard have played a pivotal part in Disney as the tales of Winnie the Pooh have been told in a variety of films as well as other mediums such as television. Now the iconic bear and his friends return to the silver screen in the film <i>Christopher Robin</i>. Directed by Marc Forester <i>Christopher Robin</i> takes a different approach on the Winnie the Pooh series as, rather than reflecting the books, the movie takes a page from the likes <i>Hook </i>and 2010's <i>Alice in Wonderland</i> and centers on a grown up Christopher Robin. While this idea is nothing new this direction could bring new life into the classic series.After watching the movie I can say that <i>Christopher Robin</i> is as much a homage to the series as it is a delightful adventure.<br />
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As noted the movie is about Winnie the Pooh (Jim Cummings) reuniting with a grown up Christopher Robin (Ewan McGregor) who venture to the 100 Acre Woods to find Pooh’s missing friends all the while dealing with Christopher’s personal conflict. At its core the story of <i>Christopher Robin</i> is about rediscovery. Despite being a familiar concept, even when it comes to Disney films, the movie uses this idea to the best of its ability. Rather than being cliche with it morals the story takes a subtle approach to its themes and grounds them in a realistic fashion. Along with this niche direction was the story’s adventure which was enjoyable, but rather standard in hindsight. The plot’s structure and pacing was understandable but it prevented the adventurous aspect to flourish and left points, such as Christopher and Pooh’s journey through the Hundred Acre Woods as well as the return to London, to feel limited in their execution. The story of <i>Christopher Robin</i> was a tame one and while it did have much going for its simplistic nature held the movie back a little bit-but only a little.<br />
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In the case of the cast, Christopher Robin played out as expected with both its title character and its iconic ones being a highlight for the movie. The character of Christopher Robin is one that has been done time and again but this characterization worked as Christopher had a reasonable dilemma and a understandable direction. Helping Christopher’s execution was the performance by Ewan McGregor who did a fine job showing the range of the matured Mr.Robin. The movie featured a decent supporting cast with the likes of Hayley Atwell and Mark Gatiss giving some attributes to the limited section. Yet, to no surprise, the real show stealers were Pooh and friends. Jim Cummings provided a delightful performance as the iconic character as I could not help but love Pooh every time he was on screen. The other residents of the Hundred Acre Woods were equally as enjoyable as Piglet (Nick Hommand), Eeyore (Brad Garrett) and Tigger (Jim Cummings) brought their own charm to the movie. I particularly liked Eeyore as he had some of the best lines in the movie. The likes of Rabbit (Peter Capaldi), Owl (Toby Jones), Kanga (Sophie Okonedo) and Roo (Sara Sheen) managed to give some flair to the cast even if their time was minimal. When it came to Pooh and friends the execution was practically flawless as their transition from 2D animation to live action was seamless.<br />
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Helping to bring the classic characters to life was the movie’s keen visuals. To no surprise the movie implemented CG effects to bring Pooh and friends to life and in that regard the cgi was very much effective. Complementing the effects was the cinematography by Matthias Koenigswieser. Not only did the cinematography give the visuals a defining look but the overall film as the likes of colors, lighting and camerawork created a film that blended reality and fantasy with ease. Enhancing the movie’s directions was the score by Geoff Zanelli and Jon Brion. The music was a delight as it captured the magic behind the movie as well as implemented the classic themes to Winnie the Pooh. The technical elements to <i>Christopher Robin</i> gave the new Disney film a wonderful presentation that brought the Winnie the Pooh series into a refreshing light.<br />
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When it came down to it <i>Christopher Robin</i> was an enjoyable experience. The movie may have been too simple for its own good, which was evident in the story, but the latest Disney film had plenty going for it; such as its good sense of character and keen presentation. It may not be the most standout of adaptations but <i>Christopher Robin</i> had all the charm to not only be a solid movie, but bring the magic of Winnie the Pooh to life.<br />
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Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-42790462260467911032018-07-07T18:00:00.001-07:002018-07-14T22:28:52.615-07:00Ant-Man and the Wasp Review: Sizes Up as A Entertaining Sequel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the Marvel Cinematic Universe many heroes have risen to stardom. The likes of the Avengers and Spider-Man being major players is no surprise, but this movie continuum has also featured more obscure characters such as Doctor Strange and the Guardians of the Galaxy; and they have proven to play a vital role in this shared franchise. Among the MCU alumni is none other than the minuscule Avenger: Ant-Man. Ant-Man made his cinematic debut in the 2015 blockbuster and managed to make an impression as his solo film was filled with wit and style. Needless to say that it would not be long before moviegoers would see Ant-Man again as the character not only appeared in <i>Captain America: Civil War</i> but the small time hero received a sequel in the form of <i>Ant-Man and the Wasp</i>. Once again directed by Peyton Reed, the sequel features Ant-Man teaming up with his iconic partner the Wasp. The film has been receiving good buzz (a shocking revelation if I’ve ever heard one) as the likes of critics have praised the movie for its sense of fun. Yet the prospect of a Marvel movie being fun is not enough to sway this Film Adventurer. Truth be told I have not been ecstatic for <i>Ant-Man and the Wasp</i> as details surrounding the film have made me skeptical. Regardless I journeyed to the cinema to see this new superhero film, and after it was all said and done I have to say that <i>Ant-Man and the Wasp</i> was...enjoyable.<br />
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The story of <i>Ant-Man and the Wasp</i> deals with Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) teaming up with Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly) who seek to enter the quantum realm in order to find the long lost Janet Van Dyne (Michelle Pfeifer). The story of Ant-Man and the Wasp is perhaps the weakest part of this movie. The story’s concept was not bad but when it came down to it there was little to no substance within the plot itself. The main conflict lacked impact and the story had a tendency to rely on tropes and conveniences too much. Yet this was not to say everything about the story was disappointing. The plot’s adventurous aspects, for the most part, was enjoyable while certain dilemmas ,like Scott dealing with his house arrest, gave the plot a grounded nature. It was these factors that made the plot an enjoyable experience even if the lacking details prevented the superhero tale from reaching its full stature.<br />
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The cast of Ant-Man and the Wasp certainly lived up to the strength, and weaknesses, of its predecessor. Paul Rudd once again shined as Scott Lang as his sense of humor and charisma brought out the best aspects of the character and reminded me why Ant-Man is one my favorite characters in the MCU. Yet the prominent aspects to the film was Hope and her christening of becoming the Wasp. For a time I was worried about the characterization of Hope, but my concerns diminished as Hope’s promotion to secondary protagonist went smoothly. Evangeline Lilly provided a solid performance as Wasp and her chemistry with Rudd’s Scott made the duo a captivating one; not to mention one that I would like to see more of in the future. The supporting cast did its job as the likes of Michael Douglas, Laurence Fishburne, Michael Pena, Walton Goggins and Michelle Pfeiffer brought something to the superhero ensemble. The supporting character that I particularly liked was the young Cassie (Abby Ryder Fortson) as her scenes with her father felt authentic and touching. As for the film's villain the character of Ghost(Hannah John-Kamen) was a different foe for the MCU as her intentions were surprisingly reasonable. The only issue I had with Ghost was her lacking presence-but this problem was not solely unique to this antagonist. While this cast had much going for it the one thing that held it back was the characters ’minimal development as the progression seemed hardly expanded upon. Fortunately the cast’s performances were able to make up for this and the other shortcomings that hindered this superhero ensemble.<br />
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Given the concept behind Ant-Man it was no surprise that this sequel would have a keen sense in effects. While the movie's effects lacked the nuance of its predecessor it still worked for the film. The movie’s use of scale was stellar but I was more impressed with Ghost’s quantum effects as it brought something different for both the character and the movie. The movie's action was decent as its execution left much to the imagination; though it did have its moments such as the big chase sequence. The comedy, on the other hand, was a hit and miss factor for the movie. While I found the subtle interactions between the characters humorous the bigger jokes were ineffective as they padded out the punchlines to the point where certain scenes were hindered by the comedy. The music by Christophe Beck was effective as, while it may not have been the most standout scores I heard this year, it worked for the movie’s tone and kept the main theme of Ant-Man prominent throughout the new composition.<br />
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As a sequel and the next installment in the MCU, Ant-Man and the Wasp is tolerable. When it came down to it there was very little to this superhero film as the storytelling and presentation showcased a safe direction for the movie. Yet despite its missteps the movie manages to work thanks to its cast,effects and (to a lesser extent) sense of humor. Ant-Man and the Wasp may not be the biggest, or strongest, movie in the MCU, but it is an entertaining blockbuster which is just enough to make this superhero film acceptable in my book.<br />
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Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-535433166602892902018-06-25T12:34:00.000-07:002018-06-25T12:34:18.859-07:00Jurassic World Fallen Kingdom Review: A Jurassic Disaster<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In 2015 the movie world returned to that little park filled with dinosaurs After years of hibernation the Jurassic Park series made its return with the fourth installment in the franchise:<i> Jurassic World</i>; and what a return it was as the summer blockbuster was a success both critically and financially. So because of its success, it came to no surprise that <i>Jurassic World</i> would garner a sequel, and sure enough the adventure would continue three years later in <i>Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom</i>. Taking the helm from Jurassic World’s Colin Trevorrow this time was director J.A Bayona; although Trevorrow remained on the film as an executive producer and a writer. So with an exploding island as well as a new hybrid, <i>Fallen Kingdom</i> looked to up the adventure for the series and while some may have found this exciting one Film Adventurer did not. See I had a different experience with Jurassic World as I found the blockbuster to be stupid for all the wrong reasons. However just because that experience was a poor one did not mean that the sequel would be the same. Oh how wrong I was.<br />
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<i>Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom</i> centers on Owen (Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) who return to the island in order to save the raptor Blue, and the rest of the dinosaurs,from extinction. If you have seen any trailer for this movie then odds are you know how this story plays out. Having a predictable plot is not always a bad thing as long as its executed decently.Sadly this was not the case for <i>Fallen Kingdom</i>. The story structure was inconsistent as it rushed through the first act then dragged itself through the remainder of the film to the point where any intriguing aspects were hardly investing due to excessive padding. This was evident in splitting the story up into two areas with the Owen and Claire’s adventure being one part and the mystery of the Indoraptor being another. Although both sides eventually converge they did very little keep this adventurous tale...well adventurous. It did not help matters that the plot was contrived as it relied heavily on conveniences and its sense of continuity was horrendous. Another glaring issue was the story’s use of themes such as nature vs nurture. While this could have been a captivating element for the plot, the movie barely touched on it leading to this theme be nothing but an afterthought. I tend not expect much out of a Jurassic Park tale but I do hope that it has some semblance of storytelling to it; but that is not the case for <i>Fallen Kingdom</i>’s plot as its sense of adventure goes up in flames along with the convenient volcano.<br />
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What does it say about a cast when the best character is a cgi raptor? Although the cast was decent in their performances, the characterization of this group left much to be desired. Both Owen and Claire are not strong protagonists as their development was lacking and their chemistry together was underwhelming.The supporting cast was not much better. The likes of Franklin Webb (Justice Smith) and Zia Rodriguez (Daniella Pineda) were insufferable as their characters were so blatant their purposes may as well have been tattooed on their heads. Meanwhile the young Maise Lockwood (Isabella Sherman) added very little to the cast as her role in story B (not to mention the overall film) was a bit convoluted. The villains were laughable as their one-note train of thought made some of the most generic action antagonists look complex. Even additions such as Toby Jones, James Cromwell, B.D Wong and Jeff Goldblum were not enough to save this ensemble as the execution of this “cast of characters” was inexcusable on all counts.<br />
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When it came to technical aspects like effects and music <i>Fallen Kingdom</i> was fairly sound in its presentation. While some of the effects could have fared better they still worked for the movie, and it were actually an improvement from the film’s predecessor. Helping out the effects was the cinematography as, although the color scheme left little to the imagination, the camerawork was executed decently and even led to some impressive moments; particularly in a few action sequences. Rounding things out was another solid score by Michael Giacchino. Although the soundtrack did not contain any memorable tracks, the music of <i>Fallen Kingdom</i> still worked by being thrilling and living up to the compositions of the series.<br />
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<i>Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom</i> is disastrous for all the wrong reasons. While its presentation in the likes spectacle was decent the movie lacks in vital areas such as story and characters to the point where sitting through this blockbuster was a tiring endeavor. Although J.A Bayona, as well as the cast and crew try their best to make <i>Fallen Kingdom</i> work, the substance of this installment is all but extinct giving the blockbuster little to no impact. I cannot say that <i>Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom</i> is the worst in the franchise, but what I can say is that this sequel is an adventure that I rather not endure again.<br />
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Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-37291902683597313262018-06-25T10:22:00.001-07:002018-06-25T10:22:44.089-07:00Upgrade Review: A Gritty and Innovated Experience!<div dir="ltr">
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In the summer season it is expected to see blockbuster after blockbuster hit the big screen. Yet among the array of anticipated films there are alternatives, such as indie or low budgeted films, that find their way into the season. A fine example of this is the new sci-fi thriller simply known as <i>Upgrade</i>. Written and directed by Leigh Whannell <i>Upgrade</i> takes sci-fi concepts and meshes them with the film subgenre of body horror. In the past week I have heard the rumblings of Upgrade’s success to the point where the film may in fact become a sleeper hit for this year. Needless to say I was curious to see this movie for myself and after experiencing it I can say that <i>Upgrade</i> is not just a hit but it is arguably one of the best films I have seen all year. </div>
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<i>Upgrade</i> centers on Grey (Logan Marshall-Green): a mechanic left for dead after criminals paralyze him and kill his wife Asha (Melaine Vallejo). However after being infused with a computer system called STEM not only is Grey able to move again but is granted superhuman abilities which gives him more than enough power to avenge his wife. There was much going for the plot of <i>Upgrade</i>. At first it was a little difficult to get into the story as it felt a little sporadic, but once it gets going it was hard not to be enamoured by this tale. The plot uses a variety of themes, such as the ghost and the machine, that have been used in many movies before it, but how the plot executed its ideas is what made all the difference. Blending a revenge story with that of a man becoming a monster tale, the plot utilized its concepts in a way that felt very refreshing. Along with its keen use of themes was the story’s setting which brought a practical sense to a futuristic world. The structure could be rather predictable but it was still effective and did not hinder the plot’s payoff, or delivery, in anyway. </div>
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It may not have had the most star studded of ensembles but the cast of <i>Upgrade</i> was more than effective. Logan Marshall-Green provided a surprising performance as Grey as he gave a sense of charisma to the broken hero. Along with a solid protagonist was a decent supporting cast. While they did not leave the most distinct of impressions, the supporting cast had plenty of character to it which was seen in the likes of Cortez (Betty Gabriel), Eron Keen (Harrison Gilbertson) and Fisk (Benedict Hardie). Yet the one who stood out from the rest was none other than the A.I. Stem (Simon Maiden). Artificial characters are nothing new but Stem certainly raised the bar for them as his characterization was unique in both relevance and performance. In the end the cast of <i>Upgrade</i> was a simple one but, through its development and performances, this group showed that quality outweighs quantity any day of the week. <br />
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Presentation was key for <i>Upgrade</i> and this evident in the film's technical elements. The effects were spectacular as it blended cg and practical techniques to near perfection. Along with the stellar effects was the impressive cinematography as the film's camerawork was dynamic and created some of the best shots I have seen in awhile. The cinematography also aided other elements such as the action which was both definitive as well as gritty. Adding to the film’s presentation was the music by Jed Palmer which fit the movie’s sci-fi themes and provided outlandish sounds for this dynamic movie.<br />
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To say that <i>Upgrade</i> was a surprise may very well be an understatement. While the movie relied on simplistic ideas in both story and characters, it was its dynamic presentation that allowed this body horror film to stand out to the point where even the most common traits felt refreshing. From its thematic concepts to its stunning effects, Upgrade is a breath of fresh air for not just its genre but the summer season as a whole.<br />
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Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-15972189933320712392018-06-16T15:32:00.002-07:002018-06-17T11:46:44.478-07:00Incredibles 2 Review: Pixar's Super Family Returns in Style <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Superheroes: a theme that is all too familiar in this day and age. The idea of heroes saving the day has been a concept that has been told time and again on the silver screen and continues to be depicted as the superhero genre expands. However before the Avengers assembled, before the Justice League united, another team defined the meaning of being super. In 2004 the movie world was introduced to the Parrs in the hit film from Pixar Studios, <i>The Incredibles</i>, which told the story of a superhero family trying to adjust to a normal life. To this day <i>The Incredibles</i> is among my favorite Pixar films, as well as one of my favorite animated movies, as its sense of style and charm made it into an instant classic. For a long time now the idea of an Incredibles sequel had been talked about, but nothing really came from it. That was until 2014 when Disney made it official and after fourteen long years <i>Incredibles 2</i> made its way to the big screen. Once again directed by Brad Bird <i>Incredibles 2</i> picks up where the first film left and feature the Parr family in another superpowered adventure. Despite the action, the humor and more Jack-Jack my enthusiasm for this sequel was minimal as I found the content in the trailers to be questionable. However after watching the movie my skepticism was put to rest as<i> Incredibles 2</i> ended being a sequel worth the wait...well for the most part anyways.<br />
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The story of <i>Incredibles 2</i> centers on the Parr family dealing with another conflict as Helen/Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) is selected to bring Supers back from retirement while Bob/Mr.Incredible (Craig T.Nelson) has to stay home and watch the kids. While I was hesitant at first, the story of <i>Incredibles 2 </i>ended up being better than expected. The plot handled its concepts well as both Helen’s case and the family being stuck at home were executed decently, and both sides of the story meshed well with the movie’s overall tone. Yet this super tale was not without its weaknesses as the story had a tendency to drag on and certain plot points were too predictable for my taste. However things still worked out for the story as its stylish delivery made the plot one that was both entertaining and fitting for the Pixar series.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihW-gUXo1OroXiMMFgjbj0_fddA9JfaicsuCOF0cEOZQHZxO7B8DlMdYgTKI47bf5zzQHKzKt9lVxSZOcmORfMCX6n7QZ-DafxIVDhLKk6cnPVSTQR1GjKpPdmJDMeYjXm-ZnGgc7mM_Vj/s1600/pix-incre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1392" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihW-gUXo1OroXiMMFgjbj0_fddA9JfaicsuCOF0cEOZQHZxO7B8DlMdYgTKI47bf5zzQHKzKt9lVxSZOcmORfMCX6n7QZ-DafxIVDhLKk6cnPVSTQR1GjKpPdmJDMeYjXm-ZnGgc7mM_Vj/s320/pix-incre.jpg" width="320" /></a>The cast of The Incredibles was a major factor to the film's success as it was empowered with memorable characters. So it would be difficult for the sequel's cast to live up to its predecessor, but sure enough the cast found a way to shine. The Parr family was at it again as the family of Supers were as enjoyable as they were in 2004 film. Each Parr received relevant development particularly Mr.Incredible as his was surprisingly well done. Elastigirl’s development was good, but I felt she needed a personal conflict to deal with in order for her to progress. The film featured a solid supporting cast from returning characters such as Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson) and Edna (Brad Bird) to new characters like Void (Sophia Bush)-though the new additions could have left a bigger impression. The evil Screenslaver, though lacking the impact of Syndrome, was an effective villain as the antagonist had a captivating agenda. When it came to performances each actor was fairly solid, though it seemed to take the cast time to get back into things, as they had fluent chemistry with each other-especially when it came to Parr family.<br />
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Given Pixar’s track record it was not surprising to see stunning animation out of <i>Incredibles 2</i>. This time around the animation was definitive and more refurbish then that of the first film; then again 14 years of upgrades will do that to any series. In any case the long wait definitely benefited The Incredibles as the new movie was vibrant in its animation as it used various styles to stand out. Another factor made better from the animation was the movie’s action. From the opening sequence to Jack-Jack’s mighty battle with the Raccoon, the action was exciting and fitting of any superhero movie. Another highlight for this sequel was the score by returning composer: Michael Giacchino. Giacchino’s work on the first film’s soundtrack was impressive with its mix of styles and the score to <i>Incredibles 2</i> was no different as it was thrilling, charming and everything that made up the world of the The Incredibles.<br />
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In many ways <i>Incredibles 2</i> is among the more solid sequels from Pixar. The film does leave much to be desired, particularly in its story and to a lesser extent its characters, but remained true to its predecessor thanks to engaging storytelling, solid cast and stylish presentation. In its own way <i>Incredibles 2</i> lived up to its name and showed that even after 14 years the concept of a super powered family is as relevant as it was in 2004.<br />
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Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-47640334331558622432018-06-02T10:50:00.001-07:002018-06-02T10:50:35.192-07:00Annihilation Review: A Conflicting Sci-fi Film<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Every now and again there comes a movie that shakes things up. Whether it is a big time blockbuster or something independent one film tends to pop up during the year and get people talking. A cased point of this would be the 2015 sleeper hit <i>Ex Machina</i>. The sci-fi film directed by Alex Garland arrived on the scene in the spring of 2015 and received a massive reception from critics and moviegoers a like. Now two years later it seems that Garland is at it again with his latest contribution to the sci-fi genre: <i>Annihilation</i>. <i>Annihilation </i>is based on the 2014 novel by Jeff VanderMeer and Garland wrote the story for the screen. The movie is now playing in theater and it appears that lightning has struck twice for Mr.Garland as Annihilation has been a critical hit. With the film garnering so much praise my curiosity was peaked and I decided to see this new sci-fi film for myself. My experience with <i>Annihilation </i>was a bit different from the majority as found myself indifferent about the new sci-fi movie.<br />
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<i>Annihilation </i>tells the story of Lena (Natalie Portman) a biologist who joins three women on a mission to a excavate the quarantine zone known as the shimmer-which contains a mutated environment that is as deadly as it is fascinating. Conceptually speaking the story of <i>Annihilation </i>is sound as it featured engaging elements worthy of any sci-fi tale. However the way the movie went about delivering this story is where I find myself at odds with <i>Annihilation</i>. The main plot is fairly straightforward and easy enough to get into. However elements likes Lena’s backstory as well as Lena conveying the events to a group of scientists were not handled well as these factors just took me out of the story. Rather than adding to the plot these aspects came off as contrived and it made the movie’s narrative feel very sporadic. Furthermore the thematic elements to the story, although ambitious, were a bit lackluster. It felt like the themes were trying to be thought provoking, but they were not fully explored within the story itself and because of this they just come off as minute details. The plot was by no means boring (although the pace could be slow at times) as I was interested to see how things would play out and this certainly made up for the plot’s lack of substance.<br />
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The cast of <i>Annihilation </i>was a small one and there was nothing wrong with that. However, much like the story, the biggest problem in the cast was its execution.While had its merits the character themselves were not that interesting. Lena was effective as her thorough development was decent and Natalie Portman did a fine job in the role. Aside from her though the other principal characters were simply lackluster. Whether it was Gina Rodriguez as Anya Thorensen or Tessa Thompson as Josie Radek the characters had little impact on the presentation and they had little development together to be a coherent group. The supporting cast provided some help to the movie. The performance of Oscar Isaac as Lena’s husband, Kane, was effective by giving support to Portman’s character and giving some flare to the cast. This cast was one that relied on having a strong lead and it certainly had one, but this reliance also hurt the movie as it showed the film’s ensemble had little to offer.<br />
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In <i>Ex Machina</i> Alex Garland showed that he had a keen sense for visual effects as the film's blend of practical and cg effects was stunning to say the least. It was good to see <i>Annihilation </i>follow in the footsteps of its kin as the effects were stellar. Some effects were better than others but for the most part the visuals were efficient as they molded a realistic world into a surreal one. Along with the definitive effects was the cinematography by Rob Hardy. The contrasting colors proved to be useful as it gave the movie a standout look worthy of any sci-fi film. The music by Ben Salisbury and Geoff Barrow was also a highlight as its unique compositions created a score that was as ambitious as the film itself.<br />
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This one is certainly a conundrum. On one hand <i>Annihilation </i>is a stylish film that brings a unique perspective to the world of sci-fi. However the movie’s need to be clever hurts in vital areas such as story and characters leaving it with a lackluster execution. I cannot not fault <i>Annihilation </i>for being ambitious but its conflicting presentation left this Film Adventurer scratching my head in more ways than one.<br />
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Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-70528246646207391732018-06-01T16:26:00.002-07:002018-06-01T16:26:54.823-07:00Solo A Star Wars Story Review: Smuggles The Series' Sense of Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In Star Wars there have been many things to define the franchise like the Jedi and the Rebellion. Yet despite the galaxy far, far, away centering on the heroic tales of the Skywalkers one character manages to steal the show and cannot help but love him for it. This character is none other than the scruffy looking nerfherder himself: Han Solo. Since appearing in the cantina and shooting Greedo the iconic smuggler has been a prevalent addition to the Star Wars franchise. However, despite his role in the franchise, the origin of Han Solo has been all but a mystery on the silver screen; that is until now. With the franchise branching out into the Star Wars Anthology film series, moviegoers can now see Han’s humble beginnings in <i>Solo: A Star Wars Story</i>. While production of the film went through major changes the anthology movie was able to make its release date with director Ron Howard taking the helm for this installment. While it can be hard for me not to be excited for a new Star Wars film, my anticipation for <i>Solo</i> was a subtle one as all I was expecting from this standalone tale was it being a swashbuckling adventure; and in that regard this Star Wars Story did not disappoint.<br />
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The story of <i>Solo </i>centers on a young Han (Alden Ehrenreich) who is whisked into a crime filled adventure that leads the novice outlaw meeting the likes of Chewbacca and Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover) as well as finding his future ship the Millennium Falcon. Even for Star Wars the story of Solo was a simple one; though that was not necessarily a bad thing. Although it was a little jeering to get into the plot to this Star Wars Story was indeed thrilling. The second act in particular was adventurous and really got into the spirit of the series. Granted this was a double edged sword for the plot as the third act did not have the impact as the previous chapter. Another highlight for the plot, although a minor one, was its references to other stories in the Star Wars Saga; both in the films and other mediums. When it came down to it what held this plot back was its structure, but even that was not enough to keep this tale from being a engaging adventure.<br />
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Han Solo is an icon in pop culture, as is the man who portrayed him, so someone new taking up the role is an uphill battle to say the least. However I felt that Alden Ehrenreich rose to the occasion in his portrayal of the young Han Solo. The characterization of Han kept true to the smuggler’s outlandish traits while bringing something new to the character; and Ehrenreich was able to bring out this side of Han remarkably well. Aiding in Ehrenreich's performance was Joonas Suotamo as Chewie who provided great chemistry with Han and stole the show in his own right. Also aiding the cast were the solid performances from Emilia Clarke as Qi’ra, Woody Harrelson as Tobias Beckett and Donald Glover as Lando. Even minor characters such as Val Beckett (Thandie Newton), Rio Durant (Jon Favreau) and L3-37 (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) were able to stand out despite their limited screen time. If there was one issue in the cast it was Paul Bettany as the criminal Dryden Vos as his presence in the movie was underwhelming; though Bettany's performance did make up for the villain’s shortcomings. It may have its issues but the cast of <i>Solo </i>was effective as it had just much character as any Star Wars ensemble before it.<br />
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Being a part of the Star Wars franchise one would expect <i>Solo </i>to heavy in spectacle. However the Anthology Film's sense of movie magic was rather tame. The movie featured an array of effects but it seemed as though this aspect was played on a smaller scale. Then again this scope was not a bad thing as it did work for the movie’s direction in showcasing the criminal underworld of Star Wars. Although the effects were subtle the likes of action certainly lived up to the caliber of the series. Filled with shootouts and chase sequences the action of Solo was thrilling as it brought the movie’s sense of adventure to life. Last and certainly not least was the score by composer John Powell. The music was as vibrant as any Star Wars soundtrack and, just like the action, aided in enhancing the movie;s adventurous directions. Plus the inclusion of a new composition by John Williams certainly did not hurt things either.<br />
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In the end I left <i>Solo: A Star Wars Story </i>satisfied. The spin-off was not the most glamorous entry in the franchise as its story structure left much to be desired. However the film steered clear from being mediocre as the likes of the cast and action made this installment an exciting one. Yet perhaps the most notable accomplishment from Solo was its ability to connect the Star Wars galaxy in a way that has not been done in the recent movies. <i>Solo: A Star Wars Story</i> may not be grandest tale from a galaxy, far, far away but the movie was still a welcome addition to the series as it lived up to the traits that makes Star Wars so great.<br />
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Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-40794407767146032012018-06-01T16:02:00.000-07:002018-06-01T16:02:32.232-07:00Deadpool 2 Review: Superhero Sequels Fires Expected Rounds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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These days superheroes are a dime and a dozen to the point where certain characters can get lost in the shuffle. However the character in question is not among them as his bright red costume makes it hard for him to blend in. This character is none other than the Merc with the Mouth: Deadpool. The iconic anti-hero made his return to theaters in 2016 in his very own film. Needless to say Deadpool was here to say as the X-Men spin-off became an instant hit. So naturally because of its success, and because Deadpool would have it no other way, a sequel was made and has now made its way to theaters. Directed by David Leitch <i>Deadpool 2</i> looked to be bigger than its predecessor by including popular X-Men characters such as Cable. There was certainly plenty riding on this sequel. So after watching <i>Deadpool 2</i> it seems clear to me that this superhero movie lives by the motto of “it ain't broke don't fix it”.<br />
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<i>Deadpool 2</i> centers on Wade Wilson (Ryan Reynolds) who has to protect a young mutant from the time traveling Cable (Josh Brolin) who is determined to change the future. To no surprise the plot of <i>Deadpool 2</i> was straightforward as one can be-which was not a bad thing. While there were few surprises in the plot it was entertaining as it kept me invested all the way through. Much like its predecessor what benefited the plot was its stylish sense of storytelling as Deadpool would break the fourth wall to keep the story moving. When it came to themes Deadpool 2 was fairly sound in its concepts. The story’s morals were surprisingly deep for a plot such as this one and meshed well with film’s outlandish nature. However other concepts such as time traveling were underplayed to point where it felt unnecessary. Though it may not have been the strongest of tales the plot of this sequel was a fitting one as its zany presentation felt right for the Merc with the Mouth.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jt2-YhM2ZZTyBFlMuu7pUKIcv5XVgCnQSY_awOlri0Sp4Sq3pFLjA81Le2j92BMPuhizC57zyYHuaPyAs_qTSJGphQsZi3xZRdD3VKStSN50DsWm9Y7dLeMVcVIswR69R05fMB84ZAcf/s1600/deadpool-2-trailer-image-14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="554" data-original-width="1360" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_jt2-YhM2ZZTyBFlMuu7pUKIcv5XVgCnQSY_awOlri0Sp4Sq3pFLjA81Le2j92BMPuhizC57zyYHuaPyAs_qTSJGphQsZi3xZRdD3VKStSN50DsWm9Y7dLeMVcVIswR69R05fMB84ZAcf/s320/deadpool-2-trailer-image-14.jpg" width="320" /></a>In 2016 Ryan Reynolds stole the show with his performance as Deadpool, so it was no surprise to see the actor again in rare form for the sequel. Deadpool remained his over the top self while being able to progress in new areas, and Reynolds was able to keep true to his interpretation. Along with the loud mouth protagonist was the inclusion of Cable. The character of Cable was underwhelming as he did not receive much screen time to flesh out his character. Thankfully the harden hero had plenty going for him such as Josh Brolin's performance and his fantastic chemistry with Reynold’s Deadpool-which is something I would love to see more of. The supporting cast was decent. While they lacked the flare from the first film, there was still plenty of stand out characters in the supporting cast like Domino Zazie Beetz), Weasel (TJ Miller), Russell (Julian Dennison) and of course Colossus(Stefan Kapicic). The cast of Deadpool 2 was one that relied on having a strong lead and although this was not a bad thing it still left much to be desired from this superhero ensemble.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDS_JjhxP_8Zb1usXqgPPbmlo5bDIcYCgoY-yim-97vmltguZ2BCABSucKHZjHlJY7IW883pnySGdklzGONGbAT4zl06kHHGJeJ5OF37C0ocNGMUl-ljr9X9o7Vk0p4pRh7a7vet16ovb/s1600/Deadpool-2-Tv-spot-screenshot-Cable-600x349.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="349" data-original-width="600" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifDS_JjhxP_8Zb1usXqgPPbmlo5bDIcYCgoY-yim-97vmltguZ2BCABSucKHZjHlJY7IW883pnySGdklzGONGbAT4zl06kHHGJeJ5OF37C0ocNGMUl-ljr9X9o7Vk0p4pRh7a7vet16ovb/s320/Deadpool-2-Tv-spot-screenshot-Cable-600x349.png" width="320" /></a>If there is one thing that <i>Deadpool </i>strived at it is being humorous; so it only made sense for its sequel to follow suit. The comedy of <i>Deadpool 2</i> certainly lived up to its predecessor by being raunchy, over the top and a bit clever. Coinciding with the comedy was the movie’s action which was an improvement from the first film. The action of <i>Deadpool 2 </i>was nothing awe inspiring but its definitive direction brought out the creative nature behind this superhero sequel. As for other technical aspects elements such as effects things were fairly standard. These aspects did their jobs but there was also nothing noteworthy about them; although the likes of cinematography did work for the movie’s style. <br />
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<i>Deadpool 2</i> was an enjoyable blockbuster for the season. The movie does have its share of flaws such as its lacking execution in the both story and character; as well as mention not having the memorable presence of the first film. However, as stated earlier, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it and <i>Deadpool 2</i> personifies that by living up to the traits of its predecessor. When it came down to it <i>Deadpool 2</i> went as expected and although it is not the standout superhero movie of the year <i>Deadpool 2</i> is still a noteworthy sequel that does its franchise justice.<br />
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Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-48811337101719838872018-04-27T16:28:00.000-07:002018-04-27T16:28:14.195-07:00Avengers Infinity War Review: A Marvelous Epic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For ten years Marvel Studios has become a household name in the world of cinema. What started off with Tony Stark suiting up in Iron Man became a worldwide phenomenon with hit films such as The Avengers. However this extensive lineup has been leading to one event and at long last that event is finally here-Avengers: Infinity War. Directed by the team of Anthony and Joe Russo Infinity War brings Marvel's iconic team together with other superheroes in one huge blockbuster. On the eve of its release comic book fans and moviegoers alike came to see the colossal movie, and among the attendance was one Film Adventurer. When the dust settled and the film faded to black, I found myself practically stunned from the experience as Avengers: Infinity War is perhaps Marvel Studio’s most ambitious film to date.</div>
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The story of <i>Infinity War</i> centers on Avengers coming together again to face another threat, but this times the stakes have never been higher as Thanos (Josh Brolin) has emerged to find the Infinity Stones and bring “balance to the universe”. The plot was a massive one as it not only brought elements from the previous Avengers films together but it added threads from the likes of Guardians of the Galaxy. It was certainly a lot to take in but the execution of this superhero tale was handled admirably. The story scattered across the Marvel Cinematic Universe as the characters were placed in their own parts of the story. This kind of storytelling was akin to the likes of Lord of the Rings and it was an ambitious direction for the plot. However, while it was effective, spreading out the story so much hinder it a little bit as parts of the plot could get lost in the thick of things. Fortunately the individual stories came together in the end which led to a conclusion empowered by excitement. Filled with twists and big moments this plot was a culmination of storytelling, and though it may have been perfect it was still an effective story to bring everything to a head. </div>
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<a href="https://photogallery.indiatimes.com/photo/63829620.cms" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="800" height="172" src="https://photogallery.indiatimes.com/photo/63829620.cms" width="320" /></a>This movie had a huge ensemble-perhaps the biggest I have ever seen. Not only did the cast feature the Avengers but also the Guardians of the Galaxy too; not to mention Spider-Man (Tom Holland), Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman) and several of the Marvel’s supporting cast-oh and Thanos was there too. This was a tall order to fill but, much to my surprise, the cast of Infinity War was a coherent unit. If there was one thing that was holding this cast back it was a inconsistency in character development. The movie featured strong progression for the likes of Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.), Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and Gamora (Zoe Saldana). However other characters such as Captain America (Chris Evans) were never explored upon; which was ashamed as details in Steve Roger’s story warranted clarification. However even with this issue it was not enough to keep this cast from being effective. Whether it was a principal character or a supporting one everyone had a role to play. The cast’s chemistry was wonderful as the interaction between the different heroes felt like something special. Yet if there is one person who stole the show it would have to be The Mad Titan himself: Thanos. Thanos was threatening, enticing and above all else captivating. Through Josh Brolin’s solid performance Thanos was a character well worth the wait as his characterization showcased what it means to be a cinematic supervillain. Along with surprise appearances, both new additions and familiar faces a like, this cast lived up everything expected from it as they defined the concept of a superhero ensemble. </div>
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<i>Infinity War </i>was a marvelous spectacle to say the least. Although some effects looked better than others the majority of the movie’s magic was splendid as it captured the grandiose elements behind this blockbuster. The action was major highlight for the film as its keen direction and use of spectacle created some of the biggest superpowered battles to grace the silver screen; and seeing that this genre has had prevalent fight sequences in the past few years that is saying something. If there was one element that was a tad unsettling it was the humor. The film’s comedy was not bad (in fact several moments had me chuckling), however certain jokes felt excessive and could be out of place; although this issue was primarily in the first part of the film and it did not detract from the overall tone. Last and certainly not least was the score by Alan Silvestri. Silvestri is on role this year as he delivered yet another dynamic score in Infinity War. The score utilized tracks from its predecessor perfectly and created new compositions that captured the epic nature behind this superhero blockbuster.</div>
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<i>Avengers: Infinity War</i> is not what I would call a superhero blockbuster but rather a superhero epic. Although some of its delivery gets lost in translation the movie more than makes up for its weaknesses thanks to its dynamic storytelling, fantastic cast and stellar spectacle. It may not have been the movie I expected it to be, but it was still worth the wait as <i>Infinity War</i> cements itself as a marvelous culmination and leaves me with one question: is it May 2019 yet?</div>
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Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-89501987586150638802018-04-20T15:07:00.001-07:002018-06-03T13:04:07.162-07:00Isle of Dogs Review: A One of Kind Animated Feature<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgak9J8q6RJgOMUoIyhlfpLtyigL_c6XGB5Oy-GMsz7wzwdHnmkSkY87ViPYy-0rMFxxBbPTdSWHCZh-Y1IGko-q_cFbUabdTy0k3uFZOZIu58Uyc7tXURP1UsIiqwevWjEgilDAB_j3oxr/s1600/isle_of_dogs_ver3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="755" data-original-width="477" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgak9J8q6RJgOMUoIyhlfpLtyigL_c6XGB5Oy-GMsz7wzwdHnmkSkY87ViPYy-0rMFxxBbPTdSWHCZh-Y1IGko-q_cFbUabdTy0k3uFZOZIu58Uyc7tXURP1UsIiqwevWjEgilDAB_j3oxr/s320/isle_of_dogs_ver3.jpg" width="202" /></a>There are many filmmakers out there but if there is one that could be consider truly one of a kind it would have to be Wes Anderson. The director has a distinct style in his movies and tend to deal with outlandish stories with distinct imagery; and for this reason Anderson is among my favorite filmmakers working today. So when seeing a new Wes Anderson movie hitting theaters, I cannot help but be excited; and in this case it is the film known as<i> Isle of Dogs</i>. The new movies sees Anderson return to a style he used in <i>The Fantastic Mr.Fox</i> as <i>Isle of Dogs</i> is a stop motion animated feature. I finally had a chance to watch the new animated movie and I must say that Anderson was in rare form with <i>Isle of Dogs</i>.<br />
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<i>Isle of Dogs</i> centers on the canine Chief (Bryan Cranston) where he and his fellow pack must help the boy Atari Kobayashi (Koyu Rankin) find his lost dog Spots (Liev Schreiber) who has been missing since dogs were sentenced to trash island by Mayor Kobayashi (Kunichi Nomura). When it came to storytelling Isle of Dogs was as simple as it was captivating. The story was no doubt an adventure and a straightforward one at that. However it was all about how this movie presented its zany story and in this case the execution was sound. The story was always engaging and used its concepts to their fullest abilities. This was notable the movie’s subplots which were presented well by adding more to the overall story. The movie also featured individual chapters and while this element did not have major implications on the movie itself, it did however give the plot a sense of style. With a few surprises the plot of Isle of Dogs relied on its presentation and I think that direction aided the movie by making this tale a noteworthy one.<br />
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<a href="http://www.animationmagazine.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Isle-of-Dogs-post-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="335" data-original-width="800" height="134" src="https://www.animationmagazine.net/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/Isle-of-Dogs-post-5.jpg" width="320" /></a>If you have a seen a Wes Anderson movie then you would not be surprised to know that <i>Isle of Dogs </i>featured a massive ensemble. The movie featured an enormous cast that was rich with character. From the principal characters to minor additions everyone in this ensemble were able to stand out in their own way. Chief made for an believable protagonist as his development was decent and Bryan Cranston’s performance made the stray all the more convincing. Other characters such as Rex (Edward Norton), Boss (Bill Murray), Duke (Jeff Goldblum) and Tracy Walker (Greta Gerwig) were effective in their respective roles. Even minor characters like Jupiter (F.Murray Abraham), Oracle (Tilda Swinton) and Nutmeg (Scarlett Johansson) were able to stand out despite their limited scenes. Yet one element in the cast that I found fascinating was the Japanese characters. For the most part these characters spoke Japanese and had little to no subtitles, but the way the actors performed their roles I could understand the characters regardless of what language they spoke. In both characterization and performance there was much to this cast to the point where it not only lived up to the standards of a Wes Anderson ensemble, but it may have very well exceeded its predecessors.<br />
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If there is one animation style that I adore it is stop-motion animation, so whenever an animated feature come around and implements the style I usually gets my attention. In the case of Isle of Dogs the animation was practically flawless.Along with it being fluent the animation would implement other styles and technique which gave the movie a distinct look. Complimenting the animation was the film’s cinematography. While its camerawork used a style typical of a Wes Anderson film, the movie had it share of unique shots that allowed the movie to stand out from the director’s past work. Another effective element in the cinematography was the lighting.which was utilized admirably by enhancing a handful of scenes. The score by Alexandre Desplat was equally impressive. I heard cues from the scores many times from watching the film’s trailer, but I never imagined just how effective it ended up being. The score was thematic and featured a dynamic execution; plus the music was catchy and that is never a bad thing. Last and certainly not least was the direction in tone. The movie featured a comedic tone, and it definitely had a good sense humor, but there were times where the movie needed to be serious and this did not detract from the overall atmosphere as it was suitable for both humor and drama.<br />
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<i>Isle of Dogs</i> lives up to the filmography of Wes Anderson. From story to animation there was a definitive presentation in this film that was not only effective, but showed the range of Anderson as a director. The film was dynamic, engaging and entertaining; in other words Isle of Dogs was everything that makes a cinematic experience worthwhile, and in my opinion this shaggy animated feature is among the best movies to come out this year.<br />
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Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-44574499444765756552018-04-13T15:47:00.000-07:002018-06-03T13:00:47.118-07:00Rampage Review: Monstrous Entertainment<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Many video games have made the jump to silver screen with some adaptations being more successful than others. However if there was one video game that I never expected to be told in a celluloid format it would be the game Rampage. Rampage is a game series where you played as giant monsters who are tasked to destroy city after city. Now these colossal beasts burst on to the big screen in a spring blockbuster directed by Brad Peyton. Like most adaptations <i>Rampage </i>looked to break away from its source by bringing a new spin on the video game concept, but despite the changes Rampage seemed like a standard blockbuster. Going into this movie I did not have the highest expectations for Rampage, and this may have been a good mindset to have as I found myself quite entertained with this adaptation.<br />
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<i>Rampage </i>centers on Davis (Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) a primatologist who gets caught in a destructive situation after his ape George (Jason Liles) is transformed into massive mutant. The plot of <i>Rampage </i>was as simple as one could get. If you have seen the film’s trailer then odds are you probably know how this story plays out. However was this matter of simplicity a bad thing for the story? In my opinion no, it was not;in fact the plot’s straightforward storytelling was both appropriate and appreciated. Some details got lost in delivery but even with its inconsistency the story still worked. The plot was entertaining as it never got boring and, much to my surprise, the story’s structure was paced remarkably well. When it came down to it Rampage was a story about giant monsters destroying things and the movie never strayed from this concept-which made this monstrous tale all the more enjoyable.<br />
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Another element that took me by surprise was the cast of <i>Rampage</i>. While the cast featured no dynamic performances or complex characters, what I found fascinating about this group of characters was how natural they felt. <i>Rampage </i>is the kind of film that I expected to feature a cast riddled with over the top traits and basic tropes (and in some cases it did), but the characters acted within reason and it made it easier to get behind this outrageous group. Dwayne Johnson was his usual charismatic self as Davis, and while this role played too closely to the Rock’s strength there was no denying that Johnson made for an enjoyable lead. The cast also featured solid performances from the likes of Naomi Harris as Dr.Kate Caldwell and Dean Jeffery Morgan as Harvey Russell. In Morgan’s case his sense of charisma was able to go toe to toe with Johnson; and that is no easy feat. The weakest point in the cast had to be Malin Akerman as the villain Claire Wyden. This problem was not Akerman herself but rather her character as Claire was a standard villain (even by this movie’s standards); plus Claire’s brother/minion Brett (Jake Lacy) was just a nuisance. Joe Manganiello had a small role as the soldier Burke and somehow managed to be effective even with his brief screen time. Then there was the character of George. The characterization of George showed that this ape was more than just a monsterous gorilla as his interaction with Davis gave this motion capture character a good personality.<br />
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As previously stated I was not expecting much from <i>Rampage </i>and this mentality did not waver in the likes of special effects and other technical elements. However, continuing the trend of this review, the likes of effects ended up being better than expected. Although it did not have the most crisp sense of movie magic the effects were decent to say the least especially with the three monsters whose design and execution were handled remarkably well . Helping the special effects was the film’s camerawork which featured an array of creative moments for movie which also aided in the delivery of the film’s big time action scenes. The film’s music was efficient but did not resonate any tunes that I would consider memorable.<br />
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<i>Rampage </i>falls into the saying of “what you see is what you get”, and in this case it is a blockbuster laced with big spectacle and little substance-and that is not a bad thing. The movie is pretty standard in likes of storytelling and character development and that does limit the movie’s presentation. However with its keen sense of simplicity the movie is never boring and even features a solid plot, good characters and decent effects. <i>Rampage </i>is a popcorn film through and through and manages to live up to the video game’s simple concept-well in its own way to say nothing else.<br />
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Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-89180109765826778872018-04-06T15:30:00.000-07:002018-06-03T12:57:42.088-07:00A Quiet Place Review: Silence is Golden for this Dynamic Horror Film<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The realm of horror can be an interesting one. The movie genre is home to a number of concepts that tend to thrill, and even chill,l audiences. However, with such a variety at its midst, it can be difficult to bring something new to the likes of horror movies. Yet the latest horror film, <i>A Quiet Place</i>, could very well challenge this issue. Directed by John Kransinski <i>A Quiet Place</i> takes the idea of silence and melds it with a dystopian world. The movie has been getting good buzz and that was all the more reason for me to check out this new thriller. On a cloudy Thursday evening I checked out the new horror film and I must admit that I found myself thoroughly impressed with <i>A Quiet Place</i>.<br />
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<i>A Quiet Place</i> tells the story of family trying to survive a harsh environment where monsters prey on people through sound. The plot of <i>A Quiet Place</i> takes a simple idea and mixes it with a straightforward narrative; and the end result was a captivating story. The plot takes the concept of silence and captivates on the theme to create a tense tale. The plot moved fairly quickly and this ended up be a double edged sword for the film. Given the movie’s concept it did make sense for the story to have a fast pace, but this direction did prevent the plot from exploring some of its plot points. Among these ideas was the dystopian world that work as the story’s backdrop. The apocalyptic world was interesting but it had little effect on the plot as a whole to the point where the desolate world was unnecessary and it would have been mores effective for the story just to take place in a isolated location. Yet even with this issue the plot remained effective as its sense of presentation was able to create a thrilling story.<br />
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The movie featured a small cast (even by normal movie standards) but this group showed that quality trumps quantity. There were many things that made <i>A Quiet Place</i>’s cast effective such as the chemistry between the family. However the one thing that stood out to me was the cast’s ability to emote without the use of dialogue. Because of the movie’s concept the characters spoke to each other with the use of sign language. This sense of communication was not only unique but also showed off the actors’ ability to say so much without saying a word. This was notable in Emily Blunt’s performance as her expression were quite distinct. When it came to antagonists the film’s monsters did not feature the biggest of characteristics, but they were certainly a viable threat for the characters; and bit unique in their concept.<br />
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Sound was indeed king in the movie’s presentation as this direction remained evident in the technical elements of <i>A Quiet Plac</i>e. The movie’s use of sound was astonishing to say the least as it implemented this concept with near perfection. What was fascinating was how the movie implemented different volumes of silence. This was seen in the difference between the normal silence and the silence for the character Regan Abbot (Millicent Simmonds) whom was deaf. Another highlight for the movie was the score by Marco Beltrami. The music of <i>A Quiet Place</i> had a unique role to play as the compositions had to express the emotion of both the story and (to a lesser extent) the characters and it certainly exceeded in this direction. To top things off was the movie’s horror featured an atmospheric tone and jump scares that were used properly.<br />
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<i>A Quiet Place</i> is indeed a one of a kind horror film. The film takes its premise to its fullest as the use of silence created an experience riddled in thrills and suspense. Although some details were mute it did not take away from the movie’s dynamic presentation. Through its keen direction <i>A Quiet Place </i>brought a refreshing sense to the realm of horror and is without a doubt a standout movie for the year.<br />
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Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-18515293811057606262018-03-28T20:19:00.001-07:002018-06-03T12:55:21.753-07:00Ready Player One Review: A True Cinematic Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If there is one name that has defined blockbuster movies it would be none other than Steven Spielberg. Although the acclaimed filmmaker is prominent in a array of genres it is in the likes of adventure films where Spielberg's influence is so pivotal. His latest film not only sees Spielberg return to the genre but also celebrate the very idea behind fandoms. This movie is none other than <i>Ready Player One</i>. The new adventure film is based on the novel by Ernest Cline which centers on the idea of virtual reality while being an ode to pop culture. I cannot deny that I was looking forward to this one as the movie’s concept is right up my ally. After watching this sci-fi adventure I must that admit, and I do not say this likely, that Ready Player One is perhaps one of Spielberg’s best films in quite some time.<br />
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<i>Ready Player One</i> centers on Wade Watts (Tye Sheridan) who travels the virtual world known as the Oasis in order to find the Easter Egg left by the Oasis’creator James Halliday (Mark Rylance). In every aspect the plot to <i>Ready Player One</i> was an adventure. The plot does rely on elements and traits that are all too familiar to the adventure genre (not to mention a Spielberg blockbuster) but it all came down to how the movie utilized these elements-and Ready Player One certainly used these aspects to their highest caliber. Along with its sense of adventure the plot also featured strong themes and morals that grounded this out of this world tale. The ideas that surrounded the story were thoroughly executed and gave a sense of complexity to this adventurous story. This was notable in the story of James Halliday which I found to be just as investing as the main journey. Another addition to the plot was its worldbuilding ability as both the Oasis and the Real World were plot elements rich with substance and creativity. While some details, particularly getting into the third act, could be unclear it hardly affected the story’s presentation as I found myself invested in this adventure from beginning to end.<br />
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The cast of <i>Ready Player One</i> was as enticing and colorful as the story. Just like the plot the cast does rely on character types that are familiar with blockbusters only to utilizes these traits to the best of their abilities. Wade Watts/Perzival was a simplistic protagonist but an effective one nonetheless which was thanks to Tye Sheridan’s stellar performance as the young hero. Equally impressive was Olivia Cooke as Samantha/Artemis who was a solid character in her own right and had fluent chemistry with Sheridan’s Wade. The rest of the cast was just as enjoyable and had plenty of character to them, such as Lena Waithe as Aech, T.J Miller as i-R0k and Philip Zhao as well as Win Morisaki as Sho and Daito-though those two did have limited development. When it came to villainy Nolan Sorrento (Ben Mendelson) was a typical antagonist as he undoubtedly lived up to the notorious business tycoon character; but this actually worked for the movie as Mendelson’s performance made Sorrento a villain that I loved to hate. Rounding things out were the supporting performances from both Simon Pegg and Mark Rylance. Rylance in particular was wonderful as James Halliday who, despite his minimal appearances, was a stand out character that showed off the true quality in this stellar ensemble.<br />
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Going into the movie I knew that the spectacle was going to be at an all time high; especially from watching the trailers. After seeing the effects in action I can say that Ready Player One did live up to the hype. To say that the visual were stunning would not do them justice. The film’s cgi was both definitive as well as thematic, and the movie’s ability to blend its effects with practical techniques was impressive to say least. This was evident in the jade key trial as the scene captured famous moments to a particular movie all the while giving its own spin on the sequence. Complementing the effects was the cinematography which gave the movie a video game look,that could work within the realms of reality. Along with the movie’s sense of spectacle was the wonderful score by Alan Silvestri. While the score featured some of Silvestri’s signature sounds this soundtrack allowed the famed composer to branch out by providing unique compositions all the while meshing the music with famous tracks from other mediums-which was done rather well as the different scores were fluent with each other.<br />
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I can go and on about this movie and that might say something about <i>Ready Player One</i>. From storytelling to effects this movie takes the concepts of blockbusters and does something new with it, which left me with an experience that was adventurous and a little dynamic. In many ways Ready Player One was not just an ode to pop culture or even just a Spielberg film, but rather a cinematic adventure that satisfied the critic, fan and moviegoer in me as it expressed everything that I love about going to the movies.<br />
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Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-3731208329852581702018-03-23T14:55:00.000-07:002018-06-03T12:52:18.312-07:00Pacific Rim Uprising Review: Rises Up As A Tolerable Sequel<br />
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If there is one thing I cannot but love it is the concept of giant robots. The idea of mechanical titans has always been something I love seeing in pop culture. The only thing that is as good as a giant robot would be giant monsters such as Godzilla. So what happens when you have a movie about Giant Robots against Giant Monsters? The answer is a little film called <i>Pacific Rim</i>. The 2013 blockbuster was a treat to see by being a big time adventure for silver screen. Despite the movie under performing (a mystery that baffles me even to this day) the attention that <i>Pacific Rim</i> garnered was enough for a sequel to be developed; and that film has finally made its way to theaters in the form of Pacific Rim: Uprising. The first film was directed by none other than Guillermo Del Toro but this time around Steven S.DeKnight takes the helm for this sequel. So with a new director and studio backing the movie it seemed that <i>Pacific Rim: Uprising</i> had no shortage of obstacles to overcome; and the end result was an experience that was bittersweet.<br />
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<i>Pacific Rim: Uprising</i> takes place 10 years after the first film and centers on new heroes such as Jake Pentecost (John Boyega) who is tasked to train a new group of Jaeger pilots. The story of <i>Uprising </i>was simple and that was not a surprising direction given that its predecessor did not feature a complex plot either. However while <i>Pacific Rim</i>’s story was simplistic it knew how to use that direction while branching out to create an investing world. Uprising was not so fortunate but that was not to say that it did not try. There were several ideas in the plot that were interesting such as having a double perspective in story with the leads Jake and the cadet Amara (Cailee Spaeny). Plus some of the story’s twist were surprising and managed to keep things engaging. However what held the story back was its pacing as it seemingly rushed things along rather than letting elements flourish. If nothing else the plot of <i>Uprising </i>was by no means boring as, even though it was lacking in substance, it still found a way to be entertaining.<br />
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When the movie began I found myself worrying about the cast. When introduced to Jake and Amara the duo came off as unlikable while the other characters came off as two dimensional. However these concerns drifted away as <i>Uprising</i>’s cast turned out to be a solid unit. Both Jake and Amura progressed well and they eventually became tolerable characters with Jake being the bigger standout of the two. The supporting cast also had some merit to it which was evident with Scott Eastwood as Nate. Nate first came off as a typical soldier character but as things played out there was a little more to him than just being a trope; and he managed to have good chemistry with Jake. Returning characters such as Mako (Rinko Kikuchi), Dr.Hermann Gottileb (Burn Gorman) and Newt (Charlie Day) added their charm to the cast-even if it was minimal. However, much like the story, the movie’s fast pace is what ultimately stunted the cast as the limited time prevented them from being fleshed out. Despite this problem the cast remained a highlight for the movie as their delivery turned out to be better than expected.<br />
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<i>Pacific Rim: Uprising</i> is not the most worthwhile sequels to grace the silver screen. Its rushed delivery and lacking presentation hurt the movie in vital areas leaving it with it a mundane impression. Yet this is not to say <i>Uprising </i>was a dismal time at the movies. Despite its flaws several elements such as characters and action gave the movie a solid sense of entertainment. <i>Pacific Rim: Uprising</i> falls in the vast category of not living up to its successor, but in its own way the movie does keep true to what started in 2013; and if nothing else is a decent popcorn film for the season.<br />
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Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-23513834189922768292018-03-15T20:26:00.000-07:002018-06-03T12:43:19.677-07:00Tomb Raider Review: An Adventurous Adaptation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Video Games and movies tend to have a mix relationship. The transition from console to the silver screen can get messy as more often than not it leads to adaptations that are either mediocre or just tedious. However that is not to say that every video game movie turns out to be unsuccessful. A cased point would be none other than Tomb Raider. The hit video game series made its cinematic debut in 2001 where it found some semblance of success. However, one sequel later, Tomb Raider quietly bowed out of the movie world as the series discontinued its celluloid adventure, that is until now. Lara Croft returns to the silver screen in a brand new adventure directed by Roar Uthaug. Rather than continuing from where it left off <i>Tomb Raider</i> is a reboot and based on the 2013 video game-which also was a reboot. Being a fan of the game, and never saying no to an adventure, I checked out the new Tomb Raider and found myself quite satisfied with the experience.<br />
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The story of <i>Tomb Raider</i> centers on Lara Croft (Alicia Vikander) who journeys to an uncharted island to find out what happened to her father (Dominic West). What she discovers is a group of mercenaries searching for the tomb of Himiko and the secrets within. When comparing it to the game’s story the plot managed to true to the ideas of its source; although it did take many liberties but that was to be expected. Looking at it for what it was the story of <i>Tomb Raider</i> was an effective adventure. The origin concept worked for the movie as it gave a clear understanding of who Lara Croft is and what kind of adventures she deals with. A surprising element to the plot was that it took its time to build up Lara’s journey. Granted the pacing could be quick, particularly in the film’s climax, but this still worked to the movie’s advantage by keeping things exciting. Along with a few surprises the plot of <i>Tomb Raider</i> was adventurous to say the least; and though it could be too straightforward it did not take away from the exciting execution of this adaptation.<br />
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Because of her popularity the character of Lara Croft can be a task to interpret correctly, but I think both filmmakers and Alicia Vikander were up to the challenge to bring Ms.Croft to life. The depiction of Lara Croft was different, even from the latest rendition of the character, as the film showed off Lara’s vulnerable side. While this may seem off putting this direction was effective as it made Lara a believable protagonist and helped balance out the character’s more heroic traits. Bringing all of this together was Alicia Vikander who had a fantastic performance as the young heroine. Along with the solid portrayal of Lara Croft was a supporting cast that was surprisingly effective in their delivery. The supporting characters felt just as important as Lara as they were able to stand out in their ways. This was notable in the villain Mathias Vogel who, rather than playing to type, had an intriguing sense of reason to him which was brought out through the performance from the underrated Walton Goggins. Even the likes of Lu Ren (Daniel Wu), who had limited screen time, was a good addition to the cast as he was able to support Lara while being his own character. Adding icing to this cake were appearances from the likes of Derek Jacobi and Nick Frost-and in my book that is never a bad thing to to add your cast.<br />
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The technical elements of <i>Tomb Raider </i>were nothing to be stunned by, but they were still effective in their presentation. The effects were adequate as the use of practical and spectacle techniques gave a fitting balance for this adaptation. The score by Tom Holkenborg (aka Junkie XL) was hard to get into at the beginning, but as things played the music of <i>Tomb Raider </i>was solid as it featured memorable compositions that enhanced the movie’s sense of adventure. Last and not least was the movie’s action which ended up being an stellar factor for the movie. While it may not have featured the most dynamic action this element was still efficient as it incorporated both keen spectacle and good choreography to create several standout moment; such as the chase sequence in London and the climatic tomb scene.<br />
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<i>Tomb Raider</i> turned to be a solid blockbuster. The movie could be too simplistic for its own and this took the reboot only so far. However with its strong presentation in the likes of storytelling and performances <i>Tomb Raider</i> had many merits to it that made it a fitting adaptation as well as fun film to see this season. If this is to be the start a series of films then I believe that <i>Tomb Raider </i>is a good place than any to start for a new adventure.<br />
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Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-24615359464170718192018-02-23T16:18:00.000-08:002018-02-23T16:18:05.604-08:00Game Night Review: Unravels into a Stellar Comedy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The comedy genre and I do not tend to see eye to eye. Perhaps I am just strict when it comes to my sense of humor but I usually find myself unimpressed with modern comedies as they often have the same type of jokes and like to beat you over the head with their punchlines. However when it comes to this profession you cannot pick your battles and sometimes you have to endure certain movies. That was the case for the newest comedy in theaters: <i>Game Night</i>. Directed by the team of John Frances Daley and Jonathan Goldstein <i>Game Night</i> takes the concept of a murder mystery and seemingly mixes it with a comedy of errors. Despite my grievances with modern comedies <i>Game Night</i>,surprisingly, looked entertaining as its ideas could have easily make it an enjoyable comedy. After watching the film I can say that perhaps the biggest twist of the evening was how much I enjoyed <i>Game Night</i>.<br />
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The movie tells the story of Max (Jason Bateman) and Annie (Rachel McAdams) who enjoy having a game night with their friends. However when Max’s brother Brooks (Kyle Chandler) decides to make an epic game night, the evening is turned upside when Brooks is kidnapped by real crooks and the group is caught in a mystery to crazy to believe. The plot to <i>Game Night</i> did not go the way that I expected it to, but that was by no means a bad thing. The plot did feature a comedy of errors concept but handled it in a different way. Along with this was the story’s mystery which was effective as, while may not have been complex, it managed to work thanks to the story’s narrative. Yet this was not to say that the story did not have some puzzling directions. This was the case in how the plot handled its subplots. The subplots were effective by keeping things interesting but they had underwhelming conclusions as, rather than coming to a head, they were all but dropped by the film’s climax. Another issue was that the movie overplayed its mystery a little too much. The twists in the story were effective but with the way that things play out it does get confusing on how certain plot points fit together.<br />
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When it came to the cast the one featured in <i>Game Night</i> was a group worthy of any comedy. The cast featured character types that were typical in a comedy, but these tropes were used to best of their abilities thanks to the actors’ performances. Jason Bateman brought his usual wit to the character of Max while Rachel McAdams seemed comfortable in her role as Allie. The other party members brought their own flair to the cast-from the chemistry of Kevin (Lamorne Morris) and Michelle (Kylie Bunbury) to the banter of Ryan (Billy Magnussen) and Sarah (Sharon Horgan). Also adding to this cast was Kyle Chandler in his supporting role a Brooks, and Jesse Plemons who stole the show as the strange neighbor Gary. The only issue I had with the cast was that some of the character’s development was a tad inconsistent. This was notable in Max as his dilemma as, although it did make sense, it came off as sporadic. Aside from that problem this cast was a versatile one as their chemistry and delivery made them a comfortable group for movie like <i>Game Night</i>. Then again there was one star who stood out from the rest and that was none other than Bastion the West Highland Terrier.<br />
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As I stated earlier I am strict when it comes to comedy; but that being said I found myself relieved with <i>Game Night</i> as a movie that was humorous to say the least. The comedy had some issue to it; particularly with its excessive use of both pop culture references and social commentary. However despite that shortcoming the comedy was still effective in its tone and delivery as I found myself chuckling at several moments. Along with the strong sense of humor the movie also featured solid technical elements such as the score by Cliff Martinez. The music of <i>Game Night</i> was unexpected for a comedy, but that is not to say it was ineffective as the music stood out by featuring dynamic tunes The cinematography was also a standout feature for the movie as the work of Barry Peterson gave Game Night a stylish look, and with the direction from Daley and Goldstein the movie was to create keen moments that were stellar for any film.<br />
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<i>Game Night</i> is a comedy that is as dynamic as it is entertaining. From storytelling to performances the film uses simplistic directions to make its presentation all the more effective. Although the movie does have its share of issues Game Night is able to solve its way past them as its sense of delivery does just enough to make this comedy a clever one that brings a sense of style to the genre.<br />
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Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-14135960832075978822018-02-17T16:11:00.001-08:002018-03-13T13:31:59.574-07:00Cinematic News Reel (02/16/18)-Thor's New Hammer, Five Nights at Freddy's finds a Director and Sneak Peek at Incredibles 2Hello and welcome to this week's edition of Cinematic News Reel. There few story that stood out so this edition than the previous week. Nevertheless there are still stories to talk about so let us get into this week's Cinematic News Reel.<br />
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<b><u>Nightwing Production Postpone-Why It Makes Sense</u></b><br />
For some time it has been established that Chris McCay, director of <i>The Lego Batman Movie</i>, has been working on a Nightwing film. The movie will take place in the DC Film Universe and center on Batman's former sidekick Dick Greyson. However it seems that this Spin-Off will not lunging onto the silver screen any time soon as reports state that the studio is holding off on Nightwing's production. While this may seem disheartening, this update is not unexpected. Although the details are not clear it seems likely that Nightwing's production is being halted due to The Batman. The Batman is in the works, but there is no word on when the superhero film will begin production. So it would make sense that the studio would want Nightwing to tie into the Dark Knight's solo film as soon as it begins production. So WB holding on Nightwing is not without reason, and who knows may be the wait will be beneficial for the Batman Spin-off.<br />
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<b><u>Thor's Hammer in Avengers: Infinity War Revealed?</u></b><br />
A lot of questions surround<i> Avengers: Infinity War</i> and among the topics is none other than the God of Thunder: Thor. Thor has been featured in both the trailer and the Super Bowl TV spot and on both occasions the Mighty Avenger is seen not wielding his hammer Mjnoir. This is not surprising as Thor lost his hammer during the events of <i>Thor: Ragnarok</i>. However many have speculated that the God of Thunder will be armed with a new hammer for <i>Infinity War</i>, and new details certainly help with this claim. Images from the Hasbro toyline indicate that Thor will have a hammer called "Stormbreaker". Now it is possible this hammer is just made for the toyline but it is just as likely that the hammer could be Thor's new weapon. For starters the hammer resembles Thor's weapon in Marvel's Ultimate Series. Furthermore the name Stormbreaker comes from the character Beta Rey Bill who is known for processing the power of Thor. So it is possible that this new hammer will be Thor's weapon in the fight against Thanos; but even if it is not true this still indicates that, one way or another, The God of Thunder will be swinging some kind of hammer in the upcoming installment.<br />
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<u><b>Tim Miller and Brian Michael Bendis Working on New X-Men Film-Possibly About Shadow Cat!</b></u><br />
With Disney purchasing Fox the future of the X-men franchise is uncertain. While some expect the likes of Wolverine and Deadpool to join the MCU that may not be case (at least not anytime soon) as Fox is still moving forward with their hit franchise. A cased point of this word of a new project being worked on by <i>Deadpool</i>'s director Tim Miller and comic book writer Brian Michael Bendis. The Hollywood Reporter stated that the duo would be working on a project called 143 and it indicates that the movie may possibly center on popular X-Men member Kitty Pryde aka Shadow Cat. Kitty has played a part in the X-Men series with her appearances in both <i>The Last Stand</i> and <i>Days of Future Past</i> where she played a supporting role in both films. Nothing confirms that Kitty Pryde will be take center stage for this new movie, but she would be a good choice to do so if these details do end up being true. A movie center on Shadow Cat could further explore the character by going into her origins and even have Kitty lead her own team of X-Men. Whether or not this movie does end up being about Shadow Cat is up in the air, but regardless it is interesting to see how the filmmakers will move forward with both this upcoming project and the X-Men franchise itself.<br />
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<b><u>Chris Columbus to direct "Five Nights at Freddy's"-Is He The Right Man for the Job?</u></b><br />
Most have probably heard of Five Nights at Freddy's. The horror video game has become a pop culture phenomenon in recent years as its popularity has expanded into other mediums such as books; and now Five Nights at Freddy's looks to be heading to the silver screen. For over a year Blumhouse Productions have been developing a film adaptation on the game, and it looks like production on this new horror movie could be underway as Five Night's at Freddy's has found its director in Chris Columbus. Columbus is known for his work on <i>Home Alone</i>, as well as its sequel <i>Home Alone 2</i>: Lost in New York, and the first two Harry Potter films. While his notable movies are far from the realm of horror Chris has dealt with darker territory before as he wrote the script to <i>Gremlins</i>. When thinking of the horror genre Columbus is not a name that one tends to think of to helm a scary movie. However this is not to say that Chris Columbus is not up to the task. Aside from his background Columbus is no stranger to making adaptions and he seems to have an understanding of source material. Chris Columbus is a different choice to direct such as Five Night's at Freddy but that does not mean he is a bad one as Columbus could very well shock moviegoers with his adaption of this video game.<br />
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</u></b> <b><u>New Trailer to "Incredibles 2"Shows the Humor of Raising a Superpowered Family</u></b><br />
For years many have wondered if their would be a sequel to Pixar's hit film <i>The Incredibles</i>, and sure enough there is. The superpowered family returns to the silver screen this summer in a new adventure directed by Brad Bird. The movie's development has been kept under wraps but this past week gave moviegoers a clue of what <i>Incredibles 2</i> will be about thanks to a new trailer arriving on the scene. The preview centers on Mr.Incredible (Craig T.Nelson) taking care of the family as Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) fights crime in order to bring superheroes back to active duty. The trailer also features Mr.Incredible dealing with his youngest son, Jack-Jack, who is developing a multitude of powers. If you are expecting the new trailer to reveal more on the story, you may be a little disappointed as it only give the bare minimum of details. Then again Pixar is known for keeping their plots a secret until the last minute, so featuring a brief preview is not a surprising move by the studio. Nevertheless if the trailer is any indication then it is possible that <i>Incredibles 2</i> will keep true to its predecessor by being a stylish and entertaining animated feature.<br />
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<b><u>When to expect the First Trailer to "Aquaman"</u></b><br />
The DC Film Universe has a tamed schedule this year with its release of <i>Aquaman</i>. Directed by James Wan the upcoming superhero film will center on Arthur Curry/Aquaman (Jason Mamoa) and adventures in the seven seas. The movie will swimming onto the big screen this holiday season but that has not stop many to wonder when they can expect Aquaman's first preview. News on the trailer did appear this week as composer Villalobos Jr supposedly posted an image that showed him working on the first trailer to <i>Aquaman</i>. The image turned out to be a fake, but it still raises a question: when could the first trailer to <i>Aquaman </i>appear? If I were a betting man I would say that the earliest possibility for the trailer's debut would be this spring-March to be precise. Warner Bros. has a major releases coming out next month, and both could easily feature the first preview of <i>Aquaman </i>in their trailer lineups. Then again the trailer could end not being attached to either film, and if that happens then it is possible for the teaser to appear at the start of the summer with the release of <i>Avengers: Infinity War</i>. It all depends on how far trailer is in its development. There is plenty of time between now and the film's release, but with the way things are going it does appear that moviegoers will get their first glimpse of <i>Aquaman </i>in the not to distant future.<br />
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That's all for now. If any of these stories stood out to you, or if there were some that left out, feel free to discuss it below. For now have a good day and see you next week with another Cinematic News Reel.<br />
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<br />Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-31373612792328214922018-02-16T16:07:00.001-08:002018-02-16T16:07:19.957-08:00Black Panther Review: A Noble Superhero Film<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The superhero genre continues to grow. For years this subgenre of movies have been defined by heroes such as Batman, Spider-Man and The Avengers. However these days the concept has branched out and brought a number of new faces to the silver screen. A cased point is latest hero to leap onto the silver screen: <i>Black Panther</i>. The Marvel hero made his cinematic debut in 2016’s Captain America: Civil War but now the character has his own adventure to have with director Ryan Coogler helming the superhero film. Quality wise Marvel Studios have been staggering on top of the mountain with their Phase 3 lineup, but <i>Black Panther </i>looked to be a strong entry for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. After watching the new superhero movie I can safely say that <i>Black Panther</i> did not disappoint.<br />
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The movie tells the story of T’Challa (Chadwick Boseman) who fights for his country Wakanda as its guardian the Black Panther. After becoming king, T’Challa’s title and character are put to the test when Erik Killmonger (Michael B.Jordan) seeks to take the throne from T’Challa and bring a dark age to Wakanda. At first it was hard to get into the plot of Black Panther, but as it progressed the story behind this superhero movie turned out to be quite engaging. The story’s structure, though effective, was a little too formulaic for its good. The narrative did work for the character of Black Panther, but it also created few surprises and several plot points were too predictable. However it was in the plot’s themes that made all the difference for the movie. At first the themes felt contrived , but as the film progressed the thematic elements flourished making this superhero tale a complex one that handled its ideas with care. Along with its strong themes was the story’s ability to create an interesting world within the boundaries of Wakanda. From its hierarchy to its spiritual side Wakanda was a realm filled with investing concepts that only enriched the plot in all the right ways. The plot lived up to the adventurous aspects that most superhero movies have, but it was through its keen presentation that aided this kingly story to stand out from the rest.<br />
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In Civil War Black Panther was one of two heroes to steal the show. With such a standout debut it was interesting to see just how effective T’Challa would be as a lead character. The results of Black Panther taking center stage were satisfying to say the least. T’Challa’s development was interesting as him becoming king was a stepping stone in his progression oppose to being a goal. Yet how T’Challa handled this responsibility is what made the character a captivating hero, and Chadwick Boseman’s performance only elevated Black Panther’s presence to greater heights. However a protagonist is only as good as the characters that surrounds him, and the supporting cast to Black Panther was a good one-albeit a little flawed. Characters like Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) felt a bit generic while ones such as Okoye (Danai Gurira) stole the show; and the likes of Shuri (Letita Wright) was somewhere between those opposing forces. The likes of Angela Bassett, Martin Freeman, Forest Whitaker and Andy Serkis gave this cast the bearings it needed with their supporting performances. Then there was Michael B.Jordan as the villainous Killmonger. Killmonger shared traits similar to previous rogues in the MCU,but a thorough execution and the wonderful performance by Michael B.Jordan made all the difference for this character. In the end what made this cast effective was the performers’ chemistry and having a good understanding in its characters, and utilizing these simplistic directions made this ensemble one worthy of any blockbuster.<br />
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When it came to technical elements Black Panther was defined by the likes of spectacle, action and music. The movie’s visual effects were subtle as well as efficient. The effects were dynamic, especially by superhero movie standards, and aided in making the world of <i>Black Panther</i> that more unique. The action threw some good punches but some of the hits ended up missing. The movie had good choreography (particularly in the Ritual Combat scenes) and featured big time moments (like the chase sequence). However what held the action back was its execution as it relied too much on techniques such as “shaky cam” which cheapened moments that could have been thrilling. The score by Ludwig Goransson was phenomenal to say the least. Not only did the music work with the movie’s concepts but its lively delivery gave the score its own sense of character. Like most films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe Black Panther had a sense of humor and it did work within the confines of the movie’s direction; although there a few jokes that came off as forced.<br />
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In many ways Black Panther is a breath of fresh air. The movie has its share of issues such as its formulaic narrative and average action, but its strong delivery in both storytelling and performances gives this film a stellar presentation. Although it is not the most Earth shattering superhero movie, Black Panther is worthy of its genre as it a much needed entry in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and a solid blockbuster for the year.<br />
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Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-43930194313317177722018-02-10T15:02:00.002-08:002018-03-13T13:31:04.284-07:00Cinematic News Reel (02/09/18): Avengers, Solo and Trailers Galore! Game of Thrones Creators Join Star Wars!<div style="text-align: center;">
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Welcome to this week's edition of the Cinematic News Reel. There were lot of stories this week (particular when it came to trailers) so I tried my best to cover as many as I possibly could. So with that said let us get into this week's Cinematic News Reel. </div>
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<u><b>Teaser to "Solo: A Star Wars Story" Features The Young Smuggler on A Swashbuckling Adventure</b></u><br />
At long last the first trailer to <i>Solo: A Star Wars Story</i> has arrived. The next installment in the Star Wars Anthology Film series is set to hit theaters this May, and up to now there has been next to nothing on the upcoming blockbuster. However signs of the trailer's release came last week when it was announced that the preview would be debuting on Monday February 5th, and after getting a sneak peek during the Super Bowl the trailer was unveiled the following day. The trailer itself went as expected as it gives some insight on the young Han Solo's (Alden Ehrenreich) who wants nothing more than to become a pilot. Solo's ambition looks to take him across the galaxy as the trailer features a variety of worlds. Along with the seeing the younger Lando Calrissian (Donald Glover) and of course Chewbecca, the preview also features the movie's new characters such as Qi'ra (Emilia Clarke), L3-37 (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) and Tobias Beckett (Woody Harrelson). The preview also shows off the new (or in this case old) design of the Millennium Falcon as well as show off the movie's look which feels reminiscent that of J.J Abrams' <i>Star Trek</i>. Rounding everything was the trailer swash-buckling moments that certainly looks exciting. It may not look like much but this trailer does its job as Solo: A Star Wars Story appears to be a adventurous blockbuster worth checking out this summer.<br />
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</u></b> <b><u>Heroes Unite in "Avengers: Infinity War" Super Bowl TV Spot</u></b><br />
Of all the movies being previewed during Super Bowl, none may have been more anticipated then that of Avengers: Infinity War. Just hours before the big game it was revealed that the next Avengers film would in fact be featured at the annual Super Bowl, and though it took its time appear the TV spot of Infinity War was featured and it did make an impact. The biggest takeaway from the ad was the showcasing of various heroes. Characters such as Iron Man (Robert Downey Jr.) and Doctor Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch) are seen teaming up as well as Captain America (Chris Evans) and Black Panther (Chadwick Boseman). Other heroes like Spider-Man (Tom Holland) and Thor (Chris Hemsworth) had prominent roles in the commercial, and even the Guardians of the Galaxy made an appearance. Even the likes of Nebula (Karen Gillan), who did not appear in the movie's first trailer, made appearance in this spot. Last and certainly not least was Thanos (Josh Brolin) who only had one shot in this spot, but that worked to its advantage as featuring Mad Titan at the end of the commercial only increased the villain's presence. With very little time the TV Spot to <i>Avengers: Infinity War </i>managed to say a lot. The ad shows that the characters that many have come to know over the years are coming together for this massive event, but whether or not this event will work remains to be seen.<br />
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<b><u> </u></b> <b><u>New Trailer to "Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom" Reveals A Typical Adventure</u></b><br />
Amidst all the content revealed on Super Bowl Sunday was the premiere of a new trailer to <i>Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom</i>. The sequel to the 2015 hit,<i>Jurassic World</i>, is set to hit theaters this June and features Owen(Chris Pratt) and Claire (Bryce Dallas Howard) returning to the island in order to save the dinosaurs from destruction. The trailer quietly debut during the Super Bowl, and given the preview's delivery its subtle marketing may not be surprising. The preview does feature new content on the movie such as new characters and story elements. However,at this moments, certain aspects do not seem appealing. In fact some of the story elements feel reminiscent that of <i>The Lost World Jurassic Park</i>; although the movie looks to be mixing these elements with the concepts from <i>Jurassic World</i>. Along with familiar elements, and showcasing the destruction of the island, it feels the like the trailer reveals the plot of <i>Fallen Kingdom</i> in its entirety. This concern may not come true as it all may depend on how the story plays out oppose to what happens in this upcoming adventure. With an eerie atmosphere,as well as some good effects, the trailer to <i>Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom</i> does showcase a big time adventure, but with the new details to the story I cannot help but wonder just how adventurous this installment will really be.<br />
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<b><u>New Trailer to "Deadpool 2" Shows Off Cable, Action and Humor Fitting the Merc with the Mouth</u></b><br />
This week has had no shortage of previews. Along with the likes of Avengers and Star Wars also making his presence known is none other than the Merc with the Mouth: Deadpool. <i>Deadpool 2</i> will be shooting onto the silver screen this summer and features the anti-hero joining forces with the likes of Cable (Josh Brolin). Reports suggested that a trailer would be debuting on Valentines Day but that is no longer the case as the preview came out a week earlier. The trailer focuses on Cable in a gritty manner, but this tone does not last long as Deadpool quickly inserts himself into the preview. The trailer pokes fun at other movies such as <i>Justice League</i>, <i>Toy Story</i> and (possibly) Avengers; and it does so in pretty good taste. The preview also features a number action sequences as well as showcases a sense of insanity that is right up Deadpool's alley. All and all the new preview to <i>Deadpool 2</i> lives up to the series' standards as it looks to be an exciting and crazy blockbuster for 2018.<br />
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<b><u>Avengers and Star Wars Led a Lackluster Lineup of Super Bowl TV Spots </u></b><br />
Avengers: Infinity War was without a doubt the standout TV spot during this year's Super Bowl, but where did this leave other cinematic commercials? Super Bowl 52 featured a few of TV spots for upcoming movies such as <i>The Cloverfield Paradox</i> (which premiered on Netflix right after the Super Bowl), the action thriller <i>Skyscraper </i>and the next installment in the Mission Impossible franchise: <i>Mission Impossible Fallout</i>. Yet when looking at this lineup it is no shock why the likes of <i>Infinity War </i>and <i>Solo </i>ended up stealing the show. Aside from the surprise of <i>The Cloverfield Paradox</i> none of the other ads came off as must see movies. While there is a chance that both <i>Mission Impossible: Fallout</i> and <i>Skyscraper</i> could end up being hits this summer, these two movies did not have the presence to drive this year's Super Bowl ads. Then again even Avengers and Star Wars did not walk away completely unscathed. Although both spots stood out the ads were also lost in the shuffle as both (not to mention most of the commercials) were too far and in between each other to keep the momentum going. This year may have had its moments but when it came right down to it the TV Spot lineup for Super Bowl 52 was lackluster to the point where not even the likes of <i>Avengers: Infinity War</i> could save it.<br />
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<b><u>First Teaser Poster to "Venom" Reveals A Thematic Image For Comicbook Spin-Off</u></b><br />
Spider-Man certainly has a busy year in 2018. Not only will the Wall Crawler appear in <i>Avengers: Infinity War</i> but the franchise will cover new ground this year with movies such as the animated feature <i>Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse</i>. Also breaking new ground for the franchise will be the first film in Sony's Spin-off series <i>Venom</i>. The upcoming film centers on the iconic villain has been in the works for sometime and now the Anti-Hero will get his time to swing onto the big screen with this upcoming movie directed by Ruben Fleisher and starring Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock. Although the movie is still 9 months away that did not stop Sony unveiling the teaser poster to <i>Venom</i>. Like any good teaser poster, this one sheet show's very little but says a lot. The image is thematic as it has horror tone and feels very much like a comic book cover. The new poster is a great way for <i>Venom </i>to start its momentum in marketing, but with this unveiling a question emerges: does this mean the first trailer will be coming soon? The answer to that question is...<br />
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</u></b> <b><u>Teaser to "Venom" Teases Dark Tone and Character!</u></b><br />
With the teaser poster being revealed it came to no surprise that the trailer for <i>Venom </i>would be coming soon and after one day the first preview to the Marvel film crawled its way online. As previews go the teaser to Venom does just that as it teases several elements for the upcoming movie. The trailer gives a first impression of Tom Hardy as Eddie Brock which is already shaping up to be a captivating portrayal. The preview also feature snippets of other factors such as Michelle Williams as Ann Weying, other central characters and a brief image of the symbiote. The preview creates a tense atmosphere which only helps to develop a matter of intrigue for the superhero film. Despite Venom not being shown in his entirety the trailer was still effective as it features the right tone and moments to makes this superhero movie one to be excited for. <br />
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<b><u>Could "Avengers Infinity War" be the Longest MCU Film?</u></b><br />
There is still some time before Earth Mightiest Heroes assemble for <i>Avengers: Infinity War</i>, so this is the perfect time to speculate on the blockbuster. While some may wonder about details such as Thor's new hammer or which character is going to bite the dust, one question that has me pondering is just how long will this movie be? With so many elements and characters coming together in this movie it is hard for me to believe that <i>Infinity War</i> could end up being the standard two hours. It seems more likely that <i>Infinity War</i>'s runtime will end up being close to <i>Captain America: Civil War</i> (which is 147 minutes),but then again it also possible that the third Avengers film could become the longest film in the MCU. Infinity War needs the right amount of time to bring all of these elements together a so a long runtime would be understandable. It will likely be a good month before news on <i>Infinity War</i>'s runtime comes to light, so for now I will just state that it would not surprise to see third Avengers film become the longest movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.<br />
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<b><u>Game of Thrones Creators to Produce/Write New Series of Star Wars Films</u></b><br />
Major news shook the Star Wars franchise this past week. In a surprising update Lucasfilms revealed that Game of Thrones creators David Beniott and D.B. Weiss will be writing and producing a series of films for the Star Wars franchise. This new series will break of away from both the Skywalker Saga and the upcoming trilogy being developed by Rian Johnson. This update was a surprise to say the least. As of right now it is anyone's guess what these movies will be about. The movies could be center on the subjects such as the Old Republic or it could be about something else entirely. The possibilities are endless, but regardless of that: it is good to see that the Star Wars franchise is expanding. How this series of movies will effect the Galaxy Far,Far Away remains to be seen, but with Beniott and Weiss' involvement one cannot help but curious at lies ahead for Star Wars.<br />
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That's all for this week's Cinematic New Reel. I know that there were a few stories that I missed so if you want to discuss feel free to do so below.With that said I hope you have a good day and stay tune next week for another Cinematic News Reel.<br />
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</u></b>Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3607381427103082043.post-33976612665865939802018-02-09T20:21:00.001-08:002018-02-09T20:21:33.248-08:00The Cloverfield Paradox Review: Trapped Between Ambition and Confusion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The name <i>Cloverfield </i>is an interesting one in the movie world. The found footage monster film was a secret project developed by JJ Abrams, and directed by Matt Reeves, that debuted on January 2008; and it became a success both financially and critically. This was no surprise as the movie, while it has not aged well in certain areas, was certainly originally in its concept. While it looked to be a one hit wonder,this would not be last time moviegoers would see Cloverfield as in 2016 the once solo film became a franchise with the release of <i>10 Cloverfield Lane</i>. <i>10 Cloverfield Lane</i> signified that the franchise would taking a unique route as it work as an anthology featuring a variety of different (not to mention bizarre) stories.The anthology trend continues with the third installment in the franchise: <i>The Cloverfield Paradox</i>. Directed by Julius Onach the newest film in the Cloverfield franchise came from the spec script by Oren Uziel and was originally titled “God Particle”. Keeping true to the series’ secretive marketing, the movie debuted on Netflix immediately after its preview premiered during the Super Bowl. I had the opportunity to watch this unique release and when it was all said and done <i>The Cloverfield Paradox</i> was no doubt the an ambitious entry in the series, but far from the strongest.<br />
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The film centers on the crew of the Cloverfield Station who are tasked to find an alternative energy source in order to save Earth. The crew’s work leads them to build a particle accelerator but the results are catastrophic as the machine leads the station to disappear and puts the crew in a interdimensional dilemma. There is no doubt in my mind the plot to <i>The Cloverfield Paradox </i>had a lot of good ideas to it. The concepts that the movie played with were interesting and it could have made it into a stellar sci-fi tale. However the problem is how the movie goes about presenting its story. Although it has good ideas the story lacks a firm center that connects everything together. Furthermore the plot had a nasty habit of telling but not showing its conflict which was evident in the movie’s subplot-which did next to nothing to emphasize on the crisis. Along with this issue was the story’s use of conveniences which lead to a number of plot holes within the fabrics of this tale. The plot does have a good sense of tension and things do become more intriguing as it progresses, but it is not enough to save the story as this sci-fi tale is looped between the realms of mystery and utter confusion.<br />
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The cast to <i>The Cloverfield Paradox</i> was definitely a solid one as each member certainly did their best with the material that they had. However where this cast falters is within the characters themselves. The crew of the Cloverfield Station were a inconsistent group that jumped from being tolerable and unlikable from scene to scene, and the result was a ensemble that was hard to care about. The character Ava (Gugu Mbatha-Raw) was the most developed among the bunch but her lacked the dimensions did not help this crewman at being a captivating lead; although Mbatha-Raw did provide a solid performance. The only characters that felt rounded was Mundy (Chris O’Dowd) and Mina (Elizabeth Debecki) but even they suffered from minimal progression. The cast feature other characters like Ava’s husband Michael (Roger Davies) but he too had little to offer this ensemble. The cast had some surprises to it such as an appearance of Donal Logue, characters connected to previous films and involvement from actors such as Simon Pegg. However despite all of that ,the cast of The Cloverfield Paradox was not an out of this world ensemble rather one that simply lacked character.<br />
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In regards to technical elements <i>The Cloverfield Paradox</i> was fairly sound in areas such as visual effects and cinematography. The movie’s effects were keen in their delivery as some of the film’s tricks were effective and executed in a unique fashion. The cinematography from Dan Mindel was efficient as it gave a sci-fi vibe to the movie’s look; although some of the movie’s colors and shots were a bit too reminiscent to Mindel’s previous work. While <i>The Cloverfield Paradox</i> is a sci-fi film it also dwells in the realm of horror. and it certainly had a tone that resembles the likes of Alien and Event Horizon. However while it did have the atmosphere the movie lacks the moments and delivery to truly come off as scary. Rounding things out for the film was the score by Bear McCreary. The music takes its time to build up but when it gets going the score is vibrant and features a number of compositions that worked to the film’s concept.<br />
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<i>The Cloverfield Paradox</i> was indeed a paradox. On one hand the movie presented compelling concept that did justice to science fiction. However when it comes to presentation this film is sorely lacking. The movie’s lackluster plot and underwhelming characters made it hard for this installment to be a captivating experience. Somewhere within <i>The Cloverfield Paradox</i> is a great sci-fi film, but because of its lack of delivery in crucial area this entry in the Cloverfield franchise is one that seems to be lost in space.<br />
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Something Cinematichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10099348382917661788noreply@blogger.com0